Crawfords Computer Service, one of Canberra’s most recommended computer repair shops. Photo: Thomas Lucraft
If you’ve ever tried to configure a new computer, recover lost files or determine why your laptop keeps crashing, you’ll know that troubleshooting information technology (IT) problems isn’t always easy.
When your computer isn’t working as it should, you have a few options.
You can try and resolve the issue with help from Google, which might work for simple fixes but likely be too challenging for more complex problems. You can contact technical support and hope someone takes your call quickly. Or you can hire an experienced computer repair professional to do the hard work for you.
Using a computer repair shop could well save you time, stress and money. It can also help you get the right fix on the first try and avoid causing irreparable damage to your computer or IT systems.
In this article, we’ll outline the qualities to consider when choosing a computer repair shop, and share where to find the best in Canberra.
What makes a great computer repair shop?
Choosing the right computer repair shop can help fast-track your IT problems with minimal hassle and downtime.
It can be helpful to keep the following in mind when choosing a computer repair shop.
- On-site support. Look for a computer repair expert who can come to you if saving time is important. It can also be frustrating to pack up and drop off bulky items like your computer, monitor, cables and chargers.
- Qualifications and certifications. A skilled computer repair professional should have a qualification in IT or IT support. This could be a Diploma of Information Technology or Bachelor of Information Technology. Depending on the area of specialisation, your repair expert may also have certifications from technology vendors like Microsoft. Check these out before bringing them on board.
- Area of expertise. Check that your chosen computer repair shop has experience with computers running the same operating system as yours. The steps for fixing a MacBook Pro running MacOS can be very different to fixing a Surface Pro running Windows, for example.
- Fee structure and work guarantee. Ask about fees and whether the computer repair shop offers a no-fix, no-fee arrangement. Also ask whether work is guaranteed.
- Reasonable turnaround times. While good computer repair shops are often busy places, you shouldn’t have to wait for prolonged periods to have your computer repaired. If the wait times are too long, consider another computer repair shop.
- Honesty and advice. A great computer repair shop will be honest about the state of our computer and whether it can’t be fixed, or if fixing it will cost more than buying a new one. They’ll also provide advice and recommendations for what to do next.
The best computer repair shops in Canberra according to you
RiotACT’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on RiotACT and Facebook as well as maintaining a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.
ASA Computer Repairs
ASA Computer Repairs is a mobile business offering 25 years’ collective expertise with computer repairs, laptop repair, laptop screen replacement, and custom-built gaming computers.
Work is performed to high standards, and every repair is backed by a full refund if the issue is not resolved.
Technicians are committed to the quickest turnaround time at the best possible price. They are highly trained at troubleshooting and repairing onsite, no matter what the problem. Every mobile shop is stocked with parts from all major computer manufacturers. If preferred, customers can take their computer to the Harrison location.
ASA Computer Repairs makes every effort to fix computers the same day, without a surcharge, to minimise disruption and downtime. Technicians conduct thorough testing before delivery.
On Google, James Woodman wrote, “ASA Computers provided a prompt, professional service on a complicated matter … I will recommend them for custom computer builds, laptop repair, upgrades to workstations and even for advice and quotes.”
Crawfords Computer Services
Locally owned and operated Crawfords Computer Service has more than 25 years’ experience in dealing with customer’s computer and IT needs and servicing homes and small businesses in Canberra and region. Owner and founder David Crawford believes in value-for-money and offers quick and professional services performed by highly qualified technicians. Crawfords Computer Service doesn’t charge extra for same-day appointments. The company stocks a large range of quality spare parts and accessories, enabling it to be responsive to customer needs.
The team at Crawfords Computer Services knows that the IT world can be complex and are trained in explaining computer issues in plain English. All advice is reliable and well informed. All technicians are police checked.
Crawfords Computer Services offers a mobile service seven days, as well as emergency and after-hours service. Its extensive menu of services includes computer repairs, upgrades and tuneups, setting up home and business networks and data backup solutions, installing and configuring software, web hosting and coding, recovering lost or deleted files, and even building customer desktop computers.
Vereniki Taginakaibure wrote on Google, “I completely trust these extremely helpful people. They did a great job for me and fitted me in at a moment's notice. Things are working great now. Very good price.”
Unit 3, 15 Darling Street Mitchell ACT 2911
Shop 39 Homeworld Tuggeranong ACT 2900
ATM Computers
ATM Computers in Belconnen has been providing quality advice to customers with computer woes since 1998. In addition to diagnostic and repairs, ATM Computers sells a range of PC systems, parts and accessories. Its team of computer experts assist with everything from assembling hardware and configuring operating systems to troubleshooting system-level problems. A Microsoft Certified System Engineer is on hand who works with Windows and UNIX/LINUX systems. ATM Computers charges for services according to the nature of the work, level of expertise and experience required, and where the job is being carried out.
As Jasaan wrote on RiotACT, “I’ve taken my laptop there a couple of times and they’ve been fantastic. They’ve also done a home visit to my parents’ house to set them up and it cost less than when they’ve dropped their computer off at the shop. Straightforward advice.”
Canberra Computer Doctors
Canberra Computer Doctors is an award-winning mobile computer repair business operating across the ACT and in Queanbeyan. With same-day service available and no call-out fees, its talented team are experts at solving most common computer problems, from Internet issues to virus removal. All work is guaranteed and comes with a no fix, no-fee policy.
Customer William Hall says on Google, “I could strongly recommend the service and skill of professionals from the Computer Doctors. Though not simple, they managed to identify and correct a number of issues, made recommendations and upgrades that would assist in the future …”
If you’re actually looking to get your laptop screen fixed, check out our article on where to get your laptop screen replaced in Canberra.
Your experience with computer repair shops in Canberra
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Have you had experience with any of the computer repair shops listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do computer repair shops charge per hour?
It's essential to get an advance understanding of how much you should expect to pay to have your computer fixed. That way there are no surprises. If the computer repair shop has to assess your computer first, that's fine, but make sure they call you before proceeding with the repair to let you know costs. You can also ask if there are additional charges for same-day or urgent turnaround times.
Do computer repair shops guarantee their work?
Reputable computer repair shops should be confident enough in their work to provide some level of guarantee. Some offer a no-fix, no-pay arrangement. Others a guarantee for a certain time period (say 30 or 60 days). Noone wants to get their computer fixed only to discover that the same nasty issue arises putting you back to where you started.
How safe is the data on my computer while it's being repaired?
Ask the computer repair shop what their data privacy policy is. Licensed companies are usually quite thorough in this regard but it's best to ask what measures they will apply to make sure you're protected.
What is the expected turnaround time?
You should always have an idea of how long it will take to fix your computer. If it's urgent (even same-day turnaround required) make sure you're upfront about this when you first contact the computer repair shop. Even if it's not urgent, you should be given an approximate time frame.
How do I know a computer repair shop has experience with my computer's problem?
You'll want to have your computer fixed by an experienced technician and preferably one who has specific experience with your specific problem. You can also read reviews on RiotACT, Google and Facebook to check out if others have had success in fixing problems like yours.
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