If I send my laptop to a computer shop to get repaired, what assurance do I have that they won't go through my files? None. If you're worried, either copy your information to an external drive, or use full-disk encryption. Or both.

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. Thankfully, there are services you can consider that can speed up the process.

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.