Computer Issues? Guide to Finding Local Computer Repair

Can my computer be fixed at my home/office or do I need to take it to a repair shop?

Depends on the nature of the problem.

Most mechanical issues are easily handled by on-site repair. Printer hookups or problems, wireless setup, networking or other peripheral. The equipment is there and just needs to be configured properly.

Failed devices that need replacing require the repair tech to have the stock in his vehicle or have to make several trips to complete the repair. Repair shops will have a better stock of power supplies, hard drives, video cards, routers and other gear.

Maintenance and performance issues are another matter and depend largely on the severity of the problem or infection. Though failing devices can account for performance issues, diagnosing the cause of the issue (hardware or software) can take some time.

Performance issues (without evidence of virus) can be addressed using Windows maintenance utilities - msconfig, regedit, disk cleanup, defrag, etc. and file cleanup. This can be done in an hour and is easily done onsite.

If a virus is present and is affecting performance (they usually do), on-site repair may not be the best solution. If you're being charged by the hour, this can be expensive and, possibly, ineffective.

Most of today's virus infections use a rootkit to cloak their detection by antivirus scanners. Rootkits are a serious and growing problem and are difficult to detect.

Removal of a rootkit/virus infection requires a full wipe of the hard (after backing up the data) and re-installation of the operating system (usually Windows).

You'll need an experienced repair shop and one that knows how to diagnose rootkit infections.