Before this happens to you, it's best to keep an updated, handy list of information that you can give to the computer repair shop when it does happen. This will probably save you repair time, since they usually charge by the hour, and it may ultimately mean the difference in getting your computer to function again or not.

You need to know what your virus protection software is (version number) and when was it was last updated. Also keep a mental note of when the last complete virus scan was done on your computer.

If your computer gave you any information when it stopped working, for example, an error message or code, write it all down. It may appear to be meaningless gibberish, but often these coded error messages can be found online posted with solutions. You just need to get on another computer to do the search.

Every time you add new software, hardware, drivers or do any kind of updating to programs, be sure to keep track of when you did it and what kind of update it was - security, added functions, whatever it may be. This brings us to system restore. If you plan on making such changes, it may be advantageous to create a system restore point that you can go back to in case anything goes wrong. You can usually find this function in your programs or control panel interface.

Make a copy of your passwords and store them somewhere other than on your computer. You can easily put them on an inexpensive small flash/jump drive that is just for your passwords as well as any other vital information that you wouldn't want to lose. Also keep all software installation CDs, product keys, and copies of executables (if software was downloaded) on a separate drive or CD. You may need them to reinstall programs.

Before you hand your computer over to a repair shop, ask about the technician's qualifications. Are they certified to work on your model of computer? How long have they been in business? Also, ask them for an estimate for the repairs. They should be able to give you a ballpark figure.

While your computer is being repaired, you may want to do some upgrades while they have it on the operating table. You can upgrade the RAM (memory), processor, add extra USB ports, new video card, whatever you want. You can save some money on labor this way since they are already working on it.

We hope you do not ever have to call a computer repair shop, but if you do, hopefully these guidelines will make it a little less painful. Here's to happy and healthy, never-needing-a-repair computers for all of us.