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3 steps to finding a good computer repair service
Published: 01/26/2010
Doesn't it always seem as if your computer starts acting up at the worst time? On a daily basis you surf, check your email, connect with family and friends on the various social networks, and work on projects at work or maybe you do hardcore research at the job. So you're happily chugging along and all of a sudden your DVD drive doesn't seem to work anymore. You have done everything that you are supposed to do, you get all of your operating system updates, you have an antivirus as well as you watch what you download. Or maybe your monitor is black despite your numerous efforts at rebooting. First thing is to not panic. No need to pull out the yellow pages and call the local computer repair guy yet. Keep your money in your pocket for now.
Let's look at some ways you can first do your own investigation so that you don't get taken for a ride when you actually do call the local computer repair technician.
Do a little detective work.
Step 1 is to research the problem, jot down the symptoms of your problem and the manufacture name and model number. You will also want to note the name & version of your Operating System. If you don't own another PC, ask a neighbor or take a trip to your local library to do some online research.
Perform a Google search
Step 2 is to understand that Google is your friend. You will find that there really is nothing new under the sun. Do quick searches on Google with the word troubleshoot in front of the manufacturer name and model; you can complete the search phrase by adding your operating system version. Let's put it all together in an example. My search term could be "troubleshoot HP DVD-drive on windows vista" This should bring up a host of sites and forums to give you some leads from gurus and regular users. You can also start your search directly on the manufacturers' website. Another big tip when troubleshooting computer problems is to use the KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) method. Your blacked out monitor problem may be as simple as one of the kids messing with the monitor dials. Or maybe you just need to make sure that all the plugs are firmly seated in place. You'd be surprised at how often things like this occur.
Ask for help.
Step 3 is know when to ask for professional help. If your research didn't turn up anything, it may be time to call your local computer repair service. If you have a friend or neighbor that is a computer geek then maybe you can solicit his or her help. If you happen to be on your own, then you can start with the phone book or search your local chamber of commerce website. Many online business directories now have extensive review systems setup so that you can see what other people say about the company before your hire them. When you have them on the phone be sure to first describe the problem. See if you can get suggestions for a solution right over the phone. If it is a simple or common fix they may have an answer, if not, get their hourly rates and ask for any warranties and guarantees that they may offer and the duration. Check with the BBB to see if they have any negative reports against them. If no guarantees are given, don't settle; keep looking for one that won't leave you stranded after they have taken your money. In any business, there are good guys and bad apples. Take time to pick out the weeds, when you find a good one, hold onto them and be sure to tell your family and friends so that they don't have to go through the same process.
