How much should I charge for a computer tune up?

5 thoughts on “How much should I charge for a computer tune up?”

1. Mustafa Karim says:

   June 16, 2011 at 5:37 am

   As for keeping all the app updated use cnet tech traker. The free version will only alert you of program update with a link to download manually. if you want to do all the update automatically then you will have to upgrade to plus. And for security patches for the app use secunia PSI.

2. off.world Astrophysicists says:

   June 16, 2011 at 5:37 am

   Duh you have too use tools, most people BTW use (1) scanner and believes this will cure and fix the computer, they are not experienced and understand once you use some tools to figure out what type of virus/malware or memory issue it is then you use other tools for such problem, rootkit, malware, virus and the list goes on, wow so you are just going to magically fix a computer not using any tools at all, that goes for any type of windows tool, what a douche bag. sorry but the person above me posted this absolutely dumb answer.

   You are talking about 90% (higher) most problems a CO or freelancer will run into, rarely is it hardware.

   I usually charge 20-30.00 since any of the problems you listed above even how bad the virus, I can repair the machine in a couple hours while doing the simple cleaning, updates and so on.

   30-60.00 if they want backups done, a tough virus, do all the things above you listed plus make a image backup of the machine for a restore point they can hold on too, usually i will keep a backup as well. A good reason to charge cheaper, even though my numbers may appear low, I do have a concept behind this. Clients like this, tend to have the same problem over and over again, 3-4 months and they need a ""tune up""" and then they know that the price is only 30-40.00 dollars it is worth it and they don’t mind. I noticed when I would charge 100.00 I would not see the person again so in the long run, more clients this way and yeah that is what I charge and I have talked to some coworkers/friends that charge about the same and even cheaper :), me not so much.\\

   You say you lack some knowledge well, I can help you with some knowledge if you don’t already know it.

   http://www.ninite.com (This page has all the best apps specially chosen, you click on them all, run the installer and it will download > install > update > instead of going to each site, download then manual install, it is a breeze when you are doing the media internet updates, flash, java, silverlight, reader, and so on. Something I use everytime, as for other advice, well the tools you use and how you use them is best for you to already know what you use and comfortable with.

   I never do a flat fee, since I mess around and do it throughout the day, when all the work is done, i am not going to do no per hour charge, for me this is just a freelance extra money deal. I have a small tech bag, UBCD’s tools, hardware, an @ home I have a homedepot in room bench which i call the tech bench, I run a 4 port KVM, a monitor and just plug in with a sub and vga, able to run 3-4 machine at one time with none of them even being seen, I just switch inbetween machines. Especially if you are not a professional, you can’t charge a per hour charge, like a non master mechanic working on your car saying the standard is 90 dollars an hour, well they are trained and to be done in this time frame, if the job is 4 hours, they take 6 hours you are still paying the 4 hours. good luck, you will learn a lot, another tool are UBCD’s shhh that is the great "best buy geek squad secrete" LOL, learn UBCD if you don’t already, amazing tools, Heerins, HBCD.

3. Sho™ says:

   June 16, 2011 at 5:37 am

   Never charge a flat rate for services. The going rate for IT work in my area is $70-$100 per hour.

   Now if you’re only providing those services you listed I would say no more than $25 per hour. What you listed are pretty basic services as far as IT work goes.

   Hope this helps

4. ₪ ʎəɿʞɹɐq ₪ says:

   June 16, 2011 at 5:37 am

   Free.

   Maintaining your computer
   1. Left click on C drive> properties/run windows disc cleaner
   2. Download Ccleaner from here: http://www.filehippo.com/
   3. Install Ccleaner and run the cleaner top left, then run the registry cleaner below it on the left. you don’t need to backup the registry
   4. Left click on C drive> properties>Tools>disc scanner or in the case of Vista it’s called something else, but it’s the top tab you click on> Prompt the scanner to scan upon next reboot and REBOOT COMPUTER)
   #(Prepare to wait up to an hour)#
   5. After Disk scan/Disk check has finished run windows Disc Cleaner again, Ccleaner again and registry cleaner again.
   6. Then you must do a DEFRAGMENTAION of C drive which is START>ALL PROGRAMS>ACCESSORIES>TOOLS>DEFRAGMENTATION.
   Additional options:
   You can also run adware: http://www.lavasoft.com/products/ad_aware_free.php

   Antivirus:
   Free Microsoft Essentials Anti-virus http://www.microsoft.com/security/pc-security/mse.aspx

5. Pulsar says:

   June 16, 2011 at 5:37 am

   That is not a tune up.

   that is using software to achieve a goal.
   you are doing nothing people can’t do for themselves.
   so you charge nothing.

   .

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