One of the biggest misconceptions about computers is that it takes a rocket scientist to fix any problem that might show up on one. I'm here to tell you that fixing your computer is something you can do.

Now, in no way am I calling down your local computer repair person (I am one, remember) - they're by and large a very smart bunch of people, usually with a lot of education and experience.

However, the fact remains that a large portion of the problems that computer users encounter can be easily solved by following freely available advice on this and other sites online. Even more difficult problems can be solved if you're willing to invest a little time to learn a few things about your computer along the way.

Important: At very least, before you take your computer in for service, see my List of Common PC Problems and How to Fix Them. If you don't see your problem there, be sure to search for it in the search box at the top of any page.

Fixing Your Own PC Will Save You Money

Saving money is probably an obvious advantage of fixing your own computer.

Getting your computer serviced at a local shop will usually run you from $40 to $90 USD per hour or more AND THAT IS FOR A ONE TIME FIX. Some are less expensive but that's not the norm.

If you fix your computer problem yourself, you can completely avoid what might end up being a several hundred dollar bill. No matter what your financial situation, free is a pretty good deal. That's a lot of money you can save by investing some time in trying to fix it yourself.

You Don't Need Expensive Tools to Fix Your Own Computer

Many people think that they have to buy lots of expensive diagnostic hardware and software to fix a computer. This is absolutely not the case. Expensive tools do exist but they're usually used to help computer repair services test or solve things quickly or in bulk.

Chances are you already have 95% of the physical tools you would ever need to fix any computer problem in your toolbox or garage.

Computer repair services also use many software diagnostic tools to determine what might be wrong with a computer but most of the very best ones they use are available for free online!

Here are a few of my favorite free, professional level diagnostic tools available for download by anyone:

· Free Memory Testing Tools

· Free Hard Drive Testing Tools

You'll Probably Be Back Up and Running Faster

You might be thinking to yourself at this point that surely it'll take days or weeks to learn enough to r