The Computer Repair Podcast – 004 – After Parts.
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In this episode of The Computer Repair Podcast;
After Parts.
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Ben’s Monolog
I was a guest on episode 27 of The Great Tech Debate with Steve C. and Tom Styles (Hamrad).
Computer Repair Related News
New Rouge antivirus acts as sysinternals
Panda Launches Cloud Antivirus
Adobe warns of BIG flaw in flash and reader – Like we dont know this already?
Software Updates
Patch Tuesday for June 2010
- Six bulletins affecting Windows (two critical, four important)
- Two affecting Microsoft Office (important)
- One affecting Windows and office (important)
- One affecting Internet Explorer (critical)
- Install SystemRescueCd on a usb/removable device from Linux and Windows
- Updated kernels
- Two New boot option
- Bug Fixes
- Now can take advantage of 64 Bit
- OpenOffice 2 and 3 may be affected by the TLS/SSL Renegotiation Issue in 3rd Party Libraries
- Security vulnerability in OpenOffice related to python scripting
- Some changes in the graphical user interface
- And other changes
Hiren’s BootCD 10.5
- Added new software and Updates to existing software
- Actually was planned to released as the final version. But because of a bug in the Windows 7 firewall (causing frequent connection losses when using secure FTP), a lot of code in the built-in FTP client had to be changed. Therefore another test version has become necessary.
Tech Tip
This episode is not a tip, but a tool called NoVirusThanks Malware Remover v2.7.0
Tech Talk
What to do with that old tech after upgrading a computer.
I’m a pack rat when it comes to computer parts and almost never though a part out because of its usefulness later down the road. Old parts can be a revenue stream just look at the sellers on ebay and craigslist.
I received an email last week from Mark that asked what are my policies on using “used parts” for customer repairs. So my policy as fair as telling people that a part is used or not… its hit or miss. Laptop Motherboards are one thing I don’t let people know there used, because of the price. I don’t think someone wants to pay around $400 dollars for a new Laptop MB from the manufacture, when you can pick up a used one for around $100 dollars on ebay.
Also I don’t tell them about used ram. I’ve found that new sticks of older types of ram like pc100, 133, and DDR you buy on ebay fail at a higher rate than the ones being pulled from computers that have been running for a while. But if your selling a part on ebay you must disclose if it is used or not. Its all about the feedback rating baby.
Selling old hard drives and broken ones are one good way to make some extra cash. Those old and broken HD’s offer good parts to those offer data recovery services and are always looking for HD’s that can be used to help there own customers.
Now I’m not saying you have to sell everything! You can also put the old tech to good use.
Instructables.com has some great DIY blogs on how to create cool stuff out of old junk.
You can also recycle your customers old parts for a small charge. Stores like Best Buy, Office Depot, and Micro Center, offer some great tech recycling programs. Their are some online alternatives but most cant be trusted. If you know of one please email me and tell us your experiences with that company.
If you want to go even farther you can take old CPU’s, clip off the pins and melt them down, Their be gold in them CPU’s!
Your Feeback
Hey man I agree with you that paypal is the best when it comes to accepting credit cards.
But what do you do about checks? Do you accept them from you customers? I only accept them if its a business or if i know them really well.
James from Chicago
I am happy to see your broadcast show is back in a new format. I have been catching up.
In episode #1 you gave so many good sources for parts. And I have to agree, Ebay is near the top of the list. Especially for hard to find parts that are impossible to find.
Obviously, Ebay offers both new and used parts. I was wondering if you have any policies on using “used parts” for customer repairs. And if you do it, do you warn the customer or make any disclaimers.Also episode #2 offered many choices for bootable recovery environments. Actually, I think the problem is not a lack of tool choices but rather too many choices. I imagine the each have their strengths and weaknesses but in practical use, I want to rely on one or two recovery tools that I know work in most scenarios. Do you have a favorite?
Congratulations, I love the new podcast, especially the software upgrades. It is the highest quality content.
Mark (meClaudius)
Hello Ben, just listened to show #3 and love it.
About what techs should charge, that’s a tough one. I charge a flat rate of $79, $89 and $125, but do offer a discount on multiple computers at 50% off on 2nd and 3rd PC’s at an in-shop price. I think that price is too low but I’m scared of the customers arguing about a high bill.
Michael from Manitoba, Canada
Next time on The Computer Repair Podcast. The Tech Talk is going to be about Ways to get help for a repair
So if you have any feedback or questions you can always send me an email at feedback@qetuo.me or call the feedback line @ +1 304-449-4335
