We are eligible to answer this question since we at our repair center have been repairing computers, laptops, and monitors for years. Our clients’ testimonials speak for themselves:
“I thought my HP Pavilion was beyond repair, but amazingly they got it sorted and as good as new!”
- Tom, Casino Mate player
“First class work, I traveled from West Pasco as I knew I would have the service done properly”
- Simon, Repair Center client
The question we get asked more than any other about computer servicing is – ‘how often should I get my laptop serviced?’ This is not as straightforward to answer as you might think. Of course, we would love everyone to bring their PC into us every six months for a service, but this is simply not the case. How often you need a service depends on a number of factors:
#1 Freezing
We all know the signs of a sick computer. You might be lucky enough to only experience one or two symptoms at a time, but if your computer is crashing randomly, restarting without you, or freezing up completely, it’s a sure sign there’s something wrong with it.
#2 Zapping Noise
Your computer might not be working right if you hear any of these sounds:
- a constant screeching sound
- clicking noises when your computer boots up or shuts down
- grinding noises while it’s running. It’s time to take your computer in for repairs.
Before long, those noises will start to get worse and soon you’ll hear a zapping sound from the inside! That means it’s time for an emergency computer treatment.
#3 Blue Screen
If you’re reading this, chances are your computer has a blue screen with white text about the error shown up. Obviously, here’s a problem and you should get it checked out ASAP!
The blue screen is also known as the stop error or stop screen. When your computer encounters an error, it shows this blue page to signify that there was an issue. There are many different errors that can show up on the blue screen and each one has its own set of solutions depending on what caused it.
While Microsoft has not released an official statement on what causes it, it’s believed that it is caused by hardware issues with components such as RAM chips and video cards.
#4 High Computer Temperature
Regardless of the cause, if your CPU overheats, there can be long-term damage to both the processor and motherboard that could lead to more expensive repairs down the road. Among others, these are the common factors that cause your computer to overheat: poor airflow in the case due to dust and dirt buildup; heat coming from other components such as video cards and power supplies; and overclocking (overclocking too much on your motherboard). Knowing what to do when this happens is crucial.
#5 It Is Slow
It’s frustrating when your PC starts to slow down, especially if it wasn’t so bad a few days ago. It can be hard to figure out what is wrong. Are we right? There are many factors that could be slowing your laptop down. Professional repair servicemen may help you identify the culprits. For instance, it can be software issues. Yes, software updates will sometimes break old programs or drivers on your computer, which in turn can slow it down or you have your anti-virus software or firewall running all the time, even though you don’t use it for anything other than scanning old files once in a while.
Conclusion
It’s not always easy to know when it is time for a computer repair. However, if you have noticed any of these five signs, then you might want to take action soon:
- Computer slows down significantly;
- Programs are freezing up more often;
- Windows stops responding or reboots unexpectedly;
- You get the “blue screen of death” on startup;
- Your internet connection seems slower than usual.
Finally, should I ask experts or do the fixing by myself? There is a great deal to know about computers and most people can’t fix them without help. When it comes to repairing computers, not everyone has the skills necessary to be successful at it.
Many people believe they are capable of fixing their own computer problems without assistance from a technician or other specialist. This belief may lead to increased technical support calls and unnecessary repairs by an expert if it is not warranted. We think that it’s best to call a professional when the cost outweighs the potential benefits.
