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Repairs on campus
- Many hardware and software problems on students’ personally-owned laptops and desktops can be diagnosed and repaired right here on campus.
- See OIT Walk-in Center for details.
Computers under warranty
- If your computer is under warranty, first contact the OIT Walk-in Center or visit the manufacturer’s support website.
- If you’re not sure what to search for on the website, contact their technical support department via email, chat or telephone. Ask if they provide on-site repairs.
Computers not under warranty
- Even if your warranty has expired, check the vendor’s support website.
- Many have databases and free user support forums that are useful in resolving problems
- The OIT Walk-in Center can still assist with diagnosing problems if the machine isn’t under warranty.
Preventive maintenance
Many non-hardware repairs can be prevented and performance can be improved with regular maintenance and care.
- Antivirus
- See NC State Antivirus Resources.
- Make sure that it stays updated.
- Perform scans at least monthly.
- Software updates
- Keep all your software up-to-date.
- For Windows, turn on Automatic Updates.
- For Mac OS X, make sure that Software Update notifications are enabled and that the built-in firewall is turned on.
- Always install updates as soon as they are available.
- Some programs, such as Mozilla Firefox, use pop-up messages to notify you about updates.
- Maintain security
- Restrict access to your computer and use it in a secure manner.
- Enable firewall.
- See Safe Computing at NC State.
- Remove unused software
- Review your installed software occasionally.
- Consider uninstalling any that you no longer use.
- If programs have components that run even when you’re not using them, uninstalling them often improves your computer’s performance.
- Back up files on a regular schedule
- Consider disk imaging
- If you have advanced backup needs, consider a disk imaging product (e.g., Acronis, Time Machine).
- Use it on a scheduled basis or whenever you change your hardware or software configuration.
- If you’re willing to learn how to use one, a backup and disk image utility can save time and effort if you have to restore your computer system or files.