Say you're about to start fall term in a few days and your computer dies. What do you do? How will you watch Netflix or work on a homework assignment? Fortunately for you, I've been through this struggle and have a few tips to share.
1. Remain Calm
Your computer may not be working now, but it might later! There is still hope! Fiddle around with the machine or Google the issue. The worst thing you could do is throw your computer in the trash.
2. Find Help
Check out the tech support website for your device. There should be a chat option or a phone number you can call. Someone out there may know the secret to turning on your laptop.
3. Be Patient
If you call tech support, you'll probably be talking to someone in a foreign country. Prepare to repeat yourself many times and struggle to understand your tech support person. If your laptop turns on but still has issues, you might spend up to two hours watching someone from India control your computer only to say there is nothing wrong with it.
4. Does It Work Now?
After talking to tech support, you might be lucky enough to have a fixed laptop. If you aren't that fortunate, you'll probably have to send away your device for a few weeks. Hopefully, your warranty hasn't expired! If it has expired, be prepared to get out your wallet.
5. Learn To Live Without It
Will life be the same after you send your device to be fixed? If you don't have a second computer, you'll have to make some lifestyle adjustments. Watching Netflix on your phone will be fine, but it will be a little difficult to finish homework and write essays on a little smartphone. Try borrowing someone else's laptop or using a library computer. Life is hard when all your textbooks are online and a little harder when you're taking an online class. Yikes!
6. It's Back!
Two weeks pass by and your computer is back in your possession. You made it! There is still a chance that your computer will completely die in a few weeks, but worry about that later. For now, your life is back to normal.
If you just bought a new computer instead, good for you. Hopefully, that one doesn't die like the old one.