Computer repair technicians are abundant in today’s world, providing all sorts of computer services and ultimately, fixing computers. While repair shops seem to be filling up quickly in this competitive field, you can rest assured in knowing jobs are still plentiful.
With the right combination of PC repair skills, computer support skills, and information technology skills, you are practically guaranteed a career in computer repair.
In this guide, you will find everything you need to kick off your computer repair studies. Whether you have a background in technical support or are a complete beginner, we have you covered with the best computer repair classes, books, free resources, and much more.
What Is Computer Repair?
Computer repair, put simply, is the work of fixing computers. Certified technicians offer a variety of computer repair services for various computer problems. The process involves identifying the problem, troubleshooting, and resolving the issue.
Those who work in computer repair have extensive knowledge of both the physical computer hardware, as well as software components. To get into this competitive field, you will need to be able to work on laptops, computers, and everything in between.
What Is Computer Repair Used For?
Computer repair is used for a wide variety of computer problems and issues. Whether it be repairing or replacing parts, solving network issues, or maintaining current parts, computer repair covers it all.
- Repairing and Replacing Hardware. Quite frequently, you will hear of computer repair technicians having to fix or completely replace some of the hardware components in a computer. This could mean pieces such as the hard drive or fan.
- Repairing and Replacing Software. Computer repair often involves software malfunctioning on the computer. If this is the case, technicians work to determine the issue in applications such as Microsoft Office and repair or replace the faulty software.
- Solving Network and Connectivity Issues. If you have ever tried to use your laptop only to find it will not connect to the Internet, you have likely worked with a computer repair technician to solve the issue. This part of the job involves determining if the issue is computer or network related, and finding solutions to the problem.
- Maintaining PC Parts. Maintenance is a part of computer repair that is often skipped or forgotten about. Computer repair technicians will perform routine maintenance on your computer to extend its life by cleaning parts and files, upgrading software, and if necessary, upgrading old PC parts.
Computer Repair Skills
Computer repair isn’t just about the hardware and software. There are a few computer repair skills that all certified technicians will be well-versed in, including virus removal, accessories repair, and data recovery.
Virus Removal
Even with the developments of anti-virus software, people continue to get viruses on their computers all the time. Computer repair technicians must be able to identify if a computer brought to them has a virus, and if so, how to remove it.
Unfortunately, not every virus can be removed. It is just as important for technicians to recognize when it is not possible to salvage the computer as it is to know how to remove viruses.
Accessories Repair
For anyone with an awesome computer setup, you likely have a few computer accessories. Perhaps you have a contoured mouse and keyboard to ease wrist pain or ones that light up for a cool aesthetic effect when developing video games.
Whatever the reasoning, it is frustrating if one of these coveted accessories begins to malfunction. Luckily, any good computer repair technician will be able to repair these accessories. While not everything is fixable, they can help you find a solution.
Data Recovery and Backup
Losing your saved data from your computer is one of the worst feelings ever. It doesn’t matter if that data includes priceless family vacation photos or the final project for your coding bootcamp, the frustration brought on by losing your work is real.
Most certified technicians will recommend setting up an automatic data backup system that uploads your saved work to some sort of cloud, and will gladly walk you through the process. If this advice came to you too late, they are your best bet for recovering any of the lost data.
Learning Computer Repair
So, how do you go about learning computer repair? There are a few different paths you can take. If you enjoy the traditional education route, there are plenty of college degrees in computer science in which you will learn computer repair amongst other things.
For those who like to go against the grain, you can try enrolling in a trade school, or simply teaching yourself. Self-taught computer repair technicians typically learn through a series of classes, tutorials, books, and other online resources.
How Long Does It Take to Learn Computer Repair?
There really is no set time frame when it comes to learning computer repair. For those who choose the route of trade schools, you can learn in as little as six months to a year. College degrees take at least two years, and self-teaching will take as little or as much time as needed.
How to Learn Computer Repair: Step-by-Step
While there are many different paths to learning computer repair, following these steps is a good way to begin your journey. Not every step will apply to you, but they can be skipped or switched around to fit your learning style.
- Begin Learning in High School. It definitely is not necessary to begin learning computer repair in high school. However, those who start the learning journey early have an easier time understanding new concepts and techniques later in life. By starting in high school, you are giving yourself an advantage.
- Consider College or Trade School. Enrolling in a college or trade school program may not work well for you, and that is totally fine. But, it is a fantastic idea to consider both options and at the very least, enroll in one or two classes to see what everyone in your field is learning.
- Take Additional Courses. Think you have taken enough courses to be an expert? Keep taking them anyway. Whether the classes serve as a useful refresher, keep you up-to-date with modern technology, or even teach you new skills you hadn’t heard of, you can never have too much knowledge.
- Apply for Jobs. After learning enough to become a certified technician, you’ll need to list your computer skills on a resume and apply for jobs. Not only is this the best way to get your career going, but it is also a great way to learn hands-on and expand your skill set.
- Gain Experience. Computer repair is one of those fields in which experience is more valuable than a college degree. While having degrees or certificates is an important way to show your skills, having experience often means much more to employers.
The Best Computer Repair Courses and Training
Enrolling in a few computer repair courses is the best way to learn all about operating systems, PC repair, hardware, and software.
Basically, all of the information you will need to learn can be found in in-person, online, or free courses. The following are some of our favorites.
Best Computer Repair Classes In-Person
Some of the best computer repair classes are offered in-person. This is the most traditional learning style and works well for those who struggle with time management and teaching themselves.
Computer Repair Course
- Provider: CellBotics- Atlanta, GA
- Time: January 8, 2021 – January 11, 2021 (4 days)
- Prerequisites: None
- Cost: $2,000
In Atlanta, Georgia, you can enroll in CellBotics’ Computer Repair Course. While $2,000 may seem like a steep fee for a four-day class, the knowledge you will gain from it is priceless.
Not to mention the promise of free guaranteed lifetime support, an included CompTIA A+ book worth $175, and the certification of completion you will receive at the end of the course.
Computer Information Services Program
- Provider: Fortis College- Cuyahoga Falls, OH
- Time: 12 months
- Prerequisites: None
In Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, you can enroll in Fortis College’s Computer Information Services Program. While this is more than one course, it is the perfect way to learn computer science in about one year. If you aren’t sure about completing a full program, there is no harm in enrolling to test it out and see if you like it.
Best Computer Repair Courses Online
Enrolling in online courses can be the best way for busy people to get an education. While these courses often require a bit more discipline, they present fantastic opportunities to further your education and advance your career.
Computer Repair: A Guide for Beginners
- Provider: Udemy
- Prerequisites: None
- Cost: $19.99
One of the cheapest courses on this list is Udemy’s Computer Repair: A Guide for Beginners. This course only costs $19.99 and offers 1.5 hours of on-demand video lectures that will be available for life. After taking this course, you should feel comfortable fixing basic issues with computers.
Advanced Laptop Motherboard Repair Course
- Provider: Udemy
- Prerequisites: None
- Cost: $69.99
This Advanced Laptop Motherboard Repair Course from Udemy is a bit more specific and aimed at those with at least an intermediate understanding of computer and PC repair. For $69.99, you can learn how to repair a laptop’s motherboard, which as you will find out, is a common issue brought to computer repair technicians.
Best Free Computer Repair Courses
What better way to learn computer repair than for free? By taking these free online courses, you can become a fantastic computer repair technician without paying a single penny.
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Computer Repair (Free Online Video Training)
- Provider: Urban Areas
- Prerequisites: None
- Cost: Free
Urban Areas offers a totally free online video training course for computer repair beginners. This course is designed to teach you the most common computer issues and how to fix them. After completing the 20 video lessons, you will be able to complete the most basic computer and PC repairs.
Building an IT Technician’s Toolbox
- Provider: Udemy
- Time: 2 hours
- Prerequisites: None
- Cost: Free
While Udemy’s free two-hour course about building an IT technician’s toolbox may not immediately scream “computer repair course,” it is one of the best you can take when preparing for computer repair jobs. This course helps you build the perfect USB toolbox to fix most computer repair issues.
Best Computer Repair Books
Computer repair courses are a fantastic way to learn, but reading books about the subject is a great way to stay engaged. Whether you choose to start by reading books or use this method as a learning aid, these three books are some of the best to choose.
Upgrading and Repairing PCs, Scott Mueller
Scott Mueller’s Upgrading and Repairing PCs is an awesome guide for both those who intend to start a career in PC repair and those who want to learn for their own PC issues. This book covers common issues that arise in their computers when trying to upgrade or simply run daily tasks.
How Computers Work and What to Do When They Don’t, Matthew R. Baker
How Computers Work and What to Do When They Don’t is a funny and informational guide by Matthew R Baker to help you identify what exactly is wrong with your computer. This book dives into both the mechanics of computers and how to solve the various problems that may arise.
CompTIA A+ Certification All-in-One for Dummies, Glen E. Clarke, Edward Tetz, Timothy L. Ward
Who doesn’t love a good For Dummies book? In this CompTIA A+ Certification All-in-One for Dummies by Glen E Clarke, Edward Tetz, and Timothy L Ward, you will find everything you need to know to become CompTIA A+ certified.
Computer Repair Certifications
One of the best things you can do when searching for jobs is list certifications on your resume. These are two of the best certifications you can earn for a career in computer repair.
CompTIA A+ Certification
Everyone working in computer repair has heard of the CompTIA A+ certification, but what does it actually entail? After rigorous training, you can take the CompTIA A+ certification exam to prove to employers that you know your stuff.
This certification is considered the industry standard for all computer and information technology careers. Having this certification listed on your resume is the best way to show employers that you would be a valuable employee to have.
Microsoft 365 Certified: Fundamentals
Everyone either knows of or uses Microsoft, so being Microsoft 365 certified is one of the best certificates you can get as a computer repair technician. While it is easy to say you know how to use and navigate Microsoft 365, it is a completely different thing to be certified. With this certification, you can prove yourself as an expert.
Obviously, the more certifications you have, the more impressed potential employers will be. Earning both the CompTIA A+ certification and the Microsoft 365 certification will make you quite the competitor against other candidates, but some employers will require additional certifications, so be sure to check their requirements before applying.
Best Online Computer Repair Resources
Even after taking a multitude of courses, reading books, and earning certifications, there will likely still be things you haven’t learned. Most experts will admit that they are still learning new things every day, and using these three online resources can help you to continue learning and growing as a certified technician.
Bleeping Computer
Aside from having a punny name, Bleeping Computer is full of wonderful resources for computer repair technicians to use. From various downloads to guides, tutorials, and even awesome deals on common computer repair expenses, this website is your go-to. You can also check the latest computer-related news here to keep up with everything tech.
Dummies
Dummies, contrary to the name, is made for computer repair novices and experts alike. This website is full of goodies for those interested in PC repair. From operating systems to modems, there are hundreds of articles that have you covered. No matter how much you think you know, Dummies will show you there is always more to learn.
TechGuy
Tech Guy or Tech Support Guy is a forum-based website for the computer and PC repair community. While there are a few rules you have to follow to be allowed to post on this website, this is one community you will want to be a part of. Whether you have questions that need to be answered or want to share your own tips and tricks, Tech Guy is the forum for you.
Should You Study Computer Repair?
The age-old question of “should I or should I not?” can plague even the most decisive of people. It can be intimidating to jump into a new field, especially if you are unsure of the opportunities in the field. But, in the field of computer repair, you can take comfort in knowing certified technicians will always be needed.
If you have a knack for technology and a love for PC repair, you should definitely study this career path. Whether you want to start a career in the field or simply want to know for your own personal use, this is one skill that will always be useful.
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