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Repair Shop

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by info

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Hi,
I want to open a computer repair shop with 4 stations.
What do I need for each station?
I also want to provide computer repair training to inner city students.

I would like to know everything that is needed to make it a successful experience.
Tools, software, etc...

Thanks.

13 replies

by dmiles

See the following sites
1)http://re-direct-west.inktomi.com
2)www.pcprofessor.com/
3)www.computertrainingschools.com/faqs/computer-repair
www5.overture.com/d/sr

No spaces in the URL

by thechas

ESD mat and ground strap.
#1 and #2 Phillips screwdrivers
1/8" and 3/16" flat blade drivers.
Both english and metric nutdriver sets
side cutters
needle nose and standard pliers
tweezers
Multi-meter
surge protected outlet strip
Monitor, kybd, mouse, joystick, speakers
serial, parallel, usb, firewire test tools/devices.

boot /startup floppies for all OS versions. (Physically modified to always be write protected.)
A selection of general purpose driver CDs
Your favorite test and diagnostic utilities on CD and /or floppies.

cabinet of;
assorted PC hardware
assorted cables
connector adapters

Gee, the longer I think about it, the longer the list gets.

Chas

by 1stladytech

This could get to be a long list, but to start with the basics,

Benches should be large enough (we use a 4x8' bench top), each bench should have a monitor, UPS, surge strip, unprotected power outlet (if you are going to work on Laser Printers) and a tool box. The tools that you will need are:

a set of screwdrivers, both phillips and flat, a power screwdrivers is also nice.

torx drivers from T5 through T20 (if you are going to work on laptops, other wise just T10,T15 and T20 will do).

A selection of sidecutters and pliers, a multimeter, small files, I use chem spatulas to open laptops with. Heat sink grease and extra cpu fans are a must.

As far as the other stuff that you need, I would suggest a Bench jig computer. Makean open frame that mounts a motherboard (make it interchangable for different cpu's), various styles of motherboards, both PCI and AGP video cards, sound card, modem, nic, extra cables, both a ATX and an AT ps, cd rom, cd burner, dvd, and any other parts that you might need to test out. Additionally, you should have a phone line available for testing modems, and a high speed or network cable available to test nic's.

(Continued on next post)

by 1stladytech

You will need copies of all op sys, we use from DOS 5 forward, but you can probably get by with Win95 forward, with all appropriate boot floppies, bench copies of Antivirus software, diagnostic software (many brands/prices of software available), bootable hdd diags from each manufactor, and as many drivers for as many things as you can get your hands on. I have about 4 gig of drivers (been collecting them for years), I keep them on a computer that is hooked to the benches and acts also as a server so that I can check network problems. A fdd and cd cleaning kit is needed, as well as extra floppy disks and cdr disks.

As far as teaching students, I would suggest going to other shops in the area and seeing if you can get their "junk boxes". This is a great source of used parts to experiment on that will not cost you money when the students connect something wrong and blow it. Also helps develop the trouble-shooting mindset as they have to learn how to identify and then find drivers for various items without the benefit of the manuals. Extra copies of manuals on various components would also be helpful if you can find them.

I also have set up a "sling box", a used computer that has a large hdd to copy customers data to so that we can protect it while we work on the computer. We use a rolling backup, with the directories matched to the customer's ticket number. After machines are picked up and we haven't heard from the customer for a week or so, then we delete thedirectory. Obviously, a good anti-virus software that is kept up to date is a must on this computer. This one also can be used to check for virus on customers hdd, as well as diagnostics on various parts.

by 1stladytech

I know that this is in no way complete, but it should give you enough of a start to finish the list of what you will actually use. We continually change and add things to our benches as the need arises, even after 10 years. Good luck on your shop,I hope that it works out for you.

Sorry about the long post, but this was a very large question.

Vickie

by oaojr

Been there done that. My suggestion would be to start by going to a local community college. Take classes in PC Troubleshooting and a class in DOS is imperative. Your instructor and the college IT department is a great source when advice is needed. Also making friends and collecting e-mail address is the begining of a customer database. The college IT department may also use student interns. This hands-on experience would be invalueable.

by maddiuex

Certifications. You can have all the latest and greatest tools but, you have to know how to use them. as part of a Computer repair shop, I get customers that brought in there computer from another startup shop, and useally the fix was simple. Get 4 Qualified technicians. Make sure they are APLUS at least, Then they will help you gather your tools and devices you will need.
Then you need a great Vendor to order parts from. Like Ingram Micro. Then the biggest part of all, Treat the customer with respect. And follow up on your service, call the customer make sure everything is working okay, and show them before they leave the shop. Shake their hand. This shows that you care about the customer, and personlize them. These are the best tools you need

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