Computer Repairs - Watch Out For Extra Charges

I run a computer repair business in Atlanta, and I'm constantly reminded of the need for honesty and integrity in this business. Time after time our customers tell us stories of abuses that run rampant in the computer business.

Just this past week, a new client of ours came to us after making a call to one of the nationally known computer repair companies. Just to come out to her house to see why her sound card wasn't working was going to cost her around $350. Yes, that's three hundred and fifty American dollars. That's not the cost in Yen or Liras. I mean, a brand new sound card will cost you between $20-30, and 2 of 3 people can figure out how to install it themselves. But, they wanted $350 to come to the house, absolutely amazing.

When you call a computer repair company and they quote you $300+ to come out, realize that you can pick up a brand new computer for around $300-400. It's probably not worth spending that much. And there are much better alternatives with a local company.

There are numerous different price structures that computer repair companies charge. Most charge an hourly fee, which can range from $50-100 an hour. The first hour is usually charged no matter what, and then after that you'll be billed for every quarter hour after that. However, not to worry a competent tech should be able to solve most issues within the first two hours. Also many companies charge an onsite service fee if they come to you. The onsite service charge may be anywhere from $20-50.

Some companies are moving to a flat model of charging for repairs. They charge anywhere from $59-150 for flat fee pricing. So, no matter what the repair is, they will fix it for a designated fee. However, some of my clients have been pretty unhappy with that type of service. There is no incentive for the tech to finish their job quickly, and the techs seem to be of slightly lower quality.

Most of the reputable hourly companies will charge a flat fee if the job looks like it's going to extend beyond two hours. If the system needs to be rebuilt, that's a longer process which could take 3-6 hours. You might want to negotiate for a flat fee, because you don't want to be paying an hourly rate forever.

Be careful as well with purchasing hardware from a computer repair company. Many companies use hardware as a huge profit source. Selling a $20 sound card for $80-100 is an example of a common way people are taken advantage of by dishonest companies. As long as you have a general idea what things cost you'll be much better prepared to negotiate a fair price.

One of the hardest things to do is being sure that your technician is competent. The last thing you want is an incompetent service person creating more problems than they are solving. And of course the hourly rates can increase rapidly as well, when they are learning about computer repair on your time.

Most computer repair companies are very reputable and honest. When at all possible try to get a referral from someone you know, or at least get references from the computer company you are using. By being an informed consumer you're much more likely to get satisfactory service.

Fred Roe works for Atlanta Computer Repair company Nerds Next Door. If you have any questions about computer repairs, or who to choose for your computer repairs in Atlanta, please visit our site at http://www.AtlantaComputerRepairs.net

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Computer Repair - What You Need to Know

Many people tend to worry when they discover that the need to have their computer repaired. This is because the tendency is to think that the repairs are going to cost a great deal of money. The truth of the matter is, however, that there are some things you need to know that can save you quite a deal.

Fix It Yourself
Some people consider themselves very technically savvy. If you are such a person, you should know that you can do many basic computer repair yourself instead of taking your computer to a shop or calling a repair specialist. Thanks to the Internet, there are many great tutorials that can walk you through the process of installing a new hard drive or creating a home entertainment system accessible through your computer is possible with these tutorials. And the best part is they're free.

Cut the Power
Always make sure that your computer is turned off and unplugged from the power source. This may seem like a small deal but it is very important when it comes to working on components of the hardware system. There should be no potential for electric shock once you power everything down. This also ensures that no unsaved work is lost as the computer will most likely prompt you to save everything before you shut down.

Know Your Limitations
You don't want just enough rope to hang yourself and you should attempt a computer repair that requires a sophisticated degree of work and technological knowhow that should be left to the professionals. Remember that your computer is an advanced piece of equipment that must be put together properly or it will not work and it can pose an electrical hazard to anyone who uses it.

Get a Good Estimate
When you need the roof repaired on your home, you don't just pick a roofing company and call them out to fix it. Chances are, you make many phone calls and you ask for the companies to come out and give you an estimate on what it will cost. The same is true when it comes to getting quality computer repair estimates. Don't trust your repairs to just one estimate. Get several estimates, compare them and go through a process of elimination until you come up with a really good one.

Read the Warranty
If you have a newer computer, you should read the warranty to see if certain repairs are covered. You should also be familiar with what isn't covered as well as what coverage you may lose if you attempt to fix the computer yourself or don't have it fixed through an authorized representative of the manufacturer. Some computer repair can be done by you, other repairs cannot.

What Happened
You need to be able to describe what you were doing when your computer broke. You may also be asked what the computer did, such as if it sparked or smoked or shut down without warning. All of these things are important to getting the proper computer repair.

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Computer Repair Services: Onsite Or Offsite?

With the rise in advancement in technology, the internet has also increased in its efficiency and has taken computer repairs to an unprecedented level. The repair and maintenance can now be performed and managed through a virtual medium. Computer repair services are being conducted by the manufacturing company from whom the machine was purchased.

These organizations have an ID using which they can invariably log into your computer and conduct the maintenance during the warranty period. However, if the user requests for extension of the services, then the provision to access computer repairs online will continue. Independent service centers also happen to provide such provisions to the user online. In fact, major computer repair services offer the user a choice to select from onsite or offsite servicing benefits.

While conducting PC repair online, the technician can see the user's computer screen on his PC monitor. This essentially implies that the person will be able to see the computer through remote access exactly how it appears to the user. This facility makes the repair work much easier since the technician can perform the entire task by himself without having being instructed by the user.

However, having a computer repair service technician visit you at the site can certainly be of great help to the user. There are different types of PCs which might require intricate handling of the machine. Hence, it is crucial for a technician to come over and check the device for internal glitches. However, you can even choose to carry the PC to the servicing store in your neighborhood. This implies that at least some of the technical issues require onsite addressing rather than accessing the problems online.

Sometimes the issue can be rectified by providing instructions to the user and offer guidance to go through the proceedings. Even though during such offsite repair works the computer is left open for the technician to get the issues resolved yet the user does not completely lose control over the machine. There is a provision for the owner to deny access to the person on remote if he feels there is a misuse. The connection offsite is however disconnected after the repair works and reactivated on requirement.

The offsite computer repair process saves a lot of time and the hassles for having to travel to the location of the customer. Since, time is a major constraint for most; this is the procedure that is highly preferred. Having a reliable internet connection is certainly crucial for accessing such provisions. The online service providing facility can be availed at hourly charges. It is certainly a reasonable method for both the customer and the service provider. This also excludes traveling and delivery charges (if required) which can aid in charging less for the services. The facility is also available 24X7 which enhances the provision greatly.

There are several companies that happen to provide technical help online when compared to onsite or local repair works. However, in certain cases it becomes necessary for the user to avail the services on location.

Computer repair works become ardent when technical or hardware glitches appear in your PC. A suitable computer repair technician offers substantial help in getting the matters resolved.

Tag : computer,computer repair,onsite,offsite

PC Registry Repair Basics

In this day and age, a computer that is not working properly is simply not acceptable. When you think about it, we use our computers to shop, to organize our finances, to stay in touch with friends and family, and to stay on top of what is going on in the world around us.

The last thing that you need is a computer that is sluggish and doesn't perform up to speed. If you do find yourself in this situation where your computer is not running up to the standards that it was when you first bought it, then you may be surprised by the fact that you can probably repair it for less than you think. And you can even do this yourself.

For example, do you find that when you are attempting to open up your programs on your computer that it now takes you several minutes for them to open instead of seconds? Or do you find that you have to keep booting and rebooting your computer? Or you may even find that you keep getting some weird looking unfamiliar screen displayed on your computer? If so, chances are you are experiencing problems with your computer's registry.

This is actually easily fixed. It doesn't take a lot of time, and you can have your computer up and running the way that it used to, both quickly and efficiently.

And better yet, you don't even have to take your computer in to a computer specialist to have this done.You, can, right in the comfort of your own home, download registry cleaning software, install it on your computer, and simply click your mouse a few times, and let it get to work.

There are many sites online that will allow you to go through a test or a checklist to see if your computer problem really is registry related, and after that, you can get your computer back up to the standards you've become accustomed to.

Fred is a computer repair technician with Atlanta Computer Repair company Nerds Next Door. If you have any questions, or would like information about computer repairs in Atlanta, visit our website at http://www.AtlantaComputerRepairs.net

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Window Vista Startup And Repair

Startup Repair is a great Windows tool that can fix many issues like missing or damaged startup files they may be preventing Windows Vista from starting. The Startup Repair option scans your computer for problems and then tries to fix it. If you experience problems while trying to run Startup Repair, or if your computer does not include Startup Repair, your computer manufacturer might have customized or replaced the tool. Check the information that came with your computer or go to the manufacturer's website.

Using startup Repair
Startup Repair is on the System Recovery Options menu, which is on the Windows installation disc. Startup Repair might also be installed on your hard disk if your computer has preinstalled recovery options. Startup Repair might prompt you to make choices as it tries to fix the problem, and if necessary, it might restart your computer as it makes repairs.
If you have a Windows installation disc:

1. Insert the installation disc.

2. Restart your computer

3. boot to the installation CD or DVD.

4. Select your language the next

5. Click Repair your computer.

6. Select the operating system you want to repair, and then click Next..

If your computer has preinstalled recovery options:

1. Restart Computer

2. Press and hold F8 as your computer boots up. You will need to reboot again if you see the Windows logo. That just means it did not work the first time.

3. On the Advanced Boot Options screen, use the arrow keys to highlight Repair your computer, and then press ENTER

4. Select a keyboard layout, and then click Next.

5. Select a user name and enter the password, and then click OK.
On the System Recovery Options menu, click Startup Repair.
Startup Repair cannot fix hardware failures or certain types viruses. Startup repair do not repair lost files like documents or pictures. If you need that see our backup articles or view the forum.

For all your computer repair needs please go to http://www.windowvistarepair.com and join our free computer repair forum. You will get the expert advise you need to repair any computer issue you have for Vista, XP, ME, and 2000. We also have a section dedicated to notebooks and PC brands like Dell and HP.

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Quick Tips On Buying A Computer

When you are trying to decide how to buy a computer, you have quite a few options. There are so many options that you may not know which one to go with.

One of the best ways to lessen computer shopping confusion is by knowing what it is that you are looking for in the first place. You will need to know what you are using your computer for, how much money you are willing to spend, and how much space you have to put your computer in.

Once you have all of this figured out, then you are ready to be a more savvy shopper. Now you can start doing your research. The Internet is a great place to do your research to find computer brands and prices that match your needs.

Because you have listed what you need to use your computer for, when you look online you can search for computers with those features. For example, if your computer will be used for doing a lot of gaming, obviously you will look for something that is compatible with that goal.

In addition to this you can do great price comparisons online, without a pushy salesperson breathing down your neck. You can do this shopping research right in the privacy of your own home, and you do not have to feel pressured to buy before you feel comfortable with your choice.

Once you do your research online using your list of requirements and you know exactly what types of computer systems will work best for you, you can either make your purchase online, or even go in to an actual store to see the computer you are choosing to buy first, and then make your purchase.

Just remember that if you are prepared and aware, this can be a very pleasant shopping experience for you.

Fred is a computer repair technician with Atlanta Computer Repair company Nerds Next Door. If you have any questions, or would like information about computer repairs in Atlanta, visit our website at http://www.AtlantaComputerRepairs.net

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Fred_Roe

How to Choose a Registry Cleaner

Part of having and using a home or work computer is learning how to properly take care of it. If you use the internet, or install programs on your computer, then you are making changes to your computer's registry, which can clog it up with data that you do not need over time. The first part of the battle here is recognizing that you need to find a way to keep your registry gunk free, and the second half of the battle is about choosing a registry cleaner that is going to get the job done for you.

Your computer's registry is like its brain, because there are some very vital settings and pieces of information stored within. This cache of information is truly vital to keeping your system running right. When you install new programs, for example, information is saved into your registry so that it may be accessed later. Unfortunately, when these programs are uninstalled, the registry information does not always go with them. Another unfortunate cause for a clogged registry on your computer is spyware, adware and other garbage. Even when you remove the popups and programs, registry data can remain which can cause problems for your computer.

The answer lies in choosing a registry cleaner that is going to differentiate between the important information in your registry, and what needs to be removed. It is normal for registry errors to occur, but that simply does not mean that you have to put up with them. Avoid allowing your computer to get overloaded by choosing an effective registry cleaner. Most registry cleaners offer free trial versions so that you can test them out before you make a purchase.

However, most of these trial versions do not make any of the repairs, they simply let you know about the errors. There is no real use in knowing that you have registry errors without being able to do anything about them, so rather than rely upon a trial version of a program, conduct a little bit of research yourself on choosing a registry cleaner for the best results.

Choosing a registry cleaner is not difficult. There are a number of sources online that will give reviews and feedback on potential products for your consideration. One example of a registry cleaner is XP Repair Pro, which offers a trial that does actually repair all of the errors that it finds for a total of fifteen days. This program is more than just a registry cleaner, as well, as it also has the capability of defragmenting your registry. What this means is that it will optimize your computer's registry to make it run more quickly and efficiently. The more effective and efficient your computer's registry is, the better your computer will run in the long run. This, above all else, is why choosing a registry cleaner is so important.

Computers need to run as smoothly as possibly to deliver the greatest results. Keeping the registry clean on your Windows XP Pro computer is a big part of keeping it well maintained. Choosing a registry cleaner gives you a chance to take better care of your computer, which will allow it to run more efficiently for much longer.

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If Your Computer is Slow, Don't Call a Repairman! Do This Instead

If your computer is slowing down for no reason at all, then either its a virus infection or your registry is filling up with errors. The chances of a virus affecting your computer are not a high because most users get a really good anti-virus program as one of the first measures after buying their computer.

This leaves us with the registry problem. Now, a professional can fix this for you, but it's going to cost you again and again. This is because their repairs will never be permanent. The reason is because your registry, which is the databank of all your sensitive operational files, is constantly changing. Even when you surf, files are being kept here temporarily. Sometimes, they never leave and this causes errors.

If you want to throw away precious dollars every 6 months or so, go ahead. But, another problem with bringing your computer to a professional is that they will require you to leave your computer with them for as long as 2 weeks. That's like having a part of your daily routine cut short because you won't be able to use your computer for the period that it is in the shop.

Furthermore, your files and everything in your computer is at the mercy of the professional, who can actually take a peek at what you've been up to with your PC.

The other alternative that makes sense is to get a registry cleaner which is software that will remove all the errors in your registry as often as you want.

Tag : computer,computer repair,desktop computer,computer software

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Learning About Registry Repair For Windows

When your computer gets attacked by viruses one of the first places to be affected is the registry. This causes the all "too familiar" slow downs and as it advances; graphics havoc, cd failure and other problems. These viruses are very dangerous for your computer and can eventually lead to complete dysfunction. Spyware can also sit in your registry and cause a multitude of problems.

Windows is especially vulnerable to attack. There are several reasons for this but the biggest reason will be that the windows operating system is the most well known. This means that hackers and those who enjoy planting viruses find windows an easy or challenging target.

Because of security or optimization problems it is important to have good software to clean and repair your registry. Of course there are good and bad software solutions to be had, and sad to say, much of this software is useless. However your personal research will show that there are still some good products to be found to fix your computer ills.

Another reason for registry repair is the fact that over time your computer registry will accumulate old data and useless information that you simply do not need. This will in time slow down your computer and make it less efficient.

So how can registry repair software help you? Many times when you remove infected, disrupted or old files from your registry you will end up with corrupted files. It is then that you need to repair your registry files. Many people go into a complete panic when they see corrupted files and feel they must take their computer to the repair shop as soon as possible. Repair technicians will be very happy to scan and repair your computer for top dollar when in reality you can do the same thing just as effectively with the right software. You don't need to pay for some else's trade school education. Good software packages come with step by step instructions and both customer and technical support avenues. Thus, in reality it is rarely necessary to outsource repairs as there are things that you can do at home without a formal education to get your computer ship shape without spending a lot of money. One of the ways that you can do this is to use registry repair software.

Registry repair software can help you in the following way. Vital files can be repaired and save you a lot of money and time. The immediate problem facing you is how to choose the right software and avoid getting useless junk. To prevent yourself from being taken for a ride you need to examine the available software products carefully before buying. You can often get a free trial for a limited time to try out the software. This will allow you to evaluate it and see if the program will fit your optimization or security needs.

There are some limited tools that come with your windows operating system and are useful for repairing minor problems, but if you are experiencing bigger problems; you might consider purchasing registry repair software for your computer.

As you learn, grow and discover the capabilities of your computer take time as well, to learn how to keep your computer operating system working efficiently (optimized) and your personal and financial information safeguarded. For available articles, tools and user friendly software and their comparisons among one another visit http://www.registryfixing.com

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Clean Your Registry to Optimize Your PC

So when does someone know if it has become time to repair, clean and optimize the windows registry? The registry is actually one of the most important components of your entire computer. The registry is the place where your system stores all of it's setting for all the different software applications that you have ever installed onto your computer. It also hold the data for your personal preferences and those of each computer user.

Over a period of time, usually several months, excessive software installs and incorrectly un-installed programs can clutter the system registry making it extremely large in size and therefore it takes the computer longer to perform it's functions. This cluttering can also cause your computer to have numerous errors and random and unexpected crashes. Normally someone might take their computer in for repairs thinking that the problem was hardware based or maybe caused by a virus or spyware. The truth is, it may have only been a simple problem with the registry that would only take a few minutes to fix.

A quality registry optimizer and cleaner is able to automatically scan your system for errors and then fix them. They will either fix them all or give you the option to pick and choose. Regardless of which option you choose, almost all registry repair programs come with a backup or restore feature so that you can always reverse what changes you make.

With all the different software programs to choose from, it can be a challenge finding which one is best and will do the best job. One thing to keep in mind are the awards the software has received. Can these be verified on their websites or are they just faked? Also are these awards given from authority sites that are reputable and respectable?

By the time you decide to download a registry cleaner, it may seem as though your computer is ready to die. You might know the feeling that it seems to take forever just for your computer to startup or do simple tasks that once took mere seconds. It can become quite frustrating while watching online movies to notice it glitch every few seconds.

After a recommendation from an IT friend, I downloaded a free software program and then performed a scan on my system. I waited a few minutes and the software actually came up with 639 different errors. I promptly chose to delete them all as I am not very tech-savvy and have no idea what it had found, but I always knew I could restore my old registry if I needed to for any reason.

What was truly amazing, was that my computer now operated similarly to how it did when I first purchased it over a year ago. It can also handle having several software applications running at the same time that it wasn't able to do recently.

All you then need to do is to perform a regular once-a-month or even weekly scan to keep the performance of your PC at it's best.

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Quick Laptop Repair: Spilled Liquids

Most of us have, at one time or another, have spilled a drink on our laptop. Rather than thinking the computer is completely ruined, a little bit of quick laptop repair might save the machine before permanent water damage is done. Following these three steps can help get your laptop back up and running without having to visit a computer repair shop.

1 - Turn off the computer.
Liquids may short-circuit many parts of a working computer. Shutting power off right away minimizes that danger. Removing external hardware is also a good idea for this reason. If you've spilled liquid on your laptop, remove the power cord and battery immediately!

2 - Blot the wet area with a dry cloth.
The first impulse may be to tilt the laptop, but that might cause liquid to spread. Take a dry cloth and blot as much liquid as possible. Next, if desired, open the laptop and blot the inside as well. Make sure to take proper precautions before attempting that kind of laptop repair. Don't go in over your head. If the task of opening up a laptop seems daunting, you're better off to seeking a professional then potentially causing even more damage yourself.

3 - Air Dry 24-48 hours
Some recommend a hair dryer on low heat, but it is possible to melt the laptop surface and/or overheat metal components. This would result in yet more laptop repair to be done. The best thing to do is to just leave the laptop alone for 24-48 hours before turning it on again. The longer the laptop is allowed to dry, the better the chance that it may function normally.

Depending on how much liquid has been spilled, you may be able to do your own laptop repair and save your machine from permanent water damage. These three steps can help you do just that.

If the above three steps don't fix the problem, seek a professional. Repairs might not be as expensive as you may think. If cost is a concern, look for a computer technician on Kijiji or Cragislist instead of calling the big name stores. Fixing a laptop that has suffered damage from spilled liquids often requires replacing of components. If the cost of repairs end up being too high, always remember that you can simply recover the data for much less. Removing the old hard drive and mounting it in an external hard drive enclosure means you'll have access to all of your important files and a brand new external hard drive. Best of all, this service is often very quick and inexpensive.

Tag : computer,laptop,repair,spilled liquids

Computer Certifications - Do I Need Certifications To Work In Computers?

I got started in computers back in the mid 90's when computer certifications were just gaining prominence. I can remember when the Microsoft certifications first came out. I got my first MCSE back in 1996. And back then you could write a check with a certification. Just having the certification was a ticket to going from $40,000 or so a year to $70-80,000 a year. I know when I posted my MCSE on monster.com my phone was going crazy.

Today however the certification craze has died down. While still important it isn't the guarantee of instant earnings like it was at one time. There are still a few instances when having a certification can definitely help.

If you're just getting started in the field, it can definitely help to get a certification. For instance someone who is looking to get into work as a computer technician will be well served by getting their A+ certification prior to getting a job. It's just a way of showing that you are serious about the profession, not someone just idly looking for a new job.

Secondly I believe people that are transitioning into more senior positions can be well served by certifications. A programmer with 2-4 years of experience would have a better shot at senior level positions with a programming certification like MCSD. With solid work experience and the effort to get certified it makes recruiters take note of your ability to grow into the field.

Lastly consultants can usually use their certifications to achieve a higher hourly rate. When I got my MCSD about two years ago, my hourly rate shot up $10 an hour. Having multiple certifications and a very solid work experience can add up to a very lucrative and rewarding consulting career.

So, while you don't strictly need any certifications to work in computers there are certain situations which are greatly aided by having certifications. With all of the resources available now, getting certifications is much easier than it ever has been and shouldn't be a hindrance to moving ahead in your career.

Fred is a computer repair technician with Atlanta Computer Repair company Nerds Next Door. If you have any questions, or would like information about computer repairs in Atlanta, visit our website at http://www.AtlantaComputerRepairs.net

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