From Parts to HowTo Advice, the Web Is a FixIt Essential

For those who would like to fix their own computers, there are a number of online resources that can help guide you through the process. Here is a list of some of them:

How-to videos and more

YouTube has a number of videos that take viewers through the assembly and replacement of various parts.

Also, check the online forums at computer manufacturers’ sites for user support groups. Computer geeks love to help others.

Windows PC help

The Laptop Repair Workbook (www.fonerbooks.com/workbook.htm) offers flow charts and specific information on how to repair various components.

Laptop Repair Help (www.laptoprepair101.com) offers free illustrated instructions on how to repair a variety of problems, including L.C.D.’s. The site also links to some official repair manuals.

AGParts (www.agpartsworldwide.com) is a large supplier of disk drives, screens, motherboards and other components for Acer, Apple, Dell, Hewlett-Packard, Toshiba and other machines.

Macintosh help

PowerbookMedic.com and iFixit (www.ifixit.com) both sell new and used parts. Both also offer free how-to diagrams and guides for taking apart laptops, iPhones and iPods.

MacFixIt (www.macfixit.com) visitors can read a daily compendium of Macintosh problems and solutions free. For a year, they can search the site’s extensive archives on hardware and software repair.

Printers

At fixyourownprinter.com, customer help forums and repair parts are available to solve problems with printers from Epson, Hewlett-Packard, Lexmark and several others.