Taking a computer in for repairs or upgrades ranks right up there with a root canal.
Costs can spiral out of control and the box can get stuck in the shop for days.
Upgrades aren't really rocket science anymore. Adding RAM, a new 3-D graphics card or even a new hard drive can be done at home or in the office. In most cases it's as simple as sticking the new hardware in the proper slot, loading software and letting Windows do its thing. Repairing your own computer presents a separate set of challenges. You'll first have to determine whether the problem involves hardware or software.