THE WIKI COMMUNITY

Sunday, 22 August 2010

Computer Repair The Consumer Dilemma

By Adriana Noton

Computers have become valuable sources of information storage, social networking opportunities, communication and entertainment. In fact, there are few things as private to some owners as their cell phone and their computer. While a cell phone, which needs repair, can easily be switched out and the SIM card placed in another cell phone, computer repair is not usually so simple or painless.

At this point is where many computer owners face the question, who is to repair the broken and essential machine. A repair service or shop is always an option and usually they can do the job. However, they are not known for great speed and it could be some time before a computer finds its way home. Some owners call in technically inclined friends to help fix the computer. This might be an answer or it could end up being a disaster. Occasionally a computer owner is technically inclined and brave enough to attempt the job themselves. This can work as well as long as they understand what tasks may be beyond them.

Which any computer owner chooses is individual and limited usually by the amount of time they have to spend on the problem and how much patience they have. While a repair shop may be slower to return the computer, it does usually guarantee the work done on the computer. Speed may be essential for repair of a computer if the person actually works online.

On the other hand, if it is a relatively simple software conflict or a virus, friends who are technically knowledgeable might provide timely solutions. The problem is that if the amateur makes the issue worse, well all the owner can do is thank them for their time and send the computer off to a shop. If the friend is successful then perhaps a small gift is in order and profuse thanks.

Some few individuals may possess the skills to attempt to repair the computer themselves. If the issue is a bad hard drive, the need for a new video card, or a sound card gone bad then some basic skills and knowledge of computers can be all that are required. However, before opening the case it should be understood that the manufacturer warranty might be voided by breaking the seal.

For more complex issues then self-repair could require considerably more skills and equipment. Shops have spare motherboards, and video units as well as equipment to test for bad parts. Usually most home users do not possess the specialized diagnostic tools.

It is not always wise to attempt to repair a computer if the owner has little or no knowledge of what the parts are, and where they go. If however they feel they have a good idea of the problem they might attempt to remove the part they think is bad and take it to a local repair shop. If it is indeed bad, they can order a replacement though installing and configuring it could be a problem.

In every instance, a computer user should evaluate their skills and knowledge versus the issue and skills required to fix it. While a computer user who has absolutely no wish to learn anything about a computer will send that machine off to San Antonio Computer Repair immediately, others may prefer to try and find the problem themselves. While it is never good to attempt to repair a machine when the person lacks the technical skills, brave souls may try it anyway and learn something in the bargain.

About the Author:

No comments:

Post a Comment