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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What makes a good computer a great computer? - SofTech Computers in Prescott

Do you like to play games? Does your job involve image or video editing? How about high-
quality sound recording? If you said yes to any one of these or just want a screaming fast
computer, you might be wondering what exactly makes a computer high quality. Well, SofTech
Computers, Prescott's leading computer repair and service shop, is here to explain the
difference between okay and enthusiast hardware, and what you should choose for your needs.
Each computer has 7 main parts that can make or break a system:

Enthusiast Computers are on fire - not literally though

• The CPU - This is the main “brain” of the computer and can seriously make or break the performance of a computer. The main thing that the average consumer needs to know about processors is that having more cores and more speed means a faster computer. 4 cores is the current standard, with specialized hardware running all the way up to 16 cores.
• The Motherboard - This is where all of the stuff sits, and is one of the most common things to go bad on a computer. While there are a lot of different things that are important to a system builder like SofTech, the gist of it is that higher prices equals better lifetime and better future proofing.
• The RAM - RAM is basically short-term memory -- having too much is unnecessary, and having too little can really slow you down. Depending on the application, RAM can typically range from 4GB to 32GB or more.
• The Graphics Card/Chip - The graphics device determines how fast you can play video games, edit high quality images in things like Photoshop and videos in things like AfterEffects, as well as speeds up the entire computer a little bit. If you are doing anything besides sound recording and light web browsing, a graphics card could be right for you. These range in price from $30 to $800 depending on the application and quality desired.
• The Sound Card - A sound card can be very important for people dealing with video or audio production, as it can allow for hookups to things like high quality microphones, guitars, and pianos, as well as produce high quality audio output. If you aren’t working with studio quality sound, the built-in sound card that every computer has should be enough.
• The Storage - What type of storage device you use in your computer is the main thing that makes the difference between low end and high end. There are two types of storage: hard drives and solid state drives (SSDs). Standard hard drives are usually for lower end devices and solid state drives are generally used in high end devices... An SSD is a great addition to any computer to increase its speed and longevity. Another consideration when talking about storage is the amount. You might want to consider getting fast storage in a small quantity and slow storage in a large quantity if you edit videos or pictures, or play lots of video games. Ask SofTech Computers about how you can replace your traditional drive with a SSD today!
• The Case - Finally, the case is the thing you see on the outside. It holds your CD drive, your USB ports, and all of your other inputs and outputs. A higher quality case will also contain fans and other cooling devices that can help keep higher end or enthusiast parts cool under a large workload.

So, now you know what all of the parts do, what do you need? Do you need a good CPU and
graphics card, but not a good sound card? Maybe you need a soundcard and a good case with
lots of inputs to hook up all of your instruments and microphones. Or maybe you want to play
video games at the highest speeds. The higher quality parts of each type equate to an overall
higher quality computer.

Whatever your needs are, SofTech Computers in Prescott – Your Local Hometown Computer
Heroes, can help you make the best decision for your money. You just tell us what you need to
do, and we can help you do that, while sticking within almost any budget. If you are looking into
getting an enthusiast computer or upgrading your own, give us a call at 928-443- 8770 or visit
our website at http://www.softechcomputers.com for more information or to get a quote on how
we can help you meet your computing needs.

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Proper precautions for keeping your laptop safe when traveling - SofTech Computers in Prescott

Most people travel light - some clothes, a couple things to do on the plane or in the car, your cell phone, and a laptop. Little do they know that bringing a laptop with you can present a lot more hazards than you might expect. From extra trouble with the TSA to hassles with Wi-Fi, it can be a real burden to bring your laptop places. Fortunately, SofTech Computers, Prescott’s hometown computer heroes, can help you make your travel experience less stressful and more what travel should be - FUN!

Airplanes - If you plan on traveling by air, you might want to consider carrying your laptop in an easy to access bag and or in the front pouch of your carry on bag. All airports in the United States now require that you put your laptop and all other large electronics in a separate container for x-ray scanning. You can save yourself a lot of hassle if you are prepared for that. Also, if you are carrying sensitive media like internal or external hard drives, solid state drives not enclosed in a metal housing, or tape drives (not cassette tapes), you should ask the TSA for an alternate screening of those items, as they are what is considered “x-ray and magnetic sensitive media”.

Cars - If you’re bringing your laptop on a trip that is particularly bumpy, like an off-roading trip or a trip where you know you’ll be going down a very bumpy road, we would like to advise you that you should not use your laptop during that time, and even go as far as consider investing in a foam case or pad of some kind that can help absorb the shock from the small bumps. These bumps can really wear on a computer and potentially cause it to die faster than expected.

Wi-Fi - Next, we would like to advise you about security when using Wi-Fi on your laptop. Only trust your friends’ and family’s Wi-Fi connection as secure. Any Wi-Fi that isn’t secure, or that doesn’t need a password to connect to is ill-advisable for anything containing personal information -- passwords, online banking, etc. You should refrain from using your laptop or any device connected to the Wi-Fi if you need to do these things. A great alternative would be using your smartphone as a hotspot, or using a Mi-Fi hotspot because, while they can be expensive, they are the most secure way to bank on the go. Or, purchase a VPN and avoid all the hassle to begin with. If you’d like to know more about VPNs and how they can help you, call SofTech Computers.

Desktops - These tips were relating to Laptops and travel, but what if you are going to somewhere for an extended trip or need to use all of the computing power of your desktop? Always keep your computer on its side, not standing up. Plus, you might want to consider bringing your computer to SofTech to travel-proof it. This constitutes making sure that everything is in place and that there is little to no movement among the parts of the computer. Overall, it is not advisable to move desktops over long distances frequently, and can seriously hurt the life of the machine.

Have more questions about travel safety when it comes to your laptop and personal information? Give SofTech Computers, your local Prescott computer repair shop, a call. We’re always available to help you and would be happy to make sure that you are travel ready. We can be reached at 928-443-8770 or you can visit our website as http://www.softechcomputers.com

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SofTech Computers explains why Prescott computer owners should be wary of anyone telling you that your computer is infected

In the course of computing, you may run across a scammer or two. These people are usually use scare tactics and lies to convince you that your computer is infected with a virus or has corrupted data. Softech Computers, your friendly Prescott computer repair store, is here to help you identify a scam and make sure that you don’t fall for this potentially costly trap.

When you purchase a computer, whether through a reseller or through a computer shop like ours, everything is paid for. Apple and Microsoft are no longer in any way affiliated with you, you don’t owe them money, and will never contact you. These companies are in the business of selling new computers, not trying to get you repair your old one.

A common tactic of scammers is to say they are from Apple or Microsoft using either the phone or a website. Many times these phone calls or websites are obviously fake. Sometimes the scammers are better than the rest and are very convincing. Remember Apple or Microsoft will never contact you!

Here are some fake things to be on the watch for:

• Trying to convince you that you have an infection, corrupted data, or malfunctioning hardware, or that you have done something illegal
• Claiming they work for Microsoft, Apple, Google, IBM, HP, Dell, the CIA, the FBI, or any other company that might help in furthering their claims
• Asking you to download software
• Asking for the ability to remote control, or “remotely fix” your computer
• Asking you to purchase something or give out your credit card

If you happen to take the bait and let the scammer connect to your computer and remotely control it, they will generally claim to run “scans” of some kind. These scans will always claim that they found some sort of problem, and proceed to attempt to charge you a far higher than standard amount of money to fix it. If you accept, you will have a program installed on your computer that will constantly collect data about you and potentially lead to identity theft. If you refuse, you will become locked out of your computer and all your data will be lost.

What can you do?

The best advice is to not call any numbers on the screen, close any browser windows that notify you of any viruses. If you have let these individuals into your computer, SofTech computers urges you to contact us today to have your computer checked out by a local specialist that you trust.

Fear not, because even if you end up (or have ended up) falling for this trap, there is some good news. At SofTech Computers, your locally owned computer repair service in Prescott, can almost always recover your data and get you back on track to a happy and safe computer experience. Give us a call at 928-443-8770 or visit our website at http://www.softechcomputers.com for more information.

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With Winter incoming, SofTech Computers in Prescott explains why your machine could be slowing down

As the weather is getting colder, you might begin to be outside less and less. With all of this newfound indoor time, you might realize you’re using your computer a significantly more. Having a slow computer this Fall/Winter could really cut down on productivity, performance, and increase aggravation. SofTech Computers, Prescott's hometown computer repair shop, is here inform you of the plethora of benefits you can experience from getting a computer tune up this Fall.

What can cause computer problems?

Your computer could be filled with junk and adware - If you’ve ever opened your web browser and seen a search engine that isn't Google or Bing, you’ve probably been the victim of adware. Often companies will try to get you to install junk programs that can ruin your computing experience and lead to some serious frustration.

Your computer could contain excess programs - If you’re like us, you probably have lots of programs that you rarely use on your computer. Well, you can’t get rid of them, can you? What if you need them again? Fear not, because we at SofTech can disable your programs for starting automatically, dramatically increasing speed and startup time, while keeping your programs on your computer for later use.

Your computer could be running out of space - Computers will store hundreds of thousands of files for quick access, but many of these files have only been used once or twice. And, to top it all off, the speed of modern computers makes it nearly pointless, as there isn’t usually a noticeable speed increase. A quick computer tune-up can free up much needed space, and even increase system performance.

Your computer could be overheating - Getting a tune-up doesn’t always mean cleaning up software, does it? Your computer can become filled with dust, and, if left long enough, can potentially cause overheating issues. Computers will slow themselves down to generate less heat and prevent damage. So if you have a dusty home (we won’t tell), you might want to consider bringing in your computer and getting it cleaned out.

Your computer could need updates - Updates can often fix annoying bugs and speed things up. But not always do they go smoothly: if an update gets stuck, your computer can be perpetually slowed down until the update goes though. By bringing in your computer for a tune-up, we can make sure that you are both current and have no stuck updates, making you more secure and speeding up your system.

Computer maintenance is the key!

As you can see, it’s definitely a good idea to bring in your computer and getting it tuned up. And, with the SofTech OnePlan, all of this cleaning, plus virus removals and all service charges on 3 computers are included for the whole year, all at one low price. That’s right, bring it to us each time you have an issue and we will fix it. What a deal! Call SofTech Computers today to find out how we can help you be more productive and have more fun on your computer. Questions? You can reach us at 928-443-8770 or visit our website at http://www.softechcomputers.com.

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SofTech Computers in Prescott Explains How to Keep Your Backup Physically Safe

So you have your important files and documents backed up, but you have no need for it right now. How do you keep your data safe once it’s off the computer? Where should you store it? Is there anything I should avoid when storing my data? Fear not, because SofTech Computers in Prescott is here to answer all of your questions and more!

Depending on how you backed up your data, you will have to keep it tucked away in different ways. Some universal good advice is to keep your backup away from magnets and things that might spark. Make sure that your backup device is keep away from any liquids and in a cool, dry place. Keep the backup device away from any places where it might fall, or have objects fall on it. If you have to transport your device, try not to touch any of the ports or the metal on the cable after walking or driving a long distance with it. This could cause an electrostatic discharge and potentially cause problems. Finally, make sure that if you have to plug your backup device into your computer for any reason, eject the device before unplugging it from your computer. Failing to eject the device could corrupt data and cause issues.

If you used an online backup method, make sure that you have a strong password and multi-factor authentication (such as a text message confirmation on login). Anything less could leave your account vulnerable and susceptible to theft. It is also generally a good idea to keep your information both on the cloud and on a personal backup, in case you do end up being a victim of cybercrime. For the maximum amount of security, simply backup your most important files on a cheap 8GB flash drive and put in a drawer somewhere where you won’t forget it.

If you decided to do a full drive backup or disk clone, a good practice is to keep the drive off when not in use, and to not store any additional files on the same drive that you used for backup. The transferring of files between your computer and your backup drive wears out the drive and could potentially make you lose your data off of your backup drive. For that reason, it is a good idea to only put backup files on a backup drive, and nothing else. This will also help make sure that there won’t be any accidental deletions of files as well. Also, it generally isn’t a good idea to store your backups in your computer, because if the computer fails or gets taken over by ransomware, you will lose not only your data, but your backups as well.

Finally, make sure that only you and your trusted cloud service provider has access to your files. There are many scam companies that will try to sell you a place to store your information or have you send your drives for storage. These companies, at best, will usually look through your data, and at worse, hold it hostage from you. If you have a physical backup, never send it to anyone that you don’t trust, and if you have a digital backup on a cloud service, make sure that whoever your cloud provider is, that they are reputable and trustworthy.

Following these rules will keep your backups safe from the elements and others, as well as make sure that they are still there when you need them. These tips will keep your information as secure as an IT Professional would keep his. If you ever need assistance, run into trouble, or need advice about backups and data security in Prescott, call SofTech Computers at 928-443-8770 or visit us online at http://www.softechcomputers.com/ and we’ll be happy to help you.

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Special data backup methods for small business in Prescott - Tips from SofTech Computers

Businesses need more security that the average user, we all know that. But when it comes to backups and data security, what exactly does that mean? SofTech Computers in Prescott is here to explain the different enterprise level data backup solutions for keeping you and your customers data safe and secure. Here are some options that you may want to consider if you run a small business.

If you store large amounts of data, you might want to consider using a Redundant Array of Independent Disks, or RAID. RAID is an enterprise level data backup solution that involves spreading information over multiple disks, which gives it the ability to recreate the information on the disks if one of them fails. This ability gives the option to have little to no downtime when it comes to the availability of your data, and doesn’t use up any additional system resources, and actually may improve performance. This type of configuration will require something called a RAID Controller, which generally runs about $100-600, depending on how many disks you would like to use together. Generally, this type of backup setup is only used in servers, so unless you have a small server, you may want to consider the next options.

If you have many files that are often changed, like client information spreadsheets or databases, you might want to consider an incremental backup solution. Incremental backups work in a way that every time you change a file, that file is updated in the backup without having to run a full backup again. It only saves the changes on top, which saves system resources and has a minimal decrease in performance associated with it. If you might need to eventually look at historical copies of a document, a differential backup is a good idea. It works in the same way as an incremental backup, but instead of overwriting the file that was changed, it just makes a new copy in the backup. This would allow you to go through and find any files that were changed previous to the changes made.

The next type of backup you might want to consider is an easily deployable and very cost effective, but very basic in its features. If you don’t make a lot of changes to files, and don't mind potentially getting set back a little bit in the case of a failure, you could use scheduled full backups. This method takes a full image of your data and stores it in another place for redundancy. This is by far the most basic, but is quite effective for what it does, and can easily be paired both with the first and the final backup solutions, as well as paired effectively with a server for increased security and management.

The final backup option that we would suggest is called a virtual backup. Virtual backups work using a server to manage backups, and can additionally benefit from RAID setups and can add an extra layer of data protection if you really need it. This type of configuration uses a server to process information sent to it and catalog it in a organized fashion so that it is not only synced with the computer that it came from real time, but is also easily accessible to other users. This method benefits from a phenomenon called double backups, meaning that if the server were to break, all of the data is stored in the individual workstations, and if the workstation crashes, the data is stored on the server. Pair this configuration with RAID and you can have data nearly impossible to lose.

Proper data security can save you financially, as well as save you a lot of time and stress. Now that you know what kind of business level data security you would like to use in your business, call SofTech Computers at 928-443-8770 or visit our website at http://www.softechcomputers.com for more information about data security, or to schedule a consultation.

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What should you use to backup your data in Prescott – SofTech Computers

With all of the different services and advertisements on backups, it can be very confusing to figure out what kind of backup solution you should use to keep your data safe. Luckily, SofTech Computer Repair in Prescott is here to help you decide what is right for you. There are 4 options that the general consumer would possible use, each with their own unique benefits and pitfalls.

The first option for backup solutions is probably the easiest, but least comprehensive: copying to a USB flashdrive or external hard drive. This method is, arguably, the faster of the 4 options, but only backs up what you choose to back up, meaning that if you forget a file that you want to keep, you could end up losing that file. One of the other benefits of this method is that the files are usable across all platforms, meaning that if you ever need to go to a newer or older computer, the files that you have don't rely on any proprietary program to work, they just do. If you have very few things that you want to backup, this method is for you.

The next option is the most common option, and arguably the best for most users: Windows Backup or another backup program. This method requires a little bit of money, because you’ll have to purchase an external hard drive that has the same capacity as your computer. These could potentially run you up to $100, so if money is very tight, this method might not be for you. One of the main benefits of this method of backups, however, is that you can restore your entire computer from one of these backups. If you ever were to get taken over by ransomware, you could solve all of your problems very quickly by using this method of backup in the first place. And another added benefit of this type of backup is that you can set it up to backup automatically, even when you aren't using the computer. If you are a typical user and none of the other backup types specifically apply to you, this is the best option for backups. Some common programs for this type of backup are Windows Backup, Macrium Reflect, and Apple TimeMachine.

The third backup method is using an online cloud service to back up all of your data. This type of backup is a great compromise between the ease of the USB backup and using Windows Backup. This method is usually automatic, and very comprehensive, but cannot restore your computer completely (meaning that you will still need to bring your computer into a shop to be fixed in the case of ransomware or a virus). The main benefit of this type of backup is that you can access all of your files anywhere that you have an internet connection. If you find yourself frequently working from multiple computers and needing files off of the other computer, this solution is ideal for you. Some examples of these types of services would be Microsoft OneDrive, Google Drive, and Carbonite Backup Software.

The final backup method is one that most users will find too complicated, but is the most ideal out of all of the methods. This method is called disk-imaging or disk-cloning. Using a piece of proprietary software, you can create a “carbon copy” of your computer and put it into a file on an external drive. This is ideal because not only would any attacker need the same program that you used to restore the backup, but you can also easily password protect this file. But the real main benefit of this method of backup is the fact that you can restore your computer to the same state it was in before the data loss exactly. If you work with a lot of sensitive data, this method is arguably the best, because it is secure and the most comprehensive backup option out there. If you are an advanced user, this if for you. Some common pieces of software for this kind of backup are HDClone, Macrium Reflect, and Acronis Backup.

Now that you know which is best for you, put your backup plan into action! It’s never too early to be thinking about data backups. Call SofTech Computer Repair in Prescott today at 928-443-8770 or visit us online at http://www.softechcomputers.com for more information about backups and data security.

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Why Regular Computer Backups in Prescott are Important - SofTech Computers

Everyone has trouble with their computer eventually, so why not be ready in case of disaster? We at SofTech Computers would like to explain the benefits of regular backups and how they can help protect you from cyber-crime, ransomware, hardware failure, and theft.  By simply backing up your data once a month, you can save yourself a lot of frustration, headache, time, and money.

Scammers lurk around every corner on the internet, and will often try to extort money from you if you are caught in one of their traps. Many of these scams involve ransomware, or a computer virus that locks down your computer, and the only way to free it is to send the criminal money, sometimes upwards of $1,000. By keeping a regular backup of your computer, you can say “go ahead and keep it!” because all of your files will be conveniently ready for recovery. With just a click of a button you can be back up and ready to get back to what you were doing. And even if it isn't that easy for some reason, it makes the turnaround time at any computer shop much lower.

Another good reason to backup your data is to protect yourself from hardware failure. Just like anything else, computers break over time. They slow down, and come to a crawl, and then eventually crash for good. And, from our 21 years of experience, we can tell you that the most common part to fail on a computer is the storage device, also know as the hard drive. These fail generally after 4-6 years of use, but can be sped up significantly by drops, vibrations, and prolonged use. By backing up your data onto an external device, you can save you pictures, documents, and other important data from a hardware failure that would otherwise corrupt your information.

Imagine if someone were to break into your house and steal your computer: do you have a copy of your data to replace what was lost? Or perhaps you have a laptop that was stolen on vacation: where is your information? In these two situations, a backup to an external device would have saved all of your information. Most criminals probably wouldn’t look for an external drive with the computer, and, in the case of a laptop, your backup probably wouldn't have been near the laptop in the first place.

Finally, backing up your information is easy. You can manually move files that you care about to an external device, use a backup program or Windows Backup, or use a cloud backup service like Google Backup & Sync. All of these services have their own benefits and pitfalls, like:

• Manually Moving Files: Using this method, you use the least space to backup and can have the quickest backup, but you might miss something important
• Windows Backup or Another Backup Program: This particular method of backup is most preferable, but at the highest cost and longest time, may not be the best for everyone. The main benefit of this backup method is the ability to completely restore your computer, rather than just transfer important files, in the case of disaster.
• Cloud Backup Service: The main benefits of this type of backup service lie in its security, ease, speed, and ability to retrieve your files over the internet.

Backing up your information is key to your data’s security and your peace of mind when using a computer. By backing up your data, you can save yourself a lot of money and time if disaster strikes. So what are you waiting for? Call SofTech Computers today at 928-443-8770 or visit us online at http://www.softechcomputers.com for more information on backups.

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SofTech Computers in Prescott Gives Advice on How to Breathe New Life into an Old Computer

Computer running slow? Applications freezing all the time? Video or game stuttering and sound bugs? You’re probably thinking to yourself that it’s about time to buy a new computer. But wait! Rather than spending hundreds or maybe even thousands of dollars on a new computer, SofTech Computers in Prescott recommends you try these simple solutions to make your old computer run like new:

Adding More Memory - If you do a lot of work like photo and video editing, or if you recently were upgraded to Windows 10, you may need more memory, or RAM, that your system currently has. Memory upgrades are usually one of the biggest impacts you can have on a computer, and memory is relatively inexpensive compared to the cost of buying a whole new system.

Performing a System Cleanup - Often times, your computer can be slowed down by temporary files or malicious files clogging up your processor and memory. A simple virus removal and system cleanup can and will certainly make a difference in the way your computer runs, and, in some cases, even protect important data and keep your computer safe.

Cleaning your Startup and Unused Programs - Ever install a program or two, use them once, and then forget about them? We all have. The problem with this behavior is that it will significantly slow down your computer after repeated offenses. Cleaning up these, or simply removing them from starting automatically, can free up system resources and save you money.

Performing an OS Reload - Windows can become corrupt over time, and may be “unfixable”, so so an OS reload could be the solution to your problem. If you find your computer turning of or getting “blue screens”, this might be your best option.

Physically Cleaning Your Computer - Often times, if your computer gets too dusty and dirty, your cooling system could work efficiently and reduce performance as a consequence. By cleaning your computer’s fans and cooling systems, you could reduce what is called thermal throttling and increase performance.

Adding a Solid State Drive (SSD) - Adding an SSD to your system, in place of a traditional hard drive, could speed you up by a factor of 5 or 6 times. Another added benefit of having an SSD in your computer is that it makes the computer more resistant to wearing out, increases battery life slightly, and is more resistant to drops and vibrations as well. Do keep in mind that Solid State Drives are a bit more expensive than a normal hard drive, so it could be more cost effective for you to just replace your drive with a traditional drive instead.

Adding a Dedicated Graphics Card - If you work with photos, videos, graphics, or play video games, a video card is a must. Not only can a high quality dedicated video card dramatically increase performance while working with these types of programs, but can also reduce freezing on video playback, and increase general performance as well.

If you are still experiencing freezing, stuttering, or crashing, it might be time to get a new computer. Many computers may just be too old to help. “But what about all of the money I spent on trying to get this computer speedy?” you might ask yourself. Well, worry not: almost all of the items you may have purchased will also speed up a new computer as well!

These maintenance procedures could drastically increase your computer’s performance and potentially allow you to hold off on getting a new one for 3 or 4 years. If you are unsure how do any of these things, or would like to know beforehand if your investment will be worth it, call SofTech computers at 928-443-8770 or visit us online at http://www.softechcomputers.com.

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How Often Should I Clean My Computer in Prescott? - SofTech Computers

Keeping your computer clean is essential to the overall health and longevity of your computer in Prescott. It’s one of those things that we don’t think about. We take our quality clean air for granted, but during a dry spell, or when we have windy conditions, extra dust can accumulate. How often should a computer have its dust cleaned or blown out? SofTech Computers has the answer, “well, it depends.”

That doesn’t sound very technical, but a lot of this has to do with where you use your computer and how you store it, if you have filters on your intake fans, or if you have pets (there could be not just Intel, but fur inside). We’ve scoured the Universe and we came up with more than one answer. Here are a few:

•    Depends on how dusty the area is around your PC. Storing it on the floor will cause more dust buildup. Cramped spaces such as a cubby or open cabinet can cause more buildup.
•    If your have an air purifier, vacuum weekly, and have filters on the intake fans, then clean out the dust maybe once a year.
•    If you live in a large city where there is lower air quality, clean out your computer once a month.
•    Do you have hairy pets, or multiple pets? Blow out your computer at least once a month.
•    If you install filters, clean the filters only- once a month and maybe the heat sink, the inside will stay basically clean.
•    We keep our work space clean and dust-free, so every 4 months or so is good for us.

How do you clean out a computer? First: Shut down and unplug your computer. Next: disconnect cables and peripherals (monitors, printers, mice speakers and keyboards). A can of compressed air and a small brush is all you need.

When you blow dust off the fans, make sure that you don’t let the fans spin. This can damage them. If you’re cleaning a desktop computer, once you’ve opened the case, start from the top and work your way down. This allows you to sweep out all the dust that settles on lower components with just a few strokes. Avoid touching anything inside and never use a vacuum cleaner. Hold the canned air upright, and at a working distance that protects the components. Don’t breathe any dust. Make sure everything is clean including the heat sink.

The rules for cleaning a laptop are similar – if you can get in there easily - most laptops are not designed to open easily. It’s possible to remove the access to the bottom panel(s), but you could void the warranty in doing so. Always power it down, unplug it and remove the battery. SofTech Computers in Prescott is here to help with cleaning and maintenance issues for your computer. Don’t be afraid to ask a techie a simple question. Call us at 928-443-8770 or visit http://softechcomputers.com/ for more information and useful articles.

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Fake Computer Virus Warnings from SofTech Computers in Prescott

Stop! Read this. Chances are, your computer doesn’t have a virus.  If a virus warning suddenly popped up on your computer, don’t believe it, don’t call the number.
Don’t get trapped with an alert is flashy, full of technical sounding words convincing you that you have computer damage, data corruption, a virus, or infection. We ask that you please don’t click or call! It will only lead you to a more intimidating situation.
   
Microsoft or Apple will not contact you directly, or ask you by other means to directly contact them. Apple and Microsoft are in the business to sell and promote new computers, not convince you to fix the one you already own. At SofTech computers we would like to tell you, don’t believe everything you see. Get in touch with a local specialist instead.

Here are more examples of what happens when you get caught in their trap:

•    Convince you that you have a computer problem, when you don’t
•    If you ask who they are or where they work, they will tell you Google, Microsoft, or Apple, or anything to convince you to move along with the scam.
•    If you tell them too much, it will be used against you to further their agenda
•    Here’s where it gets really scary. The next thing they will recommend is a download of some software into your computer. Would you give this to a stranger? This allows a remote connection, giving them live control of your computer.
•    Next, they will run fake scans – proof that there is a “problem.”
•    Now these infections have supposedly been detected. They will ask for a fee to remove them.
•    Here is where it gets worse: You agree to pay them with a credit card while they “fix” your problem. By now, they’re installing software that could monitor your computer and steal your money, identity and passwords. So, while you paid them to correct the issue, they now have access to more than you’d give your next door neighbor.
•    At this point, you could refuse, but you will get locked out of your computer

To some of us, using a computer can be a daunting task. If you’re new to the computer world, this is especially true. SofTech Computers in Prescott would like to remind you that whenever you’re using your computer, keep your common sense. Don’t panic. Don’t believe everything you read. Don’t give a stranger access to your computer. Above all, call a technician you can trust at 928-928-443-8770 or visit us at http://softechcomputers.com/

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Some Basic Computer Tips by the Guys at SofTech Computers

When you work with computers all the time you take basic knowledge for granted. We all make assumptions that if you know basic knowledge of the workings of your computer system, then you would know how to operate your computer more or less effectively enough to complete basic tasks. These tasks could be creating word documents, printing, emailing, saving, transferring documents, and then some. There are tons of tips, tricks, and ways to do different tasks that we all just make assumptions that people know how to do them. This week SofTech Computers goes back to the basics with computer tips and tricks in Prescott Arizona.

Email tips:

When you get an email from ebay, paypal, your bank, or any other service and it says urgent attention needed or some critical message, close your email and open that service directly by going to their webpage and using your login and see. Do not open those messages and log in through the email. This will limit scams and other issues. Always go to the source.

No dude from Nigeria or anywhere else is going to give you money through your email. You will not be able to help that prince or whoever liberate those funds. Avoid those emails!

Emails that are sent to you and are shocking and say you need to check something out and it’s a link… chances are you don’t want to click that link.

Emails that tell you that you need to forward them and share them to your friends… you probably don’t want to do that because unless you can verify the source and the information chances are its just spam, junk or even helping spread some nasties, such as viruses, over the internet.

Computer Tips:

The windows key on the keyboard can be used to open the start menu

Enlarge text on the internet

You can do this a few ways.

Hold ctrl+mouse wheel up or down to zoom in and out.

Ctrl and – or + to increase the font size

Copy and paste

Ctrl+c and Ctrl+v

Mac users : Command+c and command+v

Save

Ctrl+s or Command+s

Print

Ctrl+p or Command+p

There are hundreds of thousands of keyboard shortcuts, that’s only a few. 

Windows Keyboard shortcuts
Mac Keyboard shortcuts

Web searching

This is best used with google searches, but you can search for terms such as Apple Pie, by searching with quotations and it will limit the search to just be about “Apple Pie”. This can also be expanded by using the + sign to include further information on the search. Such as “Apple Pie” +Crustless.  This will search for only things about Apple Pies and the word Crustless. This will drastically reduce the chance of results that do not pertain to your search.

You do not need to type http://www. To get to websites. Typing Google.com will get you there all the same.

Google searches do math

Search : 2+1*4/2 Google results will show a calculator and the answer. * is for multiplication and / is for division.

These are just a few basic tips that most people didn’t know about. If you need more tips, tricks or working knowledge about your computer feel free to follow one of the links below or contact SofTech Computers in Prescott Arizona. visit our website http://www.softechcomputers.com and send us a message through our contact page or give us a call 928-443-8770. We offer new computer training and help you learn new ways to get the tasks you need to do, done.

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How to Avoid Online Computer Scams - Brought to You by SofTech Computers

The internet has given us more information and unique ways to conduct business than we could possibly dreamed of in years past. The wonderful world of the internet comes with a word of caution: Watch out for online scams. These are schemes to con you out of your money using your computer and the internet, either through fake websites or emails. You could be scammed through your smartphone, tablet, or computer.

SofTech Computers in Prescott has some tips to protect yourself. You can cut down the chance of scammers stealing your identity and cash:

•    Create passwords which are long, with random numbers. Do not use numbers associated with your birthday or social security number. Use upper and lower case numbers in addition. The longer the password the harder it is to guess. Ten digits are better than eight. Change your passwords often, and don't share them with anyone.
•    Install antivirus software and keep it up to date. This will check for malicious computer programs and monitor files before they are opened. Purchase the latest software for the best protection against viruses. If you purchase software online make sure it is from a trusted supplier.
•    Understand which software you are installing on your computer or phone and make sure you are using a secure site when you buy software, a tablet or a smart phone.  A secure site will have a web address beginning with https not http
•    Make sure that your firewall is turned on. A firewall is a security shield that stops scammers getting into your computer. Operating systems such as Windows come with built in firewall settings. They can monitor and warn you of unexpected access to your computer
Install updates to your operating system on a regular basis. Windows is an example of an operating system
•    Install the latest version of your web browser, for example Internet Explorer, which will have the latest security features.
•    Don’t open emails, email attachments, texts, or pop up messages from someone you don't know. These emails will have awkward or broken English.
•    No genuine online company will contact you to ask for your log-in details, such as your password or user ID. Only provide this information when you are logging onto a service that you are familiar with and trust, such as online banking.
•    Before entering payment card details on a website, make sure the link is secure.

 Make sure you have a secure link. Here’s how:

•    Make sure there's a padlock symbol in the browser window frame. This appears when you attempt to log in or register. Be sure the padlock is not on the page itself – if it is this could indicate it's a fraudulent site
•    Make sure that the web address begins with ‘https://’. The ‘s’ stands for ‘secure’
If you have opened a scam email:
•    Don’t reply to the email
•    Don’t click on any links in the email or open any attachments
•    If you have already clicked on a link and opened a website, don’t provide personal information.

If you believe that your computer has a virus, see our experts at SoftTech Computers in Prescott. We specialize in computer repair, computer maintenance, and virus and malware removal. If you are not sure which updated operating system, or browser to install, SofTech Computers can help with that too. We specialize in computer repair in Prescott. Visit us online at  http://www.softechcomputers.com/ or call 928-443-8770

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Simple Solutions to a Slow Wi-Fi Connection in Prescott - Softech Computers

A Wi-Fi connection is something that we take for granted. There those days when we encounter a slow connection, and believe it or not, here at SofTech Computers in Prescott, we have had similar issues. You might ask, "Why is my connection slow?" SofTech answers the question, "How can I fix my Wi-Fi problems?"

Faster speeds are keeping us more closely connected from around the block, across our beautiful state of Arizona, to around the world. If your connection still works, but is slow, try these simple tips:

• The most common problem with slow Wi-Fi is being too far from the router. The farther away you are from the router, the less reliable your connection. Try moving a little closer to the room where the router is located. If you find the constant moving inconvenient, simply re-locate your router to a centralized room, away from other devices, and on a shelf.
• Lack of bandwidth can cause a slowdown. Your internet could be spread too thin when everyone in the house is placing a demand on it through use of additional phones, computers, and televisions – all with data hungry apps such as Netflix and YouTube. Try disconnecting any device that is not in use. Try connecting one of the devices with a Cat-5 Ethernet cable directly to the router. It could also be that someone is leaching off your internet. Prevent that by a secure setup for your network, and keep your password a secret!
• A real issue could be interference. Most of us leave the settings unchanged when we first set up the Internet. Avoid channels 1, 6 and 11. They can be overcrowded. Try a newer model of router. They are capable of selecting less crowded frequencies upon rebooting. Otherwise, you can perform a power cycle or log into the admin panel and choose a different channel.
• Once in a while there really is no Internet connection. Something glitches and the router, modem, or both stop communicating – for no reason. It happens. The first thing to try is pulling the plug. Disconnect both the modem and router, wait 30 seconds, then restore power to both.
• If any of these quick fixes don’t work, the cause could be a service outage, most likely a severe one. It’s not always an issue that has to do with the hardware. There’s not much you can do other than to call your Internet Service Provider. While you won’t get instant results, at least they will know from your call which area is being affected.

SofTech Computers is your first choice for computer repair in Prescott. If our tips don’t solve your slow Wi-Fi problems immediately, talk to one of our specialists today. We are conveniently located in Downtown Prescott a few doors away from Far From Folsom. Call 928 443-8770 or visit us at http://www.softechcomputers.com/ to learn about the services SofTech Computers offers.

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Are you buying a new computer? We recommend NetBooks - Softech Computers

We all know it is frustrating when your computer stops working. Sometimes we hold on to computers longer than we should. They start to become slow and sometimes nonfunctional, however the fear of replacing your computer should not overwhelm you. This week SofTech Computers in Prescott shares with you tips on what you should look for when purchasing a new computer.

Look at prices... But before that, decide what you really need. Sometime we want shiny and new, or the fastest on the block, but it is really necessary?


First, decide what you are willing to spend! This will help you gauge possible features and if you really need or could live without them.

Is a netbook your answer?

Most lower end computers such as netbooks are made for exactly what they should be used for: Searching the web, accessing email, writing basic documents. These computers are light weight, inexpensive and somewhat limited, BUT if that’s what you need then you don’t need to spend much.

So what are you giving up by going with a netbook? To keep these netbooks light and inexpensive they leave out quite a bit, for some users this is a key factor. They reduce the number of external ports, such as a VGA, HDMI, and the number of USB slots. They do not come with a disk drive, this means they do not have CD, DVD or BLUray capabilities. Many have reduced processor, memory and hard drive sizes.

This example is just for netbooks and there are many types of computers out there and many more types of configurations of parts and software. Knowing what features you want and how much you want to pay for them, that will be your best guide.




Want to save more?

If you want to save more money and still want to get great features not offered in a Netbook that’s where we come in. SofTech Computer in Prescott has many custom built machines that will have the features you are looking for. Feel free to stop in our shop on Montezuma, call 928-443-8770, or visit our website at http://softechcomputers.com.

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Should You Repair, or Replace Your Computer? - Softech Computers in Prescott

To repair or do you replace? SofTech Computers in Prescott Arizona gives some helpful insight to the process in the hopes of helping consumers come to a conclusion.

Over a period of time, for most it’s several years, your computer has collected an arrangement of music, documents, photos and movies. These items are precious, and finding a way to safeguard your files is as important to us as it is to you. You cannot put a price on memories and your files are just that, memories stored in a little tiny box.

In the spirit of analogies let us compare your computer to a tree. As a tree grows the roots spread deeper into the ground and branch out into many different places. Sometimes you can up root a tree with little effort and others it becomes complicated due to the nature of those roots. The same is to be said about computers. Depending on the system you are thinking of replacing or possibly repairing, there are some factors you need to look into:

Some factors to consider when you want to repair or replace your computer:

The programs – Not all computer programs will work on just any machine, even if you were to modify those programs to run in a compatibility they may just not work on the newer operating systems. For specialty programs that you have already invested time and money into this may not be something you wish to give up. Yes, programs have evolved and in many instances, there are really good upgrades that are worth the change to upgrade rather than repair but this option is not always available due to possible cost factors. Remember you can’t transfer programs from one computer to another, you have to install those programs in those new systems, if you no longer have the media to do so, and cannot go without said software, this makes the option to repair a better choice.

External (peripheral) devices – From the home user to the small business owner, external devices should always be considered prior to investing into a newer machine. Reason? Cost! Mice, keyboards, audio devices, and printers; Laser, ink-jet, receipt or even impact printers, are all specialty devices that do not always allow you to just connect to a newer device. The cables, ports, and drivers to those devices are not always compatible and this leads to increased costs when considering the repair or replace options.

In an example of this could be impact printers (for some these are still used even today) for specialty forms that you currently have and use. Most programs that rely on impact printers for those forms cannot simply be attached to a new computer and work. This would require a newer printer, form, and possibly even newer business software to use those printers. Those costs need to be weighed into the possible reasons to either repair or replace your computing unit.

Possible improvements – Technology is an ever-changing creature. Vast improvements in sometimes as little as a few months, weeks, days or even hours. Computers created in the days of windows 98, xp, vista, 7, and 8 have increased one after the other in storage space, speed, power and abilities. Sometimes those changes are amazingly wonderful, other times they are extremely painful. In an example the vista operating system, for many users this “upgrade” was a reminder that not everything new is good and wonderful. Now that does not mean avoid upgrading to a newer computer system or even just the operating system, but understanding that the latest is not always the greatest is some of the best advice we can give.

There are many different kinds of computers and everyone is going to have different situations, so being able to give advice that suits everyone is not always possible. We do hope that this gives you a bit to think about and if you have any questions feel free to stop in our shop, visit our website at http://www.softechcomputers.com or give us a call at 928-443-8770 and schedule some time to chat with one of our techs and come up with a solution that works best for you.

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Why computer maintenance is important and informative by Softech Computers in Prescott.

Computer maintenance should be included in your daily, weekly and monthly routine and Softech Computers in Prescott Explains why. From the basic to the most expensive computers on the market without proper computer maintenance you may not be getting what you paid out of the computer.

Speed of the computer and your network.

Computer hard-drives are complicated and unfortunately, they are not the best design. Over the course of saving, copying, deleting and moving files in side of your computer you are in a simple way to describe it, throwing all of your photos, documents and programs into a theoretical box and shaking them up. The files are not all in the same place on the hard drive, the computer keeps a location for each file and references it. Over the course of time this gets a bit messy and the computer slows down, taking longer to retrieve information as well as respond to requests by other computers for that information. The slowness we have all experienced, it can be maintained and prevented with basic monthly maintenance.

Early Detection of problems

Checking for failing drives, memory or other possible issues before they actually fail and then cause more damage PLUS cost more to repair.

Running various on board system and external tools to check for hardware and software problems early on can save you time and money. More than 75% of the time we see problems come in that could have been prevented and addressed prior to catastrophic failure. In an example, over 50% of the population has hard drives that have moving parts in them, meaning they are not like the flash style memory of the solid-state drive. These moving parts slowly wear down, addressing the replacement and cloning of the drive prior to the failure of the drive could save $1,000-$2,500. When these drives fail and become damaged they need to be sent off for data retrieval and this means sending them out to a specialist. It is a very costly and lengthy process, and in many cases, you will still lose a large chunk of what was saved. Early detection is a must for all types of users. Protect the things that matter the most.

Keeping Antivirus Programs and definitions up to date

Many users assume that having a virus program installed in your system is all that you need and that it will work on its own without any input from them. For a lot of the time this can actually be true, but, from time to time there are actions that must be performed by the user that helps clear the system of infected files, running system checks for possible security breaches, updating virus definitions, and insuring that the Anti-Virus program has not become compromised by checking system files. Having a go to Tech for these these things can be extremely helpful for any user because after all its what they live for.

Preventative measures against Viruses, Trojans and other nasties

The terms viruses, spyware, trojans, and worms are all subcategories of malware which by definition is the words ‘malicious’ and ‘software’ combined. They are designed with many different purposes and we can assure you none of them are things that you want. Even if something was seemingly harmless, their intent is to disrupt your day to day and in many cases, destroy years of your work and or memories.

Your photos, documents and system files are important to you, trusting those things to chance is a game of roulette where the user eventually loses it all, it’s just a matter of time. Researching current trends, daily news articles and understanding various behaviors of viruses are an important aspect to anyone’s day to day. When it cannot always be addressed things get forgotten. Ask yourself how much your photos; the memories, and your documents; the hard work, are worth to you. Having a maintenance service for keeping up on this for you is more than worth it.

Keeping Operating system and programs up to date

Computers change constantly as new technology is applied and even more so as new programs are developed. This leaves your computer open and vulnerable. No matter how good a program is written there is always the eventual problem of that program having an error or bug on various computer systems. The programmers of those programs most times will attempt to correct these issues and come up with a fix for them, unfortunately the fix is not always easy to understand and implement, and sometimes it’s not so much the fix you were looking for and it ends up causing more harm than good. Knowing how to respond to updates and implement them as well as correct the problems that come with them is a task, leave that up to your maintenance team.

At Softech Computers in Prescott hope that this helps you understand why having a maintenance plan implemented is very important and that you are better able to see the benefits to keeping things updated, cleanup, and protected. We have a special maintenance program you should consider, the SofTech One Plan will keep you protected! Contact us at 928-443-8770 or visit our website to lean more http://www.softechcomputers.com/oneplan.

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Some things every computer user should know in Prescott - Softech Computers

Whether you are a pro or are just getting your first computer, there are certain things every one of us has to do when using a computer.  Our goal is to teach you ways to be more efficient while keeping your computer safe from harm.  Softech Computer Repair in Prescott shares some tips on how to do just that:

1.    Keep your personal information safe and secure. 

2.    Have regular maintenance performed to keep your computer running smooth.

3.    Don’t download unnecessary programs or add-ons.

4.    Make sure your network is setup correctly.

5.    Protect your computer from viruses.

6.    Learn how to use keyboard shortcuts to save time.

7.    Regularly backup your hard drive.

8.    Don’t keep your laptop plugged in.

9.    Use Bluetooth technology to free up some USB ports.

10.    Keep the computer well ventilated so it doesn’t over heat.

We hope you found these tips helpful.  SofTech Computer Repair in Prescott is here to help!  Do you have persistent computer issues? Contact us today about our computer maintenance plan. Call us today, 928-443-8770 or learn more at http://www.softechcomputers.com/?p=15633795825629a4e400e05 .

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Fake Important Security Alerts - SofTech Computer Repair in Prescott discusses how to deal with this popup message when using the internet

Have you ever been browsing the internet and get a message that says "your computer is infected" or "important security alert" message? These messages are actually fake notifications attempting to gain access to your computer or obtain your credit card information.

These alerts are shown in such a way as to trick the computer's user into thinking their computer has crashed or that a virus has been detected on the computer. It does this to try and scare the infected user into calling one of the listed numbers in order to receive support. In reality they will only be greeted with people who are trying to sell them unneeded support contracts and services.

What should you do if you see this warning?

First off, do not call any phone numbers on the screen, and do not enter any contact information into the popup.

Usually this popup comes as the result of browsing the internet and are simple javascript popup messages. Simply closing the browser window or pressing the "ESC" key on your keyboard will cause the message to disappear, however many times the popup usually returns shortly after if you remain on the web page.

How do you get the popup to go away?

We have seen this popup many times. The easiest way to escape this popup message trap is to hover your mouse pointer over the browser's close button, hit the "ESC" key on your keyboard, then quickly click the mouse button to close the browser.

This may take some practice, however this is the simplest and fast way to avert the announcing popup loop.

What if this does not work?

If the above mentioned steps above do not work, your computer could be infected by other malware. It is important to have your computer checked for malicious malware as soon as possible.

SofTech Computer Repair in Prescott is available to help you though this issue! Do you have persistent computer issues? Contact us today about our computer maintenance plan. Call us today, 928-443-8770 or learn more at http://www.softechcomputers.com/?p=15633795825629a4e400e05

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