Save on computer repair

Need to get a computer repaired, but don't want to spend a lot of money? Here are some tips:

Does your computer really need to be repaired? Consider running diagnostic programs to try to pinpoint the problem. Check out these directions from eHow to help you get started. It could be that your problem is due to viruses or malware; install a virus protection program and have it run regularly.
Take a class to learn to repair it yourself. You can look for a live class in your community. Technical colleges will offer training to become a repair professional, but this is a very expensive option and probably goes beyond what you need. Instead, check out your local community college, or the county public school system may offer evening classes at a technical high school. Be sure to check out what will be covered in the class, whether you will need hardware or software to work on assignment at home or if all work will be done in class, and what tuition and fees will be charged.
Or, look for a computer repair class online. There are lots of options - just do an Internet search. But read in detail what the expense will be, what you will learn, and what equipment you'll need.
Don't want to learn to do it yourself, or you think the repair is beyond your abilities? Check sources in your area to get your computer repaired. You can ask around for references from friends and family - that's often the best way to find good service people.
Or, you can search on the Internet for computer repair professionals in your area. Be sure to check several different keywords to find companies. For instance, if you're in Tucson, Arizona, you might try PC repair Tucson, computer repair Tucson, or Tucson computer repair.
Once you've found a few companies, give them a call and tell them about your problem. It's possible that they may give you advice over the phone on how you can fix your problem easily. Or they may suggest that you bring in your computer for them to check out.
When choosing a company, ask about their fees: is there a charge just to diagnose the problem, or do they diagnose for free? What is their per-hour charge? If you need parts, do you have to purchase from them, or can you get the replacement parts from another, possibly cheaper source? How much experience do they have? 20 years or more experience, which Datadrive in Tucson, Arizona has, is a great track record. But 5 or more years of experience is certainly enough.
Once you get an estimate, consider whether it is worth fixing the computer, or would purchasing a new one be more economical?