Do you sell computers?
While we can
often get very good deals on used computers, selling computers is not our
primary focus. If your computer needs parts, we can supply them, or you
can take advantage of some very good bargains that happen from time to
time in the local stores. We gladly offer unbiased advice on upgrades or
new computer purchases.
If you are
looking for a custom built computer, we can handle your needs. Please be
aware that we use top quality components, and cannot match the prices of
the budget computer sold in Wal-Mart and Best Buy. We can offer you a top
quality computer custom built to exactly meet your needs.
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What happens if my repair only takes 20 minutes?
It is actually
very rare that we only spend 20 minutes! Most computers have many
potential problems that may go unnoticed. Also, many problems have a root
cause, which we prefer to fix. We like to do everything we can to make
sure you won't have problems in the future.
Also before
coming out, we like to talk you through some simple troubleshooting
techniques. Often, simple problems can be fixed over the phone in a few
minutes, and without charge!
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Is my computer worth fixing?
Very good question! This
varies greatly, depending on the quality and speed of your old computer,
and by what you use your computer for. If you simply like to get online,
check e-mail, and browse the web on occasion, A computer as old as 4 or 5
years may still meet your needs. Also, be aware that with those $450
computers for sale these days, you usually get what you pay for.
Another thing to consider is
the value of the information on your computer. To some, their information
is worth much more than the computer itself. Purchasing a new computer can
leave you without all your documents, Internet Explorer favorites, email
addresses, address books, pictures, music, and any other documents you may
want to keep.
Also, it's wise to consider
the problem you're having. Many problems are related to how the Computer
is used (Such as Spyware, Virus, Surge Protection issues, using
applications that require more memory, etc.), and these problems will most
likely occur on your new computer. It's actually a common story, where a
customer had a computer that was running very slow, assumed the computer
has just 'worn out', and purchased a new one. Soon after getting the new
computer, they would have similiar, and often worse problems. We like to
get to the root cause, and do everything we can to prevent problems in the
future.
Feel free to
give us a call. We can help you decide what's best for you.
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I keep a lot of important information on my computer. How should I
back it up?
We have found that most people don't backup their data and this is a
big concern because more and more people are keeping very important
information on their hard drives are are not prepared for a hardware
failure or virus attack.
Everyone uses their computer differently and we normally will design a
custom backup solution using tape, CD, DVD, or removable hard drives.
A backup solution is no good unless it is used regularly and the right
plan needs to fit the person, type of computer, and data to be stored.
Feel free to contact us to determine what plan fits you best.
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What is spyware?
Spyware is software or hardware installed on a computer without the
user's knowledge which gathers information about that user for later
retrieval by whomever controls the spyware.
Spyware can be broken down into two different categories, surveillance
spyware and advertising spyware.
Surveillance software includes key loggers, screen capture devices, and
trojans. These would be used by corporations, private detectives, law
enforcement, intelligence agencies, suspicious spouses, etc.
Advertising spyware is software that is installed alongside other
software or via activex controls on the internet, often without the user's
knowledge, or without full disclosure that it will be used for gathering
personal information and/or showing the user ads. Advertising spyware logs
information about the user, possibly including passwords, email addresses,
web browsing history, online buying habits, the computer's hardware and
software configuration, the name, age, sex, etc of the user.
As with spam, advertising spyware uses the CPU, RAM, and resources of
the user's computer, making the user pay for the costs associated with
operating it. It then makes use of the user's bandwidth to connect to the
internet and upload whatever personal information it has gathered, and to
download advertisements which it will present to the user, either by way
of pop up windows, or with the ad banners of ad-supported software. All of
this can be considered theft in the cases of advertising spyware that
installs without disclosure.
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What should I do to protect my computer and network?
1. use an Internet Firewall to protect you computer and network.
I recommend having both and using the hardware one when on a secure
network and using the software one when on a public network.
2. Get computer updates at least once a week. If you are
using a Microsoft product, configure your OS to download and install
updates and always remember to monitor it to make sure it is working.
3. Install and update Antivirus software and update at least once
a week. Just having it installed on your computer is not good
enough. You must make sure you are activity downloading the updates
and you need to make sure the process is successful.
4. Backup your PC at least once a week. Full backups are
nice to have but at the very least, all the data should be backed up as
often as possible. We have designed solutions for people that can
make this very important task as painless a possible.
5. Research software before installing it on your computer.
Most free software can contain viruses or spyware which will harm your
computer or even capture personal information about you and send them to
someone on the Internet.
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