The Legend of Computer Zorro

Zorro (Spanish for Fox) is the secret identity of Dave Woolsey, a gringo and master computer swordsman living in the Baja Norte, Southern California region. He defends the people of the land against spyware, malware, trojans and other villains, and is not only much too cunning and fox-like for the bumbling bad guys & hackers, but delights in publicly humiliating those same foes by righting their wrongs, while riding on his trusty horse Exterra.

Archive for February, 2010

What do you think is a more effective way of repairing your PC system registry files? Taking it into your local computer repair shop or downloading a piece of diagnostics software to get the job done? Quite honestly it’s not a cut and dry answer, but this article will explore the differences. More specifically we’ll discuss how trial and error effects your bill, why software is consistent, and which choice is best for your PC problems. By the end of this article you should be able to decide if trying PC repair software is a good choice for you next time you run into a hardware of software error.

The Trial and Error Process of Technicians

You probably don’t realize it but even those positioned as computer experts rarely know exactly what the problem is without first running some tests. Just like a doctor or auto repair tech there is a trial and error portion to diagnosing and repairing a problem. Most computer repair people have a list of issues in their mind that a problem could be, they start at the top and run down that list until they locate the issue. If they can’t find it then it means research time. No one is an expert at everything, and quite often technicians will use scanning software to check your hardware, registry, and files to find a problem.

The consistency of Registry Repair tools

I’m not going to suggest that registry repair software is better then taking your PC to a repair shop. How ever, registry repair tools perform the same scan each time, similar to that list of issues the technician has in his had. The difference is that the software does it in about 10 minutes or less, every time. The software then diagnoses the issues found and offers a remedy all in well under a half hour.

The verdict here is that a piece of registry repair software performs a very similar task to your computer repair person. The difference is you’re not paying the software by the hour, it’s a one time fee to buy the software and that’s it. Add in that software generally offers new updates as time goes on and you’re actually protecting yourself for a longer period of time all for one price.

Which option is best for your PC repair needs?

I always recommend that you try diagnostic software first. Why? Simple the cost is much less then a trip to the repair shop, and most of these software publishers offers a money back guarantee. If you’re not happy with how the program performed you just ask for your money back. What’s the worst that could happen? You could end up at the repair shop anyways, but best case scenario you locate and fix the problem yourself saving you both time and money.

In the ideal situation, you buy a computer, install it and use it smoothly. Unfortunately, this is often not the case. Everybody will receive some error messages sometimes or some unexplained failures. Should you call in a computer technician immediately or are there a few things that you should try by yourself to solve the problem? It depends on the case. When you see a message saying that you have a motherboard failure, it is definitely time to call in the IT and not try to solve it on your own. A few smaller issues, though, could probably be easily solved by you.

  1. When you receive messages that your computer does not have enough memory to run an application, it does not always mean that you need to buy more memory. Some programs that use memory do not give it back when done. This is one of the many design limitations of Microsoft. Use the Task Manager to close ‘hidden’ programs and free memory for programs that are in use.
  2. Memory errors are also often created by misinterpretations of the operating system. Run a virus checker that is up to date and see if this solves the problem.
  3. A very common and often occurring problem is freezing of the computer. The applications are not responding anymore and everything runs in slow motion. The main reason of this is poor maintenance. Learn to use Ctrl+Alt+Del. This is not going to shut down everything completely as in the old days. Instead, it makes the Task Manager appear. Here you can see all the applications that are running. Find the one(s) that don not respond and choose ‘end now’.
  4. Another simple solution for common problems as slow motion and freezing is rebooting. By shutting down and restarting the computer, programs are closed properly and fresh copies of the files that are needed to run the operating system are reloaded.
  5. This is a good option to save time, but does not solve all the computer problems. The reason of freezing will not be solved or changed at all. After a crash, you should always run ScanDisk on the computer, so it will find and solve basic problems. ScanDisk can normally be found in the Start Menu under Accessories and System Tools. However, Windows XP named it differently. From ‘My computer, right-click on C: and click on ‘Properties’. On the ‘Tools’ tab, you will find ‘error checking’ and ‘Check Now’
  6. Another thing that should be done regularly and definitely after a crash is Defragmentation. When you use a computer longer, the files become spread out over the whole hard drive. The computer needs to work very hard to find them back. The defragmentation function puts related files close to each other and speeds up the computer considerably. This function can normally be found right next to the ScanDisk.
  7. If your computer crashes before you saved your file, it does not mean that you have lost the file. AutoRecover might have saved it for you. This is, when it was turned on. In MSWord you can turn on AutoRecover by clicking on ‘Tools’ and ‘Options’. Click on the ‘Save’ tab and checkmark AutoRecover. Was it not turned on when your computer crashed, you might find the file back in one of the temporary files. Click on ‘Start’, ‘Find’, ‘Files and Folders’. In the box ‘named:’ you type *.wbk and ‘look in:’ C:. Find the file by checking the time that is was created and the size. If you have found the file, change the file name to end with .doc and then double click on it to open it in MSWord.
  8. Having connection problems? Or does it seem that the internet is down? Try other sites first, to see if the problem lies with your connection or with the website that you try to visit. Restarting the browser or the computer does also solve many problems that look as if coming from the connection.

If you have tried all these things without success, it is time to call in an expert for your computer repairs. The best computer technicians will make your computer onsite and on the same day. Try to help them identifying the problem, when they arrive. Make sure you have written down everything that you did and the results. Or if possible take a screenshot to use as a record of what went wrong. The screenshot captures the error message, and shows the programs that are running, which could be very helpful information for the computer repair expert. This is how you do it: Hit the ‘print screen’ button. Then open Microsoft Paint (by clicking Start – Programs – Accessories) and then select edit and paste the screenshot. Now you can save it or print it out for the IT expert and save you both time and money.

Finding the best approach to computer repairs in Brisbane and across Australia can be especially challenging. Follow these tips and advice first so you are well prepared before you contact a same day computer repairs service in your local area.

When Is Professional Computer Repair Advisable?

There are many computer repairs that the average person can perform without much problem. Things like installing CD-ROM drives, sound cards and other expansion cards don’t take much computer knowledge. How can you know though when you are over your head and need professional computer help?

Some computer repairs are difficult for the average person to do without causing damage to their computer or a peripheral. There are some repairs I’d classify as beginner level, some as intermediate and others as advanced. I’ve already mentioned some repairs I would call beginner level. Some intermediate repairs include replacing your hard drive and installing an operating system. There was a time when something like this was advanced but with modern Microsoft operating systems like Windows XP and Windows Vista, operating system installations are not as advanced as they used to be.

So what repairs should a beginner not attempt? I would suggest some things like replacing your motherboard. The need to replace your motherboard can come either when you are ready to upgrade your motherboard to something newer or when your computer case power supply kicks the bucket.

Another repair I would caution against is based in software. That’s when you need to clean out a nasty virus or spyware program. It is very easy to cause you much grief if you don’t do it right. You could lose access to the data on your hard drive if you mess up your operating system. Now if you don’t care about the data on your hard drive, simply re-installing your operating system while making sure to format your hard drive can usually solve a software problem. Kind of like killing a fly with a large shovel. It works but it is overkill. A professional computer repair technician can help you keep your data while ridding you of a virus infection.

Gulf Shores Computer Repair

As more and more businesses realize the power of the internet, the ways that we live and work are becoming more flexible. Many companies offer incentives for their employees to work from home one or more times a week, while government programs may pay up to $300 a month to telecommuters and carpoolers. This is fantastic news for everyone, but the flexibility available to small business owners is truly incredible.

With this rise in electronic commuting comes a new wave in vacationing: the working vacation. As more and more small businesses become entirely “portable,” owners are taking more time with their families, and the idea of a pleasant family dinner on a beach balcony, followed by stargazing, bedtime, and mom or dad taking an hour or two before bed to “check in at the office” is no longer something for the rest of the family to complain about, but rather to be thankful for. However, before taking your own working vacation, be sure that you’re prepared for the complications that are so inherent to this new, electronic office.

Many savvy working vacationers choose locations like the Gulf Shores for their “holidays” because the weather is pleasant year-round, the prices are affordable and the atmosphere is laid-back and family friendly. If you decide to try out Gulf Shores for your next working vacation, here are some tips to be sure you’re as relaxed ‘ and productive ‘ as possible.

1.Find Emergency Gulf Shores Computer Repair Before You Have A Problem

Gulf Shores computer repair is far more available and varied than you might expect. A simple online search will show you the locations of both specialty shops, PC repair locations and electronics stores.

2.Eliminate The Need For Gulf Shores Computer Repair With A “Trip Check”

Have your laptop trip-checked just like you would a car. Have your local specialist check out your machine before you ever leave home.

3.Gulf Shores Computer Repair Doesn’t Have To Break The Bank

Many vacation spots have lots of PC specialists, but these tiny stores charge an arm and a leg just for a problem-evaluation. Try a “bigger name” store that is owned by a chain or franchise ‘ like Radio Shack or Best Buy ‘ instead of relying on the kindness of strangers with an eye on your vacation dollars.

Working vacations are definitely the wave of the future in long-term recreational enjoyment, and the best way to enjoy your gulf shores vacation is to be aware – ahead of time – of the computer repair options in the area.

Whether you are small or large business house or may be you are an individual looking for the computer repair services Chicago, this article is for you. Computer repair services are must for businesses. These services are best for offices and other businesses where there are lots of computer machines.

Though there are many computer repair services in Chicago, hiring any company will not provide you with the kind of services you are looking for. Hiring only a reliable and reputed service provider is what matters.

To help you out in finding the best Chicago computer repair services, here is the list of top 10 service provider in the city. The list is compiled on the basis of peoples and neighbors recommendations. Since people recommend only a service provider that offers best services, the most recommended computer repair services get the highest rank in this top 10 rank.

The top 10 most recommended Chicago computer repair services:

1. Second City Computers Incorporated
(312) 382-9282, 328 S Jefferson St – Chicago, IL 60661

2. Technology Sourcing Incorporated
(312) 372-7950, 222 N la Salle St Ste 1500 – Chicago, IL 60601

3. Computer & Lazer Services Incorporated
(773) 735-9199, 6006 S Central Ave – Chicago, IL 60638

4. Micomp Computer Center
(312) 255-1920, 1555 N la Salle Dr – Chicago, IL 60610
www.micomp.com

5. Geek Country
(312) 280-1111, 1923 N Halsted St – Chicago, IL 60614

6. Fusion Technology Partners
(312) 949-1840, 2615 S Union Ave – Chicago, IL 60616

7. Compucare & PC Products
(708) 771-9170, 7441 Madison St – Forest Park, IL 60130

8. Compucity
(312) 346-2048, 100 W Monroe St – Chicago, IL 60603

9. Micro Medics
(312) 346-6255, – Chicago, IL 60601

10. Energes
(312) 362-1000, 542 S Dearborn St – Chicago, IL 60605

To ensure that your computers run properly, it’s very critical that you hire only the best computer repair services available. Since to run your businesses smoothly, proper maintenance of computers is very important.

The above list will assist you in finding the best Chicago computer repair services. So, get help of this list and find the best service providers in the city.