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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Hang Up and Call Softech Computers in Prescott - A Simple Warning

The phone rings and we want to be a good sport, pick up the phone and say hello. With the smart phone it’s easy to tell who the caller is, if the number matches one in our contacts. When it’s a number we don’t recognize, some of us want to do the better thing and answer the phone to save time and take care of the situation now. The voice claims to be Microsoft warning us that our computer has a virus. Before you panic and wonder what to do next, hang up! That’s right, hang up! These are two words of the wise from SofTech Computers in Prescott.
   
You’re thinking that this is rude, but it’s not. What the person on the other end of the line is attempting to do is far worse. We see victims on a daily basis – people who stayed on the phone long enough to be intimidated and scared half to death while thinking that someone from places unknown is about to take the computer out of peril. This is a scam. It is a crime. This doesn’t happen only in Prescott, it’s a global issue. Phone scammers get away with this because they’re difficult to stop and monitor.

Here is what they do:

•    They will trick their way in and call you on your cell phone – It doesn’t take a landline anymore.
•    Claim that they are employees of Apple, Google, or Microsoft.
•    Install harmful malware onto the device, desk top computer, laptop, or smart phone.
•    Install a program that will in turn install a virus and monitor every keystroke you make to steal passwords.
•    Steal your data.

Most of these calls take place during the middle of the day targeting the elderly or unemployed. These are the most vulnerable and gullible groups. The only way to stop this crime is to be aware; it’s all you can do to protect yourself. There’s no way to know what these criminals are getting away with, or how much money they are making.

Softech Computers would like to remind you that you have the power to hang up. Hanging up is the most useful tool we have in fighting off these scammers. If you receive a call like this and you’re still not sure, hang up and call Softech computers for advice at 928-443-8770. We’re happy to take a look and show you in person whether or not your computer has a virus. Put your trust in us, your local computer guys, to diagnose any problems and remove any potential virus. Check our website at http://softechcomputers.com/

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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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Computers in Prescott, How Long Will They Last? - Softech Computers

Softech computers in Prescott Arizona has a payment plan that could cover the lifespan of your computer. We all want to get what we pay for and seldom do. We think about this at the time of purchase of a new computer. Let us be honest, we buy a computer and we just expect it to work and last. Did you know that laptops average lifespan is not quite as long as you expect? Most people think a laptop would last about 5 years. It’s actually 2-3 years with most lasting just over 2 years. A desktop computers average lifespan is 3-5 years. But why do they not last?

Laptops – These are created to be powerful machines that help simplify your world. They are much smaller than a desktop computer and way more portable. Could you even imagine shouldering your desktop computer from place to place? I couldn’t even imagine trying to make it work… all of those cables, your keyboard, the mouse, the power cable. It just all adds up. Now a laptop, its everything all combined. You bring it with you to work, pull it in and out of the bag that you then carry up and down stairs and all across town, these units take a beating. Laptops are created for portability not longevity. Unfortunately, there are a lot of factors at play and it is really hard to point them out but let’s give it a try at just talking about a few.

Desktops – Created to be powerful tools that stay stationary in your home or office and are not meant to be portable. These are almost always more powerful than their portable counterparts due to not needing to worry much about size or space requirements.

Factors that lead to the death of your computer:

The Hard Drive – Now unless you have a Solid-State Drive in your computer the Hard Drive can die from a single impact to just the right place. Remember our previous post about hard drives having moving parts? Well in a laptop these parts are way more susceptible to damage, a single hit to the hard drive location can make the whole thing grind to a halt.

Power - Yes power, the more you use the hotter it gets. Faster computers generate a lot more heat. This wears out the silicon chips. Having the correct ventilation can help decrease this risk factor but it cannot help with removing it.

Electrical – Incorrectly shutting down your computer, removing the power source abruptly, power surges, power sags, basically anything that increases or decreases power to the computer. Risk can be lowered by using a UPS (uninterruptible power source) with a surge protector.

Dust – it traps in heat, clogs fans, reduces airflow and slowly or in some cases abruptly destroys your computer. Clean out your fans regularly!

Abuse- it’s a given, if you are rough with your computer they break sooner than later. Hitting the computer to get it to move faster is not an option you should take, but hey we have seen it all.

Mechanical failures – these are more of a – yup its dead – type factor. A fan, the processor, the motherboard, the hard drive, the video card. They all have a lifespan and unfortunately, we do not have a chart of possible lifetimes because honestly not even the manufacturer would know. Most warranty against defects for one year. After that? Well it’s on you to repair or replace it.

These are just a few factors that can lead to the death of your computer. Others can be electrical damage, water/liquid damage, the list goes on. You can decrease the risks to help prolong the life of your computer unit. If you need further advice on how to better protect your computer from possible risks, and get the best value from your computer you can visit SofTech Computers in Prescott Arizona, visit our website

(http://www.softechcomputers.com) or even give us a call (928-443-8770).

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