Archive for January, 2013

What to expect when getting your computer repaired

Posted by South City Computer

All computer repairs are unique experiences. Here are just a few typical things to expect when getting your computer repaired at a computer repair store.

Expect to be without your computer for at least a couple days. While some computer repairs are finished in a day or two, others can take more time depending on the complexity of the issue and the age of the computer. We understand having your computer out of commission can be a very frustrating.

Expect to pay up front for service before work begins. Most computer repair stores take a retainer or initial payment for service up front. This charge is for the time it takes a technician to diagnose your computer problem and provide a repair estimate.

Expect to be called and/or emailed notification updates and questions about your computer issue. Playing phone or email tag can take up valuable time and slow down your computer repair. Be on-call for us so we can get your computer repaired and back to you as quickly as possible.

Expect your computer to come back to you in working form. Most computer problems can be fixed the first time you bring your computer in for service. If you continue to experience the same issue, then bring your computer back at no additional charge.

Expect your computer to be clean and sanitary. The first step in a computer repair is to sanitize and clean out the computer. We blow out the cooling fans, and a wipe down the computer before it is serviced. You never knew your computer could look so new again…right?

Expect to learn something new about computers. Our computer repair techs are experts and are very knowledgeable about computers and computer problems. You will most likely learn a thing or two about your computer along the way.

If you are looking for professional computer repair services, bring your computer to South City Computer.

Simple Steps To An Easier Computer Repair

Posted by South City Computer

Simple steps to take before computer repairThis is a quick check list of simple steps you can do before you bring your computer to us for diagnostic and repair services:

  1. Do you have the Recovery CD(s) that came with the computer. With newer computers there may be a recovery partition on the hardrive. We can order recovery CDs for most makes/models of computers, however its quicker if you have the recovery CDs when you bring the computer in for service.
  2. Bring the power cord for your laptop computer. That is usually the only chord we will need to perform the computer repair. If your desktop computer uses a non-standard power cable, be sure to bring it with the computer.
  3. Have you been backing up your data? We will need to know if you need the data on the hardrive recovered (if possible). It’s a good idea to have a backup plan in place. Talk to a our computer technicians about a backup and recovery strategy that will work for you.
  4. What are the problems you are experiencing. While we do not expect you to be up on your “geek speak”, be specific and descriptive about the issue(s) you are experiencing when using your PC. Let the tech know the types of software that you are running when the issue occurs.
  5. How old is your computer? Knowing the approximate age of your computer can help our technician identify the version of Windows or Mac OS is installed on your computer, and also which Windows service pack your computer is on. It also will help our technician to discuss with you the benefit of fixing your computer problem, or assisting you to select a replacement computer that is right for you, and then help you to migrate your personal data to your new computer.
  6. Be prepared to pay a fee for our service up front. Most professional computer repair stores ask for money before they begin work. Usually we request you pay for the time it takes a technician to diognose your computer issue and prepare a repair estimate.
  7. Reset your password before you bring your computer to South City Computer if you still are able to. We recommend setting it to something like “temp1234”. We respect your privacy and do not need to know your private passwords.

    8. Getting your computer repaired can seem like a daunting task, but taking these few simple steps before bringing your computer in for repair service could make your repair go much faster.

Need help removing a computer virus?

Posted by South City Computer

Do you think you may have opened a virus file disguised as an image or document file from a trusted email? Is your computer no longer functioning normal, like it used to? Does your computer seem like it is constantly doing something even when you are not using it? Your computer might be infected with a computer virus.

A computer virus is a computer software known also as malware that can sometimes replicate itself and spread from one computer to another. The term Malware includes computer viruses, computer worms, Trojan horses, most rootkits, spyware, dishonest adware, malicious or unwanted software, true viruses, adware and spyware programs that do not have a reproductive ability.

Many computer problems are the result of a computer virus. This is a list of common signs of an virus infection you should watch for:

  • The computer runs slower than normal
  • The computer stops responding or freezes up
  • The computer cannot connect to the Internet
  • The computer has limited to no network connectivity
  • Internet Explorer will no longer connect to the Internet
  • The computer is crashing and restarting often
  • The computer restarts on its own and is not running normally
  • Your files seem to have disappeared
  • There are other system users available at start-up
  • Software on your computer is not functioning correctly
  • Strange support software pops up when running Microsoft Office
  • Hardrives or recovery partitions are inaccessible
  • The computer will no longer print correctly
  • The computer has unusual error messages, strange anti-virus and anti-spyware programs running, or is showing pop-ups
  • The computer is showing alternate window borders, and strange menus that are not normally there.
  • Rouge security software is running on the computer
  • Your email contacts have been receiving strange emails from you that you did not send

If you know your computer has been compromised at some point or if you are experiencing any combination of these signs, your computer may be infected by a computer virus. Bring your computer to Ivanhoe Computers today for a virus scan and removal!

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