Okay, so your computer has stopped working for whatever reason. Is it the hard drive? The processor? Is it some adware, a Trojan, a virus? Has a chip on the RAM blown or the CPU overloaded?

Should you hire a computer repair service, or should you buy yourself a new computer?

It can be a very difficult decision, one you will base upon your finances and the age of your computer.

If your computer is more than a few years old it may not be cost effective to repair it. For example, if the motherboard blows then unless you can find one of a similar age on ebay you will have to replace the processor, heat sink and memory as well because your originals are not likely to work in your new motherboard.

The cost factor should also be taken into account when thinking about computer repair. Buying a new computer could cost you up to ten times more than repairing your existing computer.

There is also the environmental impact of buying a new computer - what do you do with the old one? Do you throw it out to go rot in a landfill and pollute the environment or do you pay to have it properly disposed of? Or do you do what so many of us do and shove it in the back of the attic or garage and forget about it until it becomes an antique.

The final consideration is your technical skill. Whilst computers have become easier for the novice to use and work with, they are still technical concerns. Many of us have enough trouble programming the VCR let alone changing the processor in a computer.

You need to also realise that a computer is, after all, a delicate piece of equipment and is still sensitive to dust and static - in fact you can seriously damage your computer if you do not take the appropriate precautions. I have many customers who have tried to fix their own computer and inadvertently blown their processor or memory because they failed to take the proper anti-static precautions.

You should never touch the connectors or chips on any computer card. Ideally you should always store memory and computer cards in proper anti-static bags to avoid this damage. Again, I get people coming to me with some memory they bought out of a bucket at a computer fair or boot sale wondering why it doesn't work.

It really is worth taking the time to hire a professional computer repair service to fix your computer, not only can they probably do the job quicker than you could, but they will do it properly and without any risk of damaging your computer.

Hiring a professional computer repair service will ensure your computer is fixed quickly, easily and efficiently - with the least cost to you. Not only that, but you can get advice from a professional about how to keep your computer running efficiently and free from viruses, adware and Trojans.