Computer Repair The Consumer Dilemma

By Adriana Noton

Computers have come a long way since the beginning where they were room sized and suitable only for use by scientists and technicians. Now computers rate next to cell phones in terms of most essential personal items for many. Unfortunately computer repair is not as simple as removing the SIM card and slipping it into a new cellphone is.

This brings up the point of the consumer dilemma when it comes to computer repair. Shops can be expensive but very effective and should be the first choice of any person who lacks the hardware or software skills necessary to attempt to repair a computer. On the other hand, some call in a neighbor or friend to diagnose the problem and this can work, or it can fail abysmally. A few intrepid souls may attempt to repair their computer on their own.

The choice of course is up to the individual and their limits in patience and time. Computer repair shops are not necessarily known for their speed, and this can be a problem for some computer owners whose machines are part of their livelihood or simply important to them. However, when choosing a computer shop to repair the machine, most will back their work with a warranty, something that may not be present when calling a friend or attempting the do it yourself approach.

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.

Not everyone is lacking in knowledge of hardware and software issues and these individuals usually repair the machines themselves. Even persons possessing minimal knowledge may attempt simple repairs such as replacing a hard drive, replacing a modem or upgrading a video or sound card. There is however on most machines a seal on the back and if this is broken in most cases the manufacturer warranty is voided.

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.

There might be a formula to repair confusion that works for most. It is a cost of repair, time of repair versus the skills required to repair. If the skills required are excessive then a San Antonio Computer Repair shop is usually the best choice. In many cases computer users want to remain users, and not technicians and may take the machine to the shop immediately. In other cases the owner may want to attempt a repair and that is their choice.

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