How to Know When Your Computer Needs Repairs

Like any machine, your computer needs a little tender, loving and care. Even the best cars break down when their parts wear out, and sometimes things just break. A computer can be a little more complicated than a car. Sometimes it is hard to determine when a problem is serious and when it is just one of the quirks of your particular machine.

Under Warrantee

The first rule of thumb with regard to deciding whether to take your computer in for repairs is whether it is under warrantee. Many reputable dealers provide warrantees along with their computers, and these are usually comprehensive. If your computer has a strong warrantee, you should report all problems right away. If something is going wrong with your computer, do not wait until it becomes a huge problem. Just like diseases, computer problems that are detected early are easier to fix and can prevent trouble later on.

Hardware vs. Software

The vast majority of computer-related problems are with software rather than hardware. If you don’t know the difference between the two, it is very simple. Software is all the applications and the operating system installed on your computer. Hardware is the machinery itself.

The difference between a hardware problem vs. a software problem is often as simple as noise. Like most machines, a computer with a hardware problem will make strange noises. If it sounds like fans are running too loud or the computer is abnormally hot, you have a hardware issue. If the computer is just crashing often, you probably have a software issue.

The difference is important because if you have a hardware issue, you need to take your computer to a repair shop. These shops are certified to deal with hardware problems. If your computer is under warrantee, make sure you find a shop that specializes in warrantee repairs. If you try to fix it yourself, or if you take it to an unlicensed repair shop, it will void your warrantee when they try to repair it.

If your computer does not show outward signs of a problem, such as excessive heat or noise, you should try running a diagnostic program. Windows has one built into it, so you can start there. Another option is to make sure you run a virus scan. Many times, the problem is that there is illicit software giving your computer trouble. Obtain a couple of good anti-virus applications and run them both. Check for malware, spyware and adware. Each of these types of malware have specialized anti-virus software meant to find and eliminate them. The process is time consuming, but each scan will remove a certain kind of problem.

The final option is to back up any information you want to save, reformat your hard drive and reinstall your operating system and other software. The majority of the time, this will correct problems with crashes, freezing or start-up issues.

The Final Step

If your system does not show any outward signs of trouble but you have tried everything listed above, you need to consult a professional. Start with anyone you might know who has good technical skills. Move on to some of the help desks that are associated with electronic chain stores. They can usually give you a least a good diagnosis and provide you with the next steps to take.

One thing to remember when trying to decide whether to take your computer to a repair shop is how old it is. There is no such thing as a classic computer. They are meant to wear out and be replaced every so often. The more you use your computer, the more wear and tear you are putting on it. So before you worry about replacing parts, think about upgrading to a new computer or even buying a used one. Oftentimes, this will cost less than repairing a damaged system.

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