You’ve heard it before in terms of cars, homes, etc. However, the same is valid for computers; they need regular maintenance, too. Computers have mechanical parts that get wear and tear. Keeping your hardware clean and functioning at its optimum level will ensure that it lasts longer. Your operating system and software also need to go through maintenance with updates, bug fixes, and configurations to make sure that they operate without glitches.
Computer users should see the cost of maintenance as an investment because if the machine can last longer, it can produce more productive hours in its lifetime. If your hardware and software operate at peak levels, you won’t waste time waiting to fulfill commands. If your computer is well maintained, you will experience fewer breakdowns, which can be costly to fix and take away production time while undergoing repair. Also, transitioning to a new machine is a frustrating, time-consuming process since you will have to move your personal and professional data.
A brand new machine can cost between $410 to $2,899 for a quality replacement. Maintenance is often much cheaper, especially if you can extend the computer’s lifetime. Here is what you can expect to pay for proper care:
Remote Services
Remote IT support uses the internet to provide computer service. Online, an IT technician will access your computer and will have the ability to install and uninstall programs, configure settings, upload and download data, and so on.
For remote IT support to work, both you and the technician need to have the same remote access software like Team Viewer or Microsoft Teams. The IT technician will not gain access to your computer without your instruction through the software. The remote software will also let you stipulate how much access the IT technician should have, so you can decide whether they have complete access to your computer or only access to a specific program. While the IT technician does their work, you can watch your screen to learn, monitor, assist, or opt to go for a coffee—the choice is yours.
Remote IT service is available for a one-time fee, or you can “subscribe” where you receive regular maintenance at a flat cost. For subscriptions, you can expect to pay around $15 to $50 a month or $150 to $300 for an annual plan. A remote IT support service can cover many things like adware and spyware cleanup, updates, virus scans and virus protection, file cleanup, hard drive defragmentation, and more.
Remote IT services have gained traction in the new era of social distancing and remote work. It allows IT technicians to serve their customers more efficiently and cost-effective since they do not waste time traveling. It also gives the customer immediate access to support, even if they are on the other side of the world.
Onsite Services
An alternative is something people are more familiar with: onsite IT services. Onsite IT services are affordable computer repair services that come right to your home. Users prefer onsite IT services for their human touch and hands-on approach.
The service usually charges by the hour, which varies depending on the provider. You can expect to pay anywhere from $40 to $100 per hour, depending on your location. Some services provide discounted hourly rates for more time-consuming repairs, or you can schedule a more extensive time block and receive the discounted rate. The discounts vary but hover around 25 percent.
Some of the services commonly provided include:
- Inspecting network or wifi issues that typically take less than one hour to fix
- General repair services for physical damage (just keep in mind that you may have to pay extra for spare parts)
- Disk cleanup to delete unnecessary files and free up your memory
- Virus scan and removal
- Data recovery and backup
Your Due Diligence for Computer Maintenance
Your computer holds a lot of sensitive personal and professional data. So before choosing an IT support services provider, do your homework. Look for online reviews, get references, and check the legitimacy of the business. Once you have chosen a service provider, it is your right to demand assurances about data protection. A reputable IT support company will gladly set your mind at ease with a written agreement.
Note that remote IT services are more suited for operating systems or software problems, while onsite visits work well for hardware and software issues. Both remote and onsite technicians can provide services that even skilled computer users find difficult because they have the experience, skills, and tools. Do your due diligence before selecting a service provider, then choose the service that works best for your situation and budget.
