Computer PC Repair Melbourne

The majority of computer pc repairs I find are for problems which are software based. That means there is no cost for parts, just the time to fix the problem.

The most common problem which affects a lot of people at some time is a virus infection. Like it or not, when we’re connected to the internet we’re exposed to the possibility of infecting our computer with a virus. No one is safe is from a newly released virus as it can take 24-72 hours before their anti-virus software is updated with new signature files.

People should backup their data because with some very bad virus infections, it is possible the computer may need to have the operating system reinstalled. If you don’t have a copy of your data it could be lost. In quite a few cases we’ve backed up people’s data before removing the virus which ensures their data is not lost. I now provide a free online tool to enable clients to create a backup script which they can run to backup their data easily.

The next common problem are computers running slow. As you use computers you install software. Often you click on a link on a web page and install software inadvertently. For example how many toolbars do have showing in your browser and you have no idea how they got there. Even anti-virus software which is supposed to help us, if you purchase some anti-virus programs the impact on the speed of the computer can be significant. Installing Apple iTunes is a performance killer for an older computer. I’ve even seen clients with a number of camera software packages installed for cameras that have long since died. On a number of occasions I’ve had clients who wanted a new computer, but once their computer was cleaned up, it ran faster than they needed and there was no longer a need for a new computer.

If there is a hardware problem I’m able to isolate the problem and advise the client what to do next. I had an unusual problem recently I’d not seen before, where the hard disk was faulty and on hot days would cause the computer to freeze. Whilst I’d seen many computers freeze before, I’d never seen a hard disk behave like this. There is an irony that a hot day can cause a computer to “freeze”.

Computers usually have a life expectancy of 3-5 years, or even longer. During the lifetime of the computer most problems are software related. Towards the end of the life of the computer if a hardware failure does occur, then this is when you need to weigh up the cost of repair over the purchase of a new computer. The cost of labour plus parts can often go a long way towards paying off an entry level new computer, which is now faster and has more capabilities than the ageing computer. In the case of the faulty hard drive mentioned above, the computer also required a replacement DVD drive, a floppy drive and a hard disk drive. Add those to the cost of labour, reinstalling the operating system, applications and data, and a repair of the hardware was not economically viable. At this point you need to make sure you look after your own interests. If you take the computer to a repair shop in this condition they will repair it for you, but they won’t necessarily advise you to save your money and put it towards a new computer. They make their money by doing the repairs. On the other hand a computer retailer will simply tell you to buy a new computer. If a business is a good business and looks after you, they will let you know your options. Seeking independent advice is an option and can help you make a better decision and save you money in the long run.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au