Differences between Intel & AMD Processors

This video will help you decide which processor is best for you and hopefully explain the differences between Intel & AMD Processors

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Beware of "No Fix No Fee" Offers !

Beware of "No Fix No Fee" Offers !

15th Feb 2012

There are a several computer repair companies who offer something called a "No-Fix No-Fee" computer repair service. This is supposed to mean that if they cannot fix it then you won't be charged and generally speaking this is true but it really depends on how you define the word "Fix".

Professional computer repair companies will usually charge an "inspection fee" to diagnose what the problem might be. This is sometimes called a "Bench Fee" and will be a minimal charge for the engineers time. Quite simply because once the problem is properly diagnosed, the customer is free to choose whether to proceed or not. Most do, but equally many choose not to to proceed.

On a "no-fix no-fee" basis the engineer is then out of pocket. and effectively provided his or her knowledge and experience for free.

There are many different types of computer problem that can be caused by a number of different things, that can occur and most people would expect to pay for diagnosis and repair. A lot of system file damage can be done by certain viruses for example.

If someone has had their computer for some time, they will probably have it looking and running exactly the way they want it. To the customer the word "Fix" means that they want their computer exactly as it was previously. They want their emails and documents in the right place and they want all their installed software working, together with all the necessary driver software.

To a lot of PC engineers the word "Fix" means "Can this computer boot Windows and does the customer still have their data ?" This does not necessarily resolve the problem that caused the error in the first place. The error will therefore most likely happen again at some other point in the future, probably when you least expect it.

A good competent PC engineer will do a couple of simple checks to try and eliminate this possibility. First they will check the date stamp on the hard drive unit itself, fitted inside the machine. If it is more than about 5-6 years old then it is probably time for it to be replaced. Hard drives being mechanical do wear out with age. They will also advise on whether repair is economically viable based on your requirements. Computer Solutions always carry out these basic checks and advise accordingly

If the problem is motherboard related then these can sometimes be repaired, although it can be expensive. and prices of new desktop motherboard's start quite low.

Laptop motherboards are however quite a different matter. This type of repair will never usually be carried out on site, as the machine will have to be dismantled and will require specialist attention.

So no-fix no-fee is really dependent on how you define the word "fix" and can the suggested repair be proven for long enough to call it a "fix".

In short be careful with "No-Fix No Fee" as your definition of a fix and your expectations may be wildly different from the service you actually receive.

As the old saying goes "There really is no such thing as a free lunch !"