Tag: computer support for business Minneapolis-St. Paul
Your New Year Technology Check List
www.thetogetherteacher.com
Our clients call in to get current technology problems fixed. In many cases, we end up finding even more problems than they knew about! However, I always help them find the solutions that will make their business day more efficient. It’s my job to know this stuff! Here is a checklist of the main problems people call with. How many can you check off?
1.) Do you have a good paid for antivirus program? Free ones don’t really work. They might for a bit, but when you really need them to, they won’t. Norton is still a favorite, but I don’t recommend using Norton if your computer is slow and old. Norton and McAfee still cause “unknown slowdowns” on fast computers. And not to mention, networking issues on occasion.
2.) Are you for sure backing up? If you are not sure, now is the time to check. If you have an external hard drive, be sure to unplug it when you’re done backing up.
3.) Are you using an old computer with Windows XP? You will need to think about getting a new one in April of 2014, as Windows XP will no longer be supported by Microsoft.
4.) Are your current email, calendar and contacts not synching with your other computers and smartphones? Are you tired of band-aiding multiple computers and smartphones just to keep your life organized?
5.) Are you having difficulty sharing data from one computer to another?
6.) Is your website a mess? Time for a refresh!
We can help you with all of these issues and find you new affordable solutions. Call us or email today. 612-865-4475 Lisa@callthatgirl.biz
Tips on how to buy a new computer to replace your Windows XP computer
Since many people are buying new computers because Windows XP will not be supported after April of 2014, here is a guide to buying a new computer and what needs to be done once you buy it. My recommendation? Buy before Christmas too.
Buy the computer is #1!
Here are some ideas on how to purchase, stay in your budget and make a good decision on a computer that will last you many years.
Mac or PC? 
Ah, the big debate! Many PC users are moving to Mac and for a reason, but should you is the question? Many of my clients have called in that have replaced their PC with a Mac to find the learning curve not so easy and the costs outweighing the PC by bounds and leaps. You cannot install your PC software (such as Office) on the Mac and you will need all new. The Mac itself costs much more and the learning curve as I said before…is a lot different, but it can be conquered! Macs are usually better hardware quality, last much longer than a PC and yep, don’t crash as much or get viruses (they can, but not as destructive).
Tower or Laptop?
If you have a nice monitor and prefer a tower, by all means just get another tower. Standard computers are $300 to $500. If you need a more robust computer, you will spend more obviously.
- A good laptop for the home is around $500
- A good business computer will run you $500 to $900.
How much memory should you buy with the computer?
I would buy a computer with 6-8 gigs of memory. If you buy less, one day you will want more. The deals are pretty good with the 6-8 so I recommend that.
What about hard drive size?
Most computers today come with 320 gigs to 1 Terabyte of data space. Get as much as you can for the deal you can get.
Windows 8 or Windows 7?
Try to find a Windows 7 computer if you can, If you buy Windows 8 you will need to have some settings adjusted for you to use it in the manner you are used to. We can help you with that of course if you buy Windows 8
Dell, HP or other brand?
Dell and HP are the most common computers sold today. If you want to spend more, you will get a better quality hardware computer.
Do you have your software ready?
Many of you bought a computer years ago and it already had Office on it. You did not get it for free, many people think so. You did pay for it and it probably came preinstalled with your computer. You need to find your disks and license keys. If you do not have these, you need to contact whoever you bought the computer from to get a copy if you don’t want to buy the new Office 2013.
If you need to buy new software, Microsoft has some handy packages for you to get software at a low price. But they changed their licensing to one computer per install. Not two as it used to be.
Want just basic word and excel for free? Try Open Office, it has the look and feel of Microsoft products without the extra cost
Buy it!
Now, with all the awesome online deals, you can just buy your new computer online…or should you? I’ve been very disappointed lately with some of the new laptops out there with the touchpad on the left side (due to the fact they added on calculator keys to the laptop keyboard). I bought a laptop with the touchpad on the side and I hated it. I could not get used to working “off” my usual and needed the touchpad in the middle. This may bother you as well.
I do recommend you go to a store that sells computers and touch and feel them. Be sure you don’t have heavy glare in the screen, the keys are ok for you to constantly be typing (some are horrible and float, my fingernails got stuck using!), and be sure it’s not too heavy (laptop only of course) if you will be traveling often or carrying it around.
If you find a good laptop in a store and it has my recommendations, buying it at the store may be best, then you can also return it fast too if you need. Returning online is a pain, but you can get better deals too.
TIPS!
- If you have wireless in your house, get a computer with wireless already installed on both laptop (standard) and your tower, not standard, but worth getting!
- Buy the extended warranty if you have a business computer, usually these are good deals and with your business needing to stay running, the warranty may have next day or same day assistance.
Budget!
Stay within a budget that works for you. If you can get financing that is a great deal, go for it. Never buy a computer from a rent a center or retail location that has huge interest rates.
Set it up
Setting it up at home by yourself may be something you want to do or you can hire us to help. Or you can do it yourself and call us if you need help with certain iss
Here is how we can help. Once you get your new computer up and running, you will need the following done to insure you can get back to work quickly or without hassle if you don’t know how to do it.
- Install a Windows 8 start menu
- Transfer your data
- Set up your printers
- Set up your Outlook/Email
- Install your software (new or old)
- Set up your antivirus
- Remote the junk preinstalled
For more tips…
To read a blog published awhile back on buying a desktop, click here
To have us assist, please call 612-865-4475 or email info@callthatgirl.biz and we can help you do the purchasing as well as everything else. You will save money by having us help you even with the buying, did you know most people OVERPAY for their computers?
Subscribe to the Microcenter newsletter, each week they have some good deals! Here is this weeks specials.
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Technical Support Packages for the Entrepreneur
If you are an entrepreneur out there starting your own business, you also need to consider adding in an “IT Budget” to your startup operating costs. These days, technology is moving way too fast and if you don’t have the best tools for your business set up from the get-go, you may find yourself spending too much time band-aiding solutions or just not working efficiently. If you are a one person office who has been having struggles with your technology, this package may just be for you too!
Is this you?
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You ask your children to fix issues because they know more than you?
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Do you rely on your neighbor who is a programmer to fix your viruses?
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Is your old IT guy from your past FT job your current tech to help during the day? But he’s always too busy at night to help now?
Also keep in mind that your average computer repair shop down the street may not have all the technical knowledge your growing business may need. Not all know the cloud nor offer fast remote support and that’s what all business owners want, fast service and reliable technology to keep their businesses running.
If you have a few different technical needs, we are very resourceful and know many other small technology businesses to help you with your needs fast and affordably.
Prices are approximate until formal proposal is requested
Microsoft Hosted Exchange–Synchronize your Outlook/email/calendars and tasks with your smartphone. Never miss a beat with your life and work in balance. Hosted Exchange is a cloud based platform that synchronizes computers, devices, tablets, iPhones, iPads and Androids.
- $70 to $90 for one year
- $129 per hour to transition (Usual for a 1 person mailbox move is 1.5 hours)
Bundle package of technology you just should have $165 for all installed
- Tune ups every quarter or at least every six months
- Good Antivirus lifetime license
- Online backup
Additional Support Ticket $512
- Can be used for all types of computer repairs, printers, network, Outlook support, virus removals, toolbars, never expires. We track in 15 minute increments.
- We also have onsite technicians, QuickBooks, Excel, Access, Outlook, ACT experts available as well as website designers, SEO assistants and social media marketing help.
Financing options
We can offer 6 months no interest/no payments with our PayPal processing. We can figure this out during a consultation.
Total quote: $896 Save 15% this month in Sept!
To get started, please fill out this simple form, we will contact you for a consultation. Thanks! ~Lisa
What type of emailer are you?
Every day while I’m helping my Outlook clients, I learn quite a bit about people and how they manage their lives. Outlook is usually their “life manager” with email, calendar and contacts working in synchronization.
I know it manages my life and those that help me run the business. Since they have access to my calendar and some email folders, I try to keep it managed for others to help me run the company. Try is the keyword, it’s not easy to get my brain from my way to thinking to a way others understand, after all…my brain is not a computer.
Now during all these years of helping clients, I have figured out there are a few types of emailers. Part of the joys of what I do for a living is getting remoted into a computer and seeing how my clients work, this helps me repair their Outlook believe it or not.
The Four Types of Email Users
1.) The type that deletes everything out of the inbox, it’s clean as a whistle! You keep nothing, you don’t need it, why have it around? You usually don’t have many Outlook problems do you?
2.) You have 180 emails in your inbox and you think you have a lot and it’s wasting space. You have no folders, no rules and just feel that 180 is too many. You’re not sure what to keep or throw, so you just delicately go through those emails and keep only what you need.
3.) The type that keeps everything in your inbox, never sorts, has rules or moves anything. You may have 4000 unread emails and it doesn’t bother you a bit. You use the search feature and love it! You probably do have size issues on occasion or a major slow down in your Outlook. You’re smart enough to know to delete stuff, but are scared but do is cautiously.
4.) You’re over obsessed with managing every email, have 50 folders, massive amounts of rules, heck…you maxxed out the rule limit! You never delete, you keep everything somewhere and live and breathe out of your smartphones and iPads, you can’t wait one minute for a new email. Email is your money and your money is your life. Having 10,000 unread emails is nothing to you, it’s just a database right? Keep it all!
Then there are the types in the middle. Currently with the Smartphone phenomenon, I’ve had to learn how to do many new “therapy sessions” (aka..Outlook help) and am learning how those folks work.
If you are experiencing Outlook or email issues or need to get all of your computers and devices in synch, try our hosted exchange opportunities, feel free to give me a call. I can help. (Or email me!) Lisa@callthatgirl.biz
612-865-4475
Minneapolis IT Support
If you have a small business and are looking for a fast and responsive company to assist your company with all or just some certain aspects of your information technology needs, Call That Girl offers a no contract, no fee personalized helpdesk for you and your employees and your IT needs. Looking to move off using servers? Now is the time, the cloud products we offer can easily move your infrastructure from hardware to software, more reliable and a one time set up fee.
In short, here is what you really need:
- Online Backup
- Antivirus Protection
- Remote Support Helpdesk Services
- Onsite assistance for hardware, networking, printing and new computer add/changes
- Email Management & Outlook help
- Instant Communications
- File sharing
- Smartphone assistance
- iPad and Tablet Application Support
If your company is excited about moving to the cloud, call us for a consultation. Should just take about 15 minutes to see if we can assist you and then we will formulate a proposal that fits your IT budget and we offer financing.
Call That Girl offers home and office onsite visits, remote support and has local retail stores for tech support and computer repairs including iPhone and iPad screen repairs and replacements in the Twin Cities area, the western and southern suburbs of Minneapolis, Edina, St. Louis Park, Bloomington, Wayzata, Minnetonka, Eden Prairie, Golden Valley Plymouth (any western suburb actually!) and St. Paul and eastern suburbs and Rochester. We offer fast and responsive technical expertise and troubleshooting for home and business computer problems. In addition, we also offer other IT Services including cloud application help, hosted exchange, Google apps, virus and malware removals, tune ups, data backup and recovery, printers, smartphone and iPhone help, hardware parts, screen replacements, laptop repairs, Outlook, synchronizing email and much more! If we don’t have it on this list, go ahead and ask…we may support it!
Why you should be careful when buying Microsoft Office on the Internet
I’ve had a few clients call in this year with problems with the Office products they purchased online. They either downloaded a pirated version and had to get their money back from their credit card, or they just had tons of issues with the installation causing many other problems.
When most of us need software, we go to our favorite search engine (mine is Google) and type in what we are looking for. Many of us want to save money, because software is expensive! But….if you end up buying a product that is from a site selling illegitimate copies, you will have a few more headaches to deal with as Microsoft will not activate products they do not sell licenses for. As well, 30 days after a purchase, you may have problems. Or, if you try to re-install, you will have problems.
Or you may not and get lucky. I recommend just paying full price; own it and use it as you wish.
Here is an example of a search in Google for “Microsoft Office.” These are the top 4 searches. The top 2 are actual paid ads from Microsoft. The 3rd one down…is a store selling products for WAY CHEAP. I would be leary of buying that product.
Having issues with your Microsoft Office products? Fill out the form below and we’ll help you out!
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