WHAT IS REMOTE ASSISTANCE?
NORMAL RATES: $35 per Hour ($8.75 per 15 minutes)
15 minute Minimum Charge on all connections.
AFTER HOUR RATES: $60 per Hour after 8pm / On Weekends / Holidays!
If your Internet Connection is WORKING and you need a Technician to do software troubleshooting on your Windows based PC - Without needing any physical labor done on the computer..... then we can use Remote Assistance via Internet to help you without you having to pay a Service Call fee for a Tech to come to your home.
Often we can fix your computer problem over the telephone. Maybe you just need help updating your antivirus software, or fixing an uncompatable addon. We consider that a completed job, and also charge for a Remote Assistance session. The cost is only $25 per hour and your only charged from the time the Technician actually makes a connection to your computer via the internet, or for the length of the phone call. We will even give you the instructions below so that you can prepare everything for the Technican - Saving you even more money! Simply, follow the Instructions below and call CGrafiks when your done.
During your remote repair session YOU will be able to observe all repairs LIVE by watching your screen while we solve your problem. Your computer mouse will actually move around on your computer screen right before your eyes. You can even watch and learn! Plus, YOU will be able to assume control at any time. When we are finished, we will disconnect from your computer and will be unable to reconnect, unless YOU initiate the connection again. This entire process keeps you, our client in complete control at all times. We're happy to explain this process over the phone to clarify any concerns that you may still have
TO BEGIN A REMOTE ASSISTANCE SESSION: Visit Www.CGrafiks.Com
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Read Before Installing Antivirus
Read before installing an Antivirus!
Due to the conflicting nature of competing anti-virus and firewall programs, it is imperative that you:
* Verify your computer does not already have anti-virus software preinstalled.On most of our home computers we preinstall a free antivirus such as AVG. If your computer has this software, you must uninstall it before you install another anti-virus program (for instructions on how to do this, see the “NOTES” listed below). Failure to do so can cause your system tolock up or become unstable.
NOTE (for systems with the Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system): If your computer has AVG and you wish to uninstall it, click START, Control Panel, and Add or Remove Programs. Then click on AVG FREE and click theRemove button. Click Yes to confirm the removal. After the uninstall completes, it may be necessary to restart your computer.
NOTE (for systems with the Microsoft® Windows Vista™ operating system): If your computer has AVG and youwish to uninstall it, click the START button, Control Panel, and Uninstall a program (found under the heading “Programs”). In the following screen, click on AVG and click the Uninstall button. Then click Continue to proceed, and Yes to confirm you want to uninstall the program. After the uninstall completes, it may be necessary to restart your computer.
Even the most up to date antivirus is capable of letting a virus slip through. It's similar to a bullet-proof vest in that if a bullet hits you in the back or chest it will protect you; however if it hits you in the head or side ( even with a vest on ) your going to be hurt! An Antivirus works on the same principle. Virus signatures are updated daily because of new threats that are just being found. If a virus happens to find its way into your system before the virus signature is updated into your antivirus program... then you have just been infected and your antivirus will not see this even if it gets the latest virus signatures. Why you may ask.... simply put, the virus is already inside now, and is hiding behind your antivirus!
The most common ways of getting a virus are by:
A Floppy disk from a friend.
A download off the internet.
An email or email attachement.
*Downloading software such as Limewire, BearShare, Frostwire, Kazaa, Napster, and the hundreds of other peer to peer filesharing software is the most common way of infecting your PC! If you download music I definetely recommend using ITunes which is safe and legal!
Due to the conflicting nature of competing anti-virus and firewall programs, it is imperative that you:
* Verify your computer does not already have anti-virus software preinstalled.On most of our home computers we preinstall a free antivirus such as AVG. If your computer has this software, you must uninstall it before you install another anti-virus program (for instructions on how to do this, see the “NOTES” listed below). Failure to do so can cause your system tolock up or become unstable.
NOTE (for systems with the Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system): If your computer has AVG and you wish to uninstall it, click START, Control Panel, and Add or Remove Programs. Then click on AVG FREE and click theRemove button. Click Yes to confirm the removal. After the uninstall completes, it may be necessary to restart your computer.
NOTE (for systems with the Microsoft® Windows Vista™ operating system): If your computer has AVG and youwish to uninstall it, click the START button, Control Panel, and Uninstall a program (found under the heading “Programs”). In the following screen, click on AVG and click the Uninstall button. Then click Continue to proceed, and Yes to confirm you want to uninstall the program. After the uninstall completes, it may be necessary to restart your computer.
Even the most up to date antivirus is capable of letting a virus slip through. It's similar to a bullet-proof vest in that if a bullet hits you in the back or chest it will protect you; however if it hits you in the head or side ( even with a vest on ) your going to be hurt! An Antivirus works on the same principle. Virus signatures are updated daily because of new threats that are just being found. If a virus happens to find its way into your system before the virus signature is updated into your antivirus program... then you have just been infected and your antivirus will not see this even if it gets the latest virus signatures. Why you may ask.... simply put, the virus is already inside now, and is hiding behind your antivirus!
The most common ways of getting a virus are by:
A Floppy disk from a friend.
A download off the internet.
An email or email attachement.
*Downloading software such as Limewire, BearShare, Frostwire, Kazaa, Napster, and the hundreds of other peer to peer filesharing software is the most common way of infecting your PC! If you download music I definetely recommend using ITunes which is safe and legal!
How to Prevent Overheating of your Computer
HOW TO PREVENT OVERHEATING:
*Heat is a vicious enemy of a computer. The large computers of yesterday were kept in special climate-controlled rooms because computer chips and other mechanical components had to be kept cool. While today's personal computers don't need such extraordinary care, they should be kept at a normal temperature and never be left in a car in the summer heat or in direct sunlight in high temperatures.
Today's computers have built-in cooling fans that keep the computer from overheating during normal use. If your computer's cooling fan malfunctions, the computer will overheat and cause irreparable damage. Keeping the computer fan in tiptop shape is fairly easy. Just follow these simple steps:
*Keep Cool Tips:
1. Do not block any air vents on your PC's case. You can also extend the life of your computer monitor by giving it a little breathing room. Don't block the air vents on your monitor by piling papers or books on top of it.
2. Most fans are on the back of the computer, so position the computer a few inches from the wall.
3. Keep draperies and other fabric away from the fan.
4. Keep the fan clean and free of debris.
5. Keep dogs, cats, and other hairy pets away from the computer.
6. Keep your computer in a clean, well-ventilated area.
7. Open your case once or twice a year and use a computer vacuum or can of compressed air to clean out built up dust and debris. Do this more often if you have a cat or dog that sheds a lot.
8. The room where your system is kept should never be too hot. How hot is too hot? If it's uncomfortable for you, it's probably uncomfortable for your PC as well.
9. Don't put the CPU unit of the computer on the floor. This is one suggestion that even I don't always follow. Yet, if this is feasible, your computer will accumulate less dust and dirt if kept off the floor
* CLEANING YOUR COMPUTER INTERNALLY:
As you have read, overheating inside the PC is the major cause of death of computers. However by simply cleaning your PC you can prolong if not completely rid the overheating process. I see it every week, computers overheating when their fans get clogged up with dust, or cigarette smoke residue. You can save a ton of cash and avoid costly repairs by taking a little time to clean up your computer.
However you must be aware of ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) when cleaning your computer, and also you must use appropriate chemicals and take precautions when performing this task. There are steps you must follow when cleaning your computer or you can seriously damage your internal components and otherwise destroy your computer! Make sure the computer is powered off and unplugged before proceeding any further!
Use only a vacuum cleaner with a rubber or plastic tipped extension hose to remove any dust bunnies, or animal hair from inside the computer.
NOTE: WHY NOT USE CANNED AIR?: The "canned air" can actually be harmfull when used on electronic devices because it causes moisture and if not completly dried can cause electrical damaage to your computer. Be carefull to not knock loose the components attached to the mainboard inside your compter with the attachement hose. Vaccuum the CPU (Central Processing Unit) fan in the center of the computer, also any external fans in the front, side and back of the computer. Vaccuum any vents you can reach, and also both sides of the Power Supply unit normally at the top of the computer case. If you are unsure about the process or do not have the neccessary supplies to clean your computer - contact us to set up a time for cleaning!
CGrafiks Computer Service Center
Www.CGrafiks.Com / Tech@CGrafiks.Com
(931) 335-0398 / (931) 337-0023
Importance of Recycling your Old Electronics
THE IMPORTANCE OF RECYCLING:
*E-Waste
Electronics have revolutionized our lifestyle. Telephones, radios, TVs, computers and cell phones are items we use daily. These items make up the bulk of electronics that threaten the environment, because of their hazardous ingredients. Computing systems are comprised of more than 1,000 materials, many of which are highly toxic to our air, land and water systems.
These components include chlorinated and brominated substances, toxic gases, toxic metals, photo-active and biologically active materials, acids, plastics and plastic additives. This section of waste is referred to as ELECTRONIC WASTE, or
E-Waste.
*E-Waste
Electronics have revolutionized our lifestyle. Telephones, radios, TVs, computers and cell phones are items we use daily. These items make up the bulk of electronics that threaten the environment, because of their hazardous ingredients. Computing systems are comprised of more than 1,000 materials, many of which are highly toxic to our air, land and water systems.
These components include chlorinated and brominated substances, toxic gases, toxic metals, photo-active and biologically active materials, acids, plastics and plastic additives. This section of waste is referred to as ELECTRONIC WASTE, or
E-Waste.
* TOXIC COMPONENTS INSIDE COMPUTERS CONSIST OF:
* Lead and cadmium in computer circuit boards
* Lead oxide and barium in computer monitors' cathode ray tubes
* Mercury in switches and flat screens and
* Brominated flame retardants on printed circuit boards, cables and plastic casing.
* WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH THE OLD STUFF?
First it would be best to make sure the data is removed completely and properly. Then you can either give it to a friend or family member that could benefit from a change. Old to you, is new to someone else. There are also organizations that collect old electronics and donate them to charity or resell them for profit. According to Dataquest, a market research firm, less than five percent of all personal computers are donated to schools, charities or nonprofit organizations. However, donation can be an easy, tax-friendly way to dispose of your obsolete electronics. Contact Us for more information on recycling your old electronics.
Finally ... WHEN YOU DO BUY - BUY GREEN!
With the ever changing and growing field of technology, companies make better devices that are more aware of their environmental impact. Research a product before you purchase it and support businesses that are doing their part. Green purchasing involves deciding what electronic devices to buy based on their impact on the environment. This could include the materials used to make these products or how much energy they use.
* DID YOU KNOW?RECYCLE YOUR PLASTIC!
Fourteen 20oz bottles yield enough fiberfill for a ski jacket
RECYCLE YOUR GLASS!
Before you toss a glass bottle into the trash, consider this. The energy savings from recycling one bottle will power a computer for 25 minutes.
RECYCLE YOUR METAL!
Recycling one aluminum can saves the energy it takes to run a TV for 3 hours. By recycling 32,000 tons of aluminum you save enough energy to run 1 million TVs for 17 hours a day for an entire year!
THIS IS NOT AS HARD AS IT SOUNDS - So tune in and start recycling!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Always perform Hardware Tests First!
When a computer comes in to the shop we always run hardware diagnostics on the computer before we treat it for any of the software symptoms. It does not do any good to reinstall your operating system, or try and remove viruses if your hard drive is failing, or your memory is causing the computer to lockup at various times. So a tip to anyone wanting to work on computers.... always perform hardware tests before you do ANYTHING else. Also don't rely on quick hard drive tests to give you an accurate result. If you feel that the hard drive is the problem, but the quick hard drive tests pass.... follow up and do a full hard drive test. It may take you all day to finish the full test, but it will almost definetely show errors that the quick test will skip.
Why are Dells so difficult and proprietary?
I'm sure you have noticed this if you've worked on any Dell systems.
They are proprietary - which means that they make their own parts, and their computers are designed to only accept those specific dell parts! This is very aggravating!
For instance, if you work on a Dell that has a bad power supply.. you have to get a specific dell power supply to replace it. If you have to replace your Dell motherboard..than you must get the specific Dell model motherboard replacement for it to match up with your Dell case. Most of the front panel power buttons for Dells have a special power cable that must match up to a special port on the motherboard. It's just ridiculious!
I have to give my clients a $300 quote for motherboard replacements... and then they just decide it's cheaper to buy another computer... and guess what Dell... they are not getting another Dell!
If I buy a pre-built computer for a client I usually get HP's or an offbrand such as Systemax. This way if something goes bad in the computer it can be replaced without too much grief. Why don't Dell realize this is giving them a bad rep? Come on people!
They are proprietary - which means that they make their own parts, and their computers are designed to only accept those specific dell parts! This is very aggravating!
For instance, if you work on a Dell that has a bad power supply.. you have to get a specific dell power supply to replace it. If you have to replace your Dell motherboard..than you must get the specific Dell model motherboard replacement for it to match up with your Dell case. Most of the front panel power buttons for Dells have a special power cable that must match up to a special port on the motherboard. It's just ridiculious!
I have to give my clients a $300 quote for motherboard replacements... and then they just decide it's cheaper to buy another computer... and guess what Dell... they are not getting another Dell!
If I buy a pre-built computer for a client I usually get HP's or an offbrand such as Systemax. This way if something goes bad in the computer it can be replaced without too much grief. Why don't Dell realize this is giving them a bad rep? Come on people!
Bad Motherboard or Bad Processor
We worked on a Dell Dimension the other day. It was originally an onsite call. The customer said that it was powering off automatically, and just not working. They couldn't tell me much more.
When I first arrived it was actually up and working inside the O.S., but it was very sluggish, and ended up locking up hard and needed to be hard reset. Afterwards I opened it up and cleaned the dust out of the inside of the computer. It was terribly clogged with dust on all vents and the heatsink. (More than likely overheated). After cleaning the computer I decided to run a hardware diagnostic. It would not finish the tests. ... it kept locking up at different points of the test. First during the CPU, then it passed on the CPU and locked up on the PCI test... then it would lock up on the RAM test. So I began switching out components for 'known good' components, and still was unable to get it to cooperate. Sometimes it would not even POST... it would power on, but sound like a Cesna plane taking off... the fan would keep revving up faster and faster until I would unplug the power cord from the power supply. ( It sounded like the fan was going to explode because it was going so fast!) This is seeming more and more like either the motherboard or the processor.
I ended up taking it back to the shop where I could swap out parts and see what the problem was. After swapping out Power supply, Ram, and taking out all the PCI cards... it still was just revving up the fans, and no video. At this point I was pretty sure it was the processor or motherboard, but I actually had another socket 775 processor to test. I put the "working" processor in, and it still did not work. I took it back out, and put it back in the working system and it did the exact same thing!
So It ended up that the motherboard and processor was bad in this system. The bad motherboard fried my good processor... which sucks!
I bought them a new motherboard...specific for the dell model... and it ended up coming in D.O.A. (Dead on arrival). They ended up just having me spec them up a new pc and installing it in the place of this dang dell! Why are Dells so proprietary? View the next blog for this rant!
When I first arrived it was actually up and working inside the O.S., but it was very sluggish, and ended up locking up hard and needed to be hard reset. Afterwards I opened it up and cleaned the dust out of the inside of the computer. It was terribly clogged with dust on all vents and the heatsink. (More than likely overheated). After cleaning the computer I decided to run a hardware diagnostic. It would not finish the tests. ... it kept locking up at different points of the test. First during the CPU, then it passed on the CPU and locked up on the PCI test... then it would lock up on the RAM test. So I began switching out components for 'known good' components, and still was unable to get it to cooperate. Sometimes it would not even POST... it would power on, but sound like a Cesna plane taking off... the fan would keep revving up faster and faster until I would unplug the power cord from the power supply. ( It sounded like the fan was going to explode because it was going so fast!) This is seeming more and more like either the motherboard or the processor.
I ended up taking it back to the shop where I could swap out parts and see what the problem was. After swapping out Power supply, Ram, and taking out all the PCI cards... it still was just revving up the fans, and no video. At this point I was pretty sure it was the processor or motherboard, but I actually had another socket 775 processor to test. I put the "working" processor in, and it still did not work. I took it back out, and put it back in the working system and it did the exact same thing!
So It ended up that the motherboard and processor was bad in this system. The bad motherboard fried my good processor... which sucks!
I bought them a new motherboard...specific for the dell model... and it ended up coming in D.O.A. (Dead on arrival). They ended up just having me spec them up a new pc and installing it in the place of this dang dell! Why are Dells so proprietary? View the next blog for this rant!
Recycling pickup of 50+ Pentium 3 Computers
We had a call last week to pickup several 'pallettes' of used computers from a company about 30 minutes away in another city. We get there, and ended up loading up 50 computers + 50 CRT monitors and still only put a small dent in all the equipment! We have to schedule a time and go back for another load. The technician had already taken all the hard drives out for security purposes, so we will have to add hard drives and then go thru and find the working computers out of the donations... but we will have several computers to donate to charity this Christmas. Thank you!
Monitor wipes leave streaks
Thanks Steve for this tidbit!
If you added water to your LCD Monitor wipes to try and "moisten them" a little more... now you are getting streaks because you used tap water. The chemicals in the tap water are destroying the minerals in the wipes therefore causing streaks! Use Distilled water which does not have the chemicals!
If you added water to your LCD Monitor wipes to try and "moisten them" a little more... now you are getting streaks because you used tap water. The chemicals in the tap water are destroying the minerals in the wipes therefore causing streaks! Use Distilled water which does not have the chemicals!
Dell Vostro 1400 Motherboard Replacement
A Dell Vostro 1400 came in to the shop last week. It would not power on. The customer said that they took it to another computer shop and they told them it was the power jack on their motherboard. After carefully taking this laptop apart, and testing the ac adapter, the power jack, battery and various parts on the motherboard for continuity it was determined that the motherboard was bad. The next step was to find a motherboard replacement.. this is why I am writing this post. The cheapest motherboard (from a reputable vendor...not Ebay!) was $300.... then you add our labor to install the motherboard, and then fix the computer software... it would be close to $400. For that the customer can buy a new laptop. ... so that is exactly what they ended up doing. I ordered a $400 HP Laptop for them and all is well!
Friday, May 8, 2009
Check Recovery Disks for errors before using them
Just a quick note on a system that we are working on right now.
It came in just needing to be recovered... the client even had the recovery dvd's that he created awhile back. It has a recovery partition on the harddrive (CTRL+F10) however; it will not work without having the Recovery DVD Disk 1 in the drive. ... well... it keeps getting to around 15% and erroring out! I took the disk out and cleaned it,... and that's where I noticed a large dark ring about 30% down the disc... a defective burn of the Recovery Disk 1... dang it!
Disk 2 looks great, but without disc 1 completing... disk 2 is not accessible. So just a note... before you format a hard drive and try to do a recovery with Recovery Media discs... check the backside of the disc for scratches or defective media.
It came in just needing to be recovered... the client even had the recovery dvd's that he created awhile back. It has a recovery partition on the harddrive (CTRL+F10) however; it will not work without having the Recovery DVD Disk 1 in the drive. ... well... it keeps getting to around 15% and erroring out! I took the disk out and cleaned it,... and that's where I noticed a large dark ring about 30% down the disc... a defective burn of the Recovery Disk 1... dang it!
Disk 2 looks great, but without disc 1 completing... disk 2 is not accessible. So just a note... before you format a hard drive and try to do a recovery with Recovery Media discs... check the backside of the disc for scratches or defective media.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Swine Flu Phishing Attacks
There are an increasing number of reports regarding the swine flu and email scams. Unsolicited email messages are being sent with subject lines related to swine flu so recipients will open and click on harmful links or malicious attachments aimed at infecting PCs. To be safe, please ensure you take the following measures of protection:
• Beware of swine flu related emails and subject lines
• Do not follow unsolicited web links or attachments in email messages
• Maintain up-to-date antivirus software
• Beware of swine flu related emails and subject lines
• Do not follow unsolicited web links or attachments in email messages
• Maintain up-to-date antivirus software
Twitter Virus
Twitter
Social networking is not safe from security threats. A new virus recently detected targets Twitter, the micro-blogging website. http://www.newstechzilla.com/2009/01/twitter-virus/
Social networking is not safe from security threats. A new virus recently detected targets Twitter, the micro-blogging website. http://www.newstechzilla.com/2009/01/twitter-virus/
According to Zone Alarm - Conficker Worm
A recent development regarding the Conficker virus has been detected, where it is now directing infected machines to download new, harmful files, thus activating the botnet. Here’s how this new behavior works:
Conficker sends out email spam without the PC owner’s knowledge. In addition, Conficker uses pop-ups to warn of PC infection and offers fake antivirus software, called 'SpywareProtect2009' at a price of $49.95. If purchased, credit card information is stolen and the virus downloads even more malicious software.
You can protect yourself from Conficker with ZoneAlarm Security Suite.It includes antivirus, anti-spyware and firewall protection for your PC.
If you encounter a pop-up like this, do not click on the pop-up at all - not even to close the box. To remove the pop-up without infection, open your Task Manager (Ctrl+Alt+Delete), and end the task from your Browser (Explorer, Firefox, etc.). You should take additional precautions to ensure you are not already infected and have adequate protection:
Conficker sends out email spam without the PC owner’s knowledge. In addition, Conficker uses pop-ups to warn of PC infection and offers fake antivirus software, called 'SpywareProtect2009' at a price of $49.95. If purchased, credit card information is stolen and the virus downloads even more malicious software.
You can protect yourself from Conficker with ZoneAlarm Security Suite.It includes antivirus, anti-spyware and firewall protection for your PC.
If you encounter a pop-up like this, do not click on the pop-up at all - not even to close the box. To remove the pop-up without infection, open your Task Manager (Ctrl+Alt+Delete), and end the task from your Browser (Explorer, Firefox, etc.). You should take additional precautions to ensure you are not already infected and have adequate protection:
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
8 Custom built pc's
Man! We got a big order a week or so ago from a local business. 8 Complete custom builds.
I specked up everything, ordered the parts and everything was here in just a couple days. We have all of them built already, and the operating systems installed on all but 2 now. We will be taking them to the business and setting up on the domain, printers, network shares, software, etc hopefully next week.
I specked up everything, ordered the parts and everything was here in just a couple days. We have all of them built already, and the operating systems installed on all but 2 now. We will be taking them to the business and setting up on the domain, printers, network shares, software, etc hopefully next week.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Weird DVD Drive
8 Custom built computers; all identical parts.
1 DVD drive will not boot when it's in the case. It will boot when taken out of the case and laid on the counter. Tried another dvd drive that is working, and it did the exact same thing.....works fine outside of the case, but will not work inside the case! There is not normally anything that could cause a grounding issue on the computer case or the case of the DVD drive. It would not be a bad data cable because it works laying outside the case (using the same cables)... it would not be motherboard because it works outside the case.... what could it be?
It ended up that we tried another molex to sata adapter for the power cable, and it worked! Either both of the SATA power cables coming straight off the power supply are defective, or we have a defective power supply. The power supply tests good, and both of the SATA connectors on the powersupply test good on a tester.......
1 DVD drive will not boot when it's in the case. It will boot when taken out of the case and laid on the counter. Tried another dvd drive that is working, and it did the exact same thing.....works fine outside of the case, but will not work inside the case! There is not normally anything that could cause a grounding issue on the computer case or the case of the DVD drive. It would not be a bad data cable because it works laying outside the case (using the same cables)... it would not be motherboard because it works outside the case.... what could it be?
It ended up that we tried another molex to sata adapter for the power cable, and it worked! Either both of the SATA power cables coming straight off the power supply are defective, or we have a defective power supply. The power supply tests good, and both of the SATA connectors on the powersupply test good on a tester.......
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