Where to go when your computer's acting up
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    Whether your laptop screen goes black or you just can’t connect to the internet, having computer problems is no fun. Fortunately, you’ve got options. There’s a few places you can take your baby, and they’re all within walking distance.

    NUIT: Laptop ER
    Cost: Free for students
    Location: Norbucks
    Hours: Monday-Thursday: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
    Friday-Sunday: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
    Description: Laptop ER services Macs and PCs, focusing on problems relating to Internet and network connectivity. If you need help setting up your VPN, NUTV connection, anti-virus software or netID and password, this is the place to go. Laptop ER also does a diagnosis of problems with your laptop’s operating system, but (sadly) won’t do hardware repairs or operating system installation. Also keep in mind Laptop ER isn’t available during finals week or school breaks.

    Radioshack
    Cost: $25 labor fee, which is put toward the cost of repair if your computer is sent in
    Location: 716 Church St.
    Hours: Monday-Saturday 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
    Sunday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
    Description: Radioshack doesn’t do repairs in the store, although they’ll try their hardest to fix your problem without having to send your computer in to the manufacturer for repairs. Basically, Radioshack acts as a middleman between you and the company that can fix your computer. They service Macs and PCs, but Macs may take longer to arrive at a service center and get sent back.

    Students gather at the Norris Apple Store. Photo by Jared Miller / North by Northwestern.

    Apple Store
    Cost: $100 per hour labor fee, unless your repair is covered by AppleCare or a warranty
    Location: Norris Bookstore
    Hours: Monday – Thursday 8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
    Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
    Saturday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
    Description: The new Apple store in Norris is almost exactly like an Apple store in a mall, but there’s no Genius Bar. That doesn’t mean that they can’t do repairs or troubleshooting, though—they can do everything a Genius Bar can, but you don’t have to make an appointment. So if you bring them your Mac computer, they will probably be able to fix your problem. Sorry, PC users.

    Nabih’s, Inc. Computer Systems
    Cost: $100 per hour, minimum 45 minutes ($75) unless your repair is covered by AppleCare or an Apple warranty
    Location: 515 Davis St.
    Hours: Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
    Saturday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
    Description: Nabih’s is an Apple Authorized Service Provider, but they can do everything for PCs that they can do for Macs. This includes data recovery, software installation, operating system troubleshooting, anti-virus checks, wireless installation and troubleshooting and physical repairs. Most repairs are done in store.

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