Unless you're physically unable to lift the hardware onto your desk, don't even think about paying good money for 10 minutes of cable connecting and menu surfing. Most new displays and printers will simply start working in Windows just moments after you plug them in, even without installing their setup discs. And a new PC will walk you through the registration and Internet-connection process with such careful hand-holding that it's inconceivable you'd require a pro's help.

If you do feel like you need a hand, just about any neighbor kid over the age of 10 will be able to do the job, and will probably accept a 10-spot for the trouble.

For someone who has never opened their system's case, contemplating a RAM, hard drive, or graphics card upgrade can be intimidating. Although we make the process pretty foolproof with our guides to upgrading , , and , we would never blame a novice for seeking an expert's help in upgrading a PC's internal components. Just don't let the repair shop gouge you.

While we encourage anyone to at least consider installing new RAM on their own (it's insanely easy--the modules just snap right in), the most we can imagine paying for such a service is about $20. Of course, many major shops now charge a flat rate of $50 to $60 for any component installation, so a 2-minute RAM installation will cost as much as a 20-minute graphics card installation.