What do you do if your device is past guarantee; discard it?
What do you do if your device is past warranty; toss it in the trash? Or maybe, are you the type that considers repairing it? For most people, the hassle and strain of correcting their computer is too much and they turn out ditching it rather promptly. This is sad because the right computer technician would be able to repair the PC in a satisfactory and inexpensive way, saving you cash from buying a new computer. A good tech will leave your old computer operating like it is brand new.
It is easier to find a high quality computer service technician than one may think. In fact, it would seem that there’s a suitable IT specialist in just about every family. This might sound foolish but it’s very real. Then again, these "experts" often don’t have the experience, support, and documentation of the accredited expert. If you identify the right questions to ask, you can definitely weed out the fly-by-night local computer support technician from the ones that really mean business.
Criteria and Requirements
The world truly isn’t lacking in types of certifications. One of the main issues is that the official certifications are specific only to a given vendor. One major issue with certifications in the PC repair sector is that most of the recognized certifications are specific to their vendors. Say, a Microsoft specific certificate would render the operator a pro in the Microsoft software, but not necessarily capable to deal with other operating systems. Its also gets obsolete quickly, as Microsoft products get upgraded. Oracle has certifications. Cisco, IBM, and Dell additionally come with their own certifications.
Certificates
CompTIA is one of the few well-known companies which provides a wide range of certifications. While CompTIA is a legitimate certificate, the business is still in it to make money. They are seeking to earn new participants and member fees, so there may just be a feeling that you are just forking out for a certification that may or may not be up to the academic guidelines you’d find at a college or university.
That isn’t to declare that a CompTIA certification isn’t good, it’s just not the same as a person with a four year IT degree. Although some one with a 4 year degree is often not running their own company, as lots of these employees are hired to bigger companies. The conclusion here is that you should ask if the individual has a college degree related to PCs. If they don’t, or if they simply offer their certifications, just document the certification and move on to the following question You can then progress to the subsequent question.
Skills and References
The next question asked is what pertinent experience the technician has correlated to your job. Ask them about their experience repairing computers, how many years have they been in the business? Do they have any mention from previous customers? If your technician is skilled, they will usually have a list of references set aside for these inquires. Do not worry that this question is rude, it is really quite typical in this business. A skilled technician will be more than glad to provide these recommendations for you. The most significant factor to take away is how long they’ve been in the computer repair field. This is important info.
Don’t drop it there. Inquire about what repairs were done to their computer, and what kind of computer or software was repaired. It is also important to find out how much they charged, to make certain that you will not pay too much for a similar repair. Are there any hidden fees or business practices that you should know about? All of this insight can help you to make a choice.
Keep in mind that this may appear a bit of a a hassle. Once you’ve finished this process, you’re done because you can go back to this person again and again for repairs.
Technician’s Specialization
As I said earlier, Microsoft offers their own collection of certifications. Similarly, Apple offers its own certifications too, available as Apple Certified Technical Coordinator (ACTC) or Apple Certified Support Professional (ACSP). These are standard certifications for any Mac technician. For Linux, CompTIA has a form of Linux certification, and the Linux Professional Institute supplies its own LPI certification.
Some repair specialists will just be more acquainted with certain machines, while some have a broader base from which to draw knowledge. For individuals with that specific expertise, troubleshooting can be a breeze. For example, technician might be so specialized with Dell computers that simply from your description of the trouble, he or she can immediately tell you the reason.
There are also characteristics that occur with certain brands of computers, so technicians do get used to going through the same ailments over and over again. This is why they become so effective at working with certain brands. Ask if he or she has partnerships or other relations with certain companies. Just say you’re shopping around for a computer service person you can go back to routinely for computer help.
Ask for Costs and Insist on Maximum Cost Limitations
Remember that business is not always easy for a computer support technician. Buddies and family are continually coming to them for help with their computers, and expecting a free handout. Their relatives may often expect computer service for free. Even those whom they are close to will frequently ask for free support. Even worse is that some people then expect free tech support for the lifetime after the repair. So it is likely to be rude to them by going too low, and it is a throw away of everyones time.
Although there is the flip side that a PC repair tech will rip off an unaware customer who has slight understanding of computers. They’ll charge an hourly price, and then claim that a 15 minute task, like a System Recovery, really took much more time than it did. Not understanding any better, people pay it.
There are websites out there that state a particular hourly range is reasonable. Others in the industry believe that a flat fee is the only thing that represents a fair compromise between the two people. My experience, having dabbled in being a PC support technician for a a lot of customers, is this:
Basically, the problem can be narrowed down to just a few exclusive causes. One to two hours is typically sufficient enough for a pro to narrow it down.
So, since most stores require a one-hour minimal fee, you can simply ask the PC technician if they can spend no more than one hour problem solving before revealing back to you as to whether it’ll take extra time and cost more bucks. Hourly costs can vary, ranging anywhere from 20 to 50 or even 70 dollars in some circumstances, but much of that depends on your location and demand for services. It pays to obtain the maximum amount of time spent on the diagnostics. If they refuse the request, it may be time to find a new technician.
How Data Safeguard is Controlled
These days, backing up crucial data is one of the first things any technician worth their salt ought to do before attempting repairs. This procedure is a way for the tech to get your computer back to the state it was in when you last used it. It’s not only a safe thing to do, it’s a wise thing to do.
The process normally includes:
1. Backing up significant documents, such as financial records or un-replaceable photographs, onto a USB drive or portable hard drive.
2. Creating a system restore with tools built into the operating system.
3. Copying profile folders, such as documents, internet history and bookmarks and other personalized settings into the USB stick or portable hard drive.
One of the best ways to gage how effective a repair tech will be is to ask them how they will save your files. Anyone who lacks the skills of how to do this smartly need be forgotten immediately.
How are the changes to the system being tracked?
Another habit that sets apart the experts from the novices is documentation. Unprofessional computer repair techs are often very, very bad at tracking every change they aim to make on a computer to correct it.
This may commonly contribute to a repaired computer, but at the same time there are a few dozen modifications made inside the control panel that you are completely unaware of once you get your pc back. It’s your computer, and you’ve set it up to be least complicated to use for you; so if the tech changes things, like additional security configurations, you need to know. Otherwise, you may find different behavior and will not know what’s going on.
Consequently, the question to ask here is simple: how are modifications tracked? Do they supply a full report at the end of the repair that highlights all of the modifications made, hardware installed or any other alterations to the system?
The answer here should be an instant yes, and they could even show you a sample report (or a format) that they’ve printed for past customers, so that you know what to expect at the end. This standard is one of the most significant for a pc tech. If they’re adept at keeping documentation in an orderly and detailed manner of what they do, chances are good that they know what they’re doing.
Follow-up Service and Assurances
The final thing of interest is what kind of follow-up will your technician provide. It is fair to anticipate that a technician will be available for phone calls, or even follow-up visits, if there are ongoing issues that crop up after the repair. Otherwise, the issue wasn’t really fixed, it only went away briefly. So, ask the tech if they guarantee repairs for a certain number of days. Ask what form of follow-up assistance they provide during that time, and is it okay to give them a call, or do you have to get the pc back in the shop again? Is a technician prepared to do in-home service preferably instead?
These are issues that need to be asked before any problems arise, not after. Once you get a satisfactory answer, make sure that any and all agreements mentioned be put down in writing preceding to the start of repairs.
Keep in mind that you spent a good amount for your service, there is no reason for you to be getting low balled with service after the fact. Perhaps even more importantly, you need to be confident that the repairs won’t cost more than simply buying a new computer.
If you got the right questions, a solid price quote, and all agreements in writing, you are able to leave your computer with the tech without any fears. Your computer will be fixed, you’ll pay a reasonable rate, and you can rest assured that if the problem comes back a few days after the repair, you won’t be left hanging with the same problem but with a lighter wallet.
Contributed to to you by: Contrive I.T. in Metairie, Louisiana