How can a computer repairer help me?
Computers and the internet are essential tools for any private or business person. Not only have they provided for quicker, tidier and more accurate typed documentation, enabled immediate online communication, opened up digital storefronts, including order and dispatch systems, but also provided endless entertainment for many in the form of videos, movies, documentaries and games. To many people, their computer is the link between them and the outside world, keeping them in closer touch with friends and family, or helping them to stay abreast of trends in the marketing and business world which are vital for the survival of their business. Computers, however, as complex electronic machines, do sometimes fail and leave us stranded and temporarily adrift in a world without immediate access to the information we need. This is where we need the skills, knowledge and experience of a computer repairer.
What makes up a computer?
All computers, whether desktops or the increasingly popular mobile laptops, are composed of both hardware and software applications. According to Computerhope.com : “Sometimes abbreviated as SW and S/W, software is a collection of instructions that enable the user to interact with a computer, its hardware, or perform tasks. Without software, most computers would be useless. For example, without your Internet browser software, you could not surf the Internet or read this page. Without an operating system the browser could not run on your computer”. Wikipedia explains these as : “Computer hardware includes the physical, tangible parts or components of a computer, such as the cabinet, central processing unit, monitor, keyboard, computer data storage, graphics card, sound card, speakers and motherboard. By contrast, software is instructions that can be stored and run by hardware.“ From the above, it can be seen that computers are complex and highly sophisticated equipment which needs to be handled carefully and used correctly. Nonetheless, they are not infallible and are prone to aging and damage over time, and software programs become outdated and stop running effectively.
Problem solving and repairs
Both hardware and software can fail or “crash” unexpectedly, often at the most critical moments. Software or programming issues are fairly common problems, particularly since these are constantly being upgraded and updated by their manufacturers, leaving us with outdated programs. Software programs include the Microsoft suite (Office, Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook, etc.), and web browsers such as Firefox, Chrome, Safari, amongst others. These are only a few of the software programs available across various media, but are probably the best known generally to the man in the street who is not a computer specialist.
When software programs cease to function efficiently by “hanging” or crashing, a computer repairer is the go-to person to call in. Similarly, when hardware begins to give trouble by not working effectively, such as USB ports failing, CD or DVD drives not reading or recording disks or similar problems, a computer repairer will be able to resolve these problems, either by repairing or fitting new hardware.
Don’t panic when things go wrong
When things go wrong with your computer, often at the most inconvenient times, it is easy to panic at the thought of having to buy new equipment or programs, which is often not necessary. If you know your computer repairer well, you can always telephone and discuss the problem with him to see if he can offer any solutions telephonically. If this is not a workable solution, you will have to take the computer into his workshop, or ask him to call at your home or office to investigate the problem. If there is a problem within a network serving many computers, it may be necessary to call in an IT specialist, but for general repairs, upgrades and software updates, a computer repairer is the man to contact. These are multi-skilled individuals who have a wide range of knowledge and can usually pinpoint and resolve a problem quickly, getting you back on track with the minimum of disruption.
How to find the right computer repairer
Check their online ratings and customer reviews
Computer repairers are an essential part of our technological world, as is any other repair specialist. Nearly everyone has had dealings with a computer repairer at some point, and word of mouth referrals are common in this field. Because your computer holds a great deal of valuable and confidential information, you need to be sure you are putting it in the hands of a professional who is trustworthy. After all, your passwords and financial information is often stored on your computer, and if you have taken the easy route and allowed your software to save these passwords, as many of us do with our own equipment, you need to be careful who has access to your machine, especially if it has to be removed from your premises for investigation and repair. For this reason it is wise, when using a new computer repairer, to check their ratings and customer reviews. When searching online, Uptasker is a great resource in this area, as it will provide this information where possible. Another great advantage of using this resource is that Uptasker lists suppliers per geographical area, so finding one close to you is relatively easy. If it is a simple problem, such as upgrading your computer’s memory or operating system, or replacing the CD/DVD disk drive, it may be possible to obtain quotes online from various suppliers, which is a very useful resource. You may also find them through computer and IT magazines and publications, flyers - especially when specials deals are being offered - newspaper ads and the Yellow Pages.
