Archive for October 2019
Q&A : User Questions, Tech Answers Halloween Edition
October 25, 2019
It’s almost Halloween! In the spirit of the holiday, specifically zombies, in this post we cover some of the most recurring (back from the dead) questions we’ve run into so far this year!
Q: I see a lot of these online “PC Optimizers” advertised on tv. Do they really work?
A: Well… like anything advertised on tv, there are good ones, and there are bad ones. Unfortunately in this case, even the “good” ones barely do anything beneficial for your computer. You’d be better off taking your computer to an actual local computer professional, where you’ll get the service & support you need. On the flip side, the “bad” ones are REALLY bad. They can load your computer with malware, give someone access to your computer, and upload personal information! Not to mention, that by then they also have your credit card information! Not a good situation at all. Geek Easy Computers recommendation is to PASS on online “PC Optimizers”.
Q: I keep getting weird emails with links/attachments. Should I click/open them?
A: No! Never open an attachment or click on a link in an email unless you are 1000% sure you know and trust the source of the email. Doing so otherwise could potentially expose your computer to anything from viruses to identity theft to hijacking of your machine! Never open or click on them. Ever.
Q: My computer is running super slow. How do I speed it up?
A: There are a lot of factors that could cause your computer to slow down. But usually, most computers performance can be noticeably improved by one or both of the following solutions:
The simplest and usually the one that gets the most visible results is a RAM upgrade. RAM doesn’t actually “speed up” your computer. What it does is let your computer do more things at once, so things get done faster. The other most common solution is getting your computer a tune-up.
Q. How much will it cost to fix a broken laptop screen?
A. That depends on several factors. Notably the brand and model of the laptop, pricing and availability of parts, and how much labor is required for the repair. Computers that look similar but are different brands could have totally different repair costs. Even different models within the same brand! Also affecting the price is whether it’s just the LCD or if it’s part of a “sandwich” construction where everything is glued together forming the top of the laptop. This is why we try not to give “estimates” regarding screen repair over the phone. We need to see exactly what we are working with, and get current part pricing. If it’s a model we’ve repaired a lot, we can usually give a rough estimate range before seeing the laptop.
Q. When I get infected by a virus or malware, can’t I just download antivirus/antimalware software to remove it?
A. Short answer – no. Not effectively. Antivirus and antimalware software are designed to prevent infection from occurring. As such, they are not as effective in working after the fact to remove the malicious invaders. If you install the software after you’re already infected, the files that the software looks at have already been altered, so the software may not recognize that. Some malware can even prevent the antimalware software from working or even installing! Light infections or annoying advertising programs can often be removed this way, but a real infection will probably stick around.
Q. Do you fix phones\tablets?
A. No. We do not repair or service phones, tablets, or any other mobile devices. Although today’s smartphones & tablets are much more powerful than before, and can do many of the tasks that a computer does, they are not computers. The service & repair of those devices takes a different skill set that we’ve chosen to leave to those who specialize in it.
The crew at Geek Easy Computers is always available to answer your computer questions and help you with any technology issues. We want to make your technology easy!
 | 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
October 3, 2019
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. |
Posted in Business, home, Laptops, office, PC, repair, Uncategorized, upgrade | 
Tags: certified, craigslist, desktop, factory, laptop, leased, memory, refurbished | 
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