| Computer repair centers are invaluable for people who | | | | technicians and repair people, which should run |
| have broken PCs, desktops, laptops, Macs, and so | | | | $20-$50 depending on level of expertise. |
| forth. | | | | If you have a desktop PC, it's generally easy. Laptop |
| Computer repair centers serve 3 functions: | | | | PCs are more expensive because hard drives are |
| 1) Fix hardware problems | | | | smaller, motherboards are tinier, and monitors are |
| 2) Fix software problems | | | | specialized. |
| 3) Serve as a training center for computer technicians | | | | If you have a Mac, take it to an Apple Store - the |
| and computer support personnel | | | | geniuses will generally help solve all problems. |
| These repair centers for laptops and desktops are | | | | Timing |
| incredibly helpful because they: | | | | Generally computer repairs shouldn't take more than 2 |
| 1) Are generally cheap and inexpensive | | | | weeks tops. It may take some time to order hardware |
| 2) Will solve 99% of problems thus saving you time | | | | parts, but that won't take longer than 2 weeks at most. |
| and hassle | | | | Most problems - such as a broken motherboard or |
| 3) Are very experienced in dealing with the most | | | | lack of RAM - should be fixed within 24-48 hours. |
| common issues (eg, broken monitor, failing hard | | | | Make sure they know it's an urgent computer problem |
| drive,slow computers) | | | | - this will help them fix your laptop faster. |
| You should first do computer troubleshooting on your | | | | Warranties |
| own - click here for some key advice. | | | | Whether you have a Dell or an IBM, an HP or an |
| To find the right computer support shop for you, you | | | | ACER, be very careful about voiding warranties. By |
| should use a Google Search for terms such as: | | | | taking your precious Thinkpad to a local laptop repair |
| -Computer repair center | | | | center, you could void the hardware warranty. This |
| -Computer support center | | | | means that if your laptop dies, IBM won't replace the |
| -Local computer technicians | | | | Thinkpad for you - you're on your own. |
| -Online computer support | | | | The same applies for Dell Latitudes, Acer laptops, |
| These are just a start. It's best to find something local - | | | | Hewlett Packard models, pretty much any desktop or |
| area computer experts are generally more convenient | | | | laptop PC brands. Call customer service to verify |
| should there be any hassles in fixing your desktop or | | | | warranties and where/when you would void any |
| laptop. | | | | insurance. |
| In this article, I will cover a few key things you should | | | | Final issues |
| know about PC repair and support stores - including | | | | Finally, be sure to do diligence on local PC repair shops. |
| pricing, timing, warranties, and the like. | | | | You never know the quality of work you'll get - read |
| Pricing | | | | reviews on computer shopping sites, ask technician |
| These repair shops are generally affordable, but make | | | | friends and computer experts, call your laptop |
| sure to get a quote upfront. This is vital to protecting | | | | manufacturer to get recommendations. |
| your assets and your pocketbook. If it's a broken hard | | | | With something as important as your computer, before |
| drive, have a cost estimate by doing online research. | | | | you take it into any shop, do your research. Backup all |
| So forth for any problems - including software and | | | | files if you can - and also make copies and write lists |
| hardware. Pricing should usually run by the hour - | | | | down of key hardware and software components so |
| technicians and support people are paid hourly. In | | | | you know exactly what you're giving them and what |
| general, like car repair, there will be a parts fee and a | | | | was in it You don't want to have to worry about |
| labor fee. Make sure to doublecheck the computer | | | | stolen hardware parts or stolen data files. I hope that |
| parts fee to make sure the price is reasonable. | | | | helps! Best of luck fixing your computer at the local |
| The computer labor fee is generally an hourly wage to | | | | repair center. Cheers. |