In a world in which people use computers to work, communicate, entertain or educate themselves, and also to shop; these devices need to work smoothly. But, no matter with how much care you operate devices, some problems will always appear. This is when you need either computer repair or computer support. This article explains what is the difference between these two terms; so that you can know what you need one or the other. While they are both concerned with the perfect functionality of your computer, they target different problems.
Do You Really Need to Know?
You might ask yourself this question, and it’s a really good one. People use a computer every day, for more tasks than ever before. New problems, more complicated, appear more often than before. As technology evolves, scammers do so too. A lot of alleged “professionals” will claim to know what’s wrong with your computer, lie about the problem, and charge fees for inexistent things. Knowing at least some basic things can save you from such situations.
Imagine having a problem with your computer, and you are located in Henrico VA. You search ‘Henrico VA computer repair’ and then ‘Henrico VA + computer support’, but the results differ. Which one do you need? These two terms are often used interchangeably. And while they are similar, they have different approaches to solving slightly different problems. What does each of those mean, and what exactly do they fix?
Computer Repair: What and How?
It can fix both hardware and software related problems. From removing malware, to software crashes, this type of service is here to help! This kind of help focuses on problem-solving, and it is reactive (meaning that it is the response to a failure, or other kinds of already existing problems). It usually targets a specific problem, and fixes it. But, what are some of the most common problems that need repairing?
• Hardware repairs – It this category we have things like: fixing a broken screen, problems with the hard drive or keyboard, and other similar fixes.
• Software repairs – System errors, crashes and corrupted files fit into this category.
• Malware – Eliminating any threat from your computer (malicious software, or anything that can compromise the computer’s functionality).
• Data recovery – Recovering lost or deleted data (e.g. from a damaged hard drive).
If you have a problem that is most likely to be fixed and not happen again, or a problem that needs physical access to the device, you should choose the Henrico VA computer repair results! Jokes aside, almost any problem that you have that needs fixing, can be fixed by professionals in this field.
Computer Support: The Other Side of the Coin
This type of help is aimed to assist users; it ensures that everything works well, and it helps preventing rather than fixing. But, it will be easier to understand the scope of computer support through examples:
• Troubleshooting – Referring to problems like internet interruptions, or printer connectivity problems.
• Maintenance – Installing updates, optimizing system performance, or running diagnosis.
• Technical assistance – Understanding how to use software application and how the system works overall.
Most of the tasks in this category can be handled remotely, which makes the whole process a whole lot easier. The two words that can describe this are: maintenance and education. It optimized your computer, and it offers technical support.
The Differences Between the Two
There is some overlap between the two, as they both make sure that your computer is working well and safe. The things differentiating them are that the scope and the way the problem is fixed are different. In simple terms, computer repair fixes already existing problems, computer support prevents new problems from appearing. The first one focuses on an individual problem, while the second one encompasses a larger amount of tasks (from system monitoring to user training).
The nature of interaction can also differ based on which one of this services you need. Some things can easily be done remotely, while others necessitate the professional to see and work on the actual, physical computer. You might need to just discuss with the professionals on the phone, or give them access to your computer. In another situation, you might need to take your computer to them, or they can come to you.
Knowing the difference between the two can help you easily identify the type of service you need for your computer. Quickly identifying the problem means quickly finding help, and therefore making the problem go away. Or, as you already learned, preventing any inconvenience from appearing will only make everything easier.
Choose the Correct Professionals
Choosing the right professionals is crucial both for you and your computer. In this case, it’s valuable to know what to look for when trying to choose the people that will work on your computer. As it is probably already expected, experience and credentials are a big plus. People with valid certifications, good reviews and portfolios, are the best and safest option. If they also have some experience, it only means better and quicker results!
Even if it might not seem that important, communication is also something to look for. This means that you will receive clear explanations, details about different options you have, and the estimate cost. The changes on also receiving warranties is bigger with professionals who value communication, because your review and experience matters. Someone who uses technical jargon are those you should avoid, as they only consciously try to confuse you.
Conclusion
While computer repair and computer support target different problems, and have different approaches; they are both vital if you want to have a seamless experience while using your device. The world is more digital than ever, and understanding how your computer works, and what it needs, can save you money and time. A computer is, in a way, like humans. It needs to be taken care of if you want it to work. No matter what you use your computer for, make sure that it always remains a reliable tool by always taking care of it!
