How Much Does Computer Repair Cost?
The average price per hour for computer repairs ranges between $120 to $150. For example, a hard drive replacement could take two hours costing roughly $300.
Staring ahead at the computer screen, anxiously awaiting a web page to load, you finally admit maybe there’s a problem with the computer.The computer is only six months old, so there’s no reason a web page should take 30 seconds to appear. Maybe there’s a problem with the software that’s causing delays.
Then you realize that Adobe update you clicked on a few weeks ago may not have been from Adobe.
Web-based malware is often the culprit for computers running slower than normal. Oftentimes users don’t realize malware is on their Mac or PC until they’re taken to websites they don’t recognize, their search engines change or their computers slow down.
Users can find and fix malware problems on their own, for free. But sometimes users prefer to call computer repair professionals to fix these and other problems.
“It’s really more of a personality question versus their skills,” says Nick Veloutsos, owner of Nerdcore computers Services in Hughesdale
What is malware?
Malware is any program installed on a computer that doesn’t belong. Most malware lands on computers when users click on legitimate-looking pop-up icons telling them to update their software, Nick says.Often malware will make subtle changes to your system, including adding attachments to your web browser’s toolbar, or changing your homepage. While these may seem innocuous, the more malware your computer gathers, the slower it runs.
“The more of those little things you have, the slower your computer will get, and the greater the chances that things are going to go wrong,” Nick says.
Removing malware
Users can eliminate malware themselves if they’re confident enough to navigate a computer’s settings.“It’s going through the program list and removing what doesn’t belong,” Nick says.
But Jones also has clients who aren’t comfortable altering their computer’s settings, largely out of fear of breaking something.
The cost of hiring a computer professional varies by provider. Jones charges $120 per hour, though sometimes during service calls he’s also able to answer questions and solve other tech-related problems for clients.
Hiring a computer repair professional
If you do hire a professional to check your computer’s software, it’s important for them to physically be on-site to check your system.Service providers can use software to access your computer remotely, without ever setting foot in your home. But because there are multiple forms of malware it’s nearly impossible to provide a one-size-fits-all solution for a slow computer. Technicians should also physically check the computer to make sure there aren’t signs of larger problems, such as a fan that never stops running, Nick says.
That’s difficult to do without ever leaving the office.
“You’re basically fighting with one hand tied behind your back,” Nick says.
Computer hardware problems
Not all computer problems are software related. If your computer won’t turn on, chances are you have a hardware problem.Hard drives are the most common and practical computer parts to replace. The equipment costs between $60 and $100, and the job takes about two hours. Jones says replacing a hard drive is roughly a $300 job.
Before paying for a hardware repair, consider the age of your computer. If you have a six-year-old computer that needs several hundred dollars in new parts it might be time to buy a new one.
Ring 1300Nerdcore to speak to a professional about any computer related problems. Fixed price quotes at affordable prices.