Computer Support Forums, Support Sites, and Just Some Ranting

If you are like a lot of computer users, when you need help you will typically first try to Google for an answer. If this brings no results, the next step is computer support forums. A lot of these forums can be helpful, but in some cases the advice can be misleading or inaccurate. You could also be waiting days for that person to answer your quick questions to get you going in the right direction. I would like to offer another option to you.

I am an IT professional with over 15 years experience, and this economy has really tested my patience with regards to the workforce. Day in and out, I have been searching forums, websites, Craigslist, Monster.com, Dice.com, etc… and for someone in my position it has been difficult finding support gigs anywhere. For most of these sites, I take my time to answer people carefully and offer my help for a much reduced rate than what I was used to getting 12 months ago. Most users will not even take the time to reply. The moment you mention a nominal fee for service they end the chat session without a thank you. It would be great to feel that people are not that rude, but it’s not the case lately.

For those in need of just a quick answer, I am glad to help for a very small fee, and I’ll point you in the right direction. This is not the type of answer that will get the job done for you, but if you just need a jump start, this is an option. I have a profile on Crossloop.com that can put you in contact with me for some help. http://www.crossloop.com/FreeSource-IT

There are many pay-to-answer sites out there, but I have not had any luck using or supporting them. JustAnswer.com made me go through a process to sign up as an expert, and at the end of the process I completed, they told me that the amount of experts in that category was “Full”. It would have been slightly polite to tell me this before I spent half my day applying to join. I would also like to note that this site made me take a “test” to become an “expert”. I passed the test, but the questions were very dated and did not merit any high level of intelligence to answer. It’s just my professional opinion that answering a few questions about DOS is not going to make me an expert in anything, not even DOS.

The truth is, computers are very fickle machines, and only experience can resolve a problem without creating others.  I am looking for long term relationships to help others and guide them when a need arises. Please contact me if you should need some help along the way.

Staples tries to charge elderly man $390 for basic computer repairs!

A reader writes:

Thought your readers might find this information useful. While making a return at Staples (800 Lexington St, Waltham, MA), I happened to hear an elderly gentleman disputing a service charge. He had brought his PC in for a free “tune up,” and now was being charged $39.99 for that service, plus the service technician was explaining that he needed to purchase a diagnostic screening ($49.99), virus removal services ($150), and more RAM (~$150) to get his computer working. His PC had four viruses, the technician explained, but they would need to run the diagnostic to determine the extent of the infections and to determine if any hardware needed to be replaced.

Having done PC repairs for pizza money in high school, I couldn’t stand to watch a senior citizen get bilked that much to simply have anti-virus installed, run, and then (presumably) removed since it was just a “service.” I stepped in and offered to take a look at his computer for free, though I couldn’t make any promises about fixing it. The technician glared at me, but when the gentleman took me up on the offer he left us alone. I made my returns and followed the man to his house to see what I could do (OK, maybe I’m too trusting but I figure at 6′3″ and 230, there’s not much and 70 year old can pull on me).

He explained that his computer had worked well enough for e-mail and web surfing, but after he took it in for the free diagnostic it wouldn’t start up anymore. Sure enough, we plug his Gateway in and nothing: The monitor doesn’t even flicker, even though the power button turns green. I insert a live CD I’d brought along, and still no luck. I double checked that everything had been just fine before taking it in: He hadn’t dropped it on the way to the store, hadn’t ever opened the case up. He said the technicians had told him he’d need to have virii removed and more RAM added; he suggested he might as well get a new computer if they were going to charge him $300. Seeing how not even the BIOS was showing up, I was starting to worry he was right.

I opened up the PC, expecting the worst: A melted motherboard, fried circuits, or worse, nothing visible at all. I poked and pushed all the parts, making sure everything was tightly pushed in. Everything seemed alright, until I came to the RAM: His DRAM had been partially ejected from its slot, which only could happen if the buttons that held it in place had been pushed. Since he had never opened the PC case up, there was only one explanation: While rummaging inside his computer, a technician had (accidentally or on purpose) hit the button and caused the damage that they were now trying to charge him $390+tax to fix.

I can’t see why a “tune up” would require opening the case, except to check and see how many open DRAM slots were available so they could push Staples products. Whatever the case, taking advantage of the elderly by throwing terms like “computer virus” when a hardware problem you caused stops you from even turning on the computer is downright dishonest, if not quite actionable. I even went through Staples pricing sheets afterwards, and none of the services they tried to upsell even appeared on the list.

Anyways, just a warning to your readers to watch out with Staples services. Probably no better or worse than any other big box assistance, but at list in this instance more than a little odious.

Original story can be found here

A quick update…

In appreciation, we just have to give a little back. Our computer support site now offers a free 15 minute chat session on us. So stop by and see us for your quick questions. Maybe you can’t find a device driver or your having trouble with a plug-in. Just ask away, and thank you for your continued support.

Some recent feedback:

“I had an excellent experience with Dino. He was very patient, knowledgeable and a good communicator (not something you always find with tech people). Thanks for the recommendation to contact Leveluno.net!” – Sherri Boston, MA

“Great Service!!!” -Karena Boston, MA

“We’ll be back!” – Tom Anderson CA

- www.leveluno.net

Why Should I use your Services?

Let’s cover all the scenarios. Your computer is broken, now what? Let’s go over a few common pathways and approaches that most users take, and why it makes sense for us to help. We offer entry level support as a starting point for a flat fee of $25, or it’s free. Only you can decide if the following scenarios are more cost and time effective than our offering.

I’ll try to fix it myself:

• This is a common first start with most users. Although this is a noble approach, it can usually cause more harm than good. You have to decide how much time you want to invest solving the issue, and also feel confident that you can find the correct answer. There are forums for self-help all over the Internet, but the quality of their answers can vary. If you make the problem worse, it may also end up costing you much more.

I have a friend that knows something about computers:

• Not a bad approach, but we need to consider a few factors. How soon do you need your system repaired? Is he/she available to repair it efficiently?  Do you know that they are comfortable enough to handle the type of repair you need? Will they damage it further? If they make it worse, is this worth a rift in your friendship?

There are local companies like Circuit City, Best Buy and Staples that perform the same repairs; why not bring it to them?

• With any company, I have heard horror stories out there, but I believe these companies deliver decent services. They usually offer 2 options, In-store repair or onsite service. Besides the high cost of their services, our alternative is focused on the user and making the experience affordable and personal.  If you bring your system to one of these locations, you are essentially a number. My experience has been that the level of personalized support is slim. You spend time and money (in gas) both to and from the location to initiate a repair. If you request onsite support, the price usually increases to cover their travel costs. We have a different approach. We are here any time you need us, and will answer all of your questions. You visit our website or call us when you are ready. We make our best attempt to help you with your issue and answer your questions for $25. If the problem becomes more difficult, we offer you the option for us to visit you onsite, home or office, to finish the repair. The rate changes at this point, but you do have a choice to opt out and receive a refund if you feel this is the better choice. No questions, if the problem escalates, we can finish it, or you get your money back. We have had no refunds at this point so far because our onsite rates are also very competitive.

So all in all you run a greater expense and time risk by engaging in these other resources. We are here to keep it simple and affordable for all of your computer repairs. Please visit www.leveluno.net for more information. or call us at 978-270-5650.

Service Focus – AntiVirus Removal and Installation

Virus Removal/Anti-Virus Installation: A Virus as you know could attack your computer, slow it down, invade your privacy, and steal your personal and sensitive information. Sometimes, you may not even know that you have been infected by viruses, worms or spyware. We will help you by protecting from harmful viruses, worms, and spyware.

Some of our services for safeguarding you from virus, worms, and spyware are the following,

• Installing and updating anti-virus software.
• Scan for malicious viruses, spyware, adware, malware, and worms and eliminating them.
• Give you tips for safe surfing.
• Safeguarding you against hijackers of sensitive and personal information.
• Setting up a firewall in your system.

For Service information, visit us at www.leveluno.net

Press Release – www.Leveluno.net

Leveluno Provides Level One Remote and Chat Support Services for a Flat Fee or it’s Free

Have you ever tried using your computer in the middle of a rush task and suddenly it stops for some unexplained reason? You may be experiencing a computer glitch.  Because of the increasing demand to come up with quick customer support in our fast paced IT industry, Leveluno has established a new form of Help Desk.  The Leveluno Remote and Chat Support Service.

With Leveluno’s Remote Support System, computer issues need not be a burden to you anymore. This form of technical support includes the following computer related issues: Microsoft Windows settings or updates, Internet and Email use, Computer Peripheral installation or Application Support, Home/Small Office Networking, PC Software installation, Virus/Spyware Removal and more.“With the remote and chat support services, we are able to provide quick and organized solutions to your technical issues”, commented Owner, Steve Haley. “The waiting time for a technical support specialist to get to your work stations is over. We will give it our very best effort to repair the issue remotely. If we can not, we offer 2 options; Escalate the issue to the next level including On-Site support or walk away and we issue a refund.” While not all problems can be resolved remotely or through chat, Leveluno has other options available for their clients.

If you would like to know more about the Leveluno Remote and Chat Support Service, or simply want go cost-efficient on computer related issues, visit www.leveluno.net or call 866-561-0352 and a Leveluno Specialist will assist you with your needs.

Wireless Network Issues – What you can try.

This comes up several times a week for me. A user complains that their laptop used to connect to a network fine and now it will not. This opens a can of worms for what the root cause may be, but I wanted to list a few considerations and examples of what I find often.

• Is the laptop powered on? (Just kidding, this is an old joke)
• Some laptops have a key sequence or a physical button that can turn off the wireless radio emitter, this may be turned off. 
• Is the wireless card disabled? Right-click on “My Network Places” and choose properties
• Many laptops have two versions of wireless configuration software. Only one of them should be controlling your wireless connections. I find a lot of users trying to configure the wrong one, but no one told them there was two! Windows has it’s own wireless configuration utility, but it is possible you may have another version now controlling things, it’s worth checking out.
• The network you are trying to connect to may be password protected to allow access.
• The driver software that controls your wireless network card may be corrupted.
• Your wireless router or similar device may in fact be faulty, have incorrect settings, or the wireless radio on this device may be turned off
• Your ISP (internet service provider) service may be down

These are the main causes, although there can be others that are not so common. If you are getting frustrated, you can always give us a call or contact us here. Typically, a repair like this takes an average of 1-2 hours, but it all depends on what the true cause is. We can work with your remotely, and if necessary send a technician out to your location if things are that bad. We have technicians all over the country, so it’s just a matter of scheduling . I hope this helps.

Peer-to-Peer File Sharing Programs – Why you should avoid them

This is an issue I run into often with a lot of clients. I’m going to explain my reasoning on why I feel free file sharing programs are a bad idea for any computer… I’ll try not to ramble

These programs are peer-to-peer file sharing programs, so installing them gives you access to download music, software, and other programs, usually for “free”. They are “free” because someone else has bought them already and are giving you access to download them, usually illegally. This is called a peer-to-peer type network connection. A “peer-to-peer” network creates a sharing connection between all users that have this software installed on their system. It’s like you are sharing files within an office, except sharing over the entire Internet. This can be bad for many reasons:

• Most of the content you are downloading is technically stealing
• You are usually, unwillingly, sharing your music collection with strangers.
• As these strangers are downloading your music, it is robbing much bandwidth away from your Internet connection, and using hardware resources on your computer. These will will both slow your system down significantly.
• Some of these strangers embed or hide viruses and spy-ware into the music or files you are downloading. Once you’ve downloaded them and tried to open them, you run the risk of installing these viruses.

Ultimately, this is why these programs are not “free”

• They slow your system down, so they rob you of productivity
• They can install viruses and spy-ware, which could cost you a hundred or two to upgrade your anti-virus software and have a technician remove them for you.
• The music you download is usually labeled incorrectly, so it’s not what you wanted, or you have to spend the time re-labeling it to be correct
• You could get hit with a lawsuit for downloading unlicensed material
• The wrong kind of virus could open up a connection to your system that exposes your personal or client’s data to the public

In general, it’s just a bad idea, but it’s at your own risk. If you have any questions about a program you are using, or you think you may have an issue like this you can contact us.

Here is a good reference on peer-to-peer networks and examples.

Tip – Quick XP Performance Boost (Video)

I just wanted to share another quick performance booster in Windows XP. XP uses a lot of animations in the background to make it look nicer, but it can slow down your system quite a bit, especially if your system has a slower processor or is low on memory. This tip may help boost the performance a bit, and you won’t miss any of the features we change, it will still look the same. I have a VIDEO posted here for you to check out, it explains how to quickly make the changes. Most cases, you can see a difference in speed without losing the look.

A Quick Arguement on Backup

I run into this ALL the time. I just wanted to share my thoughts on why backup is SO important to a business, regardless of cost. I’m sure you all have heard horror stories out there. I just wanted to create a quick argument regarding the cost to implement a common backup solution. Let’s just say for money sake, you have a small business, 12 users. The cost to deploy your basic tape backup solution to a company this size can vary, but let’s call it $5000. This would include hardware, software, and installation. So the common arguement from the business owner is “That’s too much, we don’t think we’ll need that solution for that kind of money.” I agree, five thousand is not the easiest investment to swallow for something that isn’t a Disney World trip or yielding a return. The fact is, it’s not the cheapest investment, but it’s one of the most important. I’ll just use one example of how it would pay for itself. Let’s suppose this business owner has a secretary. This secretary makes $15.00 an hour. Let’s choose one document from this business owners arsenal, an excel sheet with 5000 contacts with all of their relevant information, account numbers, etc. Let’s say this document were to go missing and was not recoverable. How much time @ 15.00 an hour would it take his secretary to re-create this document? Let’s be fair and say 4 weeks. To call all of these clients and get their information back to re-enter (if they are available). So that’s 160 hours x $15.00 = a $2400 document. This is just one document, imagine the cost to re-create your Quickbooks file? Anyhow, I just wanted to point this out to those who argue about a backup solution. It really is your loss…

Fortunately, we can help you prevent this type of damage with many solutions available. Please contact us to learn more.