Mac
Upgrades 101: Fans vs Water Cooling…
September 2, 2011
There’s a bit of a debate going on right now in the “upgrade world” as to which is better: multiple fans or water cooling?
Well the answer is… it depends. It depends on what type of system you have and what you mostly use it for. It also depends on how much room you have inside your case.
Upgrades 101: RAM…the what and why…
August 30, 2011
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 »
Mac vs Windows?
August 18, 2011
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 –> http://geek-easy.com/contact-us/
420 N. Church St. STE 1
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
(269)548-TECH (8324)
info@geek-easy.com
Posted in Mac, PC, Uncategorized | 
Tags: mac, mac os, vista, windows, windows on a mac | 
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Malware… the true story!
August 15, 2011
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 –> http://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
August 12, 2011
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 –> http://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
August 8, 2011
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 source, UPSor 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 –> http://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…
August 2, 2011
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 –> http://geek-easy.com/contact-us/
420 N. Church St. STE 1
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
(269)548-TECH (8324)
info@geek-easy.com
Tablets… the new PC?
July 26, 2011
Unless you’ve literally been under a rock these last couple years, you know that the iPad is the hottest selling computing device on the market. Ultra portable touch screen thats super easy to use, crazy long battery life, and tons of cool and useful apps in the App Store. Its easy to see how the iPad has created the frenzy it has. It is also easy to predict the next phase… competition.
Apple has a well established reputation for creating products that inspire fierce loyalty from its users. The iPad is near perfect, and the iPad 2 is even closer. It’s going to be hard for any manufacturer to top that act. Here’s a few of the better attempts:
- Asus Eee Pad Transformer - Android 3.0, Nvidia Tegra 2 dual-core CPU, 10.1-inch capacitive display at 1280×800, full-size keyboard dock, card reader, HDMI-out, rear-facing camera, front-facing camera. Asus has been making good netbooks for awhile now and this tablet dosent lower their grade. One of the best Android tablets available.
- Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 - Android 3.0, 1GHz dual core CPU, 1GB RAM, 16GB/32GB storage, 10.1-inch capacitive screen at 1280×800 (WXGA), 3MP rear-facing camera, 2MP front-facing camera, 3G. This is the one to watch! Arguably the best Android tablet currently.
- Motorola X00m - Android 3.0, Nvidia Tegra 2 dual-core CPU, 1GB RAM, 32GB Flash storage, 10.1-inch capacitive LCD at 1280×800, proximity sensor, ambient light sensor, barometer, gyroscope, 5MP rear-facing camera, 2MP front-facing camera, 3G, 730g. A second generation Android tablet that looks very exciting!
- Blackberry Playbook - BlackBerry Tablet OS (QNX), 1GHz Cortex A9 dual core CPU, 1GB RAM, 7-inch capacitive LCD at 1024×600, 3MP front-facing camera, 5MP rear-facing camera, 400g. The only non-Android tablet in the “one to watch” category, the Playbook promises a lot of future potential.
As you can see, the iPad cant be content to rest on its laurels. It may hold the crown for right now, but the contenders are hot on its tail and ready to snatch the lead! Definitely a race we are going to watch closely!
For more information, click here –> http://geek-easy.com/contact-us/
420 N. Church St. STE 1
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
(269)548-TECH (8324)
info@geek-easy.com
…the Lion sleeps no more!
July 25, 2011
MAC OS X Lion has arrived! The much ballyhooed upgrade to Snow Leopard has hit the Apple app store. So far the reviews are very favorable. The new features are welcomed by the majority of Apple crowd with much enthusiasm. There is some contention that Lion has “borrowed” too many items from its “little brother” iOS.
Below are a few features that look like they were pulled straight from iOS:
Multi-touch Gestures – so far this seems to be a love/hate situation with the majority of Mac users. Some call it counter intuitive while others praise its ease of use. You can swipe between desktops, go back and forth in Safari, and to an extent Mission control. Is the mouse finally dead for Macbook/Mac Air users?
Multiple home screens – more than just a re-hash of Spaces, you can easily go back and forth between your active applications with a swipe.
Mail UI – looks like a carbon copy of the Mail app on the iPad. Meaning it has all of the goodness from that application as well. Easy set-up, side by side interface… one of the best mail interfaces out there.
Full screen apps – self explanatory but cool nonetheless!
Have you tried Lion yet? Let us know what you think!
For more information, contact: Silvano Vanegas or Nathan Welling
420 N. Church St. STE 1
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
(269)548-TECH (8324)
info@geek-easy.com
Summer Storms… are you ready?
July 20, 2011
The Summer Storm season is here! Is your computer ready for it? We at Geek Easy know that its not something that is on every computer owners mind, but it is definitely worth taking the time to protect your investment!
Below are some tips to help protect your computer:
Protect yourself with a surge protector. Cheap power strips don’t cut it. Surge protectors and battery backups should be checked or replaced every few years to make sure they are still providing adequate protection.
If you know that a storm is coming, unplug your hardware, laptops, printers and other electronic devices from all power sources. More computers and other electronics are damaged during storm season due to power surges through modem and data lines — so be sure to also disconnect your DSL or Internet cable cord from the computer.
If your hardware is on the ground of your home or office, be sure to lift them from the floor to protect them from flood damage.
Finally, be sure to back up your data frequently. This way your chance of forever losing important files is greatly lessened.
So keep your eyes to the skies and stay tuned for more info you should know!