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Let me know if you need any help using the computer.

I don't understand why 'use' ends with -ing. Shouldn't we use 'to' after the verb-'need'?

If I can say “I need to use the computer now”, why is the gerund used in the sentence above?

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  • Note that the object of need is the noun phrase "any help using the computer". Whether help is followed by using or to use is not dependent on the verb need.
    – Andrew Leach ♦
    Commented Feb 19, 2017 at 11:25

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"using the computer" is the task and refers to the "present time" (i.e., the period in which the computer is used). There is an implied "with": Let me know if you need any help with [using the computer]. The help sought is in accomplishing tasks with the computer, while it is in use.

"to use the computer" refers to a future event. "Let me know if you need any help to use the computer" refers to assistance in overcoming an obstacle to begin using it, like how to turn it on.

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