[display_podcast]
Here is some practical advice that can save you time, money, and that priceless data.
The increasing number of computer repair and service centers opening throughout the world is proof that the average consumer is computer deficient. It is abundantly clear that there is a definite demand for their services, which average $300 per visit (based on the
Geek Squad services price list consisting of $199 advanced diagnostic and repair + $99 data back up). However, consumers should not be so quick to leave their precious computers and data with just any service center or IT technician. Instead, they should approach this transaction with the caution that is given toward auto repair, as the same rules apply.
1. Do your research before taking your computer to a service center or technician.
You wouldn't go to just any mechanic to repair your automobile. So why would you take your computer to just any service center or technician? Do your research and find a reputable service center or technician. Do not take your computer to a service center based solely on a company's reputation or the coolest commercial/advertisement you had just seen. Ask for the qualifications of the technician(s) that will be working on your computer. Many service centers do not require their technicians to have any formal training or certifications. So, paying for their services (avg cost is $300) would be equivalent to having your "tech friend" fix the same thing for less or for free (avg cost is the cost of your tech friends lunch)! By asking for the qualifications of the technicians of a service center, you can feel more confident that the money you spend will be well spent.
2. Inventory everything and ask that original parts be returned if they are going to be replaced.
NOTICE: computer parts are much easier to steal than automobile parts!
It surprises me how many people assume that their computer is a "SOLID" unit. The average consumer does not realize how easy it is to take their expensive computer components and replace them with cheaper ones. Imagine someone stealing your automobile's V8 engine and replacing it with a 4 cylinder! Memory, aka "RAM" is undoubtedly the most frequently stolen computer component. It is not uncommon for a service center or technician to steal your high speed memory, and replace it with a much slower and cheaper module. Though the average consumer won't be able to notice the difference, what they don't realize, is that there can be hundreds of dollars in value between the stolen module and the replaced module. Even more disturbing, is when a consumer is able to tell the difference. To add insult to injury, many technicians will "explain" that the noticeable slower speed was caused due to the initial computer's failure. And to make things even worse for the unwary consumer, these technicians will offer to sell them faster more expensive memory (which is their stolen memory) and then even charge them for installing it! Memory is not the only thing stolen. CPU's, video cards, motherboards, etc. it can all easily be stolen and replaced. To prevent theft, consumers should inventory their computer components. This can be done in numerous ways, however, simply labeling of the components is not sufficient. It is necessary to know the name brand, model number, and serial number in order to be fully protected. A physical inventory is effective, but time consuming. Also, the average consumer is reluctant to open up their computers. The alternative and more effective solution, would be a system information scan with software like
PC-Doctor, which may already be pre-installed on your system. PC-Doctor is frequently pre-installed and comes bundled with many retail computers. It offers hardware diagnostics that you can run for free rather than paying $59 to a service center. By utilizing a hardware diagnostic tool like PC-Doctor, you can run an initial system information scan to keep for your records that you can compare to an after repair system information scan. This way you can verify if anything was stolen or if a component was properly replaced.
(UPDATE: check out the new
Profiler by PC-Doctor!)
3. Ask about warranties and/or guarantees and be sure to read all the paperwork and fine print.
Again, it is surprising how many people will sign a document, but never read it. It is important to read the documents you sign and to understand any warranties, guarantees, and/or conditions. It is also extremely important to be certain that all your information is correct on these documents. For instance, an individual took his laptop to a service center for repair. He assumed that because it was a reputable service center he would be fully protected against loss or damage, so he signed all the paperwork and went on his merry way. A month later, he returned to the service center and politely asked for an update on his laptop. The service center checked their records and found that they had shipped his laptop over a week ago. Again, the individual went on his merry way expecting that he would receive his laptop shortly, but he felt a bit concerned as to why it was even shipped to begin with. Two weeks later, the polite customer returned to the service center asking for his laptop since he still had not received it. The service center checked their records, and it showed that it was left at his doorstep. The customer was furious stating that a thousand dollar laptop should require a signature. The service center replied that it wasn't their policy to require a signature and it clearly stated that fact on the documents that the individual signed. The customer asked to see the documents he had signed and to see where it was stated. The service center pointed to the paragraph. The customer quickly stated, "Well that's just fine! But why then is my address incorrect on all these documents!" The service center then pointed to a statement on the documents that stated, "By signing this document, you are accepting full responsibility as to the accuracy of the information contained in this document." The customer then replied, "Well, then why did you ship my laptop in the first place? I never asked for it to be shipped!" The service center replied, "Whoever checked you in must have forgotten to check the box that said Do Not Ship. We are sorry, but it is not our responsibility nor are we liable." The technician then pointed to the previous statement. This is absolutely a true story, as I was the technician that had to deliver the bad news.
4. Utilize preventive maintenance to minimize future PC repair.
*Your computer is much like your automobile in that you can avoid damage through preventive maintenance. Purchase an external hard drive and backup your precious data frequently. This alone can save you a minimum $99 for a data backup or as much as
$1599 for full data recovery.
*Defragment your hard drive once a month to avoid data corruption as well as protect your hard drive's mechanical components. By defragmenting your hard drive, you are allowing the data to be stored more efficiently. This will allow your hard drive to keep mechanical movement to a minimum.
*Use a surge protector to prevent power surges; and unplug your computer when there are lightning storms.
*Store your computer in a cool dry place and allow it to "breath". Proper ventilation is crucial in order to prevent overheating.
*Clean out the "dust bunnies". Computers are notorious for these little critters, and they can prevent your computer from receiving that much needed air.
*Purchase legal and valid Anti-Virus / Anti-Spyware programs. What many consumers do not realize is that they are actually paying for the current definitions, rather than the software program alone. Anti-virus and anti-spyware should be configured to download definitions daily in order to provide maximum security; and full system scans should be run a minimum of once a week, however, if a user is a frequent "downloader" then the scans should be done daily.
Avoid the high cost of computer repair by treating your computer like an automobile. Take care of it and it will take care of you. But remember, a computer, like an automobile, depreciates over time, requires preventive maintenance, will eventually break, and there will always be a newer faster model!
