HELP - F.A.Q.

—> If you need help with your computer problem, you will find useful information in the following Frequently Asked Questions:

Some technicians offer free PC diagnostics.
I do not see this advertised by Seattle PC Service?

• Serious service companies and professionals agree on this point: you get what you pay for. Note however that our advice is free over the phone. Also, when the customer comes to Seattle PC Service with a computer, the initial assessment of the situation is free and you can leave without any charge.

• If a computer has an issue that needs investigation, we only charge a minimal rate of €30: if the issue can be fixed, which happens in most cases, those €30 are included in the total charge which is often not much higher.

Some websites offer free technical advice for customers.
Should I follow it?

• Computers fail for diverse hardware and software issues: in our last year of operations we hardly had two PCs with exactly the same symptoms and causes. Once trouble sets in, the average PC user cannot do anything useful without a professional diagnostic: if you try to fix things yourself, more often than not you will do more harm than good.

• Indeed a few websites advertising computer services in the country offer free technical advice. Beware though: to our surprise we have found ... wrong answers!
A website recommended a technical operation that is not only often unsuccessful, but is also beyond the comprehension of most PC users. We also found recently another wrong advice in a purportedly up-to-date webpage where—among other shortcomings—a crucial piece of information reported as current has actually been obsolete for five years.

Surely Seattle has some basic advice for customers with problems?

• Of course. The first thing to do is to write down a list of the issues you find in your computer. Then, if something looks seriously wrong, you should shut down the PC and contact Seattle PC Service as soon as possible. Some common problems are virus/trojan infections and hard disk issues: every minute you keep using your PC with the problems unresolved, potentially puts you nearer to disaster, such as loss of information and/or the need of an expensive repair or replacement.

How much do I have to wait for a repair? How does Seattle charge?

• We often give appointments within hours rather than days. We always give a cost forecast and ask for approval before we start working. Many fixes take less than 1½ hours and are charged at around €50, even less so when there is a fast resolution.

• For most common household PC repairs we quote a charge between €40 and a maximum of €90. Occasionally some special work may be more expensive. Most computer issues are "software-related" and the cost is labour only. Spare parts are only needed in a very small proportion of all repairs, and are mostly relatively inexpensive anyway.

• Our Seattle Scan at €60 is a very cost-effective way to diagnose most issues in a sluggish PC and produce a significant improvement in speed and security.

Some PC retail stores offer Installation and Support services.
How does Seattle compare with them?

• Quality of service: our professional qualification, expertise, experience and work ethics are simply unmatched in the area we cover (Wicklow to South Dublin).

• Costs: our rates are significantly lower. Further details below.

How much does Seattle charge for PC and Internet installation?

• PC installation: you have purchased a new PC and received the parts in their boxes. Our technician will unpack, install and connect the hardware, boot-up Windows, setup the basic security configuration and connect to an existing Internet service for €70 (inclusive of VAT) plus the call-out charge (see below).

• Internet connection: you have a new Internet service and need to have it installed in your PC. Our charges are €30 for a cable connection or €50 for a wireless connection (this needs a special software installation), duly tested. Additional PCs are connected at €20 each.

• Data transfer: we are specialists in safely moving your personal files from an old to a new PC. The costs are often minimal (if the data can be loaded into a USB key and just need moving to the right place in the new folder structure). They may be significantly higher for large volumes of data, which may take several hours to transfer. As always, we will produce an estimate to be approved before carrying out the work.

Should I go or will Seattle come? Your additional call-out charges?

• For Bray we charge €10. For Shankill, Greystones and Enniskerry €20. For other locations in North Wicklow and South Dublin (from Wicklow Town to Dalkey) we charge €30. We do not service other areas.

• If the customer's problem and/or installation requires a house call, our technician will carry a full set of portable hardware tools and some unique software tools as well. More often, however, the work needs to be carried out in our premises with our very complete and thoroughly updated equipment: if so, coming to Seattle PC Service will save you both time and money.

Does Seattle advise on computer(s) purchase?
Do you work with any particular brand(s)?

• Indeed we provide that advise for a small charge. You will get the PC you really need and will also save money avoiding expensive options you do not need. We are not affiliated with any particular vendor or brand: we will advise about dealing with any company that sells computer equipment online or over the telephone.