Laptops and smartphones can be technological lifesavers, until they stop working. But dealing with hardware or software issues shouldn’t be a student’s worst nightmare. Even though the Illini Tech Center made a quick departure over the summer, several options are still available to meet students’ technology needs on campus. Knowing who to visit, call or email can turn a panic-inducing tech hiccup into an easy fix.

Illini Union Tech Zone

First floor, southwest corner of the Illini Union

The Tech Zone welcomes any student with technological questions, problems or repair needs. The store offers several kinds of accessories for both Dell and Apple products, as well as the hardware products themselves. Students can also enjoy educational pricing and discounts from both brands.

But the Tech Zone provides more than just products. It’s their University student expertise that makes the Tech Zone a viable option for all new and returning students.

“I work with almost all of the IT departments on the entire campus as it relates to students, and we call them every year and ask, ‘What are you going to require?’” said Dave Zuranski, Illini Union Tech Zone consultant and customer service representative. “Our role is to basically understand what the different departments require for the students so we can point them in the right direction.”

The Tech Zone’s focus encompasses non-schoolwork use as well. As a special feature, the Tech Zone houses a demo room (nicknamed the “360 Room”) that allows customers to test out tablets, laptops, Apple TV, headphones and other products as if they were in their dorm room or apartment.

For repair or software issues, the Tech Zone welcomes walk-ins and appointments scheduled by phone. Christine Dietrich, assistant director of technology for the Tech Zone, said two of their most important service features are their hardware return time and their extended hours held seven days a week. The Tech Zone tries to work with all student needs, so if a part needs to be ordered, the student can keep the computer until the part arrives. Plus, the Tech Zone uses flat service and repair rates.

With a central location, the Tech Zone’s student focus comes full circle as the business benefits the Illini Union.

“Everything we do in there is for the students; if they use their retail dollars in the Tech Zone it will support all student programs,” Dietrich said. “Why go anywhere else?”

CITES Help Desk

Room 1211 Digital Computer Lab

Another option for students is the CITES Help Desk. The service offers 30-minute consultation periods, either by appointment or walk-in, to address any software concerns or problems free of charge. Popular services include NetID password resets and problems with viruses, email, Internet and software installation and performance. Especially for the first few weeks of the semester, the Help Desk assists students in figuring out programs such as NetLab and Compass.

If problems are hardware-related or go beyond the consultation’s capabilities, the CITES Help Desk offers on-site consulting that is charged by an hourly $40 fee. CITES can address some hardware issues, but otherwise can reference students to the right service once the problem is determined.

“We always want more people to know that the CITES Help Desk is there,” said Brian Mertz, chief communications officer for CITES. “Even if it’s not our service, we always make a good effort to try to help people with any problem they’re having. If it’s within our capability to solve it, we’re going to solve it for you.”

While the semester’s beginning weeks keep the Help Desk busy, their services are offered year-round and can be reached by phone, email, walk-in or live chat on their website. And with free 30-minute consultations, the Help Desk is most likely students’ cheapest option for small software and online service issues.

Best Buy Geek Squad

2117 N Prospect Ave., Champaign

If you somehow can’t find what you’re looking for, there are other companies that will come to campus or will assist you online and over the phone, such as the Best Buy Geek Squad. The Geek Squad offers nearly every tech-related computer service, including installation and setup, computer repair, virus removal and back-up services.

While the Geek Squad offers thorough services, it comes with a higher price. Everything from their on-site to live chat comes at a fee, so use it wisely.

Illini Tech Services

Another service looking to expand into the Champaign-Urbana area is the Illini Tech Services. The company offers virus removal and PC repair to residential customers, said Matt Walker, Illini Tech Services project manager. Students are also given a special discount.

“What sets us apart from other tech services is our wide range of knowledge as we are an all-in-one tech shop that offers services from virus removal and PC repair to website development and security systems,” Walker said.

The company is looking to expand into the Champaign-Urbana area in early 2014.

Sarah can be reached at [email protected].