The Computer Buzz

April 16th, 2009

Nome and Paul Van Middlesworth - owners - The Computer Factory
 

Decisions, Decisions

At some point every user will have some kind of problem with their PC. It won't turn on, it won't turn off, can't get on the Internet, can't get E-Mail, won't open attachments, the screen is blue, the screen is black, boots real slow, makes funny noises, keeps turning itself off, prints gibberish, icons disappeared, Microsoft says my operating system is counterfeit, Norton says I have a virus, my home page is a porn site and our very favorite, what does it mean when smoke comes out the top?

When stuff happens what can you do? The world is stuffed with "Computer Experts." There are at least two on every block and in every family or business. They are eager to help you with advice and will be happy to fix your PC, most likely for free. There's nothing wrong with letting them try. They usually don't make things any worse and sometimes they can actually fix your problem. If they tell you that you need to spend money for new parts, get a second opinion.

There are all sorts of magical speed up cures on the Internet that don't work. "Finally Fast" the TV promotion is also roundly regarded as worthless. Cleaning up your PC is a hands-on job.

You may wonder whether or not your PC is worth fixing. If you want to know, don't call "Geek Squad" or take it to a "big box" electronics store. You'll be wasting your money and perhaps a lot of it. A basic rule of thumb is this. If your PC has Windows XP, it is worth fixing. If it has Windows 2000 or 98, it isn't.

The way to find out without risking a fleecing is to bring it to us. There are probably some other places like us in North County but we just don't know where. Give us a call, tell us what kind of PC you have and describe the problem. If we recommend bringing it in you'll want to make sure you have 15 or 20 minutes to spend with us while we check out your PC.

We'll tell you what you have, what it needs and what we think it will cost to make it better. We can provide you with a set of alternatives, the range from repairing or upgrading your PC, to using some of its components and/or operating system to save you money on a new system, or even offer you trade-in value on a brand new PC. The best part? There is no charge for this service.

If you decide that you need a second opinion you can always hop across the street to Fry's or run up the street to Best Buy or Staples. If you decide to buy one of their $599 Vista nightmares we promise we won't laugh when you bring it in for repair.

Of course it may be hard to keep Nome from doing one of those "behind the hand" snickers. She's like that, you know.