What Type of Business is This?

“Computer Repair” or ”PC Repair” means fixing a problem related to software or hardware. Usually, PC hardware cannot be repaired, but must be replaced. After defective hardware is replaced, the computer is considered “repaired.” Software like Windows or Office can usually be fixed by using scanning utilities, the registry editor, and other tools or tricks. Identifying which technique to use is where real skill and experience becomes necessary. Sometimes reinstalling, upgrading or replacing software is the easiest, fastest and/or best option, but as a consequence, program settings and other data are lost.

Identifying a Good Computer Technician

Experienced technicians ensure that data loss doesn’t occur for any reason. They should also be able to quickly and accurately identify any problem. They should know how to wire networks, write short programs, and develop tools or solutions to help themselves and their customers in as few words as possible. Technicians must also have incredible patience to assist unknowledgeable customers/clients with frustrating issues, especially clients who don't have time to understand anything about the computer aside from the time and money required until after the job is complete. Lastly, the technician should be able to price computer repair or I.T. projects very accurately.

Other Qualities of a Superior Technician

Technicians may also need to be capable of delivering fully constructed servers that match the customer’s business demands, both present and future, writing a well-thought out presentation with price quotes and time lines, and offering a fair contractual agreement with the customer for priority IT service in the future. They should have basic skills in programming routers and switches, such as those offered by HP or Cisco. No professional technician should ever promise to offer the impossible or become stumped in the middle of a project.

IT or Managed Services and the Contracts

Obtaining a contract for IT services is accomplished by first meeting with a Managed Services Provider(M.S.P.) or IT Services Provider. Usually, the IT Service Contract is a one year commitment with a monthly fee that keeps the technician or IT provider on retainer. The more problems the customer has, the more the technician works for his money. As such, the technician is strongly incentivized to persue a proactive threat-prevention strategy for their customers so he doesn't have to revisit them for an emergency. This is a very mutually beneficial arrangement. Other advantages include:

• Provider assumes control of all or part of the speed of execution
• Committed scope and term
• Pricing tied to service levels where appropriate
• Provider managed company, delivery, processes and tools
• Provider assumes the risk of transitions of operations

Alternatively, an IT manager or other educated employee would tyipcally have no commitments relative to outputs... His/her time would be limited to their shift, and the employer is responsible for all tools and format of service delivery. Also, all risk remains with the company who handles their own IT.