How to Select a Computer Repair Business

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Something is broken! The laptop is whirring. The computer won’t power up. In either case, you’re staring at a blank, blue screen. Yet you can’t live without your computer. You need to find a computer repair business. But what should you look for? This article will help you make your choice.

If a computer or laptop doesn’t do what we want it to do, we move into panic mode. You may want to run out and buy a new one. That’s going to be expensive and may be unnecessary, especially right now, as a global computer chip supply shortfall is ratcheting up prices and extending delivery timelines.

The next option? Find a repair shop to take a look at your home computer. Here’s what to look for.

#1 Good reviews and high ratings

Look up the business online and see what kind of customer feedback it gets. Don’t fall for a single five-star review, though – that could be the owner’s cousin. Look at the number of stars, as well as the number of reviews used to reach that ranking.

It’s also worthwhile reading some of the reviews. You’ll see what other customers are saying about problems resolved (or not) at that repair shop. Customer testimonials can help you sort out which shop is best suited to solving your current problem.

#2 Comparable price estimates

Ask for an estimate before you commit to working with a particular repair shop. You may not get a full picture. The repair team will typically charge you a diagnostic fee first to gauge the problem. Then, they’ll be better able to estimate the overall cost. They should be able to explain any large price jumps from their original estimate.

This is another reason to check out the reviews. You might see several people complaining about the cheaper initial estimate luring them in. Then, they get hit with a whopping bill after the fact.

#3 Go with relevant experience

You may not know the difference between a Dell and an Apple, but your repair person should. Prefer someone with experience addressing problems with your particular brand. This can save time and money. If the repair person is more familiar with that type of device, they may troubleshoot more efficiently.

#4 Location matters

If you go with a big-box store, you risk someone who doesn’t know much about computers shipping your device to a central repair hub. That means it can take longer. Your device could also be at further risk of damage while en route. Plus, you won’t get an accurate estimate for repair costs upfront.

If you select a local computer repair shop, you can get to know the individual working on your computer, and you know the device will be worked on in that store. Plus, if you ever have future issues, you can return to working directly with that same individual again.

Professional Help Matters

Sure, you might have a family member or friend who thinks they are a tech whiz, but that doesn’t mean you want to entrust your computer to them. Instead, work with a seasoned IT pro who can reliably address computer or laptop issues.

A computer repair professional will be customer-oriented. That means they’ll know how to meet your needs courteously. They’ll keep you informed and be upfront about pricing. After all, their business reputation rests upon your satisfaction. Can your cousin Edgar or friend Sal say the same thing? Contact us today at (515)422-1995.

Refurbished Computer and Laptops Worth Another Look?

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If you’re in the market for a new computer or laptop, you’ve likely noticed a few things. Technology is more expensive, and there are long waits to get the devices you want. This article will explain the current computer and laptop supply-chain issues. Then, we’ll offer reasons to consider refurbished devices to meet your needs.

There are supply-chain issues for everything from pool floats to personal computers. The pandemic placed added pressure on shippers and also increased demand for electronics, as people spent more time at home. At the same time, there is a shortage of key components.

Every computer or laptop (and so much more electronics) needs a chip. These computer chips are in great demand, but there’s a supply shortfall. The American Department of Commerce described the shortage as “a major supply and demand mismatch.” In the US, the median demand for chips was as much as 17% higher in 2021 than in 2019.

It doesn’t help any that extreme weather shut down a major computer chip plant in Texas. Meanwhile, a Japan-based manufacturer experienced a fire. It’s also difficult to get new chip plants up and running. The factories are expensive and workers need to be highly trained.

Yet you can’t get a PC or a laptop without a computer chip, and the problem is unlikely to be resolved this year. Some people predict it could take years for supply and demand to rebalance, which could mean you’re going to be paying a lot more for your next, new device and be waiting a long time for it. On the other hand, you might see this as an opportunity to reconsider buying a refurbished device.

Reasons to buy refurbished

A refurbished PC or laptop is a pre-owned device with data wiped and drives restored; it’s been reset to factory settings. The PC or laptop is evaluated, cleaned, and repaired before resale. In some cases, the device is upgraded, too.

Buying a refurbished computer or laptop can be the smart way to go. Here’s why.

#1 Access to quality

As you are buying a pre-owned computer, you’ll be able to pay less for better technology. A common complaint about new computers? They are outdated before you even get them out of the box at home. By going with a refurbished unit, you can take advantage of the quick turnover in models. You can get a top machine without paying the “new” price. By buying refurbished, you could afford more memory and better screen quality or processor speed.

#2 As good as new

In most cases, big corporations cycle out their computers every few years, and you now get to buy a good-as-new computer or laptop and make big savings. Refurbished computers are sold when they have been tested and cleaned up. So, you may not get that new computer smell (is there such a thing?), but you’ll get a fresh experience with a refurbished unit.

#3 You’re helping the environment

Buying a refurbished device is the green way to go. Repair is an alternative to computers and laptops languishing as waste. The computer is fixed up and recycled for another user, either by the original brand manufacturer or another computer outfit. Dell, HP, and Apple have high standards before a computer or laptop is resold as refurbished.

# 4 You can protect your refurbished purchase

If you’re worried about taking a risk on a refurbished computer or laptop, buy a warranty from the seller. You can typically buy a full one-year warranty. This protects your purchase should any issue occur in that timeframe.

Need help choosing the right computer or laptop for your home? Our experts can help you find the best device for your specifications. We can consult on your new or refurbished purchase.

Contact us today at (515)422-1995

Is Your Graphics Card Going Bad?

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Whenever you create a graph on your computer, you’re going to need a graphics processing unit (GPU). Without one, you won’t see anything on your computer screen. So, obviously, it’s a problem when it starts to fail. This article discusses signs to look for and what to do.

First, what does the graphics card do? A graphics or video card takes data from your computer’s central processing unit (CPU) and translates it into what you see on your monitor. Every image on your computer screen is composed of millions of pixels. The graphics card is what decides what kind of picture you see.

Many computers have integrated graphics with the main processor. However, depending on how you use the computer, you might have purchased one with a dedicated graphics card. This allows you to see more complex visuals with more clarity and faster. Top-quality graphics cards boast lots of memory and fast processing to translate binary data into images at frames-per-second rates.

How to know a graphics card is going bad

Graphics cards can be physically damaged by incorrect installation, or fail as a result of overheating or a power surge. There may even have been a manufacturing defect there when the card was first installed. You can’t predict why a graphics card may begin to fail, but there are some symptoms of likely failure.

Screen glitches or artifacts

Maybe you are playing a video game or streaming your favorite movie when you notice on the screen:

  • weird colors or shapes;
  • pixelation;
  • frame tearing.

These could be there for only a few seconds. You might move your mouse and they go away. But, you don’t want to overlook these symptoms.

Stuttering

A computer screen freezing up or dropping frames can mean graphic card failure. It could also be due to malware or issues with your hardware or RAM. Still, this is not a symptom to ignore.

Fan overworking

If you’re hearing your fan more than usual, it could mean the graphics card is overheating. This can damage your computer, so act quickly to allow the computer to cool down. If the problem persists, get the device checked out.

Solid screen color

If you get a solid black or blue screen (or with lots of error codes) your video card may be struggling. Graphics card failure may have caused the system to crash, and you’ll be forced to reboot the computer. Crashes can happen for other reasons too. But if this happens when doing graphics-intensive activities, look to the gaming card.

What to do about graphics card failure

Start by determining if the graphics card is the culprit. There are many possible issues that could cause some of the above symptoms.

You can try to repair the card yourself, but it is risky. It can involve updating the motherboard drivers for your chipset and updating display drivers. You might also need to look inside the computer to check connections and clean out any buildup of dust, or the graphics card may need to be reseated because it has come loose.

Our IT professionals can determine what is causing your graphics woes and work to repair the hardware at a much lower risk. Contact us at (515)422-1995 for help today!

What to Do When Your Warranty Runs Out

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Most technology you buy in stores comes with a warranty of some sort. It might be included or an add-on. Still, it is unlikely to last the lifetime of the device or software, and it seems inevitable that your desktop will die immediately after the warranty runs out. Don’t worry, you still have options.

Murphy’s Law of warranty says that you will have no problems with your computer or printer while it’s covered. Then, as if waiting for the most inconvenient time to go bust, the technology fails just after your warranty ends.

After the frustration of looking up that warranty plan to see the expiration date a few weeks ago, your first response might be to take that device back to the store. You’ve noticed they have a service desk, and that’s where you made the purchase. But the technicians on-site are likely to send your laptop to the manufacturer repair. That could be far away, which negates the convenience of taking it down to your local store. You could wait weeks for your item to get to the repair center. Then, it stills needs attention and returning to your store.

Also know that many manufacturers charge a premium for outside-of-warranty repairs. Now that you’re one or two years into a relationship with the products, they hope you’ll decide upgrading is easier. They actually have a planned lifecycle for computer hardware and plan the warranty end accordingly.

Of course, if you are within days of your warranty’s end, ask if the manufacturer will continue to cover the technology. Sometimes it actually will. The manufacturer may also use this opportunity to sell you an extended warranty.

Some help with manufacturer warranty

Our first piece of advice? Be proactive about technology issues. Don’t put off getting something looked at. You may discover you could have saved money by having it checked out under warranty.

Check your eligibility by visiting the manufacturer’s website and typing in the product serial number to check the warranty. Quickly find the page by searching the manufacturer’s name and “check warranty status.”

It’s a good idea to keep track of when your warranty is set to expire. That way, you’ll be more likely to request service in a timely manner. Don’t believe us? Have you ever planned to take an item back to the store only to leave it until the return window has closed?

Small business computer repair shops specialize in repairing out-of-warranty devices. They can run diagnostic tests to determine the problem. Then, they’ll help you decide whether it’s worth the cost of repairs. If so, they can fix it at a competitive rate.

Plus, you get personalized service. There’s also the peace of mind that comes from knowing where your computer is at all times. You’re not worrying about it shipping around the country to a manufacturer’s repair shop. The timeline reduces, too, as the IT experts are on-site at a convenient computer repair outfit.

We can help keep your computers and other technological devices up and running. Contact us today at (515)422-1995!

Boss Level: Keeping Your Gaming PCs at Their Best

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Video gaming is an entertainment for all ages. The main demographic is 18-34 years, but those 34-54 are another big segment - even larger than the under-18 group - although the youngest group may spend the most hours gaming, especially during a pandemic. Regardless, PC gamers of any age want the most powerful, fastest computer they can get.

It's difficult to beat the Boss Level of that favorite game if your computer is lagging. The horror! If you're serious about gaming, consider the ideas in this article to achieve your next personal best.

The gaming industry is moving to Triple-A titles. Think Grand Theft Auto or Call of Duty. These AAA video games are the equivalent of blockbuster movies. They take months to years for massive teams of people to develop, everything about such games is ambitious (even the price!). The graphics and animation are more immersive, the storylines offer hours of content and encourage open exploration, and the games have a grander scale and improved sound design, too.

All that requires more from your computer. Depending on the age of your computer, you may not need to replace it to power the latest, greatest games. Or you could upgrade to a more powerful video card. Adding more random access memory (RAM) might also take a computer up to the Triple-A level.

Troubleshooting the Home-Gaming PC

Whether you're trying the Triple A game or not, you may run into other problems. A screen locks up, a system crashes, or you see weird graphics or wonky textures in a game. You shoot an opponent with a direct hit, and he takes the win. Any of these problems can ruin your gaming experience.

Various issues cause these headaches for home gamers. Regrettably, they can be difficult to diagnose. The problems might be tied to:

  • overheating - modify your power settings, and make sure the computer is getting enough air flow;
  • driver issues - games crashing could mean the latest video drivers aren't installed;
  • file corruption - reinstalling the game could help;
  • an unstable internet connection - consider moving to a wired Ethernet connection.

Running too many programs on your PC can also cause games to run less smoothly. Close out other programs. Free up disk space if you can. Also, putting the game's graphics on a lower setting can make them less resource-intensive.

Build Your Own Gaming PC

If you decide it's time to get a new gaming PC, a popular option now is to custom-build your own. Our experts can do that for you! When you customize your own gaming PC, you get a computer that matches exactly what you're trying to do.

Don't settle for a sale computer using lower-quality parts and offering limited upgradability. Avoid buying a brand-name computer pre-loaded with bloatware. Instead, our technician can help you pick the processing and other parts to personalize your system, even down to the color of the fans or console lights.

Our IT experts can bring your PC up to speed, get you back in the game at full power, and build you the perfect customized PC. Contact us today at (515)422-1995!

Should You Repair, Upgrade, or Replace Your Computer?

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Like many valuable things we buy, new computers suffer from wear and tear over time. Our computers are particularly vulnerable as we have placed more and more demands on them every year. New machines have got faster, quieter, more reliable, and more capable over time. At the same time our own computers have begun to slow and sometimes even stop performing altogether.

There are many ways to address the problem of a PC which isn’t quite performing up to the task anymore. Whether frustratingly slow or no longer working; we are happy to take a look. When you bring your computer to us we will diagnose the condition and find a solution that works for you. Often times the simplest solution works best. A complex problem sometimes only needs a simple repair to get your home computer up and running like new again. Whether a small replacement part, loose wire, or bad connection; we will find and fix the problem to give your familiar, home machine a new lease of life.

Many computers come to us running slowly, taking a long time to start up, or freezing when trying to load files and programs. Often owners have reached breaking point and become convinced the machine is fit for only the scrap heap. In many cases, the problem can be pinpointed to a bottleneck in the system. A single, seemingly trivial, part can be holding up the entire system. Amazingly, upgrading just that one component can make the whole machine run like new again.

Adding memory can provide extra space for programs to run faster. Adding an updated, faster hard drive can allow files to be retrieved without delay. In both cases, a low-cost single component can provide a cost-effective solution that makes an old machine like new again.

In some cases, computers succumb to more major faults. A critical part, difficult to replace, may stop working altogether. A failure of the motherboard for example, the backbone that all other components connect to can be expensive, if not impossible, to fix. Typically, with the fast-paced and ever-changing nature of computing, a motherboard will only house computer parts that were manufactured around a similar time.

A motherboard is almost certain to be incompatible with components built just a couple of years before or after its own design for example. Occasionally even a motherboard failure can be resolved too. In these cases we strive, whenever possible, to find a replacement board of the same generation that will work alongside existing components. The result is a cost-effective solution that keeps cost down by saving replacement parts.

In cases where a like-for-like replacement motherboard is not available, many parts of the computer may have to be replaced at the same time. Often replacement costs in these cases can get close to, or even exceed the cost of buying a new machine.

We would always give advice where it makes sense financially and practically to consider replacing an old machine. Often, in this respect, a home PC can be considered a little like a car. Sometimes a simple, non-expensive, easy to replace component such as the window wiper can fail. While a crucial part to be used for driving; it would be silly to suggest replacing the vehicle once it has worn out.

A window wiper may be low-cost and simple to replace, but if the engine were to wear down or break the solution may not be quite as simple. Attempting to make a 30-year-old car as fast, safe, and reliable as a brand new model generally doesn’t make any financial or practical sense. Sometimes the best course of action to save money and avoid breakdowns is a more up to date vehicle.

In computing, many of the same rules hold true. The best solution in each case is always tailored personally to fit you and your own computer.

Bring your machine in to us or give us a call us at (515) 422-1995 to discuss your computer issues. We’ll keep you informed about your machine and advise on the best course of action to get you up and running as quickly as possible.

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