Apr 01

As business gets more and more complex, business related technology is getting increasingly sophisticated to meet the demand. Software needs to meet more and more business applications, some designed specifically to meet the entire business operation. Organizations are now turning to computer consultants to handle the development of application software, much needed to render the company to face the stiff competition posed by today’s market. In this way an organization ensures that it has the right tools and training to carry on its operation smoothly. You may be hiring computer consultants not only for the development of your application software, but also to keep your hardware in shape, preventing them from break-down.

The importance of choosing the right computer consultant for your company is very high.  The cost of various software and hardware for your company will be high to begin with, so you will need to make sure that your computer consultant can keep them on top condition.

Of course, choosing the right consultant may not be as easy as it seems.  In fact, choosing the right computer consultant on the first time can be quite trying for many companies.

There are two main categories of computer consultants on the market.  The first type of consultant is responsible for the maintenance of your hardware systems.  The second type of computer consultant will be mostly concerned with the development of various software for your business needs and desires.

In some cases, computer consultants are retained for short terms for the purposes of performing maintenance on the IT systems and the infrastructure.  On other cases, the computer consultant is retained, as %100 of their services are then devoted to that particular company.  Especially in the case of software development this is the case.

Thus, in order to make up your mind on choosing a short term consultant or a long term consultant; you will have to first identify your needs.  After you are aware of your needs, you can go about selecting the right consultant.

For example, if you are after the development of automated software to help shorten your day to day operations in your business, then your chances will be improved especially if you are aware of the areas that need improvement.

However, if you just need a computer consultant to perform basic maintenance tasks for your hardware and ready made software; then selecting the consultant for short term may be the right choice for you.  The consultant can maintain your computers, setup any necessary software and also help you to overcome any problems that ma arise on the way.

When you have to locate a computer consultant, you have several alternatives available to you.  Of course, the most basic alternatives are the Internet and the telephone directories.  Just by a simple search by using Google, you can locate several high profile computer consultants in your area

Besides telephone and Internet search, you may also want to think about getting some advice from your Local Chamber of Commerce or from the Better Business Bureau in your local area. As a last resort, you can check with your local Computer Trade Union.

Jeffrey Gross is a Computer Repair Long Island Consultant on Long Island. For more information and articles on this topic, feel free to visit Computer Services Long Island for further information.

written by Newshound \\ tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

Feb 25

Is your computer running sluggish? Does it freeze at the most inopportune times? When you start it up or shut it down, does it seem to take an eternity to load?

There is nothing more irritating! When this has happened to me, I wanted to chuck my laptop across the room! Fortunately, cooler heads prevailed.

If you’re experiencing these issues with your PC, you have a few options. You can either take your computer to a repair shop, or opt for a fix from home. Let’s look at what’s involved in each.

1. RE-FORMAT YOUR HARD DRIVE AND INSTALL WINDOWS AGAIN

If you choose this option, make sure you locate the Windows backup discs that came with your PC if you bought it. If you can’t find them, you may have to obtain them from Microsoft. Be sure to backup any files you need, since they will be gone once the re-format has taken place. If this doesn’t solve the problems, you can:

2. SEND YOUR COMPUTER TO A SHOP TO HAVE IT FIXED.

You will probably have to pay at least one hundred dollars. You might have to pay more, depending on how the amount of labor involved. The wait time can be anywhere from one day to two weeks. Some will offer a money back guarantee. Contact your local repairman for details.

You also have the option of scanning your computer from home. If errors are found, you can purchase a program that will cost anywhere from $29 to $59. The whole process takes about 30 minutes to an hour. All of the major registry cleaners and repair programs offer a money back guarantee.

If your computer is running slow, a comprehensive registry scan may be all you need to get it running again at an optimal level.

You will be able to get your PC running the way it’s supposed to in 3 easy steps:

1. CHECK TO SEE IF THE REGISTRY IS REALLY THE PROBLEM

Some problems are not related to the registry, so first run your anti-virus program as well as an anti-spyware program.

Still have problems? Chances are, your registry is to blame.

So, do this first:

2. MAKE SURE YOUR REGISTRY FILES ARE BACKED UP

**note: some registry cleaners will automatically backup your files

Different versions of Windows require different methods of backing up files. Here are the methods to use with various Windows programs. For older versions, consider using a program like RegCure right now

Registry Backup for Windows 2000/2003/XP:

1. Click on Start, then go to All Programs, then Accessories, then System Tools- then Backup. The Backup Utility should then come up. If not, it may need to be installed from the Windows CD that came with your computer

2. After backup utility comes up, check to see if you are in “Wizard” to avoid errors, and hit Next

3. Select “only back up the system state data”. You will continue to hit Next until it’s finished. Then hit Finish, and the registry backup will begin. Close once it’s finished

In order to restore, do the following:

1. Initiate the Backup Utility

2. In the Wizard mode, choose the backup version you want (most likely, it’s the one you did most recently), and click Next, then Finish, then close out this program

Registry Backup for Windows Vista:

1. Hit Start, then Control Panel, then System, then System Protection

2. Select the hard drive that will be your restore point, then hit the Crate button

3. You will then be prompted on how to complete the backup

As for Restoring your Registry:

1. Hit Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, System Restore

2. Click Next, then select restore point and hit Next

3. You will be prompted on how to complete restoration

3. FIX YOUR REGISTRY

The easiest step is to perform a system restore, but if this can’t be done, you can do one of four things:

1. Re-format your hard drive and install windows once again

2. Go to the registry editor to repair or get rid of the problem (the folders & keys)

3. Send your computer to a shop to have it fixed

4. Use a registry cleaner

P.S. If you need to get rid of the techy problems for a while - learn how cheap PlayStation 3 tips can help you to get a good ‘machine’ at very fair price.

For Local pc help and advice visit Computer Repair York

written by DavePF

Feb 18

Malware, computer viruses, a fire at home, or a glass of water all of the capability of wiping out all your important personal data. Some of our most valued possessions exist in digital form on our hard drives, and most of us don’t do anything to keep them safe.

Imagine how you’d feel if your house caught fire and you lost every photo album that you own?Or maybe a robbery occurred at your home and they took all of your personal income tax information from the last twenty years from your office filing cabinet.

Guess what — unless you use a secure data back-up service, you’re leaving yourself vulnerable to those exact things every day.

What is an online data backup service?

An online data backup service is a private, secure, and offsite location where you can store your important files and folders online.The service connects with your PC via the Internet and allows you to upload files and folders via their secure connection to a storage area on a computer that is only available to you and is protected by high tech PC security 24 hours a day 7 days a week. It’s the online equivalent of keeping your sensitive documents or invaluable family heirlooms in a safe guarded by police.

A couple of the more popular online data backup services are Mozy Backup and Carbonite.A Standard Mozy or Carbonite review will let you know that their services are well worth the money. Either will protect your data from dangerous software or hackers, as well as potential break downs or natural disasters.

Why bother using an Online backup Service

For starters you value your privacy.So that you can rest assured a professional service is watching over your data and important files.So you won’t be taking any chances that your personal information on your computer could be compromised.

Recovering data after a crash is very expensive, and usually isn’t successful.Of course the question has to be why would you wait until something is gone to try and restore it. Being responsible means being proactive about protecting yourself from catastrophic data loss, and the only way to do that is to ensure that your data is backed up and protected with an online data backup service.

written by Newshound \\ tags: , , , ,

Nov 20

At some point and time you will need computer help. It might be a virus you just can not remove yourself or your computer might be slower then a snail.

I do computer repair for a living and service a local market in Northern Colorado. The number one issue we get called out for is spyware and viruses. This is our bread and butter. On average the cost runs around 178 for onsite service. The next most popular service we perform is a system tune-up. This runs 129.

When selecting a computer repair company you should always call around. I run a small computer repair shop. Many people like that because if they have an issue they can ask for me by name. The turn around rate at bix box stores all but ensures you won’t get the smae tech that came out in the first place.

You are not forced to have someone on site to repair your computer. Thanks to new technology many companies now do online computer repair. Places like http://www.onlinecomputerrepair.org specialize in remote computer repair for XP and Vista. This is a great way to get your computer repaired right away and with out paying those higher prices for an in home tech. This sure beats hauling your computer across town and waiting a week for it to get fixed. The price is less and you get service right away. This is a very big plus. This really helps to lower the prices.

When selecting a company regardless of what way you go, you should always ask for the prices up front. There is nothing worse then hearing they charge 100 bucks an hour and you end up with a 400 dollar bill. Many places now charge by the service. Ask about the prices right away and get an estimate on the repair.

You should also check and ensure the company offers some kind of guarantee. For instance my small computer repair company has a 30 day guarantee on all services and a 90 day guarantee on workmanship. This means that if the spyware or virus comes back we will not charge them again for removal. It’s rare but when it comes to spyware sometimes a threat is not detected until a few days after the removal.

Bottom line, ask questions until you are happy with what you hear.

written by Newshound \\ tags: , , , , ,

Nov 06

When  it comes to computer repair you have many different options. The one most commonly chosen is going with a big box store like the geek Squad.  While at first this may seem like a good option here are a few things you may not know.

Places like the Geek Squad do not require certifications or pre-training.  You would think thye would require this for all of their computer repair tecks but that is not the case.  The field agents that come out to your home are suposed to be certified but having worked there myself I can tell you this is not true.  The other download side is the cost. While the in store service is reasonable in price having a tech come out to your house will costs you a few hundred bucks just to have them show up.  This cost is very outrageous.

A better way to go is going with a smaller local company.  Looking online or in your phone book you will find many smaller shops.Going this route is nice because if you have an issue you can actually speak with the same person who repaired your computer.  This is by far a better way to go.

Your third option which is even better is one that most people do not even know about.  Hiring a US based company to repair your computer online.  Things like virus and spyware removal, networking and all those other blue screen errors can be resolved right online.  For instance this Computer Repair site can remote into your computer and reslove just about any issue.there is no waiting in line and you can chat live with a repair tech.  No waiting days for a personal tech or hauling your computer across town just to wait a week for the repair.  By going this route you will save some major green on your computer repair job.  These guys also feature a no fix no fee policy.  This means if they can not fix it for any reason you do not pay a cent.  It’s worth bookmarking because some day you will need to use them.

written by Newshound \\ tags: , , ,