Computer repair is a hallowed affair. The recourse of the few and in-between suited to its rigors. It does not lend itself easily to just about any rookie hoping to work it for fast currency. It calls for dedication; a mind geared toward quality and learning. Long hours in the workplace – and a lot of customer interaction pain.

Because of these systemic barriers, the techs skilled in its wares are meager in number. And so the service fees they demand are exorbitant and uncompetitive. 

Of course, not all ‘techs’ who call themselves as such are professionals in the popular sense. Some are even undeserving of the affixation on account of an active-work disability. They are only in it because of connections or some other shortcut. Reliant, in total, on the facilitation afforded by computer shop software. Unable, as it were, to push their own muscle into the endeavor.

The good ones, like Mobile Geeks IT Support, however are also present. Otherwise, you’d see a complete dissolution of the allied computer repair industry as we know it. Device brands, themselves, would see to all the fixing work. Leading to another, parallel, monopoly in the making.

Here, I’m going to be discussing four prominent signs for their (the ‘pros’) identification. 

I’ve found these pointers to hold true in my own experiences in the field. And I’m certain that they can render the same service for you. Enable you to divert your hard-earned currency, as it were, toward the right person(s).

So without much further ado.

First Condition: Repair Competence & Knowledge

The universal prerequisite for gaining specialist entry to the domain. Generic: applicable to every vertical.

For starters, an individual without a baseline competence in tech cannot function in the field. Because repair entails opening up and salvaging dysfunctional hardware. A person unfamiliar with normal device functioning can’t diagnose when it goes awry. These takeaways are obvious.

An added complication is the fact that the domain is always expanding.  Evolving through its necessary integration with the global IT infrastructure. The point of access/flow where repair management software applications – and the like – enter the equation.

For the serious tech, the cognizance of and a working familiarity with these frameworks are essential pickings. Otherwise, the self-proclaimed professional risks becoming redundant. Bested by competitors who have their learning game in better order.

At the same time, techs – at least those worth their salt – need to be amenable to constant unlearning. There are times when more refined repair skills make their market/field debut. These can either be strategic (process) or tool-facilitated upgrades. Oftentimes, their adherence entails more worker efficiency and economies of scale. So ignoring them would not be in the repair tech’s or setup’s best interest.

Second Condition: A (Somewhat) Insular Disposition

Ascension in repair, beyond the entry-level phase, requires a breakage of social convention. The repair tech’s maintenance, in other words, of a work-centered life. A kind of toil/currency-revolved existence where work/life balance is an alien concept.

There’s no way to sugarcoat this fact. And the implications of relegating it to the back-burner are openly lamented in the field. They can render entire salvaging operations unviable on the commercial front.

In repair, the devout ‘workaholic’ is considered the archetypal ideal. The workplace construct that needs to be built towards and emulated. I often liken this species of human to the repetitive prowess of repair ticket management software. A new-age implement that does not tire of customer notes creation.

[Aside: I’ve often thought that human beings start to emulate the function of their ambient tools. By way of some kind of psychological conditioning, perhaps, that proceeds in the subconscious. Always wielding its influence; never retiring in its assimilation]

A mind distracted by the mundane concerns of living cannot tackle the mental rigors associated with the domain. It needs what I call a ‘muscle building’ focus. The firing and cultivation of new neural pathways which turn the occupation into a reflex.

If all this sounds too suffocating, change gear.

Or, better yet, change path – because repair, for most people, is a one-way street.

By the reverse token, consider your device in good hands if your tech imbibes this personality orientation. Chances are – you’ll get a good return on your investment.

Third Condition: Online Reviews Satisfaction

These days, online reviews are business quality accreditors like no other. Rendered on such public platforms as Facebook, Yelp, and a host of similarly-geared spaces. The ranking algorithms of these engines, further, are committed to impartial recordings. In some cases, they require the reviewer to confirm product/service purchase and usage.

As a repair customer, if your chosen tech appears in good standing on these listings, proceed with the exchange. You particularly want to confirm their quality, timeliness, and affordability ratings.

But you want to be wary of reviews with only a handful of user testimonials. This is to prevent your being lured into a scam laid by the reviewed individuals’ affiliates. Just like other types of con schemes rampant on the internet, these traps are not unheard of.

Here, I should mention that I’ve been a victim of such a swindle myself. An incident which occurred almost 10 years ago, when I happened to be researching different computer shop software applications. Entranced by a misleading sales pitch, I paid several 100 bucks for the subscription. It wasn’t long before I came to know of the embezzlement. The recipient company was a shell setup with no legal existence.

Fourth Condition: Not a Gut Offender!

When corresponding with a repair tech or business, you also want to pay close attention to your instincts. Just like most people, you’re mind is a good judge of character. And unless you’re dealing with a masterful criminal, chances are you’ll be able to spot a professional worker.

Cases of amateurs posing as expert technicians and endangering broken gadgets are as prevalent as the wind. Fully relaint on computer shop software, they try to make do without any personal input. And the results of their pursuits – as expected – almost always disappoint.

So the lesson here is to trust your sixth sense. It’s there for a reason.

If you’re someone who frequently deals with repair techs, you probably have your own criteria for conducting evaluations. The pointers above are opinion-based, after all – not set in stone, by any stretch.

So, if you’ve got some better ones to share, please do so in the comments below.

Your take is just as valuable – if not more.

Mexican cuisine started many centuries ago, even before Mexico even existed. The Mayans and Aztecs used to live in Mexican territory before the Spanish people colonized those territories. They centered their everyday meals around locally grown produce, around those foods that were easily prepared and also preserved. Before the Spanish conquest, Mayans and Aztecs grew maize, beans, squash, tomatillos, cacao, agave, chili peppers and sweet potatoes among other vegetables. Since their lands had a lack of meat sources, beans and maize were a great source of protein as well.

The Spanish settled in the early 1500s and their traditions of Mediterranean cuisine were introduced to the natives. The Spanish people brought with them many new ingredients and different habits that included the consumption of meats from domesticated animals like goats, cows or chickens; the intake of dairy products like cheese or milk; the use and production of sugar; the harvest of grains like rice and other various fruits and vegetables. They also introduced new methods of cooking used in Europe, like deep frying, that were unknown to the locals by that time. 

All of these cultures influenced Mexican cuisine as we know it nowadays.

Mexican food today

It’s impossible not to fall in love with Mexican cuisine: from its drinks like tequila, mezcal or tepache to its delicious enchiladas, tacos and burritos, Mexican food has it all. If you eat meat, you can enjoy delicacies such as tacos al pastor, which are corn tortillas with shredded pork, onions, coriander and pineapple. And if you are vegetarian or vegan, meatless options like enchiladas filled with vegetables, or mole with rice will leave you speechless.

There is a widely spread misconception that has to do with Mexican food being unhealthy. People tend to believe that cuisine is all about tacos with plenty of cheese and fried ingredients or burritos that have loads of fats and unnecessary amounts of calories.

However, the truth is that Mexican food can be very healthy; the ingredients this country has are excellent for our health. Avocados, lime, tomatillos, corn, beans, chili peppers, rice, herbs and spices are incredibly nutritious, and they are great to add to our diets and live a healthy life.

We want to encourage you to try healthy Mexican rice recipes so that you can enjoy this great country’s cuisine, culture and flavors.

So, let’s find out how to make flavorful, healthy, vegan Mexican rice!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups white rice.
• 2 cups vegetable broth.
• 10 oz of diced tomatoes.
• 1 medium white onion.
• 1 oz of chili peppers.
• 4 garlic cloves.
• 1½ tablespoon of salt.
• Pepper to taste.
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
• 1 avocado.
• Parsley to taste.

Directions:

1. First of all, before cooking, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. This is a Mexican rice dish that will finish its cooking in the oven.
2. Now you can start making this recipe: rinse your rice thoroughly under cold running water. Drain it and remove excess water. 
3. Use a large oven-safe skillet and heat some olive oil in it. Add the rice to your skillet and cook it until it becomes translucent, this will take seven to eight minutes. Stir it frequently so that your rice does not burn. 
4. While doing this, take your blender and pour in your vegetable broth, one minced onion, two thinly sliced garlic cloves, your chopped chilies and diced tomatoes. If you like spicy food, make sure you leave the chili seeds on! 
5. Now it’s time for the seasonings: add salt and pepper to taste. Blend all the ingredients together until you obtain a smooth consistency.
6. Add that mixture to your rice and stir to combine. This will be the liquid that will cook your rice.
7. Over medium heat and without placing the lid over the skillet, bring it to a boil. The rice should be absorbing all the liquids and flavors from the ingredients that you’ve blended before.
8. Now it’s time to give this mix its finishing touches: put the lid over the skillet and take your rice mixture to the preheated oven. Let it bake for about thirty to thirty-five minutes. 
9. Dice some avocados up, sprinkle them with lime, salt and some chili powder, and put them on top of each serving of rice before bringing them to the table; this will add a creamy and fresh texture to your dish. 
10. Enjoy!