Editing 7 points to ask a computer service tech

If your device is out of warranties and it stops functioning on you, is your initial tendency to pitch it and just get a new PC? Or, are you the kind of person that thinks about repairing it? Usually, the trouble and strain of correcting their computer is too much and they end up ditching it rather promptly. This is regrettable because the correct computer technician could repair the computer in a acceptable and inexpensive way, saving you money from buying a new computer. But just reaching a hold of the right technician may just as well be an effortless solution to getting it back to like new shape. These days, quality PC repair specialists are a dime a dozen. Actually, it would seem that there's a suitable IT specialist in just about every household. This isn't an overstatement, it really is accurate. While these specialists have adequate repairing abilities, there are several qualities that divide them from the individual that you in fact want doing work on your computer. The most significant of these characteristics being experience, proof, and support. Knowing the right inquiries is a very important part of choosing the right [http://nuovavita.de/?p=30565 it support] . This enables you to separate the cream from the crop, insuring that only the best providers work on your computer. <h2>Qualifications and Requirements</h2> There's many types of computer certifications in existence. Some are pertinent to computer repair, and many not so much. The problem with certifications in the computer repair trade is that most of the highly regarded certifications are vendor-specific. 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. Another problem is that constant updates make the certification less reliable. The company Oracle has some solid certifications. Lots of different organizations have their own certifications including Dell, Cisco, IBM, and many more. <h2>Certificates</h2> CompTIA is one well-known organization that is one of the few vendor-neutral certification organizations. Then again, other certificates are perfectly legitimate, they're still a business looking to make a return. They are seeking to earn new participants and member fees, so there could be a feeling that you are just forking out for a certification that might or may not be up to the educational guidelines you'd find at a college or university. That isn't to say that a CompTIA certification isn't valid, it's just not the same as a person with a 4 year IT diploma. Though someone with a 4 year degree is many times not operating their own business, as many of these employees are contracted to bigger companies. And of course, it should regularly be asked if the specialist has a college degree in computers. If they reply that they have a certification it's not automatically a concern, just something to take notice of for further reference. You can always look up the authenticity of the certification later. <h2>Experience and References</h2> The next question sought after is what pertinent experience the technician has related to your job. The question could be presented along the lines of how much time they've been repairing computers for a living, and additionally if they can provide customer referrals. Most professionals have references already set aside; customers that they get along with perfectly and are more than happy to give them glowing reviews. The most significant thing to take away is how long they've been in the computer repair field. This is important info. Don't drop it there. Query what repairs were done to their computer, and what kind of computer or software was repaired. It's also relevant to find out how much they charged, to make sure that you will not overpay for a similar repair. Are there any hidden fees or business practices that you should know about? All of this information can help you to make a choice. Keep in mind that this may appear a bit of a a bother. You'll only need to ask these questions once, when you first hire the tech. <h2>Technician's Specialization</h2> As I said earlier, Microsoft offers their own library of certifications. Likewise, Apple grants its own certifications too, available as Apple Certified Technical Coordinator (ACTC) or Apple Certified Support Professional (ACSP). These are standard qualifications for any Mac technician. In the same way, CompTIA offers a Linux certification, or technicians can get an LPI certification from the Linux Professional Institute. Some repair techs will just be more familiar with certain devices, while some have a broader base from which to draw knowledge. For people with that specific expertise, problem solving can be a breeze. Case in point, a professional may have worked with Dell computer systems for so many years that just from the description of the computer problem, he or she can instantly tell you that the most probable cause is a burst capacitor on the motherboard. There are also commonalities that arise with certain brands of computers, so technicians do get used to going through the same ailments over and over again. This is why they come to be so efficient at handling certain brands. Ask if he or she has partnerships or other relations with certain companies. It pays to try to find a technician that specializes in your brand especially, this can save you a huge headache now and in the future. <h2>Ask for Costs and Insist on High Cost Limits</h2> Now that you know the tech has appropriate qualifications or training and experience with your make and model of computer, the next step is to talk finances. Friends and family are constantly coming to them for help with their computers, and expecting a free handout. Their relatives may often expect computer support for free. Even people whom they are close to will often ask for free support. Worse is that some people then expect free technical support for the lifetime after the repair. So yes, computer technicians won't take kindly to low offers. Though there is the flip side that a PC service tech will rip off an unaware customer who has little understanding of computers. They'll charge an hourly price, and then claim that a fifteen minute job, like a System Recovery, really took much more time than it did. People who lack computer knowledge are not able to see these scams for what they are. There are services out there that state a certain hourly range is reasonable. Others in the industry feel that only flat fees are appropriate. Having done loads of PC service jobs before, I can tell you this: There are generally only a few causes for failure: hardware, software, or a little of both. It normally doesn't take much longer than an hour to work that out. And, since most stores require a one-hour minimum fee, you can simply ask the PC tech if they can spend no more than one hour problem solving before revealing back to you as to whether it'll take more time and cost more money. Hourly rates fluctuate, but can range anywhere from $20 to $70 or more. This all is dependent on the demand for the services. It pays to request the maximum amount of time devoted on the diagnostics. If they refuse the request, it may be time to find a new tech. <h2>How Data Security is Treated</h2> Now, backing up important data should be one of the first things any suitable technician will do prior to attempting repairs. This is just a way for the tech to restore your computer back to the state was in when you last used it. There is no reason to leave your work, or other private files to chance. The procedure normally includes: <ul><li>1. Transferring important data to an external hard drive. These include sentimental photos or important financial documents. Anything that you would be distressed losing should be backed up on a hard drive.</li> <li>2. Making a restore point using the tools obtainable in the operating systems.</li> <li>3. Moving profile folders, including documents, bookmarks, internet history, and other personal configurations onto the USB or hard drive.</li></ul> One of the best ways to gage how effective a repair tech will be is to ask them how they will save your files. If they can't reply, just walk off. <h2> Is there any record keeping of the changes to the system being recorded?</h2> One of the best signs of a pro is the documentation that she or he keeps during the course of the repair. The techs who lack this standard or do not care about the corrections that have been made is a big red flag. Any good tech realizes that this is a vitally important part of repairing a computer. The worst thing is to return to your computer when a bunch of changes have been made, without understanding how to adjust them back. It's your computer, and you've set it up to be least complicated to use for you; so if the technician changes things, like additional security configurations, you need to know. Alternatively, you may find unusual behavior and won't know what's going on. Consequently, the question to ask here is simple: how are modifications tracked? Do they provide a full record at the end of the repair that details all of the modifications made, hardware mounted or any other alterations to the system? The answer here should be an instant yes, and they may even show you a sample report (or a format) that they've published for previous customers, so that you know what to expect at the end. This quality is one of the most important for a computer technician. If they're adept at keeping documentation in an organized and detailed manner of what they do, the odds are good that they know what they're doing. <h2>Follow-up Support and Guarantees</h2> The final and perhaps most important issue that you need to know is how assured the professional is in their own work. Will they stand by their work and be available for a reasonable amount of troubleshooting? Or will they abandon you high and dry. If not, the issue wasn't really repaired, it only went away briefly. So, ask the technician if they warranty repairs for a particular number of days. Ask what kind of follow-up support you can look forward to if the issue comes back inside that time frame, is it all right to call, or do you have to bring the computer back into the shop again? Is the technician willing to do in-home follow-up service instead? These are questions that need to be requested before any dilemmas arise, not after. Once you get an satisfactory answer, ask that all negotiating you discussed should be put down on paper prior to the start of repairs. Remember, you paid a fair sum for your computer, and you are entitled to know what to expect when you leave your hardware into some other persons hands. Perhaps even more importantly, you need to be certain that the repairs won't cost more than actually buying a new computer. If you got the right questions, a solid price quote, and all deals in writing, you are able to leave your computer with the tech without any fears. Your computer will be restored, 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. Author: [http://www.contrive-it.net Contrive I.T.] - Metairie, LA.

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