The best recommendations for repair techs come from friends, family and co-workers. Ask around for recommendations. Be sure to ask if they were satisfied with the repair or not.

Telephone several repair shops. Ask the following questions:

• What are your diagnostic fees?
• What are your repair fees? Is there an hourly rate in addition to a specific repair cost?
• Do they come to your site? If so, what are the fees? Do you pay for travel time?
• How long does the average repair take?
• Do they guarantee their work?
• You may be able to gauge your comfort with a shop from the telephone call. Were they polite and courteous?
• Did they answer your questions willingly or grudgingly? Did they show that they want your business?

If you don't like the interaction, try another. If possible, you may want to check for any complaint about the shop with the local Better Business Bureau or government consumer agency.

OK, now that you have called those other computer geeks, you now know Techtrospect Computer Solutions is the best repair shop in town, hint, hint (shameless plug), we can move on to how to get your computer ready for service call.