Hire Computer Experts for Support: Amateur Repairs are Risky

We’ve all tried to repair things we think we can fix. Unfortunately, our confidence in our abilities sometimes exceeds the reality of the challenge at hand. Computer services are some of the riskier tasks SMBs might attempt without sufficient knowledge or experience. The problem is that smaller businesses want to save money everywhere they can. Sometimes, this approach results in “pennywise but pound foolish” outcomes. They often find out too late that they should have hired a computer expert.

Don’t DIY: Rely on Computer Experts

Ironically, SMBs’ attempts at DIY repairs can end up costing more time and money than hiring PC experts. So here are some important things to consider before attempting to do it yourself:

• You Might Think You Know What You’re Doing – Our egos sometimes get in the way. By attempting to do computer repairs without expertise, you run the risk of getting stuck. If your system goes down and the repairs are beyond your knowledge, your business can go down, too. By the time you have added up the costs of time and effort wasted, the consequences are more costly than they would have been if you had hired a PC expert. Sometimes we just need to accept what we don’t know.
• Do You Have the Required Tools and Parts? – Computer repair is a specialized field. Once you remove the housing from your computer, do you know how to test, remove and replace hardware? Do you know how to safely work with your computer’s internal components? If parts are required, do you have access to certified replacement parts? If you cannot answer “Yes” to these questions, you should be enlisting the help of professional IT support specialists.
• Will You Know if Your Computer is Beyond Repair? – Like everything in life, computers wear out. Every device has a different life span, and it is essential to know when to cease repairs and start replacements. All systems are different, but there is always a point when buying new hardware is the less expensive and more reliable option.
• Business-Paralyzing DIY Disasters – Every IT professional has had clients who have made computer problems much worse than they’d be if they had called them earlier. IT support specialists can test and troubleshoot the problems and clearly understand the issues at hand. They can more readily ascertain whether the problems are hardware- or software-related. Top PC experts will not get stuck in an endless trial-and-error cycle. Also, when they have completed their work, your computer will either be up and running or they will tell you why it can’t be repaired.

SMBs struggle with the IT issues related to operating their businesses. Many cannot justify hiring full-time IT staff and flinch before seeking out computer services. However, the reality is that computer hardware repairs, software updates, cyber security and network connections are best maintained by IT experts. One of the best things about our new and expanded remote access work environment is that much of the analyses and repairs can be done remotely. However, some require immediate on-site attention to keep your business operational. In either case, professional help is the best choice for maintaining and repairing your devices and network.

SMBs Need IT Support Specialists

Unfortunately, most small to midsized businesses have neither the time nor the expertise to waste on most IT repairs. As we mentioned, tasks such as troubleshooting computer problems are difficult for employees and managers without tech experience. Also, employees with non-IT-related jobs cannot be expected to be available at all hours to perform IT repairs.

Managed IT and Computer Services

Managed IT services have become a vital 24/7/365 operation for small to midsized businesses. Your computers and all your networked devices must be regularly monitored and maintained. Also, established security protocols and defenses must be in place at all times. With the expanded use of remote and work-from-home employees, having a team of IT professionals to support your systems is vital for your business's smooth and cost-effective operation. An IT support team can devise managed IT plans customized for your SMB and its unique needs. In addition, they can train your staff; update your software; and operating systems; inspect, monitor and repair your hardware; and provide iron-clad cyber security for all your devices and networks.

Choose a company that specializes in small business outsourced IT and customized managed IT services. Be sure their team of experts is comprised of specialists in different areas of IT services, serving clients on site and remotely for Macs, PCs and all your connected devices. When your system needs service, they will perform on-site computer repairs if required. As your business grows, expands its network and adds more devices such as smart controls, smart devices, wireless access and remote access, your network's cybercrime vulnerability and need for cyber security will grow, too. In addition to maintaining the hardware, software and security, employee training and regular IT support must be ongoing. New users and new devices will require additional training to use those devices securely. Hardware and software installation and maintenance, repair, cyber security and network protection are all interconnected and must be consistent and proactive.

Your SMB’s network and devices that connect to it must be monitored and maintained by computer experts. Call (877) GEEK-AID (877-433-5243) for the professional IT expertise required to keep your business systems running efficiently and securely.