Computer Repair Tools

The difference between laptop computer repair and gall bladder surgery is...well, there isn't much difference because both are pretty expensive! Of course the surgery really is more, but a person who can fix a portable PC really has to have some extensive training because a laptop is a complicated little machine. And just like a surgeon who needs and demands the best surgical equipment to perform at peak level, the technician who opens up a laptop PC needs the right computer repair tools for a successful fix. Anyone who has had to have a portable computer repaired knows that the college geek that everyone seems to know can certainly get bugs out of software, but is not prepared to replace a motherboard in that handy PC with a lid. The difference between a desktop and a laptop computer repair is probably akin to changing the timing belt in a '65 family sedan and a serpentine belt in an '08 import. It's a lot more crowded under there!

Consider the computer repair tools that are needed for a successful operation. There are kits with all these items, but make sure that all kits include the following: wire strippers, magnifying glass for very small parts repair, fine nose tweezers, and precision screwdriver set for very tiny screws, slotted and Phillips head screwdrivers. In addition, regular and needle nosed pliers, mini wrenches, extension bars for tight spaces, soldering stand, soldering gun and soldering iron, heat sink, soldering core and desoldering pump should also be among the tools. Also included should be an anti-static wrist wrap to prevent static electricity for damaging an exposed circuit. But there are also some pretty cool computer repair tools that can't be twisted or wrenched.

Many technicians have the luxury of using software programs that can help diagnose, and in some cases fix an internal problem that a machine might be having. In fact, laptop computer repair has become so technical that some problems could never be diagnosed without this software. In addition, many technicians are able to directly link a sick laptop to the Internet to have the gizmo diagnosed by the machine's maker to diagnose and fix it online. It takes computer repair tools of all kinds to get the job done. It might be very risky for an untrained person to take on such a fix, although there are many online repair tip sites that can walk a person through simpler repair problems.

But one of the difficulties that someone wanting to make a laptop computer repair might face is finding parts for the very tiniest of fixes. For example, if the mechanism that sends signals to the pc after a key is depressed fails, a techie or repairer could potentially have a great deal of difficulty locating the smallest of parts. Going to a business that carries used computer parts, especially parts for the portable kind with lids might be the only solution. "For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved." (John 3:17) But having the right tools is the beginning of a successful fix, and making sure all tools that contribute to the fixing of any electronic equipment are de-magnetized is crucial!

For the people who want to get some real technical data for computer repair tools kits, there are two fairly inexpensive and one pricey electronic devices to help diagnose problems. The first is a Mini-PCI and LPT Post Code tester. This device sells for about forty dollars and when plugged into a desktop or laptop, can give a numeric code to quickly pinpoint hardware problems. The second device, also for about forty dollars, is a PC Post Card tester for ISA/PCI slot. The acronym POST stands for power on self tester. This device aids in locating problems in the power supply. Finally, for six hundred and fifty dollars, a Serial Analyzer Kit checks for serial interfaces that are out of synch.

If a PC with a lid breaks down, seizes up, won't power up or just plain spits in the user's face, the only choice for laptop computer repair may be a technician, so there are some basic things to remember. First, everyone has an uncle that fixes something, and that person may be wonderful at repairing anything, but just make sure that there are references that can be checked. Otherwise, get a certified fix-it person for the particular brand that has the problem. Factory trained technicians are expensive but well worth the price if a person's livelihood depends on the machine's repair. Always ask questions!

If a person chooses to work on a PC at home for the first time, the hope would be that it's an old machine that has no sentimental value. A basic law in computer repair is to turn the machine off, unplug it for five minutes and the turn it back on. Surprisingly, that very simple action has cured a lot of woes that very persnickety machines have had, but the analogy at the top of this article was intentional. Do not open that portable computer with a lid up unless you absolutely have to, because truth says that taking something apart is much easier than putting that something back together. And if a person is absolutely bound determined to attempt an electronic operation, just remember to take things very slowly and think about every step before doing the deed. In fact, to get things back together it might not hurt to take some pictures before the screwdriver does its damage.

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