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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)

Business

What Should I Upgrade?

One of the aspects of owning a computer is upgrading. Whether it’s a desktop or a laptop, if you plan on using it longer than a couple of years, upgrading it is in your future. Technology and software advances make it almost a certainty. The question we typically hear from our clients is “What do I upgrade?” In this post we hope to make that decision a bit clearer and easier.

Image result for computer upgrades


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Holiday Safety For Your Computer!

‘Tis the season for online shopping and travel! With excitement and distractions aplenty, it’s easy to get caught unawares by an online scam or hacker. It is also a time for increased sharing on social media. That increased information sharing also makes us more vulnerable to online threats and expensive identity thefts. Below are steps you can take to ensure your personal information stays safe and secure. 

ONLINE

– Limit Your Personal Information Online: Review the security settings of your online profiles and limit access to people not on your friends list (or them too!). The more specific information you share publicly, the easier it is for you to be compromised. .

– Use Strong Passwords and Change Them: Many sites now force you to use strong passwords and that’s a good thing. Use different passwords for each of your online accounts and set up two-step verification, when possible. You should also CHANGE YOUR PASSWORDS every three months. If you’re comfortable with it, password manager software like LastPass, Dashlane, RoboForm, etc. can help you set very complex secure passwords without having to remember or write them all down somewhere. 

– Keep Your Operating System Up to Date: Computer operating systems are periodically updated to stay in tune with technology requirements and to fix security holes. Be sure to install the updates to ensure your computer has the latest protection. Make sure your browser is also updated for similar reasons.

– Be Careful What You Download: Opening attachments in email is one of the top 3 (if not #1) way computers get infected with malware or otherwise compromised. Never open an email attachment from someone you don’t know and be suspicious of unexpected forwarded attachments from people you do know. They may have unwittingly sent you an infection!!.

– Use Secure URLs: Check to be sure websites are security enabled when performing an online transaction. Look for web addresses that start with “https://” which means the site takes extra measures to help secure your information. Stick to well-known, thoroughly vetted sites. Don’t pick the holiday season as the time to “try out” that new online shopping site that popped up in a Facebook ad!

– Turn Off Your Computer: Probably the simplest solution. When you are not using the computer, turn it off.  It can’t get hacked if it’s not on.

– Trust Your Instinct: If it looks too good to be true, then it probably is.

TRAVEL

The Bag – you definitely want a cushioned protective bag. With the new thinner, sleeker laptops and tablets, it’s tempting to buy an equally sexy case. Unfortunately, those cases tend to be focused on fashion, not protection. Also, a flashy case or bag is like a bullseye for thieves. Don’t advertise that you have a laptop or device! Tamper resistant zippers or checkpoint friendly bags are a good idea if you are flying.

Insurance – Make sure your insurance policy covers theft and loss of personal items, and the amount of coverage will be enough to buy you a new laptop. A good travel rewards credit card may cover travel protection. Check the terms of your card issuer.

WiFi – When traveling, using public WiFi is very tempting and sometimes unavoidable. Using public WiFi networks can lead to security breaches. Especially when using hotel or airport WiFi. Make sure your computer or device is protected by antivirus software, and that the software is updated and current. Avoid shopping online or logging on to your online banking website on a public WiFi network. Consider investing in a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service from a reputable security company. These services protect your connection by encrypting all the data you send and receive online through the security company’s servers.

Backup Your Data – You should be doing this regularly anyway, but definitely do it before you travel with your laptop or device. The data stored in your laptop can be more valuable than the computer to you. Protect yourself from losing your data by backing it up on an external hard drive or in the cloud.

The crew at Geek Easy Computers wants you to be able to enjoy the holidays with your friends and families, and not have to worry about your technology! We are here to make your technology easier! Let us know if you have any questions or concerns!  Happy Holidays!


Adonis Pointer is a photographer, a collector of vintage razors, and a certified technology geek!
Adonis has been involved in computer technology since well, a LONG time! He has been involved in nearly every aspect of the industry from sales to repair to training to consulting. As the Social Media Manager he writes the majority of the posts on the Geek Easy Computers blog.

Refurbished Computers

What is a refurbished computer?

A refurbished computer is one that was previously in use, usually by a business or corporation, that has been reconditioned to be like “new”. There is a false perception that refurbished computers are just used and out-of-date computers. While it is true that refurbished units tend not to be the latest technology, they are typically no more than one or two generations older and very capable of running today’s applications! 

What is a ‘factory refurbished’ computer?

This is a little different than just a refurbished computer. Companies like Apple, Dell, HP, etc. may sell factory refurbished computers that they have returned to a “like new” condition. These systems typically have shorter warranties directly from the manufacturer (60 days vs. 1 year on new systems). These systems could be returns or systems that were replaced under warranty and then reconditioned by the manufacturer. Once concern we hear a lot about refurbished systems is that they might be the “broken” computers that were sent back to be fixed. While that concern could apply to factory refurbished systems, those aren’t the refurbished computers we sell or support.

What does “refurbishing” really mean?

First of all, refurbished is NOT the same as USED. When you purchase a used computer, it is typically sold AS IS, with no warranties or guarantees. You are basically rolling the dice. The phrase “buyer beware!” applies to this situation. It is unfortunately easy to get stuck with a bad machine as you have no way of knowing the true status of the internal components. Potential failures of the motherboard, hard drive, or even the screen are very real issues when dealing with used computers.

Refurbishing is a process by where previously utilized computers have all of the data wiped from them, and the operating system and associated software re-installed to factory settings. All of the components, internal and external, are thoroughly tested and verified to like-new performance parameters. At Geek Easy Computers, we purchase all of our refurbished units from a certified and authorized refurbisher. These computers were never owned by an individual, but are typically off-lease machines that were in use by a corporate entity. Once we receive these computers, we then put them through our own verification process and stress testing to further ensure that our machines are in A-1 condition before we offer them for sale.

Why should I buy one?

There are several advantages to purchasing a refurbished computer. The most obvious one is the cost savings! You can buy a slighter older model, and upgrade it. For example, a refurbished laptop may have 4-8GB of memory, be a year or two old and cost $250-$350. A new computer may have 8GB of memory and cost $500-$700. Most newer computers can be upgraded to at least 8GB of RAM cheaply saving you money overall. As mentioned earlier, another major advantage of buying refurbished is that the computer has been completely tested and verified. New computers are randomly spot tested on the assembly line, meaning that only a small percentage of them are actually (minimally) tested. A huge advantage to buying refurbished over a used computer is that refurbished computers come with a warranty! Geek Easy Computers includes a 30 day warranty on parts and labor with each of our refurbished machines. We also include a free complimentary tune-up 3 months after purchase to keep your computer running like new. You get technical support from the Kalamazoo area’s only full service computer repair shop located downtown! You also get the assurance that you will always have a friendly local face to talk to, located right in your community!

So if you’re looking to save some money, but don’t want to gamble on pawn shops or Craigslist, come down to Geek Easy Computers and check out our rotating stock of refurbished laptops and desktops. We want to make your technology easier!

Adonis Pointer is a photographer, a collector of vintage raptors, and a certified technology geek!
Adonis has been involved in computer technology since well, a LONG time! He has been involved in nearly every aspect of the industry from sales to repair to training to consulting. As the Social Media Manager he writes the majority of the posts on the Geek Easy Computers blog.

All-In-One Computers: Pros & Cons

These days it seems like everyone wants a laptop. While the laptop is indeed the most popular form of computer, there is still a definite market for desktop computers.One of the more popular types of desktop computer is called the all-In-one desktop or AIO computer. In this post, we will discuss the pros & cons of buying an AIO computer.

What is an AIO Computer?

All-In-one computers, also known as all-in-one desktops, are designed to combine the computer case and system components into the monitor so that the entire PC  is contained all in one unit.

Why Would I Want One?

  • Because you don’t have to find a spot for a separate computer case, the AIO PC takes up a lot less space. Which is great if you’re looking for a computer for a spot with little space, or if you have a small desk. AIO computers are popular in areas where space is a premium or a bunch of cords/cables would be inconvenient, such as: kitchens, medical offices, restaurants, dispatch, warehouses, etc. Some all-in-one computers can also be wall mounted, for even more convenience.
  • All-in-one PCs generally offer significantly larger screens than notebooks. A normal notebook typically has a screen size of 13in-15in; all-in-one PCs have screen diagonals of 20in-27in. The resolution is also higher.
  • Fewer cables – only one power cable. Speakers are built-in. Most have wireless keyboard & mouse.
  • Easier to transport than a regular desktop and monitor, should that become necessary.
  • Many AIOs are touchscreen enabled. Higher end versions add pen support.
  • Ease of setup.

Why Wouldn’t I Want One?

  •  Upgrading an all-in-one PC is more difficult. The parts are more difficult to reach, and frequently you have to remove the screen to access them.
  • If one thing breaks, the entire computer has to go in for repair. If the monitor breaks, that is going to be a costly repair, unlike a traditional desktop computer where you could just buy another monitor.
  • Stuck with one monitor. If you decide you’d like a larger monitor, your only options are to purchase another AIO with a larger screen, or add an additional screen via HDMI, DVI, etc. if that is an option.
  • AIOs can be more expensive when compared to a similarly outfitted traditional desktop computer.
  • Many all-in-one desktops are at a disadvantage because they’re built to be thin. That means minimal space for components and cooling. As a result, the AIO market is full of desktops that have low-power versions of desktop processors, or even mobile processors inside.

An AIO can be a good choice for any of the above stated reasons, but knowing the limitations or concessions of purchasing an all-in-one desktop will help you make the best decision for you, your family, or your business needs! If you have further questions, the team at Geek Easy Computers is happy to assist you!

Adonis Pointer is a photographer, a collector of vintage razors, and a
certified technology geek!
Adonis has been involved in computer technology since well, a LONG time! He has been involved in nearly every aspect of the industry from sales to repair to training to consulting. As the Social Media Manager he writes the majority of the posts on the Geek Easy Computers blog.

WiFi vs Wired

What’s better, wireless or wired, when it comes to internet connections? Most people would instinctively say “WiFi”. Wireless does have many advantages, and in today’s connected culture it’s fairly ubiquitous. But is it truly better? Let’s find out!

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Q & A: User Questions, Tech Answers! March 2019

Welcome to the first installment of the 2019 edition of our “User Questions – Tech Answers”. In our ongoing mission to help make your technology easier, we like to provide you with tools and knowledge to make your computer interaction more “user friendly.” This edition will showcase some of the most popular questions asked us, and also include some new things that we haven’t covered yet.

Q. Why don’t you guys fix smartphones or tablets? Aren’t they all computers?

A. Short answer, no. Back when Geek Easy Computers first came into existence, it was decided that we would focus on what we did best – small business IT services and computer repair. As we have grown and evolved, we have added a multitude of other services, but all relating to our core of computer service and repair. While smartphones and tablets can perform many of the same functions as an actual computer, the technology behind them is actually fairly different from computer technology. As such, it takes a different set of specialized skills to service them effectively. We strive to be the best at what we do. So we devote our valuable time and resources to perfecting those skills, as opposed to branching out to other types of devices. We want to be your expert computer repair choice, not your mediocre fix-it-all place.

Q. Why don’t you give estimates over the phone?

A. Phone estimates are usually wrong or incredibly vague. We can’t provide any accurate cost estimates without knowing what is specifically wrong with your computer and what parts and services it needs. Your description of what is happening (or not happening) lets us know what the symptoms are, but to determine the cause of those symptoms, we would need to perform a physical diagnostic examination of the unit. Once we have determined the cause of the issue, we provide you with repair options. The only accurate phone estimate is that our repairs start with the $50 deposit minimum and could end up being more expensive than replacing the system depending on what all is wrong.

Q. Why don’t you buy used computers or parts? Don’t you sell used computers?

A. As a company policy we do not purchase used computers or parts from individuals. There are several reasons for this, but first and foremost we don’t want to create a market for stolen computers or encourage computer theft in any way. Chances are what you can find at pawn shops or often via Craigslist are being sold because they were stolen.

It is also difficult to guarantee the performance of used items. We specialize in the sale of refurbished desktop & laptop computers. The difference is the computers we sell are business class computers that were previously leased by other businesses. Once off lease, they were purchased by a professional refurbishing company who then refurbishes the computers and puts them through rigorous testing. We only purchase grade “A” models from the company, put them through our own testing, then offer them to our customers.

Q. Do I really need to run updates?

A. Short answer, yes. Software updates offer many benefits which include patching security holes that have been discovered in the software. Updates can also add new features to your devices and remove outdated ones. Cybercriminals love security flaws, also known as software vulnerabilities, which are weaknesses found in programs that a virus author or hacker could exploit to gain access to some part of your device. By the time a software company has the chance to patch and test a fix to a vulnerable program, the weakness is already well known in the security community which also includes people looking to gain access to your computer resources for malicious purposes. It’s best to run security updates as quickly as you can and replace any device that is no longer receiving security updates.

We are always available to help make your technology easier. Geek Easy Computers is your place for news on the latest & greatest, and your place to get answers to your questions!

Adonis has been involved in computer technology since well, a LONG time! He has been involved in nearly every aspect of the industry from sales to repair to training to consulting. As the Social Media Manager he writes the majority of the posts on the Geek Easy Computers blog.

Data recovery

Hard drives fail all the time. It’s just a fact. That’s why we, at Geek Easy Computers, stress having a recent & reliable backup is so important. But what happens when your hard drive fails and you don’t have a backup? Usually your only option is data recovery, if possible.


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Cloud Storage…Why Should I Use It?

At Geek Easy Computers, we see too many clients with failed or failing hard drives with no backup system in place! It’s a tragedy because data recovery is not guaranteed and can be expensive when it does work. Today there is really no excuse for not having some type of regular backup in place. Especially with the availability and ease of use of cloud storage. With this post, we hope to show you why you should be using the cloud.

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What’s Wrong With My Wifi?

You’ve finally got high speed WiFi installed in your home! So you run down to the rec room to watch your favorite Netflix binge show while you work out! But no! The video is stuttering and keeps dropping signal! What’s going on?

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Back Up Your Mac! (Time Machine)

Backing up your data regularly is the easiest way to protect your data from loss. Backing up your data on a MacBook, iMac, or MacBook Pro is even easier as it is built into the operating system. In this post, we will tell you how to do that!

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