Computer repairs

When and how to get good computer help are two questions that are probably the most important to all computer users.  Finding a dependable repair shop or service is often a challenge.  We can offer you some tips, but if you think of it like getting good auto repair you know that no one brand or type of shop insures consistent results.  Each location and even each technician will provide different levels of service and have different levels of competence.  Here are some suggestions to get your search started:

—Start with the manufacturer.  Most manufacturers have warranty periods that will cover any problems with initial quality or defective parts.  Usually you have a toll-free number you call and you can describe the problem.  We cover how best to call tech support in Chapter 7 of Digitally Daunted.  Even if you are out of the initial warranty period, there are usually plans for purchasing additional support minutes or hours; or they can refer you to an authorized repair center in your local area.

—Ask your friends and your friendly IT department at work.  Like with other professionals, your friends and family can provide you with their experience at particular shops or services.  Your work’s IT department is not there to fix your personal computer (they might, however, if your computer is used to allow you to work at home), but they are experts and if you ask nicely they are usually able to recommend someone they trust or do the work themselves.

—Judge a shop or service by its certifications and warranties.  Ask what certifications they hold, if they are authorized repair centers for particular brands, and what type of warranty they give on their repairs.  Also, be sure you are aware of their policies regarding protecting your private data.  Ask if they do repairs onsite or off.  And be sure that they are able to provide an estimated repair cost before they go ahead with expensive repairs.

If you do not want to be beholden to your repair shop for every small maintenance task, there are times that you really should DIY or do-it-yourself.  Professionals will gladly perform these services, but there will be a fee.  Be patient, try it yourself and save yourself not only money, but save your time and yourself from aggravation.

—Installing software and new peripherals.  This is something that you should do yourself.  Everything from getting your computer started out of the box to updating browsers has gotten much easier over the years–you really can do it!  Just read the instructions and take things slowly and step by step.  You will learn a lot about your new computer, new software and the features they have when you do it yourself.  If you can read and follow directions–you have the skills necessary!

—Keeping your computer’s software up-to-date.  You can either enable auto-updates when you install software or check for updates periodically.  Usually most updates correct security flaws–it is crucial that you keep your software current.  Updates also make sure that your computer can interact with other computers on the internet and run current applications.

—Backup your data and copying your files from one hard-drive to another.  Even if you take your computer to a professional for repair, you can save yourself significant money and free yourself from worry if before you go, you copy important files either onto another hard drive or some sort of recordable media such as CD or DVD.  Also, if you want to keep your banking or other personal files private, you can take them off of your harddrive and reinstall them after your repair is complete.

There will be times that you need to get outside help, but as our computers are so important in our daily lives, minimizing the down-time and getting back up and running smoothly is the key to avoiding frustration.