Computer Support Blog

Around the holidays each year for the last five years, there have been two recognizable business trends.  The first trend is that more and more people are purchasing Christmas gifts online.  For 2011, Cyber Monday sales totaled $1.3 billion, making it the strongest online shopping day in history.  The trend toward shopping on the Internet as opposed to going out to crowded brick and mortar stores has been steadily growing since 2005.  Even as online shopping increases, brick and mortar stores have made it harder to return unwanted gifts after Christmas.

The trend against universal returns is an irksome one.  Sam Walton founded Wal-Mart as a customer service-driven retail store.  One of the principles Walton used when establishing Wal-Mart was that “the customer is always right.”  The advertising campaigns used to promote the first Wal-Mart super centers in the late 1980s restated that principle frequently.  At that time, Wal-Mart actively advertised a return policy so generous that they would accept returns, even if the item came from another store.  Now, however, Wal-Mart’s return policy is far less liberal or customer service oriented.  Wal-Mart.com’s return site requires order numbers and shipping information, even for gifts!  Wal-Mart stores accept returns without a receipt, even if the item was purchased online.  However, most returns without a receipt are only valid for store credit or exchange.  The only post-Christmas change to Wal-Mart’s return policy is that the store extends the return date for electronics to increase the amount of time you may return or exchange electronics.

Other major electronics or computer vendors are following that less customer-friendly return policy.  Apple Stores only accept unopened items with their original or gift receipt.  If you get an Apple iPhone as a gift, returning it after the holidays does not necessarily cancel your service commitment.  As a result, returning an iPhone means returning the physical phone and contacting your carrier to cancel service, and, with some contracts, you may not be able to cancel early without fees!

With most major stores requiring a receipt and your gift to be unopened in its original packaging, now it is more important than ever to be careful about dropping gift hints.  If you want a new laptop, smartphone or other computer device this holiday season, be precise when requesting it and be careful not to ask more than one person for the same thing.  The best defense against the miserly return policies of stores is to not have to make a return at all.

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 Toshiba Satellite L735-S32310 offers as much or more than many of the more expensive tablet and ultrabook laptop computers on the market.  With the flood of tablet computers hitting the market in the $200 to $829 range and the Toshiba Portege Z835 Ultrabook laptop boasting an online retail price of $899, it is hard for laptop computer buyers to not feel like they are being fleeced.  The Toshiba Satellite L735, in contrast, offers as much for as little as $439.83.

The Toshiba Satellite L735 boasts a 13.3” monitor with the same 1366 X 768 pixel resolution the Portege is bragging.  The Toshiba Satellite L735 has 4 GB RAM, like the most Ultrabooks, and it is unlikely users will need much computer support as the Toshiba Satellite L735 can handle most programs adequately.  Moreover, for hundreds of dollars less, users get almost four times the hard drive space.  The Toshiba Satellite L735 features a 500 GB hard drive that will store more information and programs than most users will ever need.

The big difference between the Toshiba Satellite L735 and the Ultrabook laptop computers coming on the market, ignoring the price, is the weight.  At 4.6 pounds, the Toshiba Satellite L735 is hardly an anchor.  Ultrabooks and the MacBook Air advertise the benefit of being less than three pounds, but most users will find the 4.6 pounds of the Toshiba Satellite L735 to be an almost imperceptible difference in weight from the Ultrabooks, even if they are carrying their laptop computer for hours.

With its built-in camera and the DVD drive, the Toshiba Satellite L735 makes multimedia conferencing and entertainment easy and efficient.  The MacBook Air requires users to network to digitally share DVDs and CDs, whereas the Toshiba Satellite L735 allows users the simplicity of using the media they already have in their home theaters in the laptop computer.  The convenience of being able to access the media users already have without additional steps is an idea not lost on Toshiba.

Because Toshiba laptops have been on the market for years from an industry leader, as rated by the latest RESCUECOM Computer Reliability Report, it is easy to find laptop repair for the Toshiba Satellite L735 as well.  Despite the durability of the laptop computer, accidents happen.  It is much easier to bear the expense of repairing a Toshiba Satellite L735 than it is to wrestle with both the sticker shock and repair bills from the more expensive Ultrabooks.

In the current economy, thrift is cool. Status comes as much from staying connected as it does from the device one is using to connect.  The Toshiba Satellite L735-S32310 allows greater functionality than the lightweight laptop computers at a much more reasonable price.

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

Computers are ubiquitous items in United States society today.  As much as the millions who bought the Apple iPod might want to believe they are being counterculture, defiant against big business and otherwise cool, they have bought into one of the most popular product lines in history.  In other words, if you own an iPod, you are more a part of the majority than you might realize.  It is not your fault; so much modern technology is geared around instant recognition, as opposed to a sense of uniqueness.  There are no computer-oriented devices that are more homogenized and less customized than the computer’s keyboard and mouse.

But now, you can change that, thanks to artist Tom Gerhardt and the Japanese company, Evergreen.  Evergreen makes a bamboo mouse.  Tom Gerhardt has pioneered a device that can make any rock into a fully functional mouse.

Evergreen’s bamboo mouse fits perfectly into any environment dominated by light wood or lighter earth tones.  Each bamboo mouse is an optical mouse with scroll wheel.  It is a corded mouse, so those looking for wireless cannot yet enjoy the style of this mouse.  But Evergreen makes the minimal clutter of a cable cool by presenting a mouse made of smooth, polished bamboo panels.  Curved to fit your hand the bamboo mouse is solid and durable, as well as stylish.  Because the two mouse buttons are made of thinner, flexible bamboo over a minimal slit, the bamboo mouse actually is easier to keep clean than most traditional plastic mice!

For those who have more of a stone theme to their work space, Tom Gerhardt has the answer.  Gerhardt has pioneered a mouse ring, upon which one may place any medium sized rock.  The rock, when placed upon the ring, becomes a functional mouse!  Simple pressing the rock at the top left or top right performs the function of a left or right click!  This amazing technology makes any rock into a computer mouse, so if you have a favorite rock, one you want to feel connected with for the long hours you find yourself working at your computer, this is an ideal option.  Or, if you like the idea of changing your style up frequently, Tom Gerhardt’s stone mouse can allow you to shake it up frequently.  You could have a different rock as a mouse each day!

Since the rise of the personal computer, style concerning computers has frequently focused on modernizing one’s workspace to match the new computer.  Tom Gerhardt and Evergreen seem to realize that some homes are complete and amazing as they are.  Through their mice, we can start reclaiming a more natural sense of style that matches a warmer environment than the mass-produced computer companies would have us accept.

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

Software companies are beginning to market some of the best video slot machine games from casinos for home use.  While online video slot games can lead to grave concerns over Internet security, home computer software for video slot machine players offers the thrill of video slot machines without the threats, hassles or gambling debts.  The coolest video slot machine game on the market is IGT’s Lucky Larry’s Lobstermania.

Lucky Larry’s Lobstermania is a collection of 20 IGT video slot machine games released for PC and Mac by Masquepublishing Software.  Lucky Larry’s Lobstermania includes Cats, Stinkin’ Rich, Betti The Yetti, Carnival Of Mystery, Da Vinci’s Diamonds and other games that are instantly recognizable to anyone who has been to a modern casino.  There are also more obscure games like Price Check and Frog Princess that may not have been part of IGT’s staple line-up.

The interface for Lucky Larry’s Lobstermania is instantly cool.  Before going to any machines, you enter the virtual casino where you can see banks of the video slot machines.  It is a cute gimmick and it is enough to get anyone who likes video slot machines into the mood to play.  Masquepublishing also includes ambient noise from the virtual casino to make the experience more vivid (that may be turned off without losing the sound effects from the game you want to play if that is not your thing).  When you pick out the game you want to play, you click on the video slot machine and your screen becomes the cabinet for the game.

Like most of Masquepublishing’s IGT video slot machine games, Lucky Larry’s Lobstermania allows you to take your virtual winnings with you from machine to machine.  As a result, you may feel like you are winning more and more in your virtual casino.  The software may be set for ideal odds which allows you to build up your bank fast and experience bonus games more frequently.  With ideal odds, you win more often.  The software may alternatively be set for the casino odds, which could be a great object lesson for young children enchanted by the idea of gambling that you want to disenchant!

What is extraordinary about Lucky Larry’s Lobstermania is that it includes games that have bonus games much more sophisticated than the standard IGT releases.  Instead of just free spins, games like Betty The Yetti include bonus games that tell a story and build upon themselves.  On Betti The Yetti’s bonus game, players watch their multipliers and “adventure bonus” increase as Betty walks around her park!  Lucky Larry’s Lobstermania also includes Da Vinci’s Diamonds, a cascading reel video slot machine that is an exciting mechanic not available on any of the other IGT games released so far.

Lucky Larry’s Lobstermania installs easily from CD-ROM without the need for any additional computer support.  Gambling can be costly, stinky (all that smoke!), and involve travel: Masquepublishing and IGT make it fun and risk-free with Lucky Larry’s Lobstermania!

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 the worldwide economic instability continues and nations look to protect jobs for their own citizens, Americans who buy with the motto “Buy Made In The U.S.A. Only” are facing an impossible task when it comes to computers.  While there are thousands of United States-based businesses for computer support and computer repair, finding a computer with all of the components made in the U.S.A. is virtually impossible.  Long before the technology sector began to outsource computer support and computer repair jobs, U.S. computer companies exported jobs in computer manufacturing to countries with more lax environmental, safety and worker’s rights standards.

Unfortunately for “Made In The U.S.A.” purists, the Christmas 2011 season has no computer offerings that are entirely the result of United States manufacturing.  For sure, there are a number of computer support and computer repair organizations in the United States, like Rescuecom, touting  a workforce as 100% U.S. Based.  However, even the computer support companies that assemble new computers make their computers using components made outside of the United States.  It is a similar thing for computer repair companies; it is possible to get a real, live American to answer your call, but if hardware is required to fix your computer, there is no way to guarantee every part will be from a U.S. manufacturer.

Is computer support from the United States the most consumers should expect?  Realistically, yes.  While phone-based computer support may solve many problems, physical computer repair is sometimes necessary.  Physical computer repair for hardware issues will always be less expensive the more local it is; the odds of outsourcing computer repair jobs to other counties and forcing users to mail their systems to another country is ridiculously low.  But computer support positions seem to be one of the last bastions of quality American service whereby consumers may contact a highly-trained, highly-educated and comparatively local professional to receive aid.

What would it cost to make a computer entirely manufactured with parts made in the U.S.A.?  There is no hard data on that, largely because U.S. businesses do not synthesize most of the components needed to manufacture a computer and they have not for years.  But with the lingering computer manufacturing jobs in the United States having an average hourly wage of $21.03 (in 2008), conservative estimates would put the manufacture of an all-U.S. computer over the $1000 range for even the most basic models.

While consumers seem willing to protect their investment through customer support services and computer repair companies that require serious financial commitments, the American consumer seems unwilling to spend as much on the initial expense of a computer.  Who can blame consumers for not wanting to spend more on computers created with a model of planned obsolescence?  The best consumers can do is understand that the global economy is now very interconnected and that the best investment in America might well be supporting U.S.-based computer support and computer repair companies like Rescuecom.

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

This Thanksgiving, we give thanks to the unsung hero in the marketplace: the Alpha Consumer.  An Alpha Consumer is “the first to know, the first to try, the first to buy.”  Alpha Consumers deserve praise because they act as the real market testers of all new products.

As the first to buy new computer products, Alpha Consumers are the first to encounter issues that require professional computer support responses.  Alpha Consumers have the money to buy the latest laptop, operating system or gadget and time to interact with computer support agents when problems arise.  Because the Alpha Consumer is highly computer savvy, they tend to be the first to encounter Internet security issues.  Through their interactions with computer support personnel, Alpha Consumers uncover and report Internet security threats both through software and identity theft issues.

The usefulness of Alpha Consumers is not limited to alerting computer support technicians of real-world problems with systems or Internet security issues the programmers did not consider.  Alpha Consumers create the demand for products that drives down the price, like the Playstation 3 game console.  One reason the price dropped on the Playstation 3 is that Alpha Consumers satisfied initial demand by buying up the original offering at the higher price.  As well as enduring the Internet security vulnerabilities found on the Playstation 3, the Alpha Consumers alerted the computer support staff at Sony of those issues.  Those who purchase the new models do not suffer the same risks as a result.  Alpha Consumers have the income and inclination to upgrade frequently, exposing Internet Security issues and concerns requiring computer support in the new units.

The value of the Alpha Consumer is evident in more than just areas that require computer support.  The initial price of all consumer electronics is higher and geared toward Alpha Consumers to basically fund the production of future units. The higher initial price also pays for the technical support personnel who fix Internet security issues or design threats found by Alpha Consumers.  Alpha Consumers supported the Blu-Ray player by purchasing the initial units at around $800! Now Blu-Ray player prices average at $175, while Alpha Consumers upgrade to 3-D Blu-Ray.

Critics argue that the Alpha Consumer would not be as important if producers simply tested their products more.  They argue that the need for computer support would be less if product testing met the demands of research and development, rather than appeasing stockholders by rushing product releases.  How many threats to Internet security would delaying products have prevented?

We will never know; the rise of the Alpha Consumer is the domination of a “buy now, fix later” mindset.  Consumers who benefit from the investment and tenacity of the Alpha Consumer, the Alpha Consumer’s endurance in the face of Internet security issues and flaws that require computer support to fix, owe the Alpha Consumer their thanks.

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

For several months, the Occupy Wall Street Movement has been going on in New York City.  The protest, currently physically clogging up New York City’s Zuccotti Park, seeks to bring attention to how the 1% of the wealthiest people control the fates of the remaining 99% of the population.  There is a strange disconnect in the literature provided by Occupy Wall Street through their website and the physical protest; it is unclear how the protesters hope to bring change to economic inequality through randomly clogging up a park near the Wall Street financial buildings.

What is fascinating is how every sector of the media is trying to make a statement about Occupy Wall Street.  On November 15, the Wall Street Journal posted a video online in which three reporter/commentators discussed a spike in Twitter activity the night before.  Twitter has been an invaluable tool used by members of Occupy Wall Street to communicate with one another through their smartphones.  The story focused on how Twitter traffic quintupled from about 100,000 tweets with Occupy Wall Street hash tags to 500,000.  This occurred when police came into the park in the middle of the night to clean.

The attention social networking media gets through stories like this is enough to make legitimate journalists and private citizens blanch.  A quick Google search of November 15 and Occupy Wall Street leads readers to surprisingly little information.  Legitimate news sites note that an eviction happened and that authorities allowed protesters back into the park by morning.  In a protest that has had moments when the major news outlets have covered police violence and significant crowd actions, a spike in Twitter traffic pertaining to Occupy Wall Street seems like a non-story.

The Wall Street Journal tacitly admits as much in the podcast when Zachary Seward notes that much of the traffic that contributed to the Twitter spike did not come from people actually in Zuccotti Park.  This is a textbook definition of hearsay and is more an illustration of how fast small events can be blown out of proportion.  When the Wall Street Journal treated what was essentially a high-tech game of “Telephone” as a legitimate news story, Edward R. Murrow rolled over in his grave.

Twitter could be a great asset to the media or to Occupy Wall Street, but the way people who are not involved in stories use Twitter to relay messages as if they were present sets a dangerous standard that journalists today, at the very least at the Wall Street Journal, seem content to follow.  The non-story from the Wall Street Journal calls to mind a brilliant parody done by The Onion News Network about assumed casualties from a train wreck.  At least viewers for The Onion know to expect humor as opposed to serious stories; we expect better from The Wall Street Journal.

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

Over the past several years, the efficiency and storage capacity of computers and data centers has increased enormously.  Most companies, from small businesses to multinational corporations, have taken advantage of advancements in technology to cut the costs of data storage.  The importance of data storage with strong Internet security cannot be overstated, but new hardware allowed for greater reliability at a lower cost.  The latest in the string of wasteful spending revelations, the Federal Government trended in the opposite direction during the same period.

Read more »

With many of us tightening our belts because of the recession, every purchase needs to be made with our budgets in mind. However, making a budget purchase when it comes to technology can sometimes turn into a budget buster once the high costs of computer repair and computer support are factored in.

Purchasing a budget minded product can be a short term cost savings.  Unfortunately, those cost savings are often offset by additional costs for computer repair and computer support that these devices incur. Read more »

RESCUECOM offers its top 5 cost-cutting tips to keep computers running smoothly and help consumers avoid unnecessary PC expenses

SYRACUSE, N.Y., May 13, 2009 – Without proper PC maintenance, computers’ performance slows down and may even grind to a complete stop. And in these tough economic times, buying a new computer to restore efficiency or trying to rescue data from a dead machine can be painfully expensive.

Proper and regular computer maintenance can save you time, money and stress, according to Josh Kaplan, president of RESCUECOM, the nation’s premier information technology services company. Whether users opt for RESCUECOM products and services or find their own resources, desktops and laptops can be kept running fast and efficiently through the following five strategies. Read more »