Frequently Asked Questions:
What are your rates?
We offer hourly rates in general and fixed rates for some routine jobs.
Rates for work done in-house is less expensive; but we also provide on-site service.
Note that some jobs must be done or are better if done on-site (e.g. network troubleshooting)
and visa-versa. For particulars, see Price List.
Back to top
Do you offer fixed pricing?
Yes, for certain jobs. The client may choose whether he/she prefers to be charged by
the hour or by the job. Because of the unpredictable nature of repair and wide variety of problems
encountered, charging by the hour makes more sense in general. In any event, some fixed pricing is
available for those who prefer. See Price List.
Back to top
Do you have a minimum charge?
For on-site work, there is a half-hour minimum, $49. If we are not able to help you during an on-site visit, no charge will apply.
Back to top
Do you still charge even if you can't fix my problem?
No, satisfaction is guaranteed.
Back to top
Do you guarantee your service?
We have a satisfaction guarantee that applies for 72 hours after a job is completed.
We guarantee parts that we provide for 90 days. For more details, see Policies.
Back to top
Do you charge for travel?
Not within Montgomery County, MD.
Back to top
Will you travel to ____?
We will travel anywhere in Montgomery County, MD, as well as some parts of DC
and Prince George's County, MD. For other locations, a surcharge may apply.
Back to top
What are your hours?
Our hours are Monday-Thursday 8:30AM-6:30PM, Friday 8:30AM-4:30PM.
Please call or make an appointment before coming.
Back to top
Can you help me over the phone?
Service-related questions are welcome during business hours.
Phone technical support is not available.
Back to top
Do you service laptops?
Yes. For hardware problems we service Dell, Toshiba, IBM, HP, Sony & Compaq brands. Laptop repair details.
Back to top
Do you service Apple Macintosh computers?
Not at this time.
Back to top
Do you work with Linux machines?
Not at this time.
Back to top
Do you sell new computers and/or parts?
Not in general. However, we will be glad to advise you regarding specifications for a new computer
depending on your requirements and purchase it for you from a name-brand vendor. Our charges for this are the same as for
technical service.
We will also install it for you,
if desired, at our standard hourly fee.
Back to top
What brand(s) of computer do you recommend?
We recommend Dell for desktop computers.
We recommend Dell and Toshiba for laptop computers.
Back to top
Do you sell or rent used computers?
No.
Back to top
Do you buy computers and/or parts?
Not in general. We're happy to hear good offers, though.
Back to top
Can you get my data back?
That depends on several factors. If you are facing a mechanical problem
(do you hear grinding, squealing, or clicking from the hard drive?), then we can't help you with
our tools. Your disk will need specialized handling inside a "clean room" and any attempt to
retrieve data will probably cost at least several hundred dollars.
If only data has been corrupted,
then we may or may not be able to help, but we can't know until we try. We have several tools
that we use to repair data corruption and retrieve files. We usually have good success rates
when the problem is not mechanical.
Back to top
What backup strategy do you recommend?
That all depends on how much you can afford to lose.
We recommend a daily backup of personal and/or work files and a full system backup
about every three months.
We recommend an external hard drive for large amounts of data.
We recommend online backup for small amounts of critical data.
Back to top
|
