If a laptop repair costs half as much as a new laptop—or more—consider getting a replacement, especially if your machine is more than a few years old. If your computer is only 1 or 2 years old, it's probably worth fixing.

How much does computer repair cost? The average cost for computer repair is $65 an hour. Hiring a computer repair technician to get you back up and running, you will likely spend between $50 and $150. The price of computer repair can vary greatly by region (and even by zip code).

Computer maintenance means keeping your computers and laptops in good condition through regular cleanings, hard drive updates, and virus prevention. Doing so can lengthen the lifespan of your devices and it can also help you browse the web more safely.

PC hardware maintenance is the process of auditing, upgrading, and maintaining a computer's physical parts to ensure the components perform optimally. IT hardware maintenance involves caring for components such as the keyboard, CD drives, hard disk, battery, and other peripherals.