Broken Computer? Should You Fix It Or Fling It?

Okay, so your computer has stopped working for whatever reason. What is the cause? is it the hard drive, the processor, are adware, or the problem? Maybe a Trojan, a virus? Has a chip on the RAM blown or the CPU overloaded?

Should you hire a computer repair service, or should you buy yourself a new computer?

It can be a very difficult decision, one you will base upon your finances and the age of your computer.

If your computer is more than a few years old it may not be cost effective to repair it. For example, if the motherboard blows then unless you can find one of a similar age on ebay you will have to replace the processor, heat sink and memory as well because your originals are not likely to work in your new motherboard.

The cost factor should also be taken into account when thinking about computer repair. Buying a new computer could cost you up to ten times more than repairing your existing computer.

There is also the environmental impact of buying a new computer – what do you do with the old one? Do you throw it out to go rot in a landfill and pollute the environment or do you pay to have it properly disposed of? Or do you do what so many of us do and shove it in the back of the attic or garage and forget about it until it becomes an antique.

The final consideration is your technical skill. Whilst computers have become easier for the novice to use and work with, they are still technical concerns. Many of us have enough trouble programming the VCR let alone changing the processor in a computer.

You need to also realise that a computer is, after all, a delicate piece of equipment and is still sensitive to dust and static – in fact you can seriously damage your computer if you do not take the appropriate precautions. I have many customers who have tried to fix their own computer and inadvertently blown their processor or memory because they failed to take the proper anti-static precautions.

You should never touch the connectors or chips on any computer card. Ideally you should always store memory and computer cards in proper anti-static bags to avoid this damage. Again, I get people coming to me with some memory they bought out of a bucket at a computer fair or boot sale wondering why it doesn’t work.

It really is worth taking the time to hire a professional computer repair service to fix your computer, not only can they probably do the job quicker than you could, but they will do it properly and without any risk of damaging your computer.

Hiring a professional computer repair service will ensure your computer is fixed quickly, easily and efficiently – with the least cost to you. Not only that, but you can get advice from a professional about how to keep your computer running efficiently and free from viruses, adware and Trojans.


Tony Roberts has worked extensively for the last 15 years for several Blue Chip companies providing technical support and training to on-site support staff, enabling them to support a variety of software/hardware platforms. He now focuses his efforts in assisting small businesses and home users more information can be found at "Computer Repair the easy way"
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Tips For Getting The Right Computer Accessories

There are many desktop computer accessories that you need in order to hear, see, and do all of the things that computers are now designed to do. You may get most of these items with your computer, but if you don’t, you need to know what to get and where to get it. You also have to make sure you know what you are buying is compatible with the computer you have.

When you buy a new computer, make sure that you ask what desktop computer accessories will come with your new toy. At the very least, you should get speakers and a printer with it, and if you want to add extras, they may charge you for it. For the most part, however, they want to make a sale, and may throw things in just to get you to buy from them, though this is not always the case. Make sure they tell you all about the desktop computer accessories that they are sending to you, and make sure you ask if they are the most up to date ones you can get.

If you find that you need to buy some desktop computer accessories on your own, you can go through the manufacturer of your computer to make sure the ones you are buying will be compatible. This may also allow you to get a better price than by going through the retail stores. You can also find desktop computer accessories by looking online, but make sure you know what you are looking at as your browse. Some manufacturers make accessories that will only go with their own product lines while other try to make universal items that will go with any computer.

Remember to be careful when you install your desktop computer accessories. Most of them come with software that you need to install in order for the item to work with your computer and it’s software. When you plug something new into your computer, the computer should find and install any software it needs. If it does not, you may have a problem on your hands, and you may have to call the manufacturer of the desktop computer accessories you purchased to ask them for help. If they cannot help you, you may have to call your computer maker’s technical help line.


Steve Wickenden runs his own mail order business as well as running several shopping based websites. His particular speciality is electronics and computers. Visit his website which is full of Computer Equipment resources. http://www.discount-computer-equipment.com/Computer-Accessories.html
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