Onsite Computer Repair

Information may not be reliable

Welcome! Please scroll down the page to see my computing security tips, and stop in often to check for updates and new information. You won't be disappointed! (LAST UPDATED 5 JAN 2010)

---First, you contact me at the above phone number and explain your problem as thoroughly as possible (this allows me to be prepared properly to repair your computer on arrival).
---Next, we set an appointment for the said repair. I arrive, and (hopefully) within a couple of hours, you are back up and running again! Thats it! No unplugging of wires or hauling that pc somewhere to get it fixed; I fix it for you!
---Service area includes the entire Tri-State regionWest Central Illinois, Southeast Iowa and Northeast Missouri. (Note that there is a small travel service charge on all service calls outside the immediate Quincy area. Please contact the phone number listed above for more information.)
---NOW OFFERING DROP-OFF SERVICE. An easy way for you to save some money. Call me at 217-440-3271 to find out more.

It used to be that the typical home computer was pretty immune to attack by outside sources, namely because a typical home users computer was not considered a juicy target by hackers. Not anymore. Because of the widespread use of credit cards and various user names and passwords to access internet websites, hackers can now virtually do ANYTHING to your computer, including stealing your most-private data. But thats only if you let them. Here are my suggestions to keep your computer safe from the nasties that lurk in the internet world.
First and foremost, install an ANTIVIRUS program! And most importantly, KEEP THAT PROGRAM UP-TO-DATE!!! I cannot stress the importance of keeping your antivirus protection up-to-date; the program you install is no good unless you keep it updated. Why? Because new viruses come out on a DAILY basis; if your antivirus protection isnt up-to-date, it wont be able to detect and eradicate that new virus that everyone and the media is talking about. And for sure, youll be the first to enjoy all the headaches that new virus causes. Granted, some virus threats are worse than others (matter of fact, most viruses are more of a nuisance than anything), but why take a chance? If the data on your computer is important to you, you should have a working (and updated) antivirus program installed on your machine.
So, you ask, how often should I update my antivirus program? Well, some programs offer an automatic update service; if you are the set and forget type of person, that kind of update is great, but I personally dont like it. One, most programs begin their download of updates without your knowledge (clogging up your internet connectivity, especially on a dialup connection, just about the time you are trying to download data quickly with your internet browser). Two, what happens if something goes wrong with the update? Since its being done automatically, you may not figure out that your antivirus program isnt working, until two months later when you catch a very bad virus. Automatic updating is fine; but just check your program to see if its virus definitions are indeed up-to-date. I cant tell you where to go to check this for every program, but most have some sort of control center where you can find out this information. Personally, I recommend MANUALLY checking for updates at least once a week, or whenever you think about it. I check mine daily, but thats just me
And now the bigger questionwhich antivirus to install? I know what youre thinking; Norton or McAfee, right? Well, no, I dont think so. Heres why; when they are working right, they are both fine programs, but when problems arise, they are a true headache to fix. And for that type of repair, you usually need to contact someone like me to get the remedy for the problem. I have also noted in my time as a computer repairman, both programs have a serious tendency to bog down older computers, and sometimes new ones! Ive seen significant computer slowdowns magically fixed after uninstalling these programs. The two antivirus programs I recommend are both free (currently) and free to update. Call me at 217-440-3271 to find out what my recommendations are, and why. Note that neither one is AVG Free. I used to love that program, but in newer incarnations, not so much.

Second, USE A FIREWALL!!! In my opinion, the existing Windows firewall that comes with XP is perfectly fine for the typical home user. I feel the same way about both Vista and Windows 7. Also, if you are using a router with your high-speed internet connection, it will usually suffice as an adequate firewall; just use some kind of firewall protection.
Third, make sure you use WINDOWS UPDATE to keep your operating system secure from hackers, viruses, Trojans and other assorted bad stuff. THIS IS IMPERATIVE: you MUST DO THIS!!!! If you dont, your computer will someday start acting strangely, and when it does, there may be no solution other than wiping your hard drive clean and starting over. You dont want to do that, do you? Heres a link describing how to use Windows Update properly:
Using Windows Update

KEEPING YOUR COMPUTER IN TIP-TOP SHAPE
Although there are several things you can do to keep your PC in fighting trim, the three things I suggest are quite simple and should help to keep your computer relatively trouble-free, or at least, notify you if there is some kind of problem. They are: one, perform Scandisk; two, perform Disk Defragmenter and three, clean out lots of temporary files by using Internet Explorer and/or Disk Cleanup. Regarding the three, I believe they should be done AT LEAST once a month, if not once a week, and Id perform them in the order mentioned above. You can find out how to do each one of these items by clicking on the links below.
Scandisk, Disk Cleanup & Disk Defragmenter
Cleanout of Temporary Internet Files
NOTE: Scandisk and Internet Explorer cleanup usually takes less than 5 minutes each, while Disk Defragmenter can take SEVERAL HOURS, depending on the operating system (Windows 98) and the time lapse between the last Defrag and the current one. Also, Disk Cleanup has a tendency to hang in Windows XP; if it does, and youd still like to use this utility, its best to call an expert like myself to resolve the problem for you. One other thing; if your hard drive continually comes up with errors after performing Scandisk, your hard drive may be on its way to the computer graveyard. Keep that in mind.
RANTS, RAVES & THE LATEST NEWS
***(Jan. 5th, 2010)Well folks, it's been a good long while since I've updated this website, but I am today, so let me get up to date on a few things. First, if you are in the market for a new computer, I highly recommend buying one with Windows 7 as its operating system. Last summer, I tested an evaluation copy of it, and was very impressed. It ran much faster than Vista, and combines the best features of XP with the best of Vista. I'm guessing 7 will be around a long time, just like XP was (and still is). Further, if you are in the market for a new computer, now is the time. Windows 7 should make your computing experience an enjoyable one.
---As far as recommendations as to what antivirus/antispyware program you should have installed on your computer (new or old), I must say that I've moved away from AVG. In its old 7.5 version, AVG was a great program; it ran well, and didn't have a tendency to slow down machines like McAfee and Norton products sometimes do. Newer versions however, are a different story, so I'm recommending two other free programs to my customers these days. Call me at 217-440-3271 for my latest recommendations.
---I talked about new PCs above; if you are in the market for one, you may want to look at a netbook. What is it? It's a small version of a laptop; usually however, it has a standard keyboard, albeit with a smaller screen. They are neat little computers, and very cheap; anywhere from $250-$300 for the cheapest ones. However, they are not standard computers; most lack a CD-Rom or DVD-Rom drive, and are not high-horsepower machines either. If you want a computer just to surf the Internet, type papers and/or email, this kind of computer may be perfect for you. It's also a great computer to use when traveling; it can fit easily in most women's purses.

***(Oct. 28th, 2006) I've just seen this twice lately, so pay attention if you have Office XP or 2000. KEEP THOSE CDS AND PUT THEM IN A SAFE PLACE! Why? Well, sometimes, the folks at MS are nitwits. See, they want you to PROVE you have a legitimate copy of the software you installed, so guess what? They figure if you installed a copy from one of your friends, you won't be able to download ANY critical updates necessary for the proper operation of Office, UNLESS you can provide your CDs to "verify" that your install is legit. Had two customers recently that had to dig up their disks in order to install the proper updates. For some reason, when you start certain programs, a Windows Installer relating to Office begins and yells for that CD until you go online and get those updates. Sometimes it won't even let a totally unrelated program (to Office) start, so you have to get that so-called "update". Ergo, keep those disks and put them in a safe place.
---I close with a further comment on Norton products, specifically Norton Internet Security and Norton Antivirus. I've had many customers contact me lately, saying they upgraded to the newest version of either program and are having problems. Basically, in a nutshell, Norton products will likely "work" on a machine of the same year's vintage, and maybe about two years' beyond. But if you (for example) bought a machine in '03, had NIS or NAV, and now have to move on to Norton's '07 version, chances are your machine either won't run or will run poorly. I believe this is planned obsolescence on Norton's part; problem is the new program often takes the modern-day horsepower to run it properly. Just another reason why I'm not a fan. Look, if it was an awesome program, I'd have a reseller's account with them and sell it to every one of my customers. Since I don't, well, I think you can figure out the rest.
***(Aug. 12, 2006)For those of you in rural areas not able to receive broadband, a solution may be coming, although not real soon. The FCC has recently confirmed its support of Powerline Broadband. Basically, this means your electric company (should they wish to do so) will be able to provide you high-speed Internet access via your power outlets. It's still in the testing stages, but I'm guessing it may become widespread by 2009 or 2010. And why wouldn't it? More services to offer equals more money for the power companies. (UPDATE: 5 JAN 2010---Hasn't happened yet, now, has it?)

***(Feb. 28, 2006)I'm pleased to announce that I now have the ability to work on your computer remotely, as long as your internet connection is still working; isn't that awesome? In other words, I can remotely tunnel to your computer, look at your Windows desktop in real time and repair your PC. Further, I now have the ability to accept credit or debit cards as payment! This allows you flexibility regarding payment options, and I'm glad to help.

***(Sep. 14)In talking to several of my customers lately, I'm noticing a trend. Seems customers will tell me they spent hours on the phone with their internet provider, specific computer part manufacturer, etc. trying to fix a problem before they finally called me. I know and understand why the typical consumer does this; I used to do the same thing: you don't want to spend the money to fix something that you can do quickly yourself. However, what many of my customers find out is that they will spend two to three nights on the phone for 3-4 hours at a time and STILL not have a resolution to their problem. The tech support folks on the other end of the line are not to blame; they're doing their best. What I've often found is that upon my arrival, the repair is not anything NEAR what I thought it was from the initial description given to me over the phone. In other words, a tech on the phone can't truly see what your problem is unless he or she is right there with you. Therefore, oftentimes, a customer would be better off contacting me first instead of as a last resort. I guess it all depends on how valuable your own time is to you. Keep that in mind the next time your scanner/camera/CD-Rom/modem, etc. doesn't work.

***(Nov. 3rd)For those who think that just because they own a Macintosh or Linux computer they are not susceptible to viruses and/or spyware like folks who use Windows, read this from Larry Seltzer at eWeek.com. I am in complete agreement with his article; in short, no matter what operating system you use, you still have to take security measures to protect yourself and your data.
***(Jun 17) Just had this problem recently regarding LASER PRINTERS; so keep this in mind if you use one. Make sure to plug a laser printer directly into a wall outlet!!! Under no circumstances should you a)plug it into an extension or surge bar, or b)plug it into a battery backup (UPS). The printer may not work because it cant get enough juice to fire itself up, plus you can destroy a UPS by plugging a laser printer directly into it. Laser printers take an incredible amount of wattage to fire up upon actual printing, which can overload the UPS, causing it to fail.
---That reminds me; NEVER PLUG A VACUUM CLEANER INTO A UPS OR SURGE PROTECTOR either!!! If you do so while a computer is plugged into the UPS (especially if the comp is still on), you can severely damage the computers sensitive electronic innards, so much so that the PC may no longer function, plus likely ruin the UPS or surge protector. You dont want that, do you?