SofTech Computers discusses malware removal in Prescott

As a computer owner, it is important to understand some of the things that might affect your computer. SofTech Computers, local Prescott professional for malware removal, would like to give you a little more information since it affects many computers every day.

Most computer users have heard about “viruses” that can attack your computer. A virus is a specific type of malware and the term is more familiar to the public. Malware is malicious software that is written to harm and infect a computer. Here are some types of malware:

Virus: This is a specific type of computer code that is contagious and infects other software on your computer. Once opened and shared, it can also spread to other computers.

Trojans: This is a type of virus that is designed to make the user think they it is a safe program and OK for them to run. They are often programmed to steal personal and financial information and in some cases to take over the resources of the computer’s system files.

Adware: Adware is advertising-supported software. It is designed to examine which Internet sites you visit frequently and then presents ads based on your usage. Not all adware has malicious intent, but it can slow down the performance of your computer.

Spyware: This malware actually spies on you and tracks your activity. This software allows a hacker to gain information about the computer user and is often very hard to detect.

Worms: This type of malware will replicate itself and destroys information and files saved on the computer, including the system operating files.

Ransomware: This is an advanced type of malware that restricts access to your computer system until the user pays a fee. It may show up as a pop-up warning stating that you have been locked out of your computer with a phone number to call to “get help”.

We all depend on our digital devices for online purchases, communication, online banking and more. In order to protect your devices from malware, it is important to have an effective virus/malware solution. The easiest solution is to bring it into one of our technicians at SofTech Computers in Prescott, where we can check your system for malware, and discuss options to help keep your computer safe and secure. Contact us at 928-443-8770 or visit our website at http://www.softechcomputers.com.

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Holiday buying guide for laptop computers from SofTech Computer Sales and Repair in Prescott

You’ve decided that the perfect holiday gift would be a new laptop computer. Before buying a new computer there are a number of questions you need to consider. Although it’s tempting to just go online and find the cheapest price buying one sight unseen can lead to disappointment. SofTech Computers, your local hometown computer heroes for support and sales in Prescott, brings you some tips to help with your holiday computer shopping.

Try It Out - Do some online research and then find local retailer who has the model you think you want. Pick it up and make sure it’s not heavier than you thought. Look at the screen and see how easy it is to see - maybe that 11” Chromebook may not be what you really want. Try out the keyboard and see if it has a touch and feel that you like. Try out the touchpad and see if it responds smoothly and quickly.

How Much RAM Do You Need - RAM is the memory that you use while you’re using the computer. The amount you need depends on what you will be doing with it, since video games and movies take more RAM than most business applications.

Which Processor Do Need - Most processors are predetermined by the model number. So, if you are looking for a gaming computer, you should look at the models that have the faster processing speed. If you’re going to be doing business applications, you will probably be fine with any of the current processors.

Also, you might want to think about sprucing up your current computer if it’s not too old. Accessories and more memory might just make that not-so-old computer run like new again. Maybe a full-size USB keyboard will make a laptop easier to use. A wireless mouse might make it easier than using touchpad.

Maybe a boost in the amount of memory will make those complex spreadsheets work better. With laptops, it’s advisable to trust a professional when adding memory.

Have questions? Stop in and see SofTech Computers today. We can help! If you do choose to purchase a new computer, your next hurdle is setting up the operating system, peripherals, etc. to all work together. The easiest solution is to bring it in to our pros at our Prescott computer shop, we will get everything up and running, and discuss option to help keep your computer safe and secure. Contact us at 928-443-8770 or visit our website at http://www.softechcomputers.com.

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SofTech Computer Sales in Prescott talks about the best time to buy a laptop

It’s upsetting when you’ve just bought a new laptop for over $1,000 and then you see it “On Sale” for only $779 just months later. Worse yet, you see the new and improved version for what you paid for older technology. In the world of laptops, having current technology is fleeting, as things are always changing. However, it might be nice to know when the best time is to buy a laptop. SofTech Computer repair and sales in Prescott, would like to help answer that, but part of that depends on your circumstances.

If you have a laptop that has just died, or you get a “blue screen”, or you find that the software you need to use will not run on your old system, then the time to buy the new laptop is now, because you need it to do your work.

However, if your current laptop is working OK, and the need is not critical, you may be able to save money by strategically waiting for the best time to replace it. Most of the computer manufacturers release new models a three time a year: Back to School (June to August), Holiday season (September to December) and Spring (February to April).

Some of the best prices are during the Back to School season with the student marketing frenzy. However, you can also find good deals during the Holiday season, as retailers quite often have year and inventory reduction pricing to get ready for the new year.

When deciding on the right time for you to purchase that new laptop, you have to consider both price and obsolescence. From a price perspective, you are likely to see some great deals this holiday season. Obsolescence is not as big of an issue as it once was, and normally an older model will still work for many years.

In addition to price, you also need to consider how you will be using the laptop. If you are using it just for business applications, your requirements will be quite different from someone using it for gaming. If you are unsure of what choice to make when purchasing a new laptop, stop by SofTech Computers, your local computer repair and sales in Prescott, or give us a call at 928-443-8770 to discuss your laptop needs with people who care. You can also find our website at http://softechcomputers.com.

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Gaming PC VS. Workstation - Buying a high end computer? SofTech Computer Sales in Prescott Explains

Are you a hard-core computer user that demands a machine with superior performance? With so many options for computers out there it can be confusing to determine what type of computer you should be looking for. With higher end gaming computers and business workstations leading the pack with virtually the same specs, what is the difference? SofTech Computers, retailer of custom computer systems in Prescott, brings you some valuable information to help you decide before your next computer purchase.

Let’s be clear here, we are talking about readily available Windows based standalone PCs, not completely insane gaming rigs or expensive enterprise level solutions which might cost more than $10,000! These computers can run in the range of $1,000 to $3,000 and be equipped with AMD or Intel processors.

What is the main difference of the two?

• Workstation PC: This computer is usually used by engineers, designers, and developers. Really anyone who works with a lot of data manipulation and processing power relying on a wide range of workloads.
• Gaming PC: This computer is used mainly for gaming, as the name implies, and is built on sheer performance and speed for a variety of tasks related to specific tasks.

Main workstation differences

Workstations are built on reliability, catering to those who make a living working on their computer, and in which the parts are designed to last as long as possible. Several differences over other computers include special RAM and hard drive configurations to limit errors with data and processing. These computers may also come with alternative power supply options to limit power failure that can result in data loss.

Other main differences include special video cards that provide professional graphics and reliability, professional versions of the operating system, special motherboards outfitted with specs that are just not needed for personal PC or gaming computer.

Main gaming rig differences

 Gaming PCs, although outfitted with impressive hardware, still has a budget in mind. These computers are usually outfitted with CPUs designed for specific tasks and lack additional processor cores used for data crunching of the workstation computers. Many times, these computers are overclocked to provide more speed during gaming, however overclocking can cause the computer to overheat requiring additional cooling equipment adding to the overall cost.

Gaming PCs are built on little more than speed. Faster RAM, hard drives, and over clocked CPUs; most other parts are included to manage and cool these devices. The parts of these computer are constantly being upgraded, and given the competitive nature of these machines and their users, you will always be upgrading to keep ahead of the competition.

The good, the bad, and the ugly

Truth be told, a quality workstation may run you a $1,000 more than a gaming computer with the same specs, however there are any things that do not appear on the spec label’s overview. Many small nuances sometimes make a workstation a far better investment for the long term and future upgradeability. Aesthetically however, prebuilt gaming PCs are often better looking than their workhorse cousins, and manufacturers of these computers tend to dress up these computers with LED lights, alien heads, or skulls to appear to their audience. Workstations are not so appealing, however a look under the hood may leave a gamer wanting to take it for a test drive.

So, without discussing specific numbers that might be obsolete next year for the gaming PC owner, what kind of computer do you need? Still haven’t made up your mind? SofTech Computers, Prescott’s custom computer shop, is here to help you decide. Stop in today to talk with out knowledgeable staff about your next computer purchase or contact us today. Call 928-443-8770 or visit our website at http://www.softechcomputers.com.

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