Computer Support Blog

When an especially nasty virus strikes and erases valuable data from a computer or when someone accidentally deletes important photos, documents, or videos off his or her device, the usual reaction is utter shock. Data loss can be emotionally and practically devastating. Fortunately, there are often ways to retrieve lost data even in complicated situations. Data recovery is not exclusive to laptops and computers; smartphones and tablets are also susceptible to data loss, and their users sometimes need data recovery, too. Computers and smartphones aside, when it comes to USB recovery, know the 5 DON’Ts of data recovery.

1)  Don’t give up: Data recovery is possible even for the smallest of storage devices like the USB Drive. Getting lost data from a USB device is just another form of data recovery that experts can handle. To the casual user, the task may seem impossible. It is easy to be pessimistic and say, “There’s just no hope—I physically deleted those files!” Like most things technological, though, professionals know how to handle seemingly impossible tasks in ways that average users do not know about.

2)  Don’t try any fancy tricks: Though USB data recovery isn’t impossible, it’s not necessarily easy. Amateurs should not attempt to install free or do-it-yourself programs to retrieve data. Unlike other software or hardware problems, USB recovery is capricious. There is a small window of opportunity to perform data recovery, and if that opportunity is misused, there is no easy fix.

3)  Don’t add new data: When a USB flash drive loses data, it does not magically disappear. Instead, the space it previously occupied is marked as free to make room for new data. Saving new files can overwrite the recently deleted ones as they linger in their limbo status and make your USB recovery efforts complicated, if not impossible. So once you realize that you’ve accidentally lost or deleted something important, immediate stop using the device.

4)  Don’t delete in bulk: Knowing that you need to pay for data recovery that was completely avoidable makes the whole process even more upsetting. Take your time when deleting files off a USB flash drive. Don’t delete in bulk, as you might overlook a file or document you need! Also, avoid permanently deleting files (shift + delete), which deletes files even out of your recycling bin. There’s a reason files aren’t automatically permanently deleted. They go to your recycling bin first in case you need to recover them.

5)  Don’t wait: If you’re hesitant to get USB recovery because you’re worried that it will take too long or is an inconvenience, then think again. If you know where to look, you’ll find that service providers like Rescuecom can recover your lost data remotely. Data recovery professionals can connect to your USB flash drive via a secure Internet connection, so you don’t even have to leave your home or office.

About RESCUECOM:

RESCUECOM provides computer repair and computer support, 24/7: Meeting every tech support need including data recovery, virus removal, networking, wireless services, and computer support for all brands of hardware and software. For computer support or information on products, services, or computer repair, visit https://www.rescuecom.com or call 1-800-RESCUE-PC.

For More Information, Contact:

David Milman, CEO

315-882-1100

david@rescuecom.com

Last week, Apple issued a statement describing a minor problem that can occur with some first-generation iPod nanos. One All Things D writer notes that whereas other companies might initiate a recall, the iPod manufacturer initiates a “Replacement Program.” As is often the case when it comes to Apple PR, the company is handling the issue smoothly, and to its credit, quite effectively.

According to Apple’s website, the company has determined that the battery in some 1st generation iPod nanos can, in rare cases, overheat and pose a safety risk. From the company’s statement, it doesn’t seem as though the recall—sorry, replacement program—is the direct result of regular battery problems, but rather a mere precautionary step. “While the possibility of an incident is rare, the likelihood increases as the battery ages,” says Apple’s statement.
Apple’s website advises users to stop using the iPod nano and send it in for a replacement, free of charge. Users whose iPods are potentially faulty will receive a replacement iPod within six weeks, though they are still responsible for their own music transfer. At-risk models are determined by serial number.

In many ways, Apple is going above and beyond to tackle this problem. Sure, it’s spending some money on replacements, shipping and a little bit of damage control, but the company sure knows how to do all these things well. Apple has always been fairly transparent about problems with its products, always offering replacements or upgrades to fix them. But it’s not just the reparative steps that Apple takes in response to tech support problems that make its PR so effective; many would argue that it’s the company’s attitude towards customers.

The company has succeeded in establishing a following so dedicated that it’s hard to imagine how badly Apple would have to screw up in order to lose some of its fans. Apple customers trust one source of authority when it comes to judging Apple products, and that source is their tried and tested interactions with Apple’s products, all of which continue to prove to be solid, powerful, incredibly user friendly, and elegant.

From Apple’s perspective, having such a loyal following is naturally a great thing. It means that users are more likely to tolerate company mistakes, which in turn means that mistakes are more likely to cost less. From the customers’ perspective, belonging to a familial kind of organization (familial on a very large grand scale) means that they can expect better treatment and better products. In the end, Apple’s tactful PR and customer care attract loyal users, and loyal users push the company to keep its high standards. Everyone wins.

About RESCUECOM:

RESCUECOM provides computer repair and computer support, 24/7: Meeting every tech support need including data recovery, virus removal, networking, wireless services, and computer support for all brands of hardware and software. For computer support or information on products, services, or computer repair, visit https://www.rescuecom.com or call 1-800-RESCUE-PC.

For More Information, Contact:

David Milman, CEO

315-882-1100

david@rescuecom.com

It is hard to think of water pressure as cool, until there is a problem with yours and you need a device to monitor or test water flow and that is what the Telog HPR-31 Hydrant Pressure Recorder does. The Telog HPR-31 Hydrant Pressure Recorder is available in one of two kits for home or industrial use and the specificity of the design is most impressive.  In the kit, the Telog HPR-31 Hydrant Pressure Recorder has the connectors and relevant computer services needed to make the data collection easy and versatile along a number of consumer and municipal needs.

The Telog HPR-31 Hydrant Pressure Recorder is a durable gadget that screws onto the 2 ½” nozzle outlet on a fire hydrant or the end of a garden hose.  For private citizens, the Telog HPR-31 Hydrant Pressure Recorder collects data to reveal water pressure problems to a landlord or service provider.  The Telog HPR-31 Hydrant Pressure Recorder protects the data because each unit is durable with a battery that lasts about seven years.

Of course, most people should not need seven or more years of testing their water pressure.  The Telog HPR-31 Hydrant Pressure Recorder is ideal for monitoring industrial water flow and while that may seem boring or lame, when the fire department comes and attaches their lines to the fire hydrant nearest your house, it becomes a very different matter!  The Telog HPR-31 Hydrant Pressure Recorder allows cities or towns to test fire hydrant pressure easily.  Crews outfitted with the Telog HPR-31 Hydrant Pressure Recorder from the Flow Test Kit II-D can travel hydrant to hydrant to check pressure to find leaks, cracks, or other pressure problems resulting from environmental factors like changes in temperature.  Workers simply open the fire hydrant, attach the Telog HPR-31 Hydrant Pressure Recorder with the diffuser and they get an accurate model of the flow from each hydrant.  Through those tests, the Telog HPR-31 Hydrant Pressure Recorder ensures that every citizen has equal access, not just to the water, but to water delivered at a great enough pressure and volume to make a difference in any building fire.

One need not worry about retesting or data recovery with the HPR-31, as the raw data captured by the HPR-31 is uploaded to the Palm Pilot in the HPR Kit II-D and the Flow Test Kit II-D.  The easy-to-use connectors have no exposed electronics which is ideal when one is working with a lot of forceful water!

Far too often, we take for granted essential services or aspects of daily life.  Some of the coolest gadgets are designed simply to make sure those services work properly or make sure service is delivered uninterrupted.  The Telog HPR-31 Hydrant Pressure Recorder is an essential part of making sure water gets where it needs to be, in a useful way.

About RESCUECOM:

RESCUECOM provides computer repair and computer support, 24/7: Meeting every tech support need including data recovery, virus removal, networking, wireless services, and computer support for all brands of hardware and software. For computer support or information on products, services, or computer repair, visit https://www.rescuecom.com or call 1-800-RESCUE-PC.

For More Information, Contact:

David Milman, CEO

315-882-1100

david@rescuecom.com

One of the most common problems computer repair companies encounter is with customers who have slow running computers.  A slow running computer can require computer support, but the need for computer repair may be prevented through some simple general maintenance.  General maintenance is limited to actions on the computer that a novice with a limited understanding of how computers work may accomplish without harming the computer.

Slow running computers are computers that lag during functions that had once been mundane.  These are not problems that require computer repair, just vigilance in general maintenance.  Most computer users are unaware that the tools needed to solve slow running computer issues are on their computer already.  Computers run slow because they lose space on the hard drive due to information and programs, some of which run independent of the user, like malware and viruses.

But not all slow running computers require significant computer repair or computer support.  Instead, users may easily eliminate many of the problem files through tools available on their desktop.  The easiest way to stop a slow running computer from developing problems that require computer repair or additional computer support from professionals is to run a Disk Cleanup.  In the Windows Accessories tools, there is a Disk Cleanup option.  By cleaning out temporary Internet files, the recycle bin and Downloaded Program Files, even a computer that has only been in use for three days may free up 2 GB of space!

Many computer repair experts recommend removing unwanted applications as well.  Without additional computer support, you may simply remove unwanted or unused programs through the “Add Or Remove Programs” function on the Start menu of Windows computers.  This is an easy process, but computer repair professionals will recommend that you do a full back up before making changes to programs, just in case you accidentally remove a program that you actually need.  After you remove programs you no longer use and find your system working faster, you may want to make a backup of the cleaner version of your hard drive.

The other general maintenance procedure that requires no additional computer support or aid from a computer repair service would be running a Defrag of your registry. After backing up the registry, use the Advanced Registry Optimizer to eliminate files, programs and applications that your computer no longer uses and should not look for.

Finally, you may prevent a call to a computer repair service simply by installing and regularly using an antivirus program.  With several antivirus programs on the market, there are many options that novices may load without requiring additional computer support from professionals.  Eliminating viruses, spyware and malware is a great way to get a slow running computer back up to speed.

If you are a novice, you need not become an expert in computer repair to keep your computer running fast.  Without additional computer support, you have the tools to protect your computer!

About RESCUECOM:

RESCUECOM provides computer repair and computer support, 24/7: Meeting every tech support need including data recovery, virus removal, networking, wireless services, and computer support for all brands of hardware and software. For computer support or information on products, services, or computer repair, visit https://www.rescuecom.com or call 1-800-RESCUE-PC.

For More Information, Contact:

David Milman, CEO

315-882-1100

david@rescuecom.com

To prevent the inevitable computer repair that a hard drive failure demands, it is essential to develop a regular, orderly method of backing up your hard drive data.  There are many services that offer data recovery once a hard drive or data storage device fails, but prevention is the best method for keeping data safe and secure.

Hard drives, like cars, light bulbs and textbooks, are designed to fail and be replaced.  The industry of data recovery, data storage, and computer repair exists because of the planned obsolescence of the hard drive and other components.  Despite leaps forward in recent years in devices for data recovery and storage, the magnetic medium of the hard drive remains the standard in computers.  With data recovery a problem for most computer operators and computer repair coming most often as a sudden, unbudgeted expense, prevention is the best way to survive the loss of your data from hard drive failure.

Read more »

By most accounts, Apple’s iPhone 4S is a device beautifully made—elegant, powerful, and sophisticated. Many people even consider its price tag (if bought with two-year contract) to be quite attractive, too. What’s not getting the best reviews, though, is its battery life, at least that was the case until Thursday. Apple issued a software upgrade for the iPhone’s OS to take care of some of the battery problems. Still, what appeared to be a smooth and speedy response by Apple has many users complaining that the upgrade has exasperated the problem.

Quickly after Apple’s iPhone 4 hit the shelves, users started to complain about antenna problems. Holding the phone in a certain way (covering the lower left side) caused reception to drop by a few bars. Even now, there does not seem to be any true consensus among users and technology experts about what caused the problem or even how serious it was. Regardless, in the smooth way that Apple has long since mastered, the company dealt with the problem by offering refunds or free corrective covers for those who wanted them.

Similarly, a few days after users got a chance to play with the new iPhone 4S, battery-related problems started to emerge. Users complained that the battery life was unusually short. Apple then announced that the battery problems were related to a software bug that caused the phone to use up power even when it didn’t need to, and that it was working on providing a tech support software update.

Many users were hoping that the patch would bring out the panoramic photo capacity that tech-savvy users discovered hidden in the phone’s OS, but according to All Things D, this hasn’t happened, though it almost certainly will in the near future.

The battery problems with the iPhone 4S have been a hot topic for a while now, especially since some users are reporting that the upgrade has created new problems related to Wi-Fi connectivity and microphone usage. Luckily for Apple, the problems seem to be software related, unlike the antenna related ones, which means their fix will be a lot cheaper. Thursday’s update is available both over-the-air and through iTunes and involved no costly recalls or free case giveaways.

As for users who are still experiencing problems with the iPhones, a little patience will go a long way. Apple will certainly provide more and more updates as they become necessary. Indeed, most users are probably still too busy drooling over their new phones that they’re not too upset at being iPhone lab rats.

About RESCUECOM:

RESCUECOM provides computer repair and computer support, 24/7: Meeting every tech support need including data recovery, virus removal, networking, wireless services, and computer support for all brands of hardware and software. For computer support or information on products, services, or computer repair, visit https://www.rescuecom.com or call 1-800-RESCUE-PC.

For More Information, Contact:

David Milman, CEO

315-882-1100

david@rescuecom.com

As cool as tablets are, they still have to overcome plenty of tech support issues before they join the realm of standard computing devices. The biggest tech support issue facing tablets is functionality. Tablets operate largely like fancy smartphones. Even Apple’s iPad is closer to an iPhone than to a laptop. Additionally, tablets need a lot more tech support to tackle problems relating to connectivity, storage and usability.

Tablets are gaining a lot of popularity among business travelers and people who need light, portable computing devices, but such users often discover that connecting their tablets to printers is complicated and messy because tablets significantly lack printing tech support. To connect a tablet to a printer, it is often necessary to use a third party app, as tablet makers haven’t provided sufficient tech support yet.

Another tablet limitation is web browsing. Tech support for tablet web browsers is also limited, often forcing users to use multiple browsers to access different websites. One exception to this may by Amazon’s Kindle Fire, which is due for release next week. The Kindle Fire comes with its own web browser, SILK, which was designed exclusively for the device. SILK does not operate on any tablet or device other than the Kindle Fire. Because it was created for the Kindle, rather than made to work with it, Amazon says that browsing using SILK will be a super fast and a very smooth experience.

Tablet computer repairs are another major limitation of the devices. Computer repair work for tablets is usually tricky because of the devices’ delicate and compact nature. Taking risks with cheap or self-help computer repair work can be very risky. It’s always better to seek out professional tablet computer repairs that have a history of excellent computer repair work than to trust amateurs. It’s easy for the inexperienced person attempting to provide tablet computer repair to damage the device by merely trying to take it apart.

Software computer repairs aren’t as risky, but that’s no excuse to take them for granted. Again, always seek out professionals as your first option. Don’t wait for an inexperienced provider to try—and fail—at fixing your tablet. Bad computer repairs can cost you to lose valuable data.

Because tablets are still in their Alpha phase, we can expect that they will continue to need plenty of tech support. And who knows, perhaps enough time and advanced tech support will actually succeed in making tablets a standard computing device, a title still monopolized by computers and laptops.

About RESCUECOM:

RESCUECOM provides computer repair and computer support, 24/7: Meeting every tech support need including data recovery, virus removal, networking, wireless services, and computer support for all brands of hardware and software. For computer support or information on products, services, or computer repair, visit https://www.rescuecom.com or call 1-800-RESCUE-PC.

For More Information, Contact:

David Milman, CEO

315-882-1100

david@rescuecom.com

There’s plenty of exciting technology out there. There’s so much of it, in fact, that it’s easy to become overwhelmed. Laptops, MP3 players, Smartphones, e-readers, digital cameras, and of course, tablets. Technology addicts should inform themselves well before buying new gadgets.

The golden rule, here, is that you get what you pay for. The more expensive the device, the more reliable it’ll probably be. More money spent upfront often means less money spent on tech support and computer repairs. For example, even though Apple’s iPad comes with a hefty price tag, it’s still by far one of the most reliable tablets on the market. A cheaper tablet that claims to function in the same way as an iPad will probably require more computer repair down the road. Cheaper tablets are usually less sturdy and less powerful. This difference doesn’t necessarily apply to tablets like Amazon’s new Kindle Fire, for example, because even though that tablet is a lot cheaper, it targets a different audience and functions differently from computing tablets like the iPad.

Buying cool gadgets can be costly, but that’s a onetime cost. What can really break the bank is the occasional need for computer repairs and tech support. There are several things you should keep in mind when it comes to computer repair costs, as well as tech support.

When you buy a fancy gadget, be it a tablet or a smartphone, remember that prevention is the best cure. Take care of the device’s physical structure to delay the need for computer repairs. For example, avoid placing your smartphone in your back pocket, which might cause you to accidentally damage it by sitting on it; keep your tablet away from water; protect your e-reader from scratches. You’d be surprised at how effective simple practices can be in offsetting expensive computer repairs.

Also, get your gadgets regular tech support when that’s applicable. Tech support can take the form of regular security updates or software patches and upgrades. Smartphones and tablets that operate using a version of Google’s Android OS are especially susceptible to viruses and hacking efforts, which is why such devices require regular tech support. Providing regular tech support is an essential practice to offset computer repair costs.

Ultimately, you get what you pay for. But with time, what you have to pay will become less. You’ll find that resisting the urge to buy the latest gadgets as soon as they come out can save you higher initial costs, the need for lots of tech support, and computer repair expenses.

About RESCUECOM:

RESCUECOM provides computer repair and computer support, 24/7: Meeting every tech support need including data recovery, virus removal, networking, wireless services, and computer support for all brands of hardware and software. For computer support or information on products, services, or computer repair, visit https://www.rescuecom.com or call 1-800-RESCUE-PC.

For More Information, Contact:

David Milman, CEO

315-882-1100

david@rescuecom.com

The debate over turning computers off or leaving them on continues to come up every once in a while. Regardless of which side of the debate you fall on, everyone involved is merely trying to provide the best kind of computer support and avoid the need for costly laptop repairs. Leaving a laptop on all the time isn’t a great practice, but it’s also not a bad one. How you should approach the issue depends on your needs and work habits.

One of the most commonly cited reasons for keeping computers on all the time is a fear of the effects of internal temperature fluctuations. Some people fear that frequent temperature changes can damage parts or cause connections to break, requiring professional laptop repair. So in the attempt to provide better computer support, people think it’s beneficial to always leave computers running. Sure, rapidly and consecutively turning a computer on and off can create long-term damage to some internal circuits which eventually requires professional laptop repair, but powering down your device once at the end of the day is not only harmless, but it also provides indirect computer support.

Leaving a computer running all the time means that its fan is constantly sucking in air dust. Eventually, the accumulation of dust and other dirt can coat a computer’s internal components and require professional laptop repair. Therefore, always leaving a computer on can create laptop repair issues related to overheating. By turning your computer off at night, at least, you are providing a precautionary form of computer support.

Turning a computer off at the end of the day is also an easy way to provide software computer support. Constantly running Windows allows poorly written software to clog up the RAM and system resources. Turning off your machine clears out the memory every day and starts up again with a fresh windows boot.

So for the most part, it’s not a bad idea to power down your device at night. There are some exceptions to this, though. If your computer is part of a work network, you might find it necessary to leave it on all the time in order to get network computer support that includes updates and security patches. Especially when a device is part of a network, it’s important to get strong anti-virus computer support to avoid threats to other devices in the network. Home laptops or computers also need the occasional computer support that comes from regular Microsoft and anti-virus software upgrades, which can delay the need to get professional laptop repairs.

In the end, a happy medium is the best approach. Leaving your laptop on all the time can waste energy, overheat it, and fill it with dust, eventually requiring professional laptop repair. At the same time, it may be necessary to leave a computer running through the night if it’s part of a network in order to get network computer support.

About RESCUECOM:

RESCUECOM provides computer repair and computer support, 24/7: Meeting every tech support need including data recovery, virus removal, networking, wireless services, and computer support for all brands of hardware and software. For computer support or information on products, services, or computer repair, visit https://www.rescuecom.com or call 1-800-RESCUE-PC.

For More Information, Contact:

David Milman, CEO

315-882-1100

david@rescuecom.com

If you’re reading this, chances are good that you’re sitting at a computer.  Unless you happen to be a computer repair specialist, chances are also good that your idea of how that computer works is a bit vague.  So what will you do if your computer malfunctions?  Will you call a computer repair specialist?  Could you deal with the problem with help from a computer support hotline?  Or would you attempt your computer repair at home? With those questions in mind, let’s take a look at some common computer repair problems and what the average user can do about them.

Read more »