Before you fix a Family Members or Friends Computer

So your mom, sister, or even best buddy calls you up and says, “My computer is broke help me fix it!” Instinctively you would rush over to help them with their computer needs. However here are a few things to thing about before you go rushing to start the repairs.

1. Before beginning any repairs on the system be sure you ask the End User what they would like backed up. It is very important to backup any crucial data before you start troubleshooting the system. Computers are tricky and we never know what will happen when we start poking around it’s insides. So before you do anything BACKUP
   
2. Tell them what you plan on doing with the computer. This does not mean “I am going to fix it”. Tell them what you think is wrong and if anything else happens along the way let them know. It is much better to keep them updated rather than breaking all the bad news at once!
   
3. Privacy!!!! No person on this planet wants their person data floating around. When you backup do it to a secure hard drive or to a disk. Never throw the disk away!! Even if you do not use the disk to restore the data give it to the family member or friend. This ensures that if the data is lost or stolen that you are not responsible.
   
4. Respect! You might be dealing with data of all types. Just because you are fixing the computer does not give you the right to snoop into the My Documents folder on their computer. Respect them and don’t do it!
   
5. Treat the computer as if it was yours. I know we can all get lazy and not be considerate at times. However it is very important that you do not damage the computer during the repair process. I am sure your Family Member or Friend will not be very happy if you break something that will cost money to fix.
   
6. Enjoy helping out your friends and family but be professional about it. I am sure that if you do you will feel guilt free and kindhearted!