Computer fixing question.?

I’m planning to start fixing computers’ hardware and software problems. I’m not planning to make a company, just smt on my own. I’m not rich so I will not use originall software. Is that going to be illegal? I mean, i’ll not take money for the software, but for the favor.

10x in advance
What if i install downloaded OS and install trial versions software? Is that going to be illegal again?

10x again. I don’t want to mess up with the authorities…
Missed to mention – i will use the S/N from the box i’ll be required to fix.

Geek Squad Repair issues?

A year ago, my daughter saved her own money to but a lap top computer.
We bought it, and an extended service contract from Best Buys.

It proved to be a lemon, and after several repairs (motherboard, hard drive, etc) they replaced it with another computer of a different make.

I paid for another extended contract…but when this machine had issues, they are trying to pawn it off on "software problems"—not covered and want to charge nearly 200 bucks to fix it.

Everyone who’s heard of the problem think the issue is power/ hardware related. While we were waiting to have the puter serviced, every customer was told the same thing "If the issue is spyware, it’s not covered…"

I think they are simply trying to weasel out of the contract, and "software" is just an excuse. Has anyone else had a similar experience with Geek Squad? It also took them 11 days to run a simple diagnostic. That’s absurd. So is paying 25 percent of the price of a product not even a year old.
My daughter says the screen goes black at random. She also said that re-booting doesn’t always bring it back.

She has a Toshiba laptop, and twice in the last year we had to replace the power cord. The first one used to get so hot it could almost burn your skin, but the latest doesn’t do that.

We use Avast and Ad Aware for anti-virus.

This doesn’t sound like any virus I have ever heard of. Opinions?
Even worse…when we retrieved the laptop, they tried to get me to sign a form that said it "had been repaired to my satisfaction.

THEN we found two new icons on the computer, one for a direct internet connection none of us had ever used, or heard, and the other for files equal odd.

Wonder what the boys do on their breaks?

I would like to get into school to learn more computer software and also how to fix software problems. I just don’t know which schools are really worth the time and money, so if anyone has any personal or professional information I’d greatly appreciate it.

I need to take one before I graduate but I do not like computers and I am not good in them.

I want to be a journalist.

Each course is a semester.

OPTIONAL TO READ… course descriptions.

Integrated Computer Applications-

Students will master the skills necessary to run an operating system efficiently while developing a working knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software. The design of the course will emphasize integrating these programs for maximum efficiency. In addition, students will learn current techniques for maintaining and safeguarding a computer system utilizing diagnostic techniques to troubleshoot hardware and software problems.

Multimedia Technology-

The course us designed to teach students how to prepare multimedia websites using a combination of HTML and web design software. Web pages will incorporate design principles, text, sound, graphics, animation, photo editing and video editing. Students will utilize hardware accessories including digital cameras, digital camcorders, scanners, DVD/CD burners, and label makers in their multimedia designs.Current copyright laws will be researched, discussed and practiced throughout the course. The Internet will be used as a resource throughout the semester.

like checking the computer for errors and how do you do a diagnostics check for hardware and software problems?