Is the “Do It Yourself” approach right for you?

REWRITE - Welcome to computers and the world of troubleshooting computers. Just as some people did with automobiles in the early 20th century, many now attempt to service their own computers without help, and with dismal results. Not knowing better, many spend money ineffectively on solutions that will not work, or waste huge volumes of time that would better be spent on billable labour. Most would agree that wasting money or time on attempting to fix cars without the proper credentials is not acceptable. Likewise with computers.

REWRITE - Depending on what you want to accomplish, you may find material in this Self-Help Guide easy or somewhat challenging. It all depends on your perspective – on how much you know about computers and the depth of your past experience. Since we know nothing about your technical skills or how deeply you want to get into this area, we’ve limited the content of this Guide to areas where most people are likely to have success, even with limited experience. And we’ve tried hard to make the subject matter easy to understand. Hopefully, we’ve done our job well.

Keep in mind that if you get stumped - or just plain over your head while doing the job at hand... we’re here to help. Just pick up the phone and call your authorized Soft-Temps franchise member at the phone number listed in this site. 

Know your limitations - Some things may be beyond your ability. For instance, upgrading a microprocessor can be dicey. Even if a faster microprocessor will fit in your motherboard, you probably need to upgrade the BIOS (Basic Input Output System). This is done through a process called "flashing," in which information is downloaded to change the BIOS. If flashing isn't done correctly, the computer can be rendered useless. Leave that to the experts.

There are times when fixing a computer just isn't worthwhile. New machines can be had for less than $500. That might be all you need for business purposes. So, if you're facing a $300 repair, maybe it's time to look around. That repair probably won't be the last.

After this column first appeared, I received a helpful note from a computer technician. He said businesspeople should be careful about buying inexpensive home machines. Business buyers probably need a better warranty, including next-day service and maybe a loaner. Also, you need some kind of backup mechanism -- perhaps a CD burner, a DVD burner, a second hard drive, and so on. Saving money is good, but be sure you get what you need. Thanks, Sam!

Watch out for Internet based fixes – a few thoughts...

For each one of the above-listed problems, it is possible to find dozens of "solutions" on the Internet, all ranging from $20 to $99, and all claiming to solve the problems. Unfortunately, just like buying medicine from the pharmacy, taking the wrong pill can have negative consequences, or no effect at all (except on the pocketbook). In addition, equipment is often required to service computers that is not readily available to most individuals and businesses, so that even the "solution" from the Internet or local drug store will then require more and more purchases, without knowing if the problem will even get better.

The following problems have been noted with "do it yourself" computer repair:

• Budgeting is difficult or impossible. The per-computer cost skyrockets in an unpredictable and scary way, which may be acceptable for hobbyists, but is definitely not acceptable for businesses and ordinary users.
• Gigantic volumes of time gets wasted trying random "solutions" that may or may not work. This is a learning process which most people would do well to avoid.
• The really important work gets sidetracked by recurring computer problems, which are not part of the job description.
• Important data gets lost, resulting in the loss of even more time and energy.
• Depression and frustration set in... etc.

As a result of this unnecessary trouble, "do it yourself" computer repair is not a viable option for most individuals and companies.

Alternative to "Do IT yourself" computer repair

Hiring Soft-Temps to manage and support your computer systems is a superior solution, which operates much like an insurance policy for your computers. For a fixed, easy-to-budget monthly fee, we offer on-site service, on-site computer diagnostics, computer repairs, network services such as network administration, systems administration, and other related services.