Thoughts on getting the best computer service

We have worked in various parts of the computer industry for over 20 years. Programming, support, repair, projects -- many aspects. What have we learned that will help you? Planning goes a LONG WAY toward comfort, cost savings and smooth operation.

How does one eat and elephant? One bite at a time.

Take a step back and see what you need and what makes sense financially. Is there really a need to be in a rush? Or is someone just making you feel afraid? There are ways to get the support and response that you need.

Computer Repair

If your computer is broken, it's important to determine if the problem is actually worth resolving. You can spend more than you might expect on a part replacement and the labor associated with that repair. If your computer is dear to you and you wish to keep it running no matter what the expense may be, we can help you with the decision process. For instance, what part is broken and how much is the replacement part? How much labor is involved in the repair? What is the risk of the repair not working or lasting for a sufficient amount of time? Oddly, we are living in a time where most of our technology items are disposable. Thus, a $300 repair on a computer, in many cases, no longer makes financial sense. You must also keep in mind the cost of recovering your information if you purchase a new system. This factor has to be part of the decision process when you repair your computer - no matter what the brand.

Contract with a big firm versus as-needed

We look at the other computer repair and support vendors in the area to ensure that we are a cost effective solution for you. We are. We work on an hourly basis - you pay for what you use and WHEN YOU NEED IT. Many firms prefer a contract (monthly payments or up-front investment) and only then provide "better" service. Do you really need instant service? Do you really need someone monitoring your internet connection on a minute-by-minute basis? Yes, there are cases where this is necessary. The majority of you, however, are not in need of a contract. It may feel more successful to tell your peers that '...we are under contract for IT support and our business runs great...'. In the end though, who really favors paying a contract fee? We can consult with you on this topic and devise a way to help you keep more money in your pockets. Don't be frightened into a contract -- use your leverage! You are the client!

Buy 'local' versus somewhere else

There is certainly value in purchasing your computer, it's parts and associated accessories in your local vicinity. We are local and we want you to purchase our 'local' services. We have experienced, however, that it pays to take your time, plan for your purchase and GET THE BEST DEAL! Instant gratification is nice for some, but it's indulgent and is simply a case of lack of planning. We can help you inventory your systems and determine what to purchase. Then you are more comfortable and, in the end, save time, money and frustration.

Warranty

Many people do not favor a warranty and are willing to take the risk involved with not having one. We generally lean toward having a warranty on your computer or server for as much time as it makes sense to do so. We have seen MANY cases where the warranty paid for itself EASILY! Talk with us about this area of your business.

Apple versus Windows

Easy answer -- IT DEPENDS! Mac OS is a fun system to use and we use it daily. For business systems however, we find that Windows systems are still the leader -- such things as Point of Sale systems and file sharing. Further, Windows systems are much more affordable, thus they are EVERYWHERE! If you're itching for a new system, talk with us about how to make the best decision. Also READ and RESEARCH! You would be surprised how much information is freely available to you in your search for making a great decision.

UPS and/or power protection

Believe it or not, it IS important to prevent your computer from sudden loss of power. Though rare that this might occur in your area, it needs to be considered and planned for. Laptops are less sensitive as they have a built-in battery. Your iMac or Windows desktop / server however, are indeed sensitive and should be protected.

Backup of your stuff!

Documents, music, photos and otherwise. It's all important to you!

In our experiences, we have found that 90 percent of the time (or higher) that if your computer ceases to operate that you can still recover your information. Maybe not all of it, but most of it. In rare cases, we find that your information CANNOT be recovered. In those cases, a laptop was dropped and severly damaged or a system was simply neglected until a catastrophy occurred (i.e., overheated and the system crashed completely). THIS IS AVOIDABLE through paying attention to your computer and keeping is clean. We backup our information on the internet as a means of ensuring that if there were a fire or flood and our computers crashed, we could retrieve our business files, music and photos. We can help you determine what is best for you. There are many options and combinations. It really depends on how you operate. Consult with someone rather than ignoring this area of your life or business.