Before you take your computer to the repair shop, it's important to ensure that your device is secure. This means making sure that all of your personal information is protected and that your computer is not vulnerable to hackers or other security threats.

Cost of repair: If the repair cost is more than half the cost of a new machine, it's probably not worth fixing. Warranty: If your machine is still under warranty, it may be worth repairing as the parts and labor will likely be covered.

On average, computer repairs can range anywhere from a few hours to 2-3 weeks – factors such as scheduling or part availability can make repairs take longer.

Liquid-damage repair. Spilling a drink on a laptop is surprisingly common. The repair cost doesn't necessarily depend on how much liquid was spilled, but on how much damage was caused when it got inside. Average cost: $100–250.