I can usually handle the majority of errors I receive thanks to using reliable software such as Spyware Doctor and Ad-Aware SE Personal regularly. However, I do occasionally get completely stumped, but I flat out refuse to pay somebody to fix it. I mean why not take advantage of computer savvy mates? They always comes in handy during these situations. :D

I picked "Usually, although I've been stumped before"

Any software issues can usually be solved with a reinstall - or complete format and start again. Googling error messages helps too.

Hardware issues are a little trickier, I can usually figure out which component is the one causing the problem (via trial and error and swapping over with spare parts etc) but when I'm stumped there's a guy at work with who fixes PCs as part of his business, so I can get advice from him.

I'm the one my family comes to with computer problems. I offer free advice and tech support to family members, but I hate it when say my Mum's neighbours start asking for advice. In those situations I say "$175 an hour!" and walk away.

Usually, there are times where I've been able to fix things, but I'm not an expert and so sometimes I'll be stumped.

I recover and repair Windows XP when my computer crashes or fails to boot

I won't pay someone to run a virus scanner on my PC to 'fix' it.
Any problems, and I'll fix it myself, or with the help of mates.
I fix the family PC most of the time, though it's pretty reliable.

<Usually, although I've been stumped before>

I fix most of mine thanks to Spyware Terminator, Ewido Software, AD-Aware SE and general knowledge. But when it decides to kill itself, I call in my brother who's a computer programmer. I doubt there's a single thing he doesn't know about computers :D

I always end up asking my dad or my brothers for help when my computer is on the fritz. I'm always afriad i'll do more damage if I attempt to fix hardware problems.

I usually help fix people's computers and my own too, with a bit of research if I ever have problems. But don't do it for a living :)

I'm pretty good actually, the only time I need help is blue screen type stuff and usually my uncle can help me out then which is sweet.

Blue...screen..type...stuff. <_<

Well yeah, blue screen is a broad subject, it covers alot of ground and they're almost always serious and complicated.

I'm in the same boat - I've never come across any problem of my own that I haven't been able to fix, but being visibly into computers and working in IT results in people thinking you're free tech support.

I've told more than a few people to go and get stuffed when they've assumed that I want to give an hour of phone support because they can't configure their router at 11pm.

Usually.

I like to think I'm better at fixing things than I actually am, but most of the time I can overcome whatever this ageing piece of junk throws at me. With the help of Google and what not, most of the time it's a piece of cake. Carrot cake to be precise.

i fix most off mine because i am learning to do it for a living know.

Nom nom nom... Lunch has been decided.

A lot of problems I can fix in some way or another, sometimes there's probably better ways, but when I can't fix something myself it's usually google to the rescue or OCAU forum or something, but they're often not that helpful...

Which reminds me, my wireless network card is not working properly, so I've pretty much not bothered to fix it and have been using a really long ethernet cable. It's a workaround fix for the time being, but I don't really know why the card decided to bork itself... Probably because it's a DLink

Ah yes, when worse comes to worst, blame the brand! :D

I'd like to think I'm pretty good at fixing problems, the last time someone touched my computer was when my cousin built it. I'll usually leave hardware problems to an expert, although I'm not completely afraid to have a tinker.

everything but stupid stupid hard.ware is ez to fix