The definitive guide to local shopping; methodically researched, updated daily.

Bay Area Edition

Prime Buyers Guide Computer Services, Computer Repair, & Computer Consultants

How to Find the Best Computer Repair Services and Computer Consultants in Santa Clara County CA

The best Santa Clara County computer repair technicians and computer consultants know the ins and outs of computer repair and IT services. When your PC or laptop computer breaks, these computer services in San Jose, Mountain View, Los Gatos, Cupertino and Gilroy can fix nearly all computer problems. The following articles will help you find good Santa Clara County computer repair businesses and IT consultants, and get your PC or Mac back up and running.

Updated June 2, 2009

Top 10 Computer Services, Computer Repair, & Computer Consultants in Santa Clara County

Central Computer Systems Inc
(408) 248-5888
3777 Stevens Creek Blvd
Santa Clara, CA 95051

Areas Served: San Jose, Campbell CA, Palo Alto, Cupertino, Mt View, Milpitas, Los Altos

Laser Technology
(408) 241-7699
1765 Scott Blvd
# 117
Santa Clara, CA 95050

Areas Served: Campbell CA, San Jose, Santa Clara, Mountain View, Los Altos, Palo Alto, Sunnyvale

Cambria Corp
(650) 328-9270
636 Waverley St
Palo Alto, CA 94301

Areas Served: San Jose, Campbell CA, Santa Clara, Mt View, Sunnyvale, Los Altos, Palo Alto

SalesLogistix
(650) 326-2626
555 Bryant Street
Palo Alto, CA 94301

Areas Served: Milpitas, San Jose, Saratoga, Santa Clara, Campbell CA, Morgan Hill, Sunnyvale CA

We Fix Macs
(650) 813-6161
3159 El Camino Real
Palo Alto, CA 94306

Areas Served: San Jose, Morgan Hill, Milpitas, Santa Clara, Campbell CA, Los Altos, Saratoga

Surplus Computers
(408) 577-1718
27 Bonaventura Dr
San Jose, CA 95134

Areas Served: Mt View, San Jose, Campbell CA, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, Palo Alto, Milpitas, Los Altos

Updated February 11, 2009

How to Find the Best Computer Repair Services and Computer Consultants in Santa Clara County CA 

From computer network security to wireless networking, we rely heavily on our computers at home and work. So when you're having trouble with computer network configuration, computer back up systems or slow computer networks, it's important to find qualified IT consultants and computer services in Santa Clara County.

Fortunately, there are many computer repair specialists, computer consultants and IT services skilled at diagnosing computer network configurations, fixing slow computer networks and providing computer security. With extensive knowledge of most common computer systems, including computer network services and computer support, computer repair services can quickly restore the functionality of that belligerent box and make you love it again.

Smart computer users take a proactive approach to computer security. The best IT providers in Santa Clara County offer custom computer security systems, computer backup & disaster recovery, anti-virus protection, anti-virus programs & anti-spyware programs to make your home computer or wireless networking systems safer. Additional IT services might include computer backup recovery and anti-virus protection or similar computer security systems for computer network systems for remote telecommuting and other wireless networking solutions. Some of the best computer consultants even offer employee computer training.

From PC computer repair to laptop repair, here's a sample of what good IT consultants and computer repair services in San Jose, Mountain View, Los Gatos, Cupertino and Gilroy can do for you.

Santa Clara County Computer Repair Services and IT Consultants Perform Numerous Services
Computer repairmen and IT services throughout Santa Clara County provide their services for all levels of PC or Mac complications, from simple software upgrades or hardware installation to total system reconditioning. And these IT consultants offer a number of computer services that include computer security, wireless networking solutions and help for slow computer networks. Most computer consultants also provide anti-virus protection such as anti-virus programs and anti-spyware programs. Many Mountain View area computer consultants and computer repair businesses have same day service, pick-up and delivery, phone support, house calls or free computer diagnosis and consultation.

Most computer repair businesses are even willing to teach clients about the basics of their home computer systems, and some even offer employee computer training. If you'd rather leave the computer repair services and security upgrades in their hands, good Santa Clara County computer repair services can perform general computer repairs and upgrades such as data and password recovery, spyware and virus removal, database and Web site design, printer repairs, and DSL installations. Computer service technicians and IT providers can also configure LAN, WAN, cable, VPN, and customized wireless networks for any business or residence laptop computers or desktop computers.

The best IT consultants and computer repair techs in Santa Clara County have received specialized training in specific applications or platforms. There are computer service and repair companies in Santa Clara County that hold HP certification, Novell certification, Linux certification, Microsoft certification and Xerox certification, as well as many other system authorizations. This advanced training enables these IT providers and computer services to offer consultation and remediation for more complex computer issues. They're certified as broadband experts, Microsoft Small Business Server experts, crash and virus specialists and color laser specialists.

Because of the differences between Macs and PCs, some computer repair technicians or IT service providers may limit themselves to one operating system. Mac specialists install or maintain iAPPS and airtunes, or fluently work with the OS software suite. PC specialists provide different applicable tech support and training on the PC platform and Windows operating system. However Mac and PC computer consultants in Santa Clara County provide laptop computer repair and PC computer repair within their operating system specialty.

Santa Clara County Computer Repair Technicians and Computer Services Supply Necessary Parts and Materials
Computer repair services in San Jose, Mountain View, Los Gatos, Cupertino and Gilroy can usually provide the components necessary for needed upgrades or maintenance, and some computer consultants sell them directly to the customer. Even for off-site visits, computer techs keep a toolbox full of semiconductors, connectors, spare power supplies, disc drives, routers, graphics cards, replacements fans, memory, and hard drives. These parts may be new or used, and are often refurbished by computer repair company staff.

There are Many Computer Repair Businesses and Computer Consulting Firms in Santa Clara County
Computer repair services are in high demand. From simple program upgrades to crash restorations, they can do everything you wish you could. When your computer needs hardware repair or software repair, call one of the respected computer consulting businesses we've listed. The Prime Buyer's Report lists these computer consultants and computer repair services in Santa Clara County: Central Computer Systems Inc, Laser Technology, Cambria Corp, SalesLogistix, We Fix Macs, Surplus Computers, ClickAway. Other computer repair services and IT consulting firms that might still serve Santa Clara County include: .

Verify Qualifications for Santa Clara County Computer Services and IT Consultants
It takes extensive training to be proficient in computer science, both on the job and through regimented courses. You can guarantee a prospective computer repair technician or IT provider is capable enough to remedy your problem by verifying training and the subsequent certifications. Organizations associated with the IT services field can give you this information, as well as some helpful technical advice.

In addition to important certifications, you should learn about a computer consulting business' standing in the local professional climate. Positive mention in nationally accessible publications is a major sign of a hard-earned excellent reputation. While you're surfing, it can only be of value to brush up on (or introduce yourself to) basic computer skills, including anti-virus protection measures and computer security issues. For a list of resources that have been gathered for these express purposes, read The Prime Buyer's Report article, "Key Resources for Computer Repair in Santa Clara County."

Updated June 2, 2009
Top of page

 

 

How to Choose Computer Repair Services & Computer Consultants in Santa Clara County 

Step 1: Describe Work to the Computer Repair Services and IT Consultants
Explain the symptoms and what led up to them. Be sure to elaborate on every attempt you've made to fix the problem yourself; there's always the chance you made it worse. For this phase of the interviews, it may be best to bring the broken computer into the store for free consultation (if that's an option). The diagnosis will not necessarily be shared by each computer repair shop, so try to get a few opinions before deciding on the right computer consultants and IT services for you.

Step 2: Answer Questions & Take Notes While Talking with Santa Clara County IT Services
After hearing your problem, computer technicians and IT consultants should have some questions about the circumstances surrounding the failure. A fast diagnosis isn't usually in order, so the computer repair consultants should question you in depth. If not, either the free computer repair consultation was a scam, or (if you made a simple phone call), the computer maintenance technician may not understand the problem. Either way, you're looking for integrity and proficiency when it comes to computer help.

Step 3: Ask Questions of the Computer Consultants & Take Notes
With each free computer repair consultation (or phone interview, if there is a charge for diagnosis), glean some information about the business and offered services. Take notes for future reference. You can use the list below to get started.

• How long have the computer repair services been in business?

• Do the computer consultants have any factory authorizations?

• Have the computer maintenance repair services seen this problem before?

• What certifications do the computer repair technicians hold?

• Are the computer support services familiar with all operating systems (Windows, Mac, Linux, etc.)

• Do the IT consultants specialize in laptop computer repair or PC computer repair or both?

• Do the IT providers offer free consultations for computer hardware or computer software diagnosis?

• How do the computer consultants determine computer repair prices?

• Will the computer repair services provide written estimates for the computer repair?

• Will the computer consultants provide a written contract?

• Do the laptop computer repair companies or PC repair services offer pick-up and delivery?

• Is there an additional charge for replacement parts if the computer repairs require hardware replacement?

• Can the computer repair technicians fabricate replacement components?

• Will you lose any data during the computer service?

• Can the computer consultants recover lost or damaged files? Can they install computer backup systems or computer backup & disaster recovery software?

• Do the Santa Clara County IT services make house calls?

• Do the computer support services offer loaners for extended repairs?

• How long should the computer repairs take?

• Will the computer consultants provide computer networking help such as computer network configuration, diagnosing computer network configurations, computer network security or wireless networking?

• Will the IT consultants offer employee computer training or computer network configuration for your office?

• Do the IT providers offer computer security such as anti-virus protection, anti-spyware programs or anti-virus programs?

• Do the computer services offer a warranty on computer maintenance or repairs?

Step 4: Final Research on Santa Clara County Computer Repair Services

When you find computer technicians or computer consulting services that match your criteria, ask about extra background qualifications. After rigorous training programs, many IT technicians will earn various certifications, such as program and operating system certifications from CompTIA, MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer), CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate), or CNE (Certified Novell Engineer). Such certifications will enhance your computer repair provider's ability to offer authorized repair and care for your slow computer or other computer problems.

Step 5: Hire a Santa Clara County Computer Repair Technician
Now that you feel comfortable entrusting your computer to the computer solutions technician of your choice, go ahead and make an appointment (or arrange for a pick-up, depending on the services offered by the business). Get all proposed work, pricing, and a timing projection in writing.

Updated February 6, 2009
Top of page

 

 

Key Resources For Computer Repair Services & Computer Consultants in Santa Clara County 

Associations & Licensing for Santa Clara County Computer Repair Services
ACM Association for Computing Machinery (http://www.acm.org/)
ASCDI Association of Service and Computer Dealers International (http://www.ascdi.com/)
BBB Online Better Business Bureau Online (http://www.bbbonline.org/)
CCIA Computer and Communications Industry Association (http://www.ccianet.org/)
CEA Consumer Electronics Organization (http://www.ce.org/)
CompTIA Computing Technology Industry Association (http://www.comptia.org/)
DCA California Department of Consumer Affairs (www.dca.ca.gov)
Diamond Certified (http://www.diamondcertified.org/)
IACIS International Association for Computer Information Systems (http://www.iacis.org/)
ICCA Independent Computer Consultants Association (http://www.icca.org/)
NEDA National Electronic Distributors Association (http://www.nedassoc.org/)
PCCA Portable Computer and Communications Association (http://www.pcca.org/)
SHDA Security Hardware Distributors Association (http://www.shda.org/)
SIIA Software Information Industry Association (http://www.siia.net/)

Media & Web Publications for Computer Repair Consultants
PC Advisor Magazine
Card Technology
Computer Power User
Computer Edge
Computer Retail Week
Computer Shopper
Computerworld
Infostor
Infoworld
Smart Computing

http://www.computerhope.com/
http://www.computerproblems.com/
http://www.computeruser.com/
http://www.cybertechhelp.com/

The Prime Buyer's Report provides information for the top 10 computer technicians and computer repair services in Santa Clara County within the following zip codes:

94022, 94023, 94024, 94035, 94039, 94040, 94041, 94042, 94043, 94085, 94086, 94087, 94088, 94089, 94301, 94302, 94303, 94304, 94305, 94306, 94309, 95002, 95008, 95009, 95011, 95013, 95014, 95015, 95020, 95021, 95026, 95030, 95031, 95032, 95035, 95036, 95037, 95038, 95042, 95044, 95046, 95050, 95051, 95052, 95054, 95055, 95056, 95070, 95071, 95101, 95103, 95106, 95108, 95109, 95110, 95111, 95112, 95113, 95115, 95116, 95117, 95118, 95119, 95120, 95121, 95122, 95123, 95124, 95125, 95126, 95127, 95128, 95129, 95130, 95131, 95132, 95133, 95134, 95135, 95136, 95138, 95139, 95140, 95141, 95148, 95150, 95151, 95152, 95153, 95154, 95155, 95156, 95157, 95158, 95159, 95160, 95161, 95164, 95170, 95172 and 95173

The Prime Buyer's Report provides information for the top 10 computer repair services in Santa Clara County within the following cities:

Alviso, Blossom Valley, Campbell, Coyote, Cupertino, East Palo Alto, Gilroy, Holy City, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Monte Vista, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Mt Hamilton, Mt View, New Almaden, Palo Alto, Permanente, Redwood Est, Redwood Estates, San Jose, San Martin, Santa Clara, Saratoga, Stanford and Sunnyvale

 

 

Computer Repair & Computer Consultants San Jose Area

City-Area

City

Computer Services Found

San Jose

Alviso CA

0

San Jose

Coyote CA

0

San Jose

Milpitas CA

37

San Jose

Mt Hamilton CA

0

San Jose

San Jose CA

374

 

 

Computer Repair & Computer Consultants Cupertino Area

County

City-Area

City

Computer Services Found

Santa Clara

Cupertino

Cupertino CA

49

Santa Clara

Cupertino

Monte Vista CA

0

Santa Clara

Cupertino

Permanente CA

0

Santa Clara

Cupertino

Santa Clara CA

189

Santa Clara

Cupertino

Sunnyvale CA

125

 

 

Computer Repair & Computer Consultants Los Gatos Area

City-Area

City

Computer Services Found

Los Gatos

Campbell CA

164

Los Gatos

Los Gatos CA

26

Los Gatos

Monte Sereno CA

0

Los Gatos

Saratoga CA

6

 

 

Computer Repair & Computer Consultants Gilroy Area

City-Area

City

Computer Services Found

Gilroy

Gilroy CA

4

Gilroy

Holy City CA

0

Gilroy

Morgan Hill CA

11

Gilroy

New Almaden CA

0

Gilroy

Redwood Estates CA

0

Gilroy

San Martin CA

1

 

 

Computer Repair & Computer Consultants Mt View Area

City Area

City

Computer Services Found

Mountain View

Blossom Valley CA

0

Mountain View

East Palo Alto CA

* see Palo Alto CA

Mountain View

Los Altos CA

23

Mountain View

Los Altos Hills CA

2

Mountain View

Mountain View CA

77

Mountain View

Palo Alto CA

55

Mountain View

Stanford CA

1

Updated January 13, 2009
Top of page

 

 

7 Tips for Getting Your Computer or Computer Network Running 

Take Time Choosing Santa Clara County Computer Repair Service and IT Providers.
Computer technology is a complicated field. The computer repair personnel you work with should be highly trained in your operating system. You can't assume that all computer technicians or IT consultants have this knowledge, so spend some time searching for the IT technicians whose qualifications suit your needs.

It is also important to find out if your computer consulting firm and IT provider is comfortable performing laptop repair and desktop computer repair. It is also true that some computer consultants are more skilled in specialties such as network services or computer maintenance, so it is important to ask the right questions to make sure your computer doctor can take care of the computer problems or slow computer network issues you're experiencing.

Get an Explanation from the Computer Repair Companies in Santa Clara County.
Your computer technician should thoroughly explain his diagnosis and proposed solution in language you can understand. When your computer is returned to you, the computer doctor should explain the computer repairs in as much detail. This is true for two reasons: You will have an itemized receipt you should be able to decrypt and you should understand the initial computer failure to avoid repeating it.

Get All Computer Help and IT Services Details in Writing.
Insist that your initial diagnosis and computer repair work order are clearly documented. You will reference these before you sign off on any work done. You should also save a copy for your records, particularly any warranty and computer maintenance agreements.

Write a Description of the Computer Problem for the IT Consultants.
So you don't end up leaving out any important details when describing your problem to prospective computer technicians, write it down. Describe the symptoms of the failure and the events leading up to it. A technician will need as much information as possible to accurately assess your problem. If you write it down beforehand, every candidate will have the same information from which to base their diagnosis and estimate.

If you're hiring IT consultants to diagnose computer network configurations or set up computer network security plans such as wireless networking protection or computer backup recovery, it's equally important that your computer services providers understand your goals. Be sure to write down any specific anti-virus protection, antivirus programs & anti-spyware programs you require, and any computer backup & disaster recovery specifications.

Choose Certified Computer Consultants and Computer Repair Companies.
Superlative IT companies often get the recognition they deserve. In Santa Clara County, this may be Diamond Certification or honors from the Better Business Bureau. If you choose a computer service and repair business with these particular accreditations, you're sure to experience more personalized, capable computer repair service and IT consulting.

Stay in Touch with Your IT Consultants and Computer Services Providers.
Don't forget about your computer. Regularly check in with your computer technician for progress reports. Extended service may incur additional fees, but either way, you'll want to know if there have been any problems or additions to your agreement. This is especially important if you've hired an IT provider for computer security systems that involve wireless networking, computer network security or computer network systems for remote telecommuting.

Know Your Rights with Santa Clara County Computer Repair Consultants.
As a paying customer, you are afforded some protective rights according to your location. For business transactions in Santa Clara County, details on consumer's legal entitlements are available at the California Department of Consumer Affairs.

Updated February 6, 2009
Top of page

 

 

Computer Repair Services & Computer Network Consultants in Santa Clara County Can Service Most Computer Brands 

Gateway, HP, Dell, Intel, Sharp, Lexmark, Compaq, Toshiba, Sony, IBM, Microsoft, Acer, emachines, Lenovo, Alienware, Brother, Cybertron, Epson, Mac, and Samsung.
Updated January 13, 2009
Top of page

 

 

Diamond Certified