Online Computer Repair
"My computer is running slow and I think it might have a virus. What do you think of those online computer repair services? Are they reliable, or should I take it to a local computer repair shop?"
Computer Repair Without Leaving Your Chair
When your computer breaks down, freezes up, or freaks out, your first response may be to call someone to come and repair it, or take it to your local PC repair guy. But before you pick up the phone or drag your computer out to the car, check out some of the online computer repair services that can often fix your computer right over the Internet.
Of course, if your computer won't even start up, or your Internet connection is not working, then online computer repair is not an option. But for many common problems, such as viruses, spyware, lost files, trouble with external devices, or security issues, an online repair service can be an excellent alternative. Here are some that you can try if the need arises:
PlumChoice Online PC Services has been a provider of online computer support since 2001, serving home and small business customers. PlumChoice uses remote computer technology to access your computer over the Internet, while you watch. In addition to PCs they also provide support for MP3 players, mobile devices, networking issues, printers, digital cameras and software issues. The ability to directly access your desktop alows the tech support person to see what the problem is directly, rather than by a frustrating series of questions and answers over the phone.
Some online repair companies have subscription plans, such as Support.com. They offer tech support any day or time for both computers and peripherals. Prices start at $19.99 a month or $199.99 annually. This is a fine answer for those who tend to have ongoing issues. Not only will they diagnose problems you may have, they can help you hook up a new printer, digital camera, MP3 player or other electronic device for $49.99 or configure and connect wireless network devices for $99.99.
Other companies, such as Tech On Duty can repair your PC remotely, and you can call them for an estimate before committing yourself. Mac & PC Repairs launched online technical support and training last year. For a flat rate, they will diagnose and repair not only computers, but iPhones, iPods, LCD displays or other electronics. You can contact them online or talk to a real human without making a commitment.
Do It Yourself (Or With a Friend) Computer Repair
Sites like AskBobRankin.com, and others such my friend Leo Notenboom's Ask Leo site, or Dave Taylor's Ask Dave Taylor are also available for people who want to find answers to their computer problems, and fix it themselves. Both Leo and Dave are personal friends, and are trustworthy computer experts. If you can't find the answer here, check with them, and tell 'em I sent you!
Here's another option for people that have geeky friends. Using the same type of remote access tools that the services listed above employ, you can invite a friend to connect to your computer over the Internet. Your friend will be able to view your desktop, move your mouse, and hopefully diagnose and fix your problem. See my related articles Remote Access to Your Computer and Remote Assistance for more information on how that all works.
Have you ever used an online computer repair service, or helped a friend via remote desktop access? Post your comment or question below...
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Posted by Bob Rankin on July 21, 2009 08:53 PM
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Article information: AskBobRankin -- Online Computer Repair (Posted: July 21, 2009 08:53 PM)
Source: http://askbobrankin.com/online_computer_repair.html
Copyright © 2005 - Bob Rankin - All Rights Reserved
Most recent comments on "Online Computer Repair"
Posted by:
Jerry Kidd
21 Jul 2009
As the alpha geek in my circle of friends and family I have often been called upon to fix computer problems. The frustration felt by all parties when going through the 20 questions rouine to diagnose an issue was almost a deal killer.
Then I discovered remote control software. I have tried VNC, GoToMyPC and Microsoft's Remote Desktop but absolutely swear by (not at) LinkedIn.
Now if my family or friends want support from me they have to first start by installing LinkedIn on their computers when they first get a computer. That way I can quickly log in and help them out.
Nice, fair and balanced article Bob.
Jerry
Posted by:
Clyde Atwood
22 Jul 2009
I wish I would have thought of this first! Great idea that I will use in the future. The only reason I don't help people using LinkedIn, is because I would have to download, install and configure the software b/4 my friends/family would be able to login so that I could help them. theml
Posted by:
victor
23 Jul 2009
Can someone pls tell me more about LinkedIn and how it works. Funny enough, i just registered yesterday but I dont know how to use it yet and i can't see any software to install.
Thanks Bob, your articles are always great.
I read them here in Nigeria.
Posted by:
Doug Keeling
28 Jul 2009
Very interesting article. There are free services available on the internet. My favorite is Protonic (www.protonic.com). Membership is free. Submit your problem, and a Protonic technician/expert will accept your question, and, via email, work through to a solution. I have used Protonic on several occasions with very satisfactory results.
Posted by:
Karen Westhaver
28 Jul 2009
When I got my first PC back in Win 95 days, and joined the online community, I was entirely self-taught. It didn't take too long before I was over my head with something I couldn't figure out and had overzealously done *something* which mucked things up terribly. Thankfully a good friend had PCAnywhere, and I got PCAnywhere and it was miraculous to see windows open and close, watch my curser move around my screen, all while I was sitting there observing my friend across the country figure out what was wrong and "fix" my computer!
Since then I've learned enough so that if I can't diagnose and deal with something on my own, I've often used the info I've gleaned from your articles, or searched the topic and gotten archived articles about how to do tricky things in removing certain nasty elements of viruses which even involved editing the registry.
I'm a really long time reader of your online magazine (from way back in the "squirrel crossing" notes at the bottom of the page before you got all fancy :-)and credit you as well as recommend you to lots of friends who know far more about computers than I do!
I keep reading, and continue learning! But this remote access concept is fantastic if someone really gets into trouble. Thanks to that and lots of online research, I've never had to take either a PC or a laptop in for hands-on repair.
Posted by:
Murray White
28 Jul 2009
Ever since 2000 when the room PC Tech moved from Firetalk to Paltalk, many users have been helped 24/7 for free via the chat program Paltalk -- www.paltalk.com. PC Tech is one of a few but by far the most popular of the Computer Tech help rooms in Paltalk and helps with all sorts of computer problems and has a website that refers users to an abundance of freeware software programs that are all tested. While PC Tech does not offer nor recommend remote assistance, there is one room that does offer such (unfortunately, often users come to PC Tech to get "refixed"). As admin in PC tech I welcome others to come to the room at anytime and hopefully someone in the room will have the answer to your question.
Posted by:
m. cohen
30 Jul 2009
Two days ago had some problems with the software installed on my computer and called The Geek Network. I found them in my phone book and didn't know anything about them, but gave them a try anyway. I couldn't be more pleased with their fast and efficient service. As he went, he even explained things in a way I could understand. I highly recommend them.
Posted by:
David Cox
30 Jul 2009
I have done a scan of my computer through PC MightyMax 2009 and they say they have located 753 errors which may cause crashing, slowness and program errors.
They say they can repair these faults online but no doubt it will cost me for this service. Is PC MightyMax 2009 a reputable fault finding/repair site or can you recommend a better a better online fault finding and repair service.
EDITOR'S NOTE: MightyMax doesn't have the best reputation, for exactly this reason -- the free version doesn't fix anything. But there are plenty of free options. See http://askbobrankin.com/make_windows_xp_run_faster.html
Posted by:
Irene
05 Aug 2009
I have hard drive with c:10gb,d:80gb,e:10gb,f:80 gb.and then,it always pop up that very low space in drivec:,how can i combine the drive c and f in order to have more space.
Thank you.
EDITOR'S NOTE: This is exactly why I advise people to have ONE large partition. You never know which one will grow beyond your initial guess. Fixing this won't be easy, but this should help: http://askbobrankin.com/changing_disk_partitions.html
See also http://askbobrankin.com/low_disk_space_warning.html
Posted by:
John Novak
08 Sep 2009
I have a problem trying to download the picture files. The camera is a Camedia C-3000 made by Olympus and I can't get it to work with Vista. I loaded the soft ware from the disk but it does not work. I checked Olympus web site and they do not have any new drivers for it. I went to the Microsoft site and tried to download 32 bit soft ware and the computer says it is a 32 bit system? But i don't know because it still does not want to download the pictures. I tried from the camera and a card reader I used with the old computer with XP operating system. The only way I can get pictures is load them at the Walgreens to disk. Does someone have any software that will work with the card reader which is a ZIOI Made by Microtech. I checked the web site microtechint.com but could not get any response of any kind. As I said the software and eqipment worked good but because the other computer does not work I got the new one with Vista.
John