Many PC vendors used to provide lengthy software and hardware warranties on new PCs. However, as PC prices have dropped, many of these warranties have been dropped or shortened to a year or less. What to do then if your PC stops working or has other problems?

Thankfully, there are a variety of companies that specialize in computer repairs. Computer repairs can basically be divided into two main categories - software-related computer repairs and hardware-related computer repairs. Software computer repairs can often be made remotely via the Internet, or through purchased software that will inspect your computer, find problems, and fix them quickly. This is an option if your computer is no longer working like it used to, but still runs.

Hardware problems are generally more problematic. The most common types of hardware repairs are fixing damaged hard drives, overheated CPUs or memory chips, or more commonly, hardware incompatibilities. Hardware computer repairs will generally require you to bring in your computer to a repair service, or send it in via a shipping company.