Good Computer Help Is So Hard To Find..... Isn'T It ?

By: MiNeeds

Author: Robert Lathan

Article Source: MiNeeds.com, where consumers get competitive bids from Web Designers or Computer Programmers. Read reviews, compare offers & save. It's free!

Article Link: http://www.mineeds.com/Upper-Marlboro/Total-Computer-Solutions-Inc/Articles/Good-Computer-Help-Is-So-Hard-To-Find-Isnt-It-

Tags: seo , search engine optimization , computer repair , virus removal , new computer , used computer, upgrades , computer problems , remote repair , computer diagnosis

So you have a dilemma. Your computer is broken and, like the rest of us, you have come to depend very heavily on your computer so right about now you are probably about to totally freak out and hit panic overload mode. Am I right?

There are so many questions like "Why Me?" or "Why Now?" or "What am I going to do?" or …. Ok so you get the idea. But once you've finished kirkin' out or spazin out (depending on who you are), then the one and only question that really matters is finally going to hit you. "Where can I get this computer fixed?" That is the real question, isn't it?

Well, that's where the real problem actually begins. You see, good help is hard to find, or so they say. You could call the manufacturer of your machine. More than likely, they have a toll free number and will probably be "happy" to help you. The only problem with that is that every person I have ever talked to who has had this type of problem has called the experience a total nightmare. That is not to say that the manufacturer technical support isn't good and that there are people out there who have had a good experience going this route, I just don't happen to know any of them.

Usually one of two things happens; either the machine is out of warranty and that means you have to pay an arm and a leg to even get support or purchase an extended warranty (if the manufacturer offers it) or, the more common scenario, involves being on the phone for hours, usually on hold and going through multiple transfers to get to the "right department" and then spending more time on the phone listening to a "technician" trying to walk you through some troubleshooting. 9 times out of 10, you get someone from another country that you can't understand very well to begin with and then, even if you do get someone whose English you can understand, since you yourself are not technical, you still have problems understanding what it is they are trying to instruct you to do.

Now, let's say that the previous option feels somewhat daunting and you want to try something else. You could always try going to one of the major retailers. There are a few problems with this method as well. First of all, Circuit City is now defunct. Not that they were all that great in this department either, from what I've heard, but at least you had that option. Best Buy and Geek Squad are still around but I've also heard some pretty scary stories about their services. In addition to the 50/50 chance that you're taking that you will get your machine back in good working order, with all of your data intact (if your hard drive hasn't totally died) and not be charged an arm and a leg and be upsold a slew of additional items that you really didn't need, there's the headache of unplugging your machine and all of it's components and lugging it down to the store. Once it's there, I hope you aren't in a hurry to get it back because chances are it's going to be there a while.

Thankfully, you do have a few other options. If your computer is not totally wrecked and you can get on the internet, you have two options. You could do a search on the internet for a computer repair company in your area. The benefits of calling a local company are:

1) You have someone close by who can assist you when you need help. Whether you have a few technical questions or you need to purchase additional equipment, they will be there to assist you.

2) The larger and more established companies have technicians that can come out to your location.

3) When you need to purchase a system, a good service provider will assess your needs and recommend the right system for the tasks that you need it for.

4) The larger and more established companies have partnerships with the major manufacturers and, most times, can save you money on your purchases.

5) These companies generally will handle the warranties for your systems thus taking that burden off your hands.

6) If you choose the right company, they will be very well versed in the technical aspects of most operating systems, software programs, peripherals and networking and can, therefore assist you with the design, installation, configuration and integration of one system, a small to medium network or even a large multiple location WAN.

7) If you do need service and it is an emergency, most local companies can respond to you from 30 minutes or, at a minimum, the next day.

8) If you have a business and need a regular service provider, these companies generally offer a maintenance plan that can offer you many different options to suit your needs.

These are just a few of the advantages of using a local service provider. Keep in mind that, just as with any industry, there are good and bad service providers, so choose carefully. If you happen to be in the DC / Metro area, there is a local company that offers all of the benefits that I previously mentioned and more. Total Computer Solutions, Inc. (www.tcsidc.com) has been in business for 13 years and has a great reputation for getting the job done, saving their clients money and delivering exactly what the client is looking for.

Another great option, if your computer is running and you have internet access, is calling a company that does "remote repair." This option is becoming ore and more popular. You don't have to take your computer apart, pack it up and haul it to the store. You don't even have to leave your house or office. You just call them up and tell them what your problem is (or what you think the problem might be), and they can "remote in" (take control temporarily) of your machine and, usually within an hour (depending on the severity of your issues), they can have you back up and running.

Best Buy, Geek Squad and , to name a few, offer these services. Once again, these are what I like to call major companies. If you live in the DC / Metro Area, there is a great little company called EZ-Tech 911 (www.eztech911.com) who also offers these services. They have a great reputation, as well, and their prices are lower than the aforementioned majors and they are local to the area.

There you have it. The next time your computer crashes, you're having trouble loading a driver or you suspect you have a virus; don't throw your computer out the window, put down the sledgehammer and don't have a hissy fit, start stomping, crying or pulling your hair out. Try calling a local provider and you're sure to find yourself happy and humming along in no time.

Was the Article Useful?

I hope you enjoyed the article! Please rate it at the following link, your feedback is highly appreciated:

Good Computer Help Is So Hard To Find..... Isn'T It ?

About the Author

About MiNeeds.com:

People use MiNeeds.com to get competitive bids from local professionals, such as: photographers, lawyers, home contractors, wedding services, accountants, web designers, movers, etc.

By simply posting your service request, professionals will come to you with offers. Don't waste time calling around and negotiating. Instead, have professionals come to you with proposals. You can sit back and relax while comparing offers and reading reviews. It's free!

For more details, please visit:

Upper Marlboro Web Designers & Programmers - Get Bids & Save | MiNeeds

(ArticlesBase SC #1345137)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - Good Computer Help Is So Hard To Find..... Isn'T It ?