Austin Computer Repair Advice Column
If you’ve had the fortitude to read my previous rants, you’ve been introduced to my philosophy about Computer Repairs and Service. The “Don’t Replace it, Repair it, Onsite Computer Services should be affordable, reliable, and effective” - message is by now, I’m sure, very clear to most.
This time I want to address the self-styled Do-It-Yourself Home PC Computer Techs out there who are fearless and resourceful and aren’t burdened by any apprehensive inhibitions when it comes to opening up their own desktop and laptop computers and diving in. First of all Austin, Texas is a high-tech city with major companies like Dell, IBM, and Samsung dotting its landscape. So the rational minded individual can naturally conclude that there are a lot of Home computer and small business network users who feel comfortable setting up their own computer systems and LANs (even wireless networks), cleaning out Viruses and Spyware, etc. This is a good thing because more people are becoming enlightened and educating themselves in the field of computer repair and contributing to overall productivity in the process, which in turn helps the local economy.
There are some pitfalls to the DIY mindset:
First, If you are a developer, or programmer, or other assorted guru, don’t assume you know what to do concerning computer hardware, just because you can work magic in the world of high-level code. You need to get familiar with the basic physical structure of the machine that produces the machine level code and proven diagnostic methods. For example, If you don’t want to call the likes of CPU or other full time onsite computer technician first, at least use “The Google”. You’d be surprised what kind of revelations you can get from a quick consultation with the oracle.
Allow me to dramatize - Case in Point - (aka “Don’t try this at home”):
I was once contacted by an individual who made the fatal mistake of underestimating his computer hardware and pulled the heat sink off his motherboard only (presumably to fix something - although the only reason to do this is to replace it, your CPU Fan, or your Main Processor) to find some strange looking pins on the bottom, “What are those things? Hmm…. looks like everything is ok with the heat sink, though , so I’ll just put it back…(just checking). Ummmh…there…..Funny, the clips are tighter than I thought they would be, I’ll just press the heat sink down a little more and see if that helps. Ahh,… there, its back in place, nice and tight. Wait a minute?!!!…whats that strange beeping sound coming from my motherboard, and why isn’t my monitor lighting up when I turn my computer on?!!! I put everything back, why isn’t it working?!!!”.
Rude Awakening #1 (Cue in Theme to 2001 space Odyssey…If only todays computers were, like Hal - “What are you doing, Dave?… Why are you forcing my main processor back into its socket 9000 without lining up the pins? I’ve concluded that you’ve gone mad, Dave, and I will have to take corrective action”…transmission over… I dream of the days when computers can help save us from our selves, with, of course, certain ethical protocol firmware hardwired into their CMOS least we end up with BSG Cylons or liquid metal Terminators). Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by HAL 9000 do not necessarily reflect the views of CPU or its management.
The moral of the story is this: Don’t assume you know what your doing in an area your not trained in, just because you work in an air conditioned office and have a title longer than your name on the personnel sign-in sheet. Breakdown and use “The Google” or call CPU today (512) 351-7841.
(Tech Tip: Thermal Creme often gums up with the intense heat of the processor, and often causes it to stick to the bottom of the heat sink when you pull it out - its not mean’t to be put back in while still adhered to the bottom of the heat sink - even if you realize what it is in time (I give credits) - try separating them and putting the processor back in first). Use Tech Tips at your own risk - CPU is not responsible for your inability to determine your own inability.