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TechStop Blog
11/23
Electronics Protection
Expensive electronic equipment is not only fragile externally, but internally as well. The complicated circuitry and internal programming are highly susceptible to technical mishaps without the proper precautions.
Now, there are two fronts on which such precautions must be taken: hardware and software. Hardware refers to the actual mechanical components of your computing device, and software refers to programs installed on the device when it is activated.
A common problem we hear here at TechStop is that a computer has been infected with a virus despite that security programs are in place and firewalls are active. This is often due to a case of software overkill. When too many antivirus programs are installed on a computer at once, they can often conflict with one another and render each other ineffective.
Sometimes the settings of the programs don’t allow each other to run, and other times they identify each other as potential threats because they naturally scan all items on the computer, which is a trait of viruses. It is important to find one protection software you trust and stick with it, and to uninstall all conflicting software lest they fail in their collective duties.
Something else electronics users often overlook is the hardware-saving surge protector. This is often found in the form of a power strip that extends from the wall outlet. These are not only useful for conserving energy as mentioned in a prior blog, but can keep your hardware from being fried by a bolt of lightning or other unpredictable mishap.
When voltage exceeds a certain amount surging through the outlet, the protector snaps its circuits closed so that the overflow of energy never reaches your devices. This is less of a concern if you regularly use a laptop, but if you use AC power instead of a battery or even if you happen to be charging your battery when a surge occurs, you won’t regret having a protector.
Revitalizing a ravaged computer – whether due to software or hardware damage – is no walk in the park and no fun. Come in now or contact us for advice on how best to protect your electronics from these sorts of misfortunes rather than bringing them to us later for repairs and recovery.
Proactivity is the best guarantee.
09/23
Accessorizing Made Easy
Lap and desktop computers in this day and age have become virtual Swiss Army knives of convenience. But even with all of their capabilities and power, they still have their shortcomings. Manufacturers are tasked with fitting the greatest amount of technology in the smallest amount of space, and sometimes this means making sacrifices. Whether it is limiting the number of USB ports, reducing the amount of available memory, or selecting a smaller cooling fan, a compromise is always made somewhere.
Fortunately however, there is a plethora of accessories available in aftermarket stores such as TechStop that help close the gap between real and the ideal.
One issue many people face when working with a laptop is overheating of the machine. This can lead to unexpected shutdowns, loss of progress or information, and worse – internal component damage. The simplest solution to this issue is the utilization of a cooling pad. These pads generally increase the airflow around the bottom surface of your laptop where heat from the battery collects, and thus reduces stress on the built-in fan and keeps the machine from reaching unnatural temperatures.
Those who travel with their laptop often might be concerned about dings and scratches acquired from such constant movement. This worry can be alleviated by purchasable skins and cases that range from a thin film to thick plastic, and boast a variety of design choices. Travellers also might benefit from a portable mouse to increase the accuracy of their work on the go. These compact little peripherals work on most surfaces and usually connect wirelessly through any USB port.
And if you can’t bring your laptop with you, perhaps you can at least bring your work on an external hard drive. These are also useful for adding vast amounts of space to the built-in memory included with your laptop.
Desktop users have rather different needs in terms of add-ons and accessories. For instance many who use their desktop as a home office can benefit greatly from the addition of a second or even a third monitor to their setup. This drastically reduces the amount of window swapping to be done when sifting through information or dealing with several conversations and messages all at once.
Also I mentioned earlier the limited number of USB ports included on the exterior of computers. These ports are necessary not only for use of flash drives, but also to hook up printers, fax machines, and peripheral accessories such as cameras and mp3 players. So with only two or so slots available, one might also see use for a hub of additional slots – like a power strip for an outlet.
Desktop users can also benefit from the use of an external hard drive – not so much for increased memory, as desktops tend to contain much larger banks already – but more-so for the purpose of backing up important information and keeping files separate and organized. For more about this see our blog about backing up computers from months past.
This is only a small sampling of the kinds of accessories available to increase the output from your computer exponentially. Nearly any inconvenience you can think of regarding your laptop or desktop likely has some sort of accessory or peripheral intended to fix just that problem. If something comes to mind, feel free to check our site, call, or stop in to get some help from the experts here at TechStop.
08/16
Optimizing Your New Computer
So! You’ve just purchased a new computer, and you’re all ready to fire her up and start blazing through multi-tasking sessions of web-browsing, music playing, and movie downloading madness. But before you get consumed by all the amazing things your new computer can do, there are a couple of things you should take care of first.
1) Make a set of system restore discs
In times past manufacturers used to include system restore discs with PCs so that programs could be recovered should anything go wrong with your computer. But now most of that sort of data is stored in the computer itself in what is known as a recovery partition. This is simultaneously more and less convenient. More so because fewer things need be packaged with the machine, but less so because should your hard drive die or become infected with a virus you will likely be unable to access the partition with your recovery info. For this reason it is highly important that you keep a set of restore discs on hand to re-install your operating system. Otherwise you may end up needing to purchase a new retail copy of the operating system to get up and running again.
2) Remove Bloatware
Bloatware is all of the unnecessary pre-installed items you find on a new computer that serve no purpose other than to get you to try or purchase programs you likely have no interest in. It is wise to remove as much of this type of clutter as possible in order to keep your computer running smoothly and efficiently. Bloatware oftentimes runs in the background without you knowing, which can slow down your operating speed and even leave you open to risk of infection depending what the extraneous program’s function is. Sift through your desktop and start menu and trash anything you recognize as completely unnecessary like games and trials. Be cautious when approaching programs you’re uncertain of though in case they are necessary. Look them up online or call a professional to seek advice about these instances.
3) Update the system, software, and drivers
Technology is in constant motion but luckily for us manufacturers have made keeping up a much simpler process. Instead of having to by a whole new program after a long period of time, you can install small updates to your current one – usually through online services. Usually your computer will notify you of available updates if you are connected to the internet. If you click these small notification windows you will be lead to the programs update menu and be provided with a few options for whether and how to proceed. This sort of action is important to ensure your programs are running their most optimal form. Many times the difference in efficiency is drastic, in which case you only stand to gain from installing updates whenever you get a chance.
4) Create a system image
Once you’ve actually gone through and set up your computer exactly the way you want it, it’s a good idea to save the progress you’ve made using back-up discs. If your computer becomes corrupted for any reason and you’re forced to reload its hard drive, a “system image” can ensure that you don’t have to go through and rebuild your whole setup. See our previous blog about backing up data for info on how to do this, or ask a professional when you’re purchasing the hardware to do so.
5) Migrating your data
Most likely you don’t want to leave everything from your old computer behind, just all of the outdated drivers, programs, and battery issues. Migrating your important data from the old system to the new one is another important step in setting up your new computer. This can be done using the back-up method mentioned above and in the other blog, which includes discs, external drives, and online “clouds”. It can be a bit time consuming, but completely worth the effort not to lose all of your important info and beloved music and pictures.
Completing these steps should find you up and ready to go on your new system. All together this can seem like a lot of work and in truth it is, and it is possible you may not feel comfortable performing some of these steps yourself. That is why Techstop provides a “New Computer Package” to help you enjoy premium efficiency without investing hours of diligence and/or frustration into the process yourself.
We’ll remove all speed-slowing bloatware, update the system in its entirety, install the latest anti-virus, and create a complete system image of your computer in its most pristine form so that should anything happen to it, it can be restored to that state instead of starting all over again from factory default. And if you have data from your old computer that you want transferred to your new one, we can take care of that as well.
Even if your computer isn’t brand new it could still benefit from some cleaning and updating. Contact us today about getting your machine in top-condition and running better than ever. Because, who doesn’t like more speed, capability, and security, right? TechStop can give you that.
07/20
Keep Going And Going And Going
There is much debate over the preservation and extension of the battery life in laptop computers. Whether to leave them plugged in, let their charge deplete, or remove the battery completely. In truth, there are many different ways to preserve the life of your battery, and they all depend on how you typically prefer to use the device.
Many of you are familiar with the concept of wearing down the lifespan of a laptop battery by leaving the device plugged in all the time. Websites and experts will stress the importance of allowing the battery to run down completely and plug in only when the laptop is about to die. But this advice is a bit dated.
Modern laptops run on lithium-ion batteries, as opposed to the older models with nickel metal-hydride and nickel cadmium batteries. The problem with the older batteries is that they would eventually lose the usage of their energy cells, and thus their span would shorten rapidly if they were not allowed to deplete before being recharged.
Lithium-ion batteries do not suffer from this issue, and can be recharged from whatever capacity they are at. However, it is still not a good idea to leave even a modern laptop plugged in all the time, as the battery will never receive proper “exercise” and will remain consistently between 95% and 100% and never condition properly for extended usage away from an AC outlet.
If you are the type of person who always uses their laptop in the same place, and thus are not necessarily concerned with the lifespan of your battery away from an outlet, then it is not unreasonable to remove your battery completely and store it in a plastic bag in the refrigerator, as this will actually increase the time the battery will last overall in comparison to leaving it in the computer or storing it in a drawer or other warm area. (Be sure however that the battery is at least half-charge before storing, and to check it’s charge every now and again as it will continue to very slowly deplete regardless of disuse).
It is actually not any worse for the environment or your electric bill to strictly utilize AC power for your laptop as laptops are actually much more energy-efficient than desktops and a good replacement if you are concerned about energy consumption. Just be sure to adjust your “Power Settings” (usually accessible via the lower-right taskbar) to run the machine at lower than max-capacity standards, as these are usually unnecessary unless gaming or playing movies. Even in this case it is still wise to unplug the laptop when you are finished using it for a while.
Activities like running discs, charging peripheral items like mp3 players, or leaving email programs up in the background will all deplete a laptop’s battery more quickly. Dimming the screen and reducing multi-tasking will extend battery life. It is also helps save power to “Hibernate” the computer as opposed to letting it just go to “Sleep” – that is unless you know that you have low disk space or a cluttered hard drive, in which case issues may ensue when waking the computer. Hibernating can also cause a loss of communication with USB-connected devices, so consider shutting the system down completely when not in use, as this also allows the computer to install important periodic updates.
If your current laptop is an older model and/or is dying often, it may be wiser to look into purchasing a new one as opposed to simply replacing the battery. Batteries can cost up to 1/3 as much as the computer themselves, and in an older model even a new battery will see the same problems. Larger batteries such as these are hazardous to dispose of, so it is both more personally and environmentally efficient to try to extend the life of the one you have, rather than continually replacing dead ones.
Keep these tips in mind when considering the longevity of your laptop battery and as always, feel free to contact TechStop by phone, email, or in person with any further questions. We’d love to help make your life just a little bit easier.
06/29
Thinking Ahead: Computer Purchasing
Studies have shown that the rate at which new technology is developed increases exponentially with time. This is a phenomenon you have probably experienced firsthand. You buy a new car, a new phone, or of course a new computer, only to find that your shiny new toy has become obsolete in a matter of months as new ones come out.
But in this modern day and age there is a solution to the classic problem of keeping up with the Joneses. Electronics stores always carry a wide selection of any given device, some of which are fairly cheap, others of which are rather costly. It is perfectly reasonable to instinctively pursue the more affordable option, but a greater investment up front could provide you with years more usage and save you money on “keeping up” in the long run.
You see, higher-end model electronics usually have a higher capacity for upgrades, unlike many of their cheaper counterparts that are less upgrade-compatible and are therefore sooner left behind by the next wave of “new”. When you purchase a static model like this, you run the risk of having to buy the next model from the same company a short time later, and within just a few years you’ll own one up-to-date computer and three paperweights.
Many of us are content simply to be able to run a web browser and some simple office programs on our computers, but even the most basic users can benefit from thinking ahead with their purchases. Say you buy a cheap computer with a decent operating system but not much ability to upgrade the RAM, once a new and more efficient, maybe even necessary operating system becomes available for purchase, your computer may not be able to upgrade to it.
You may not even be able to upgrade your office software to make your work simpler and more efficient. Whereas a more expensive model would provide you with the system requirements to keep you in upgrades for several more generations, by which point all models from that era would have run their course.
It’s much cheaper to purchase an occasional upgrade than an entire new system, especially at the rate things are being developed in this advanced 21st century of ours. Next time you’re in the market for a new computer, consider the longevity of the product and how it will fare in an ever-progressing digital environment. If you need some advice don’t hesitate to call up the friendly experts at TechStop or stop in to take a first-hand look at your options. Remember, it never hurts to be one step ahead of the game.
(Yeah, it’s time to upgrade)
06/13
Affordable service you can trust
Everyone at some point or another requires the help of an expert to fix a problem, but we should always be careful when deciding where to take our hard-earned possessions for such assistance. If you’ve ever had a car repaired you understand the potential for a “professional” to take advantage of your lack of knowledge by charging extra for parts or services that might be totally unnecessary or in other ways unrelated to the original issue.
There is just as much potential for this at a computer store, especially when dealing with corporate chains that have grown arrogant in their monopoly of the business. It is easy for an overgrown business to become negligent and forget about the customer, whereas smaller entities know that customer satisfaction is the key to their survival.
Be sure to research your options when seeking expert help, as many places will snare unsuspecting customers in traps of bad advice, false diagnoses, and overcharging for simple services. Just because a shop is the premiere in your area doesn’t mean it is the best place to go, it may just be the most conveniently located, and that may be its only positive trait.
If a store tech is suggesting solutions that seem exorbitantly expensive, or overly complicated for a seemingly small issue, they may be trying to take advantage of you. Look for reviews of the store’s services and consider taking your hardware elsewhere for a second opinion. For instance TechStop offers support online as well as in-store, and also provides in-home and on-site services that can be scheduled by phone.
Bring your gadgets in and see for yourself if the repair experience isn’t a little more pleasant with a company actually concerned with your convenience and continued patronage. Store hours, contact info, and services are just a click away and setting up an appointment is as easy as dialing a few numbers. Keep that in mind next time you need a little help from some real professionals.
05/31
Back up your data today
We have all lost data files before – on our computers, our phones, even our game consoles. Whether the information was corrupted by malware, lost during an unexpected shutdown, or simply accidentally deleted, we all know the frustration and stress that comes of such an inconvenience. This is why savvy electronics users make sure to back up their important documents, files, and progress saves from time to time.
Data backup means storing copies of your original files in a separate location so that your work won’t be lost entirely if the unexpected happens. Generally speaking there are two kinds of data back-up: physical, and online.
Physical data back-up is the more traditional kind, and involves the copying of files onto any form of external storage including discs, flash drives, and external hard drives. Each of these provides varying amounts of storage at varying prices. From least to most – discs provide approximately 650MB of space, flash drives between 2 and 16GB, and hard drives up to 2TB. Which device is right for you will depend on how much data you wish to back up, and how much money you are looking to spend.
Online back-up is a newer and potentially more convenient option and involves the use of online services that store copies of your data for you. These services usually require a monthly or yearly fee, but provide conveniences such as automatic back-ups that occur at the times of your choosing. With this option your backup files will always have the most up-to-date versions of your work so that no progress is lost if something happens to the originals.
Knowing what data to back up is also important. If you are paying for an online service, or have paid good money for a form of physical storage, you don’t want to waste the space. Computer programs tend to have install discs, meaning that they can be restored if your computer has any issues. Focus on important financial records and project documents, pictures and videos that have been deleted off of the original recorder, and even music that you may not be able to get back.
Phone data can often be backed up onto a computer or physical storage device, and game consoles often have online data storage options, or at least a USB slot through which you can back up your game saves onto flash drives in case of corruption or system malfunction.
Don’t get caught off-guard; many people think “I’ll get around to it”, until it’s too late and a virus wipes their computer clean, and all their important files with it. Pick up a storage device today, or start researching what sort of online service would best be suited to your needs. The unexpected is always lurking just around the corner.
03/05
Its not what you think it is
Sometimes trying to do the right thing doesn’t always work out the way you had hoped, especially when it comes to computers.
A customer came into TechStop because her computer was freezing up and preventing her from logging in. Prior to the freezing, she was seeing popups advising her to purchase antivirus software. Under the assumption that these popups were legitimate and offering help, she purchased an “antivirus” program for $90. As a tech this seemed suspicious to me and further diagnosis of the machine revealed a terrible truth. The seemingly authentic antivirus software she paid for was in fact a virus! Luckily here at TechStop we were able to stop and remove the viruses before they caused too much damage to the system.
Unfortunately scams like this are more common than you think. Most times the software and popups look so convincing that when people see it; they are misled into purchasing it. These programs (called Malware); often use the same colors and similar logos used by authentic software in order to trick you into buying them.
Other than pesky popups and file corrupting viruses, the real danger with these programs occurs when you buy them. Most times they will ask you for a credit card number, bank information and personal information in order to process your purchase. Being caught up in the deception you offer it up in hopes that it will fix your computer. However this is rarely the case and before you know it money has disappeared from your account or worse.
The importance of up to date antivirus software cannot be stressed enough. That’s why here at TechStop we are dedicated to keeping our customers protected and virus free. If you ever run into a situation when you’re questioning what to do, don’t hesitate to come in to the store, call or send us an email! We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have!
Posted by TechStop on 03/05 at 12:34 PM