Practically everyone has and relies on a computer. No matter if it is a desktop, laptop, tablet or phone, we all just about have one of these. Unfortunately, they all have issues and break, so saving on computer repairs might be some valuable knowledge.
You may be thinking. If someone else, or a shop is going to be doing the repair. How can I save on something I have no control over? The control may be more in your hands than you think.
Let’s Start With You
The saving money on computer repairs start with you, how you ask? If you just know how to use the computer but really know how one works. The best thing to do if your computer starts acting up is, be patient and take it to a professional. More little problems turn into bigger problems when people start trying to play the IT tech. I have had to fix issues that took hours that would have taken a few minutes if the user did not mess with it to start with.
Computers on the surface seem like magic, an incredible smart machine. But to a tech, computers are often seen as stupid. One update can mess up the whole machine. I actually made a repair today that is a prime example of how stupid computers are. I man added a new color ink cartridge to his HP printer. The HP software decided that it was now going to print everything in grayscale. This required me to uninstall all the HP software, drivers and the device to fix the issue.
Where this is a great example of leaving it to a professional. I previously had a similar issue, so the user was going to take care of it himself. In the end, of all his attempts removed most of his device drivers for everything on the computer. The computer could no longer boot up, except in “Safe Mode”. What would have taken about 10 to 15 minutes, turned into almost 3 hours. So, saving on computer repairs starts with you being patient and wait for an expert.
What To Look For In A Computer Technician
There are many people that think they know how to work on computers. Many feel, because they can Google the answer, that makes them an expert. Don’t put a lot of faith in this little of experience. Even the best IT Tech Googles and YouTube’s for the answers. The difference between anyone and an IT tech doing that type of research is; an IT tech knows you don’t make changes without possible consequences.
Professional computer techs know to back up everything before making changes. They also know that some of the suggested fixes can alter other things on a computer you never want to change. A true IT Tech works towards making the computer work the way you need or want it, not just good enough for now. Sadly, there are many IT Techs that think with their ego and feel they know it all. These types need to be avoided.
I feel a real professional will offer free diagnostics, and offer you a warranty. There are always going to be a situation that a free diagnostic may not be feasible. For an example, to have a tech tear down a laptop or a server looking for bad components. That requires more time than you can imagine. Some jobs will not be valid for a warranty if you are repairing a computer with used parts. But overall, look an open-minded attitude, ready to server you. Also look for free diagnostics and warranties.
How Experience Saves You Money
Saving money on computer repairs is in the hands of your technician. An inexperienced tech may end up costing you more time and money due to taking all the wrongs steps. Especially if they start having the customer buy parts and peripherals they don’t need. From the scenario I mentioned above about the printer. I have seen some techs that didn’t want to put the time in doing real diagnostics, have the customer but a new printer.
A tech with real experience is going to listen to the customer. They do this to get an idea of when the issue actually started. They use deductive reasoning and try to reverse engineer the event that caused the problem. Another sign of a good tech is to not be a car-salesman and try to sell you upgrades. Too many wannabe techs, think the solution is to upgrade your operating system. This is usually a huge mistake.
When a computer is purchased, it comes with that time period’s OS, (Operating System). In that OS’s time period, the computer’s processor, cache, hard drive and RAM are made to run that OS. New Computer OS’s do not go up to the next version for about 5 years. In that time, all hardware has become more advance for newer systems. So, upgrading to a new OS, will literally slow your computer down and cause other issues as well. A good tech’s job is saving you money on computer repairs by suggesting practical solutions.
The Life Of A Computer
Talking about upgrades. It is better to upgrade by buying a new computer, rather than trying to beef up the old one. All computers, no matter the style, PC or MAC. They all come with a life expectancy. 5 years is considered a computer’s maximum life expectancy. So, it makes no sense to start trying to upgrade a machine that is older than 5 years. Most profitable businesses keep their desktop computers on a 3-year rotation.
The CPU, the actual computer processor is made with a particular OS in mind. For example, let’s say you have a Windows 7 machine. You want Windows 10, the processor will no function correctly with this upgrade. In fact, most of the hardware will not work its best and run slowly with crashes. Can these upgrades be done? The answer is, yes.. Have all upgrades had issues? That would also be a no.. However, most do have complications and the hardware dies out no long after the upgrade.
It isn’t the upgrade that necessarily kills the hardware, even though it does put more strain on it. It is the fact the hardware is already 4 to 5 years old or older and ready to die. People that have and rely on their computer, should expect to replace it at least every 4 to 5 years. That is, if the computer is used for business or is relied on for important task.
In Conclusion
Saving money on computer repairs starts with you. Don’t try to be Mr. Fix-it if you really do not have the experience. An experienced technician will save you money by giving an accurate diagnostic and efficient repair time.
A good technician or company will offer free diagnostics, a warranty and listen to how you use your computer. Good technicians do not tell you how to do what you do; they help with what you are doing. You want to look for a technician that doesn’t mind training you if you lack the know-how.
Most importantly, a good computer technician is not going to be a used car-salesman. A good IT service are going to help you with your issue. Not try and sell you packages, upgrades and other things to take your money. Customers that are treated right, will always go back to who did them right. No need in sales gimmicks, marketing packages, monthly or yearly fees. Also look for a friendly and open minded attitude.
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