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.

Computer Repairs – 8 Tips for Emergencies

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.

In the best scenario, you buy a computer with everything needed installed on it and you can use it for a long time without problems. However, this is usually not the case. We all have to deal with unexplained errors and failures every once in a while. Should you call in a computer technician immediately or are there a few things that you should try by yourself to solve the problem? This depends on the problems that are occurring. Some minor problems can easily be solved by the users, while an error message saying that there is a motherboard failure definitely needs the attention of an IT expert.

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.

Your computer crashed, but you never saved the file. Now what? Your file is probably not lost. If you have AutoRecover turned on, it will have saved the file for you. In MSWord, the AutoRecover can be turned on from ‘Tools’ and ‘Options’. Check AutoRecover on the ‘Save’ tab.

In the case that AutoRecover was not turned on when the computer crashed, all is not lost yet. The file could be recovered from the temporary files. Go to ‘Find’, ‘files and folders’ in the Start Menu. Search in C: for a file named *.wbk. When you recognize it from the time and size, you can change the extension to .doc. Do this by right-clicking on the file and choose rename. Now you can open de document in Words again.

Have you tried all things that you can think of and your computer problems are still not solved, then it is time to call in the experts. The best computer repairs services will come to your house or office and repair the computer onsite on the same day. When they arrive, try to help them identify the problem by keeping records of everything that you have tried and the results of it. When possible it would help the technicians if you made a screenshot as a record. The screenshot shows the exact error message, with the code numbers and this is very helpful information for the computer repairs expert. It also captures all the applications that are open at the time of the error. Make a screenshot by hitting the Print Screen button and paste this into Microsoft Paint (open this from ‘Programs’, ‘Accessories’). You can print the screenshot out to save you and the IT expert 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.”


Related Blogs

There a number of factors that goes into choosing the right NJ computer repair company in order to fix your pc.  We are going to go over some major points you should not only know but also research before hiring a company to fix whatever is wrong with your home computer system.

 

Do They Come To You

The first thing you want to find out about a company is do they come out to your home or business where your computer is.    You want them to come out to your computer because you want to be sure your comptuer is working in its environment.  If you live in Cherry Hill, New Jerrsey where your computer is hooked up to a cable modem and router, you do not want to take your pc to Mt. Holly to a repair shop and have them “fix” it.  Then go home and hook it up to realize it still won’t connect to the internet!

Have the company come out to you, even if it is a little bit more money.  The problem can always be related to the actual network that the computer is on.  So aleviate this variable and get it fixed in your NJ home.

 

Do They Install Software That Costs Money

This is a major point, ask if the company you are speaking to plans on installing any software that will cost you extra money.  With the advent of the internet and how it is used as an engine for advertising, any software that you will need to fix your computer in New Jersey you can get for free online.  The very very best programs you can get for free believe it or not.

If they are a professional NJ computer repair company then they should know this.  If they are not, that means they probably don’t know or they are just trying to get your money.  Both situations lead to you calling another business to get your pc fixed.

 

Remember just because a computer repair company has the biggest ad in the yellowpages or partnered with a huge company like Best Buy, does not mean they know how to clean off a computer of viruses and spyware.  Do your research and you will find the right NJ computer repair company for you.

computer repair

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.

Starting computer repair business mistakes are not unlike any other business start up mistakes. Under capitalization, not planning for cash flow and operating costs, unrealistic sales and revenue projections, and no marketing plan, are all common mistakes.

Lets take a look at these mistakes as they apply to the computer repair business in particular. Computer repair businesses fall under the services category, even though many might sell some equipment both for replacement parts and new models.

Since start up and operating costs are the first areas most new owners try to address, that’s a good area to discuss first. It’s easy to overlook some of these start up costs until you actually start working in your business. That’s the number one mistake.

Start up costs can be very reasonable for a non-retail computer repair business. If you plan on going retail, you will need a pretty good chunk of money for the initial lease, build out, and signage. But we’ll save that scenario for a different article.

Since the owner/operator will be going to the client (instead of the client coming to a retail location), a reliable vehicle is a must. And with gas and vehicle prices being what they are, transportation costs should include fuel and maintenance in addition to the purchase or ongoing payment cost.

A good transportable tool kit, maybe some common repair parts, and other basic accessories are also necessary. You might even consider a smock of some type to protect clothing (I can’t tell you how many shirts I’ve lost to toner, dirt from shop areas, and other unknown threats).

Administrative costs should include items like cell phone, invoices, business cards, insurance (both health, auto, and liability), accounting advice and software, any local licenses, and reference materials (manuals, etc.).

We’ll break out any advertising or marketing costs due to the fact that they will be ongoing and not just start up requirements. Depending on the market area, and what methods are planned, advertising and marketing costs can be considerable.

The next biggest mistake falls under both the sales and revenue projections and operating expense and cash flow. These two areas go hand in hand due to the relationship. You cannot bill 100% of your time, end of story.

If you bill 60% of hours, you are doing well above the national average of owner/operator type businesses. There are several reasons, but the biggest is that you get to change roles many times during working hours. So figure on 35-40% billable hours. You can obviously work 60 hours (and I often do) so that 35-40% can represent more hours.

Along with the number of hours, due to the nature of the business, you really don’t know how many service call requests will come in during any period. After doing this for 30 years, I still don’t know. Of course the more long-term clients you acquire, the more ongoing activity you will have.

Cash flow can always be an issue. The more ongoing clients you get, the more you will carry receivables. Short quick service calls (under $200) should be invoiced and collected on the spot. Larger and ongoing projects should be billed upon collection and if you offer terms, make sure you can live with them.

It’s very easy to get to a point where you get to spend office time chasing receivables. It’s not fun, and takes away from billable hours. You can also get burned from time to time. I offer terms, but only after a client has paid for the first time and established that the amount of work and billable hours will be worth the headaches.

And the third, and probably the most important to keep your business providing revenue, is a realistic marketing plan. You will need new clients every week, and should implement methods that are ongoing. The accordion effect is difficult to avoid in any small business.

That’s where you get too busy doing service calls and let your marketing efforts slip. When you get over the busy period, you sit there since you quit marketing and there’s a time lag to get new business. So no matter how busy you get, save some time for your ongoing marketing.

One way I’ve figured out to help overcome this situation is to have some flyers printed up that I send out everyday. When I go to a new service call, I jot down 10-15 businesses name and addresses near the new client. When I get home or before I leave for work the next day I grab the flyers and put the past days addresses and drop them in the mail.

And if you want to get a little more cost effective, you can wait a day or two until you have enough ready that you can use the lower bulk mail rate. Either way, you can’t go wrong if you adhere to this system.

Starting any small business is a challenge. The Computer Repair Business is no different. But it is one of the few service type businesses that you can start with a very small investment. The key to success is not making the common mistakes above.

Pay attention to details, be aware of the pitfalls, and try to compensate for the known problems. Having your own Computer Repair Business can be quite profitable if you can overcome these common mistakes.

The good news about computer repair technician jobs is that technology is always changing and will require highly skilled people to provide support and service. The bad news is that the IT department is a high cost administrative area that is a slow moving target for budget cuts.The best way to deal with these up and downs in available work is to have a solid fall back plan that allows you to prosper in either situation. Computer Repair is a huge market in both commercial and individual areas.But where most techies get into trouble is in both the day-to-day business requirements and selling and marketing their services. People skills are also important when running your own company. If you watch any movie about computers and software, and the folks who really understand them, they paint a pretty sad picture of the individuals involved.Never the less, that less than good attitude is there and predominate. I was fortunate early on in my career to have a mentor who truly understood the fact that the only reason the IT department exists is to serve the rest of the company. Many IT folks never get that salient fact.Doing freelance computer repair work can be very profitable on both a part or full time basis. Youre selling knowledge and time for the most part. Sometimes hardware is involved but over half the service calls have to do with software, configuration, and problem solving.So with the addition of a few new skills (business marketing and people), any computer repair technician can make some good money part or fulltime. So what kind of money is possible doing computer repair work?Maybe you save another $2-$4K in taxes, which gives you another $1,000 cash. So thats quite a little jolt to the household budget for whatever. And if you should get a pink slip, for whatever reason, you could even crank up the part-time business to help fill the gap.Ive compiled all the information into one big package that teaches and provides many marketing and business operating tools. Everything from a basic website, to software, and even marketing materials. This is not some general business guide. Every piece of information, every software tool, and marketing piece applies to a computer repair business.So if you are looking for computer repair technician jobs, you might want to consider hiring yourself. I dont know of any other business that you can start for less money or has a larger target audience.

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