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Your laptop is slower than a lazy Sunday afternoon marathon. Computer problems are annoying.
It happens to the best of us. We work happily on our computers and wham, everything freezes. We contemplate whether to risk a repair or leave it to the professionals.
Here’s the thing:
Choosing the wrong path can cost a pretty penny. A simple software problem can snowball into a costly repair bill if you can’t tell when to fix things yourself and when to call in the cavalry.
The good news is, we can help.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- Knowing when to call the professionals
- Typical Computer Problems you can Fix Yourself
- Cost of DIY computer repair
- How to find affordable computer repairs near you
When to Call in the Professionals
The rule of thumb is any computer problem that isn’t obvious is cause for professional help.
Biggest mistake people make? Believing every problem has a step-by-step fix in a YouTube video. Computers are intricate machines and professional computer and laptop repairs are more affordable than amateur DIY botched jobs.
Hardware Failure
Hardware issues require specialist tools and expert skills.
Clicking noises from your hard drive? That’s not a good sign. Not a good sign at all. Other hardware issues like a laptop not turning on, and laptop screens with lines across the screen. Computers have delicate hardware components that need replacing with specialist equipment that you do not have at home.
Computer technicians have diagnostic equipment and proprietary software that identifies and resolves problems in minutes that could take you days to identify.
The other mistake we see too often…
Liquid damage is another common problem. DIY fixes here almost never work. Spill your cuppa all over your keyboard? That’s the least of your worries. Laptop liquid damage requires de-compartmentalization cleaning techniques. DIY cleaning is more likely to make things worse. The end result? Your laptop becomes a brick.
Data Recovery
Lost important files or directories? This is not the time to get experimental.
Data recovery services have specialized hardware and software to salvage files from damaged hard drives. Clean room recovery bays and precision software tools are necessary. A failed DIY recovery program, you can kiss those files goodbye.
Complicated Software Problems
Basic operating system fixes are pretty easy to figure out. The more esoteric software problems, not so much.
Viruses that don’t want to go away? Operating system corruption? Basic user skill levels are not enough. A trained technician can pinpoint the source of a problem in minutes rather than have you chase your tail for days.
DIY Repairs Worth Attempting
Not all computer problems require a visit to the pros. In fact, some are perfect for DIY repair if you’re reasonably tech-savvy.
Basic Software Updates and Reinstallations
Running an operating system update? Piece of cake. Installing a new program? No problem. Simple software problems like this are within the skill set of most computer users.
Cleaning up storage space by deleting old files, clearing recycle bins, and uninstalling unwanted programs.
Peripheral or External Hardware Replacement
Changing out a mouse, keyboard or a monitor cable? No problemo.
Peripheral devices are designed for user installation. These external devices plug in and work. If you’re comfortable changing hardware components, these are fine for the DIY repairer. Adding an external hard drive for more storage is also a simple DIY task.
The DIY mistake most people make?
Internal hardware upgrades or replacements are a recipe for risk-taking. Open up your laptop and change your RAM modules or hard drive? Don’t risk it.
Cost of DIY computer repair
Repairing your own computer is rarely a cheap and easy endeavor. Did you know that:
DIY is often more expensive than professional computer and laptop repairs.
75% of repairs are delivered within 48 hours. Computer Repair Data Assemble projects a DIY as time consuming, especially if you have a data or time-sensitive issue.
Mistakes Cost Big Money
Computer components are sensitive to human error and mishandling.
Static electricity is undetectable and can kill computer chips. Touch a sensitive component without a static bracelet grounding you? Well, that circuit board is now toast. Force a cable into the wrong port? Bent pins and connector damage. Strip a screw head by overtightening it? Good luck removing the component now.
DIY repair bills that cost a few hundred dollars to fix now balloon to thousands.
Time Is Money
Time is the most precious commodity. How much is your time worth?
If a repair takes you 10 hours to watch YouTube videos and follow instructions and it still doesn’t work or requires a second repair, then it doesn’t actually save you money. What was supposed to be an easy 30-minute fix ends up being a weekend project.
Repair technicians fix problems quickly because they’ve seen them many times before. Your time is valuable.
Finding Affordable Computer and Laptop Repairs
Professional computer repairs don’t have to break the bank.
Repair technicians compete on price and quality to keep your business. Industry-wide, the average cost is between $50 to $150 per hour for labor and many shops offer free diagnostic service.
Shop Around
Never believe the first quote you’re given is the only one.
Contact three repair technicians or shops in your local area and get three different price points. Some quote flat rate jobs, some hourly. Travel fees may apply for on-site service, so check if there’s a drop-off service option. The best computer and laptop repair shops will welcome the opportunity to show they’re the best.
Pro-tip: Check if the technician or repair shop offers a warranty on their work. A 30-90 day workmanship warranty is a sign of quality.
Interview The Technician
Are the repair technicians certified? What is their training background?
The answers will separate experienced and professional computer technicians from unqualified ones. A reputable computer repair shop will have no problem answering these questions. You should expect them to ask questions of you as well.
Find out about their repair turnaround times. If you need your computer back urgently, get that in writing or email.
Repair vs Replace
Harsh fact of computer life is sometimes the repair doesn’t make sense.
If your total repair bill is more than half the price of a new computer, think about replacing it instead. Older computers with several component problems that need fixing: that’s a different story. Repairing a single component for $200 is way cheaper than buying a new computer for $1000. We see too many people bin perfectly good computers because of one component failure that can be fixed.
Maintaining your computer Keeps costs down
Computer repairs are easier to prevent than perform.
Regular software updates, scan for viruses, clean air vents, run regular disk cleanup utilities. Simple maintenance procedures extend computer life and reduce repair bills. That’s a no brainer.
Professional Maintenance Checks
All-round healthy computers benefit from regular health checks.
Annual or bi-annual visits to a computer technician keep problems at bay. External viruses, malicious programs, excessive startup items slow down even the healthiest computers. Pro-active maintenance can nip these in the bud before they become a problem.
What happens if the computer is not healthy? Technicians can warn you of potential problems before they cause serious issues. Better still, you get peace of mind that all is in good working order.
Making the Right Call
Cheap computer and laptop repairs have more to do with not making mistakes than how much the repairs will cost you.
Simple software related issues: DIY. Complicated hardware failures, liquid or data recovery problems: Professionals. For issues you can’t identify or are unsure, call the professionals.
Your computer is a valuable machine and houses important files and personal information. Don’t risk it. The few dollars you think you’ll save with a DIY solution aren’t worth the risk of losing it all.
Professionals have the skills, knowledge, tools, and experience to repair your computer right the first time. That’s affordable computing.
