Learn computer repair: the self-taught method

One great way to figure out if you have the patience for computer repair is to build one from parts. Downside: It'll cost you a bit and take up your evenings for a few months. Upside: If you figure it out, you get a computer for cheap and a real sense of how they work.

I recommend: There's a couple of sites dedicated to computer repair as a hobby (and selling components), like PC Mechanic, My Super PC, the Wikibooks entry on PC construction, and HowStuffWorks.

Learn the computer repair business on Geek Squad's dime

A short-sleeved white shirt and Volkswagen Beetle might not be your look, but a year or two on the job at a computer repair company like Geek Squad might be your ticket to doing your own thing later.

I recommend: Check out the requirements for becoming a Geek Squad agent and apply. An alternative would be a year or two in tech support for a corporation or bank. Find opportunities at technology job board Dice.com.

Get certified in the computer repair business and computer services

There tons of schools, online and at local colleges, offering certificate degrees in computer repair and computer services, a sign of the demand for the computer repair business. Whichever you choose, you will likely be best off taking a certification test to prove your abilities as a computer repair business owner.

I recommend: CompTIA is a computer repair industry group that conducts training and tests in all manner of computer repair subjects, hardware, software, networking and the like. Microsoft offers its Microsoft Certified Professional tests, which are pretty tough but often required of some customers. Consider computer repair coursework first from ExpressCert and Training Camp. Good guide sites on certifications and the computer repair business are Technibble and the About.com entry on certifications.

Consider starting up with a computer repair business franchise

If you think you know the basics of the actual machinery but feel slightly dizzy at the thought of starting any kind of business, take heart. There are franchise opportunities -- turnkey computer repair business plans in predefined markets.

I recommend: Some computer repair business franchises include Fast-teks, Lucky Gorilla and Concerto Networks. See the Business.com directory pages on starting a small business, business plans and getting started as a consultant.