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.

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).

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.