Nowadays, there are almost no houses at the world with at least one or two computers or laptops, that are connected to the internet.
The computer is used for all kinds of things such as: communication, shopping, paying different kinds of bills, leisure, etc.
The computer is built from electronic and mechanical components and because of that you can imagine it as a car.
The computer, like the car, gets worn out naturally, needs fixing, and even needs constant treatment (in order to avoid malfunctions).
Unfortunately the common thinking is: as long as my computer is in working order - everything’s good… you don’t touch it! But with time… the computer gets stuck, a lot of dust accumulates, it gets overheated, files get blemished, and it doesn’t function like it used to when it was first bought.
Most people won’t notice the difference, and won’t bother taking it to a technician in order to check its condition and take care of it, because actually, it’s still working so according to them everything’s fine, and other than that… “Who has the time to deal with fixing a computer right now…”, “It’s meant to serve me and not the opposite…”, but…
All of the sudden (yeah, right.. a real surprise…) different problems that bother the normal usage of the computer by its user awakens. Problems such as: the internet gets disconnected, the computer turns off, programs crash while working, you find out that the computer got hacked into, and all kinds of different incidents that with time can make the whole computer crash and not work.
Most of the problems are software problems such as: Virus inflitrations, programs that stopped working, a system file that got erased, an anti virus that stopped working, malicious softwares that take over your browser and/or desktop, and much much more.
But there are also many other problems that are defined as hardware problems, meaning, problems that demand replacement/repair of components, such as: noisy fans, a power supplier that stopped working, a disfunctional hard disk, and more…
Many companies work in finding solutions to secure networks, computer systems, internet and computer softwares, and offer products to prevent and minimize different problems that cost money, such as different companies like “Norton”, “Check Point” and more… These solutions are good and usually expensive.
In the market, there are also companies that offer free softwares and anti-viruses for download, or time-limited trials – usually these softwares are good for very basic use, and help in preventing relatively simple problems.
A number of computer companies did well by promising a solution such as distant control of the computer , meaning – they promise to fix the computer without even showing up to the client’s house, by connecting to your computer through the web. But this kind of solution can only be efficient for first-aid needs, and even that’s doubtful…If we presume that the computer doesn’t turn on, or doesn’t get to Windows, or just “freezes”, than there’s no way to fix it with distant control!
Another disatvantage of this way is: the lack of the computer’s visuality, meaning, anyone who tries fixing it, cannot see physically the inside of the computer, this way, he can’t actually see what’s the hardware’s condition, how well and functional the components are, and how bad the accummulation of dust is with time.
In my opinion, the dust is the number one cause to most of the hardware problems. The dust usually accummulates on the cooling slats and nearby the computer fans, and prevents a smooth air flow that is essential to keep the system’s temperature the same, and by that it shortens the life span of the system, until in the end it leads to a system failure.
There are four solutions offered:
1. Deciding to take care/fix the computer by ourselves – this decision is not suggested at all unless you have technical knowledge in computers, and the ability to take apart, clean and assemble a computer system with all of its different parts, and you have the knowledge, sources and equipment that’s necessary to assemble it (operating system and aid softwares, thermal lubricant for the processor, air pressure, available spare parts for testing needs etc.). If you do not have all of that, the damage that might be caused is bigger than the actual benefit you’ll get!
If you do have all of those things, then maybe this solution is good for you, and could save you a few hundred shekels that a PC technician would’ve probably charged…
2. Taking the computer by ourselves to a computer warehouse/fixing lab – at first you have to unplug (carefully!) all the plugs from the computer – this solution demands time, a double drive (giving away and taking back the computer), the exertion that is needed to carry the computer to and from the warehouse/lab and obviously the expenses for the care/fixing.
3. Deciding to buy a new computer – This is the most expensive solution and the least advised one, since you have to transfer old matters, softwares, pictures and more important files, from the old computer to the new one, and this deal requires knowledge and the work of a computer technician, and the expenses are high (the cost of the material transfer done by the technician in addition to the computer cost).
4. Ordering a Computer Service technician that will check and fix and if needed – will take it and bring it back proper – usually this is the right and most advised solution, that its cost is perfectly reasonable in relation to the service you get – a technician arrives at the time and day you ask for, that are convenient to you, fixes/takes care of your computer in the exact place and/or takes it and brings it back proper! – anyway this deal saves you the whole headache of breaking your head with a computer manual, building a new computer, and everything that’s involved with – buying a computer.
Here I would like to emphasize the importance of a computer technician:
It’s important that it would be a technician that was recommended to you by acquaintances/friends/family, and that you were impressed by his service and attitude, his profesionalism, and his patience and willingness to solve complicated problems – so that you would feel you could trust him.
In my opinion, the best thing is to try to work with one steady computer techincian – so that he will be your permanant computer technician!
A steady computer technician will learn to know yours or your bussiness’s needs, the way you work and your demands from the computer systems, will listen to you and offer solutions that are suited and adjusted to and for your needs.
And nonetheless important is… you have to make sure that the computer technician would live in a reasonably short geographic distance from the place of where the computer he has to take care of is at – in this way he could give a quick response in urgent situations that happen in the unacceptable work hours.
And don’t forget:
• The computer works and serves us devotedly, sometimes even for 24 hours a day. It is imporant and necessary to give it a full treatment on a fixed basis – a treatment that its purpose is to prevent problems even before they start and make your work shutdown (remember the car...?).
• It is important and advisable to work with a computer technician, that knows our needs and demands of the computer system, on which we could trust – since it is known that computer problems always appear at the moment you need it for a very urgent and important matter.
• You must install security and protection softwares such as an anti-virus and firewall, in order to prevent the infiltration of viruses or spyware and adware softwares.
• It is advisable to order a computer technician every once in a while for a regular visit, while the computer is still proper (!), so he would check it, update the softwares, and perform a full system checkup on the computer.
This in most cases will prevent the need of fixing the computer, or worse – reformat your computer – which will demand the installment of computer softwares, installing the computer’s operating system allover again, connecting the computer to the printer and the internet, and more…
Remember that computers that are taken well care of are more resisitant to “viruses”, last many more years, and mainly – provide service to their server, satisfaction, and peace of mind…
