Introduction

• A slowing economy encourages people to repair items that they would have previously thrown away. Computer repair store owners understand that a slow economy is not necessarily bad for business. It means that more and more people are willing to repair their old computers instead of purchasing new ones. As a result, a computer repair store owner has to ensure that she and her employees are equipped to handle the increase in business.
  
  

Maintaining Certifications

• One thing computer repair store owners understand is that technology constantly changes and the technicians must stay abreast of the changes in order to properly service the computers. Therefore, the business owner spends part of his workday ensuring that his employees have taken the necessary certification programs to remain up to date on the latest computer trends and technology. Technicians must learn the latest PC configurations, whether it is for Windows XP, Windows Vista or Unix.
  
  

Advertising and Soliciting Business

• Maintaining a steady flow of clients is the backbone of a computer repair shop owner's business. Therefore, the owner spends a portion of the workday advertising his business. The business owner spends time networking with individuals in the computer industry, attending trade shows and placing ads in online and print publications. Some computer business owners join organizations such as the local Chamber of Commerce to assist them in their networking efforts.
  
  

Locating Parts and Software Drivers

• A computer repair shop is faced with both hardware and software malfunctions. On the occasion when the hardware fails, the computer technician must replace the faulty part with either a new or refurbished part. Part of the computer repair shop business owner's workday is spent tracking down the right replacement parts.
  
  In addition to tracking down the right hardware, the business owner must track down the right drivers for the hardware. The drivers are software configurations that tell the hardware how to behave. Downloading the incorrect software can do more damage to a computer than help. Therefore, it is necessary for the computer technician to locate and download compatible drivers to ensure proper operation of the hardware.
  
  

Tracking Inventory

• A computer repair shop is entrusted with valuable equipment. A computer repair shop owner's fiduciary responsibility is to keep track of the computer, analyze the problem, fix, repair and return the computer in better condition than when he received it. Therefore, a computer repair shop business owner must develop a tracking mechanism where he can keep track of each piece of equipment and computer in his shop. Proper tracking prevents him from losing hardware or giving the wrong computer to the wrong customer.