Computer Repair Key Terms

Know your computer repair options

The day to day management of your business is highly dependent upon your computers. Financial software, business communications, even something as basic as internet connectivity all depend upon the continued health of your office computers. Whether you've contracted a virus, experienced some kind of hardware failure, or simply need preventative maintenance, it's important to know your options. Getting everything back up and running smoothly as quickly as possible is priority number one. Finding the best solution for your business depends upon knowing the terminology involved.

 

Service or maintenance agreement

A service agreement is a way to secure long-term computer support at a discount. If you are a small business owner that is unable to keep a permanent IT person on-staff, sign up for a six month or year long maintenance agreement. Rather than paying per hour for support, you can arrange to make scheduled payments or pay one large lump sum. Such plans usually include phone support, regularly scheduled preventative maintenance and an agreed upon amount of emergency hours.
Try: Read tips about making computer maintenance agreements at Buzzle.com.

Remote computer repair services

Remote computer repair services are a relatively new trend in the IT support world. As long as your computers still have internet connectivity, you can hire a remote computer repair provider to dial-in to your computer and deal with any issues you might be experiencing. This is usually cheaper than a traditional onsite computer repair service.
Try: iYogi is a great example of a remote computer repair service.

Onsite computer repair services

Onsite computer repair services will come to your place of business to do computer repairs. This does away with the conundrum of unplugging the problem computer, dragging it off to a remote location, leaving it there for a week and then bringing it back and trying to remember where all the cords go.
Try: Geeks on Call America is a nationwide provider of onsite computer repair services.

Manufacturer's warranty and extended warranty

The computer manufacturer's warranty guarantees your computer hardware for a year after the purchase date. Anything shorter than that and an extended warranty is recommended. An extended warranty can either be purchased from the manufacturer or a third-party company. Make sure that parts and service are covered by any warranty, so that any repairs can be completed at no cost to you.
Try: Read about standard and extended warranties at Computer Hope.

Data recovery services

If your computer has been irreparably damaged, your data is often still recoverable. An electrically fried power supply or motherboard has nothing to do with the integrity of your hard drive. Even if your hard drive has suffered a mechanical failure, you can still hire one of many data recovery services to rescue your data.
Try: Kroll Ontrack is one of the most well-known data recovery services.

DIY, or do it yourself

DIY, or do it yourself, computer repair is becoming increasingly popular. Any enterprising businessman with even a modicum of technical aptitude can access the wealth of do it yourself resources on the internet, from technical guides to YouTube videos.
Try: Browse the extensive DIY resources at Do It Yourself Computer Repair.

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