Repairing Computers May Be Easier (and More Profitable) Than You Think.
By Herbert Ehlers
There are many ways to make money with your computer, including computer repair. Even if you don't want to repair computers for other people, you can save a bundle by repairing your own.
Repairing computers doesn't not require a lot of technical training. If you know how to use a screwdriver, you can make extra money repairing used computers from your home. In the USA, more than 80 percent of desktop computers are IBMs and compatibles. These are especially easy to assemble, disassemble, and repair because they are modular. In other words, they use a separate plug-in power supply, a main board, and a variety of boards that plug into the main board.
The best way to acquire the basic skills you need is to buy some used computers and work on them. If you use this method, don't pay too much for used computers because, after all, they aren't worth much.
IBM computers and IBM compatibles basically consist of a case, power supply, main board (usually called a "mother board"), various boards that plug into the main board, a hard disk drive, and one or more floppy disk drives, an external keyboard that attaches to the computer through a cable, and an external monitor that also attaches to the computer through a cable. Most of them also have a CD-Rom drive, a modem, and a mouse.
Common sense will repair a lot of computers. If a computer won't come on, what is the most obvious trouble to look for? Check to see if it's plugged into a working electrical outlet. I've been called to work on more than one computer that had nothing wrong with it, except that it wasn't plugged in. Another common trouble is a defective power cord. Keep a good cord handy. Also keep a 110-volt extension light handy. Plug that into the electrical outlet to verify that you have a working outlet.
Keyboards can also cause problems. They have a cable that plugs into the back of the computer. It'll take about one minute to disconnect the old keyboard and plug in a known good keyboard. Plugging in a good keyboard is an easy way to eliminate the keyboard as a possible cause of trouble.
Many times, people will leave a floppy disk that they have been using, in the A drive when they turn the computer off. Then when they try to use the computer again, it can't find the operating system and displays the message: "Non-system disk error." All you need to do is remove the floppy disk and press any key.
Sometimes, monitor, keyboard ad printer cables aren't connected tightly. They work loose and cause problems. Always check these cables to be certain they're making good connections.
An in-depth technical discussion is beyond the scope of this article. However, you'll be surprised about how many computers you can repair by using these simple, common sense suggestions.
Herbert Ehlers started using and repairing computers in 1980. Now he uses his knowledge and experience to publish a computer newsletter. For information, send three first-class stamps to:
Herbert Ehlers 117 Lowry Rd Anderson, SC 29621
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