No Physical Repair, No Problem
Undoubtedly, AI has been an exciting, if intimidating, area in most areas of previously “human-only” domains. One of these is computer repair. Here are a few ways AI is being integrated.
While not applicable for physical repairs, their services include:
- Diagnostic Tools: AI-powered diagnostic tools can quickly identify and fix problems, reducing the time and cost of repairs. These tools can analyze computer behavior patterns and suggest optimal repair solutions based on previous data
- Predictive Maintenance: AI can help prevent issues before they occur by monitoring system performance and identifying potential problems early on
- Automation: Finally, AI-driven automation can handle repetitive tasks such as software updates, virus scans, and data backups, freeing up technicians to focus on more complex issues. Having AI analyze “if” your PC can handle the upgrade would prevent many avoidable crashes
What Is Available Now?
As of now, there aren’t many companies that offer fully unassisted AI-based computer repair, where AI independently diagnoses and repairs complex problems without any human intervention. But they do offer AI in conjunction with human techs.
Here’s a breakdown of how AI is currently being utilized in online computer repair:
- Automated Diagnostics: AI-powered systems can scan a computer for hardware and software issues by analyzing logs, performance data, and system behaviors
- Remote Assistance: Some repair services use AI-driven assistants to guide users through troubleshooting steps
- Predictive Maintenance: AI can analyze system data over time to predict potential future issues. By monitoring system health, it might suggest preventative measures, like hardware upgrades or software tweaks, before problems arise
- Error Resolution: In some cases, AI can autonomously fix certain software errors. For example, if a computer has a corrupted file system or registry entry, AI tools may automatically repair or clean the system, minimizing the need for human intervention
- Support Chatbots: AI-powered chatbots are often used in customer service for online computer repair companies
- AI in Virus/Malware Detection: Many repair services incorporate AI to detect viruses, malware, or other security vulnerabilities that traditional tools might miss
Who Has It?
Some of the services below are advertised as 24/7 repair, but some, like LifeLock, are more involved with Identity Threats. These are not listed in any order.
- AI Role: PC Matic uses AI to enhance its malware detection and system optimization tools. Their software analyzes system behavior to detect malicious activities and optimize computer performance automatically
- Unassisted Features: While it offers AI-driven tools for malware and performance issues, human oversight is still involved for more complex issues. It’s a combination of automation and human support
- AI Role: Norton’s AI is included in their software and is used to learn to detect viruses, malware, and threats in real-time. Their AI learns new threats and adjusts defenses accordingly
- Unassisted Features: It can automatically scan and fix mostly malware, less so for computer repair
- AI Role: Acronis uses AI and machine learning for backup, recovery, and cybersecurity. The software can automatically identify system vulnerabilities, malware, and potential data losses. Also, software-based AI and not remote assistance
- Unassisted Features: The AI can handle backup tasks and security scans autonomously, but for full system repairs, human interaction is required
- AI Role: Support.com provides a range of tech support services that use AI-based diagnostic tools to assess issues and offer solutions remotely. Their AI tools include “Guided Paths®, a DIY process
Summary
Most computer or AV software uses AI for things like malware detections, system optimization and diagnostics, not complex physical repairs. Some do offer self-help guides to overcome this limitation. As AI technology advances, it is anticipated that it will be capable of performing more complex repairs that are presently managed only by on-site technicians. The costs of each of these services can be on the pricy side. What is covered depends on the contract. If you are not electronically savvy, these services can be a comfort to have. In my experience and opinion, prices for some of these services and what they offer are not cost effective. Some offer excessive options that don’t help in the repair of your computer. Norton Ultimate Plus for only 2 adults costs $395.88 per year. The Geek Squad at $199 per year, or Office Depot for $129 per year.
On the other hand, companies like PC Matic Unlimited Technical Support for Your Home offer premium support for all of your devices, including Laptops, Tablets, Smartphones, printers, Routers, Smart TVs, and the service only costs $100 per year. I found this to be the most reasonable annual service.
Support.com appears to be one of the more inclusive services offering many services that do help you keep your devices running. They offer an annual price of 24/7 for unlimited support for one device for $149.00. They offer unlimited support for unlimited devices for $49.00 per month. Unless you are a business, this is much too high in my opinion. However, the “one-time fix” service for $79.00 might appear high, but it comes with a “No-fix, No-Charge” policy, making it a very affordable service. Many local “brick and mortar” sites have a fixed in-home service charge close to that. The bottom line is that I believe we will see a new wave of similar AI-supported computer repair services.
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I see Jim. So do these AI tools go further than what Windows includes, and are they specifically designed for assisting computer shops? I have noticed a steady decline in repair and installation counters within stores that sell computers and parts, Mindblower!
I worked with the 2nd generation computer controlled telephone exchanges back in the 1980/1990s and they had a special processor which was for maintenance of the digital exchanges. These processors and their software did nothing but check that other processors and hard ware was functioning properly. the maintenance processor could predict faults and tell a person which piece of hardware or processor was not performing properly or needed replacing. I suppose you could have called this local AI.
In today’s AI terms that exists, my opinion is yes. Today’s AI, while it can be a powerful assistant, cannot do independent thinking like a human. AI has to be “trained”, learn to recognize certain patterns and even programmed to make certain changes based on certain results, but that is a far cry from pure thought process performed by humans. Basically, it boils down to having access to the necessary databases and the proper “training” to make decisions on that data. Also, it is humans who involved with the training. Keep in mind GIGO.
Will someone come up with an AI model some day that wins the lottery every week? Who knows, but it would take a lot of training with trial and error to just pick one set of numbers that would win some money consistently.
I have talked to a number of fellow Computer Geeks from MY ERRA, and we are in agreement that AI is indeed artificial and nothing intelligent about it. It is only some faster running code and MIGHT if you are lucky have a slightly more intuitive interface.
Also, I don’t trust ANYTHING from Norton. You can’t get any more bottom of the bucket that Norton.