By Jamie Beckwith
Getting your home computer repaired or cleaned of viruses and spyware at retail stores can be frustrating, expensive and time consuming. The Computing & Information Technology (C&IT) PC Clinic is a service at Wayne State University that offers students and faculty and staff members competitively priced diagnostic and repair services for nonuniversity-owned laptop and desktop computers.
C&IT's PC Clinic personnel provide the following types of services for home computers:
Basic PC Clinic Services
Diagnostics: $20
Security Tune-Up (two options - see below): $50
Hardware upgrades and installations: $30
Additional Services
Expediting Service: $25
Data backup/recovery: $60/hour
Software installation: $60/hour
Nonsupported hardware: $60/hour
NOTE: Home computers must meet minimum system requirements
Due to an increase in the distribution of spyware and the damage it causes, the Security Tune-Up is one of the most popular services, with two available options:
Security Tune-up Options
Option 1
Install/upgrade Symantec AntiVirus
Update virus definitions
Perform full hard drive scan for viruses and spyware
Install Windows updates
Install missing drivers
Configure Internet firewall and browser settings
Install Firefox Web browser
Run Cisco Clean Access Agent (residence hall computers only)
Option 2
Warning: All data will be deleted with this option.
Format hard drive and load C&IT-supported operating system (requires media, licenses, and product keys)
Load drivers (requires media)
Perform applicable Option 1 services
Scheduling an appointment
You need an appointment to use the PC Clinic services. E-mail the [email protected] to book an appointment or call the C&IT Help Desk at 577-4778. Computer drop-off and pick-up is at 5425 Woodward, suite 100, Monday through Friday, noon to 6 p.m.
Make sure you bring any power cords or laptop power adapters and all appropriate software (operating system software and/or application software). The PC Clinic personnel only install properly licensed software, which you must provide (with original CDs, licenses, and product keys).
Also note that, when you drop off your computer, you will be asked to sign a Terms of Service Agreement before any work starts.
Fast turnaround, with tracking service too
Depending on the number and type of requests in the shop, completion of computer repair services can take from three to five business days. The PC Clinic's expediting service is perfect for anyone who needs his or her computer back the next day. Bring in your computer by 3 p.m., and you can have it back in better condition by 3 p.m. the next business day - for only $25 extra!
To check the status of your computer while it is at the PC Clinic: log in to WSU Pipeline, click the Computing/Help Desk tab, and view My CallTracker Tickets.
You can make payments with a check or money order when picking up your computer. The PC Clinic does not accept cash or credit cards.
For more info
You can visit the PC Clinic online at http://computing.wayne.edu/clinic for our complete price list and Terms of Service Agreement.
Questions regarding the PC Clinic may be directed via e-mail to [email protected] or telephone to the C&IT Help Desk at 577-4778.