Tag: computer tips and tricks
5 ways to save money when buying a new computer
Morning everyone! Today’s blog has a few tips on how to save money while buying a new computer. Be warned, some of the tips are of course to offer our services, but read the whole blog and you will find many other tips in the reading.
1.) I have to put on the list…is hire us to help you buy it. We can do a remote session with you, remote into your computer and help you find a few computers online that fit your needs, your future computing needs and your budget. Things we can discuss are if your old software is compatible, your printer is compatable, what hard drive size is right for you, backup solutions, antivirus programs you need and just answer every question you have. We book usually 30 minutes for this consult, at $59 for this consultation, we find we save you money because most people go to a store and listen to a sales person and walk out of the store OVERBUYING. Working with us gives you the straight answers because you are paying us. If you want an expensive computer, we will make sure you get it and show you a few different models. If your budget is tight, we can find you many models that are inexpensive and you can get more bang for your buck if you do it right.
2.) Don’t overbuy! Simple, a sale person is making commission so be prepared if you go into a store to be upsold to death. Be sure you’re buying what you need and can afford. What do you need? Everyone wants fast fast fast….most computers out now come standard with what you need and they are pretty fast.
3.) They say skip buying the store’s extended warranty. I am on the fence with this becuase I do think people in business should buy it, mostly because it’s your business computer and you need it fix asap. For home users, it’s iffy…if your last computer worked great for 8 years, this one will probably last that long too. Figure out your repairs you made for the past 8 years (for hardware) and it is equal to what you paid for it, you might want a warranty. If way less, you may not need it. Most extended warranties are $100-$200 and it’s just like insurance, you don’t use it you lose it. Many give you a new battery on the plan, so make sure you get that if anything!
4.) Do you really need Microsoft Office? What do you need with this program that a generic can’t do for you? People today are telling me that the Office programs are very expensive and if you don’t need Outlook, why not try the generic version of Word/Excel/Powerpoint? Try openoffice.org Using these free tools can save you up to $120 if you were going to buy the home and student version of Microsoft office.
5.) Finally the last way to save money. Can you setup the computer yourself? Don’t hire Dell to do the home install…their rates are much higher than paying us or a local company to come out and do the set up. They don’t have many extra’s in their install package, we actually sit and help you figure out all the bells and whistles. Many people hire us to help them or do it themselves until they get in a pinch. We do computer set ups for pc and macs and don’t mind getting on the floor and figuring out all the cords. If you are in business, having a professional company do the set up is worth the money. If you are a home user, it’s worth it if you don’t know what you’re doing. We save you headaches!
To book an appointment with us, please submit a request on the link below. We look forward to helping you before, after or when you have a computer headache and aspirin isn’t helping!
Computer or iPad/Tablet? Tell us why you love your new device
Decisions decisions!!! With the popularity of the iPads and tablets, many folks are rushing out to get one as they are handy, small and easier to do many things with it than booting up that computer. For one thing, it’s easy to just throw in a purse or hold on to…than a laptop. Sure it is. And it has zillions of applications to use to make your life easier or more fun. Who wouldn’t want this toy? Me. I call it a toy for a reason, mostly because I cannot in any way possible think of how a portable device will make my life easier. Then again, I have one of the newest blingiest Blackberry Torches and I use 4 functions: Phone, email, text and contacts. I guess I am a minimalist with the new devices as my brain is focused on using the computer for my work and my life.
To move to an iPad/Tablet for work, I guess I can’t say anything but go for it! I know many folks are doing it and loving them (esp those on the road). But for a main computer for work? I have yet to see anyone do it 100%, but maybe? If you are one of those folks reading this, please comment below. I would love to hear your stories! The reason why I guess I can’t get off my computer is that I like doing 20 things at once and having all of my “apps” (aka…programs) at the bottom of my screen organized so I know where everything is, and I enjoy the keyboard way too much. The ipads and tablets don’t give this larger handed gal much room for typing 100 wpm. I would sorely miss that, I would have to have an extended keyboard and that point, why have a tablet? I might as well just whip out the laptop.
I’m a ferocious typer. I am an insane multi-tasker. The devices for me would only be for “fun” meaning, I’m on a trip and just want to use it to play with the apps, surf the web and check on my social media. I would never use it for work at this point.
To close, what is your choice? Tell us below! Share your knowledge with others, the good, the bad, the everything! Maybe you can shed some light on this topic, switch me over? (doubtful!, but you never know).
Scam Alert: the job workers of Windows and many more…
Seems we have a busy group of “technicians” out there scaring the heck out of people by calling you, telling you that you have a virus or harmful things are in your computer, begging and pleading practically to get you to remote them into your computer and then doing some not-so technical things and then…finally, getting you to pay them for a removal and other odd repairs. Many people are falling for this scam and I can see how their scare tactics work, they don’t give up and use words that many people are scared of; virus, damage, harmful, etc. Getting a virus surfing the web is easy nowadays, it’s not as it was “opening an email” or clicking on a bad link, now it’s as easy as just opening a webpage that infected.
Here is what information I have right now on the phone scams…
Company #1: A company in India-Global IT, is calling people around the United States telling them that their computers are sending out viruses–they say they are the Job Workers from Windows (hah…or Microsoft).
Company #2 I Tecnocura, Technocure or Tecno….cure something/ company who tired to get one of my client to log into ammyy.com to clean up harmful things on their computer (told me to by a client).
Bewarned, if anyone calls you alerting you that you have harmful things in your computer or your computer is sending out viruses, it should only be your internet company. If you are fearful of them calling you, tell them you will call them back and insure it’s a local number or Qwest/Century Link, etc. These scammers have 800 numbers and will beg and plead with you to call them back, they will do anything they can to get you to remote them in and hook you into paying.
To watch a video of another repair tech (like me!) who caught one of these companies calling them…the tech did a fake out. It’s a long video, but it really goes to show how far these guys will go to get your money.
http://hackedgadgets.com/2011/10/27/hacked-gadgets-has-fun-with-computer-scammer-called-global-it/
Tip: Hang up on these fools asap!
If you think you have been a victim of this crime, feel free to call us and tell us about your experience. We will do a virus spot check for FREE because we want you to feel comfortable that you are not sending our viruses. You should be able to get your money back from your bank if you were one of the unfortunate. These guys can be pushy and hard to get off the phone. Just hang up!
Tips for buying a desktop computer
Happy Holidays everyone! I’m really excited to help all of you this season with all the little questions you have in regards to buying a new desktop computer. Many folks have questions about buying a desktop computer and which are best, while I will not tell you what brand is best (because in my line of work, we see them all in our shops, they all break at some point!) I can give you some shopping tips. Many of you are buying laptops and if you are feeling a little frisky and want to take your social computer use outside or elsewhere outside of your desk…then read this post “Tips for buying a laptop”
Now for those needing a new desktop computer…business or residential users can learn a bit from this blog.
First tip: If you have a monitor, keyboard and mouse that works, just buy a new desktop computer. Many computers come with a new keyboard and mouse in the box anyway, but unless you want a new blingy monitor, you just need the tower/computer itself.
Second tip: Make a budget and stick to it. A basic desktop model that is good for a family/solo is normally in the $400 to $600 range. You can go to Dell’s website and get a basic “no frills” computer for under $300! An average desktop model is around $500. The better systems for “Multimedia experience” is around $650 and up. If you’re into streaming Netflix or using your TV as your monitor, then you will want to spend a bit more to get better visuals from your computer. So, figure out how much you want to spend and stay in that budget.
Third tip: If you go to a big box store, don’t get talked into all the “extra’s” that they sell you.
- Their “optimization” package (we do this remotely and do a lot more in the time you’re hiring us than they will)
- The “data transfer” tools (buy an external hard drive and do it yourself and have a back up system or hire us, way cheaper and more fun to work with!)
- Their anti-virus programs (buy ours, it’s fabulous!)
- The warranties. If you are buying a basic computer for that low of cost, you don’t need to pay $200+ for a warranty (unless you run a business and want next day service for your hardware parts). The computer usually has a one-year warranty for hardware and after that, the parts are cheap enough to replace at any hardware repair store. AND…the software is never included in the warranty! That means that software that runs your computer “Windows” is not covered. So if you have an operating system crash, they won’t pay for it unless it’s due to hardware failure!
Fourth tip: Don’t worry so much about processor speeds or hard drive space. All new computers are keeping up with the industry and giving you what is standard. Although…if you are a music or picture fan, then yes…you may want a bigger hard drive. Most are shipping standard with 320, 500 or 640 gig hard drives, some are shipping with 1TB drives (WOW, that’s HUGE), but in our world of data hoarding, music and video collections and 1000’s of pictures, you may want one that big. For those into graphics and speed, you already know what you’re looking for and that is a whole blog post on it’s own to be honest.
Fifth tip: The extra’s–wifi and usb ports. Most computers today come with everything you need, but if you can find a good computer with wifi and extra usb ports, WIN. If you want to use your computer next to your TV and do streaming, you may want to get one with wireless already installed. (from what someone told me, it’s not good to have a computer right next to your TV, but I will look into that one). You can never go wrong with finding a computer with extra USB ports, I always max mine out and have a 4 port extender LOL. Everything needs USB power, so more the merrier there.
Sixth Tip: RAM/Memory. Yes, be sure to get the most bang for your buck here. Most computers are coming out with 4 gig as a standard, but if you look around enough, you will find some great deals that have 6 or 8 gig of RAM installed. GET THOSE. In a few years, we will look back and wonder how we lived on 4 gig. Just a few years ago, how did we live on 1 gig? Prepare for the future, get what you can now. If you can ask the sales rep or look online, see what the computer can max out with for RAM. Some are being shipped with 16 gig of RAM and I saw one the other day at 32 gig. WT???? Those are very expensive, but hey…if you are faster than your computer, you might want those options lol.
Email me with any questions, I hope this helped many of you in your buying decisions! When you get your new computer and would like us to help you set up and transfer your data/set up your computer, give us a call. We can even help you remotely with this! 962-681-7969.
Tips for buying a laptop
I get many folks asking me what laptop they should buy, which one is the best, etc. All models of computers/laptops end up in my shop, so they all break at some point. My opinion? Follow these simple rules and you just bought the best laptop!
1.) Figure out a budget. Remember that with a new computer, you may need to buy new software. The Office suite can run up to $300 for the full package, so keep that in mind.
2.) Test out laptops in stores first if you are buying online. Buying online gives you no sense of how the computer feels, weighs or views in bad/good/extra light. Once you see the one you want at the store, then go find it online and order there if you are getting a better deal. Some stores have the same computer on their own website cheaper!
3.) When you are at the store…. make sure to check out the next few things:
- Keyboard. Play with the keys and make sure you can type ok and see the keys. Some laptops today have the shiny look and feel and it’s hard to view and use those! Or they have the “bouncy” keys and it’s even hard for me to type on and I can type 100 wpm!
- Weight. Pick up the laptop and make sure you can carry it without problems. Many folks end up buying 10 ton weight laptops and they are very hard to drag around.
- Screen. Check out the screen and make sure there is not too much glare. If you plan on working outside, many screens have too much glare and you can’t read the screen in natural light, even too much overhead light can be bothersome.
- Screen width. Many folks hate the wider screens. It is not an issue for me, but for those with the regular monitors, it’s quite a change. Test opening some stuff on the computer and make sure you like how it looks.
- Memory. Try to get 4-8 gig of RAM if you can. Most new computers are coming out with at least 4, but if you can get a good deal with 6 or 8 gig, go for it! You should be fine with that for many years to come. But with how fast technology is changing, who knows…8 gigs might be slow soon, hah!
- Hard drive size. Most new computers come with 32o to 1TB hard drives. If you are a data hoarder (like me!), then getting the biggest hard drive possible that meets your budget is best. If you don’t keep a lot of stuff, then a smaller one is just fine.
That’s the quick and dirty…many folks also ask about the processors…my answer is you’ll be ok probably if you can find a computer that fits your needs with the list I gave you. Those are much more important for the standard/average user.
If you are buying a new computer and need help with the set up, data moves, antivirus protection plans or data back up, please let us help you. Our remote support rates are very affordable and will get your computer up and running quickly!
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