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We Have Moved!

We’re now conveniently located near the corner of Whitcomb and Westnedge behind the Burger King. We are the upper suite in the rear of the building. If you need driving directions, please don’t hesitate to call!

Geek Easy Computers
435 Whitcomb St. UL 201
Kalamazoo, MI 49001
(269)548-TECH (8324)

Archive for August 2011

Upgrades 101: RAM…the what and why…

RAM.  Yeah so what?  You know your computer has it.  Do you know what it is?

Random-access memory (RAM) is a form of computer data storage. RAM is the place in a computer where the operating system, application programs, and data in current use are kept so that they can be quickly reached by the computer’s processor. Read the rest of this entry »

Another one bites the dust… HP?

Another of the mighty have fallen.  Hewlett-Packard (HP – the worlds largest personal computer maker), coinciding with their Touch Pad disaster, is selling off their PC division after decades of making computers for the consumer and business markets.

“Hewlett-Packard… on Thursday confirmed that it is considering selling its personal computer business, along with announcements of an end to its tablet computer and smartphone products.” – English.news.cn

So what does this mean to you as a consumer and user of HP PC products.  It may mean nothing, depending on what happens to the PC division.  It could mean a nightmare for trying to get tech support, repair, or parts from HP as they transition through this process.  One thing is for sure, HP as we know it and have loved it for years will cease to exist in its current state.  As history has shown us, these major changes with companies like Hewlett-Packard rarely translate to “good times” for consumers.

Regardless of the path HPs future takes, we at Geek Easy want you to know we will continue to support HP PCs with tech service and repair.  Until the changeover process is completed, we recommend holding off on any purchases or service requests from HP as your transaction could be held up in the mire of red tape that typically accompanies this type of move.

Geek Easy will always be your point of reliable support.  You can always source us for any of your PC or Mac needs!

For more information, click here –> https://geek-easy.com/contact-us/

420 N. Church St. STE 1

Kalamazoo, MI 49007

(269)548-TECH (8324)
info@geek-easy.com

 

Tell Us!

We’re going to change things up a little bit today.  Instead of us choosing a topic to post on, we are putting the ball in your court!

What kind of topics, information, even videos would you like to see on the blog?  We built the blog for you, our readers.  We want to provide engaging content that keeps you interested.  The best way to do that is for you to let us know what you want.  So TELL US!  Either comment here on the blog or , click here –> https://geek-easy.com/contact-us/ and send us an email, or you can even call us!  We’d love to hear from you!

420 N. Church St. STE 1

Kalamazoo, MI 49007

(269)548-TECH (8324)
info@geek-easy.com

 

Mac vs Windows?

There was a time when there was a definite line, or difference between Macs and PCs.  The software was different, the way they operated was different, and frankly, the user base was different.  Not so much now…

Although there are still plenty of differences, the two Operating Systems are alike enough now to duplicate each others user experience.  Macs users used to claim that Mac OS was the “easiest to use, most user friendly…”, while Windows (PC) users claimed that they had “freedom of choice” and the largest software library.  For awhile, argument could be made for all of those claims.  Again, not so much now.

Starting with Vista (arguably), the Windows interface has greatly improved its user friendliness, borrowing (some claim) many aspects that made Mac OS so easy to use.  Mac OS now has a software base rivaling that of Windows.  Mac OS users can even run Windows on Mac machines!   While Windows still has the market share of personal computers, more and more people are choosing Mac as their computer of choice.

If you’re thinking about purchasing a computer, do the research.  Find out what will fulfill your needs, and your families.  Regardless of whether you choose PC or Mac, Geek Easy Computers can provide the support you will need to keep your computer running at top performance!

For more information, click here –> https://geek-easy.com/contact-us/

420 N. Church St. STE 1

Kalamazoo, MI 49007

(269)548-TECH (8324)
info@geek-easy.com

 

Malware… the true story!

According to Wikipedia, “Malware, short for malicious software, consists of programming (code, scripts, active content, and other software) designed to disrupt or deny operation, gather information that leads to loss of privacy or exploitation, gain unauthorized access to system resources, and other abusive behavior.[1] The expression is a general term used by computer professionals to mean a variety of forms of hostile, intrusive, or annoying software or program code.”

Basically what all that means is this:  Malware is a piece of software written by someone with the intent of causing mischief to others.  The level of “mischief” varies from harmless, but annoying pranks; to data destruction and/or denial of services.  Most people are familiar with viruses.  Almost everyone knows someone that has had to deal with one.  What most people arent familiar with can be the worst to deal with.  I’m talking about spyware, adware, and the like.  These can be very hard to detect and to get rid of.  They sneakily insert themselves into your system in many areas so if you find and delete one, theres always a “seed” ready to sprout up again somewhere else!

The best defense is a proactive offense.  Get good anti-virus software (we recommend Norton Anti-Virus), and keep it updated!  It wont do you much good with an outdated database.  Scan your system at least weekly for infections.  Make sure your anti-virus software specifically checks for spyware, etc.  Not all of them do.

If somehow you end up with a virus, the best thing to do is to bring it to Geek Easy.  We have experienced technicians that specialize in tackling tenacious viruses and saving your data!  We can also install anti-virus software for you and do an overall system “cleaning” to ensure your system is running at its best.

For more information, click here –> https://geek-easy.com/contact-us/

420 N. Church St. STE 1

Kalamazoo, MI 49007

(269)548-TECH (8324)
info@geek-easy.com

 

Computer Shopping 101

 

Its the time of year when a lot of people start shopping for a new computer.  Be it for themselves, a student, or even a parent/grandparent, there are some basic things that you should know before starting the selection process.

Shop Locally! You may find a cheaper price at some online wholesale or auction site, but BUYER BEWARE!!  The phrase “you get what you pay for” is definitely true here!  Also, if you buy local, your support is local.  Meaning you wont have to be on the phone with some out-sourced call center, located who knows where, trying to get your problem solved.  You get real people from your community, never more than a call or short drive away!

Buy from knowledgeable sellers! Ask questions!  Do they give you direct answers?  Or are they vague and non-committal?  Do they service what they sell?  What certifications do they have?

What services do they offer?  How long is their warranty?  Do they do onsite, or do you have to lug your PC back to them?

The point of these questions is to ensure that you will be supported in your investment.  When you purchase a computer, you are also purchasing a relationship with the place you purchased it from.  That relationship can be cold and impersonal if you buy from a big box store like Best Buy, or online.  Or it can be personal and individualized to your specific needs and performed by someone that knows who you are when you walk into the store.  That’s what we offer at Geek Easy Computers.  Not only are our computers competitively priced but our computer support and customer service are top notch.  You are more than just another sale to us!

For more information, click here –> https://geek-easy.com/contact-us/

420 N. Church St. STE 1

Kalamazoo, MI 49007

(269)548-TECH (8324)
info@geek-easy.com

 

To Defrag… that is the question?

Mention the word “Defrag” to the average person, and they look at you with this blank stare of incomprehension.  Or you get that sideways look because they think you might be saying something inappropriate in some new “slang”.

Defrag is short for defragmentation, which is a process that reduces fragmentation, which in everyday speak means you’re data is all over the place on the hard drive.  With your data scattered, it takes longer for your computer to retrieve it, meaning longer boot times, apps open slower, more chance of data being corrupted.

Geek Easy offers a computer optimization “Tune-up” service which includes defragging your PC.  It also includes streamlining your start-up/boot process, we optimize the operating system, customized for each individual PC, we clean the registry and remove unneeded/unnecessary entries and much more!

Let us bring that old, slow computer back to life!

For more information, click here –> https://geek-easy.com/contact-us/

420 N. Church St. STE 1

Kalamazoo, MI 49007

(269)548-TECH (8324)
info@geek-easy.com

 

UPS vs Surge Protectors

Many people know the value of a good surge protector.  Its easy to see the benefits of being protected from random power surges and possible lightning damage.  A mid- to high end surge protector can even protect your cable television, phone, and network! So what is the difference between a surge protector and a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)?  Do you need one?

If you have 2 or more PCs on a network, YES.  If you have work that would be irreparably damaged if interrupted by a power outage, YES.  If your business depends on access to your computer, YES.

According to Wikipedia, “An uninterruptible power supply, also uninterruptible power sourceUPSor battery/flywheel backup, is an electrical apparatus that provides emergency power to a load when the input power source, typically the utility mains, fails. “.  Most UPSs also function as surge protectors for the devices that are connected to them.

Having a UPS is having security and peace of mind that your computer and its important data is protected from unexpected shut downs from loss of power.  When the inevitable occurs, you have the time to safely save your work and correctly shut down your PC.

For more information, click here –> https://geek-easy.com/contact-us/

420 N. Church St. STE 1

Kalamazoo, MI 49007

(269)548-TECH (8324)
info@geek-easy.com

 

 

Hiring an I.T. technician…what to look for…

Uh oh.  Your sever just crashed.  You need access to your files ASAP.  You need a tech onsite now!  You Google “pc repair”, but they all look alike.  How do you choose?  What do you look for?

Below are important points that an I.T. technician/shop should have:

  • Be a registered business.
  • Be insured.
  • Realistic pricing.
  • Industry accepted ACCREDITATIONS (CompTia, A+, Microsoft, etc.)
  • Good Reviews (Google, BBB, Chamber of Commerce)
  • Online presence actively engaged with followers.
  • Responsive customer service.
  • Professional appearance.

We at Geek Easy are proud to say we meet and exceed all of the above points.  We treat each job with the professionalism and attention it deserves.  Let us handle your repair needs and show you what separates us from those other “geeks”!

For more information, click here –> https://geek-easy.com/contact-us/

420 N. Church St. STE 1

Kalamazoo, MI 49007

(269)548-TECH (8324)
info@geek-easy.com

 

 

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