Students Correcting Open-Door PC Emergencies (SCOPE) is a free service provided by Sinclair’s students to help fix the computer issues of students, faculty and staff.
The labor for the service is free, but the cost for parts such as hardware or software is not included.
SCOPE specializes in computer tune-ups, virus removal, computer set-up and diagnostics.
“We do anything we can and if we can’t, we will still try,” said Ken Hook, SCOPE supervisor.
The workers of SCOPE also help install new software and answer questions for students, faculty or staff.
Volunteers and students completing their capstone will fix the computer issues, which help them to gain real-world experience.
Christopher Bowen, User Support major, is one of those students.
“I’ve enjoyed being on the computer since I was little,” Bowen said. “By helping fix people’s problems it gives me experience which can help me fix problems in the future.”
The volunteers that work for SCOPE usually come in on Fridays and Saturdays.
“A lot of them stop by to get their computer fixed and decide they like it and that they want to start doing it themselves,” said Hook.
If possible, specific issues may be fixed right away or within a couple weeks.
“Repairs may take a minute or up to a month,” said Hook.
When you drop off your computer to be repaired, they ask you to be as specific as possible as to what is wrong; as well as details that explain what are specifications of the computer and operating system that has been installed.
Hook said the SCOPE team hopes to offer the best possible fix.
“We had a woman come in one time that had her dog chew up her laptop charger. We gave her two options,” said Hook. “A cheaper charger in case her dog would chew it again and a more expensive one that would last longer.”
If SCOPE is unable to fix your problem, they will send you somewhere that can.
“We usually suggest Micro Center, which is a great place,” said Hook.
After the return of your laptop or computer, you will receive a customer satisfaction survey, asking questions such as: how you would rate your technician, how you found out about the service and how long your repair time was.
Hook also said that if you have a spare computer lying around that is not in use, you can donate your computer to SCOPE. They will strip the parts and use the ones that they can for future customers.
The SCOPE lab is located in Building 5 in Room 114. The fall hours of operation vary from Monday-Saturday. Extra information can be obtained from the SCOPE lab or call 512-4218.