And it can cost them. Get estimates in writing, and pay with a credit card in case a problem arises later. Back up your data, and keep a list of parts, including serial numbers. Charlotte Astalos learned the hard way that it takes some homework before choosing a company to repair or upgrade a computer. Bill Snyder, executive news editor at PC World, says consumers should do their homework before the purchase, checking a brand's reliability and service rating.
References are important, since many smaller businesses can be here today, gone tomorrow.
New computers come with warranties ranging from a year to three years. Some warranties include on-site service, supposedly meaning that the repair tech will come to your house and do everything. However, some companies will send someone to your house only to replace a part. If diagnostics are required, you might have to take the computer to an authorized repair center. In case of a mail-order computer, it might require shipping the machine to the manufacturer.