When is Professional Computer Repair Advisable?

Answer 1

Short Answer

I would advise professional computer repair (not maintenance or upgrading the RAM or something similar) is advisable whenever the owner/user feels out of their depth or any hint of uncertainty about working on the computer, doesn't know a lot about computers (doesn't know what GUI, CPU, RAM, LAN, etc. stand for), or doesn't want to let a friend work on it.

Longer Answer

It depends on the problem. For the most part, hardware related issues, especially on laptops, should be handled by a local IT that has been recommended by someone computer literate acquaintance. It can also be taken to a Staples, Best Buy, or really any electronics or (some, but not all) office supply store. Software related issues like programs not functioning properly can usually be fixed at home by calling the software's owner or googling the issue that you are having. I am not sure whether most IT places will work on software related issues. For anything involving the operating system - such as needing to reinstall the operating system, registry issues, etc. - then the computer should be taken to an IT.

A Word on Professional Computer Repair

Depending on the problem, there are different professional services that work better than others depending on the problem. The main ones I see are: the local IT, the electronics store tech bench, the manufacturer, and then a large, higher end technology service provider such as companies that cater mainly to companies and schools.

The first on the list is for basic problems or replacing hardware, although if you get a good one they can usually fix more advanced problems too. The main issue is making sure that you trust them and that they are not over-charging you. They can fix most issues incurred by the standard user.

The second is almost always a good choice because most have competitive prices and good service. Also, if they can't fix the problem, they usually know somewhere that can. The downside is they sometimes take a long time to repair the computer depending on a variety of factors. Again, they can fix most problems incurred by the standard issue.

The third, the computer manufacturer company, can almost always fix the problem, but it costs a lot if your warranty has expired.

The fourth is the solution when nothing else works. These are the big companies that also charge higher prices, but offer the best services available on the market because that is what their entire company is based on doing. I am not highly recommending these since by the time you get the computer back, except for very, very advanced data recovery since most other places (except the manufacturer) offer data recovery services, between the shipping (if applicable) and the final bill you may as well replace the computer if the problem is that bad.

One final note. Before you send your computer to be fixed, backup all of your files and create an image of your hard drive just in case something goes wrong with the repair process or something gets deleted that you really wanted to keep. Always do this when sending it to the manufacturer since the first thing that they will do 99% of the time is to factory reset the computer which erases all data. If you are unable to back the computer up, let the IT service know that you have not backed it up. They may be able to do it for you, or keep it in mind when repairing it. If you are going to send it in to the manufacturer and have not backed it up, do not send it in if there is anything that you would mind loosing.

Disclaimer

Keep in mind that this is not professional advice and should not be taken as such. Only you can make the final decision regarding what to do with your computer and I am in no way responsible for anything that happens because you took my advice.

Answer 2

It is advisable when you don't know how to fix a problem. If you know what to do, then by all means, do it! Be careful when using a program to fix your PC. Read everything, and always pick the "advanced" options. Try to avoid "all-in-one" fixer-upper programs that you don't know, and haven't been suggested to you by someone you trust. If anything pops up on your screen saying you need to let them fix a problem on your PC, ignore it unless it is from a program you installed, like an anti-virus program. If you have a problem you don't know how to fix, then rather than mucking around hoping to solve it, you might be better off getting help. If you want, though, you could look up guides on how to fix the problem. Note that I said guides, not software. Read through the guide, and see what they suggest. They will sometimes mention a program you can use. If you want to risk it, look up and try that program. That is probably the next best way, if no one has suggested a program t you.