These are some of the more common services requested.
• Internet & E-mail problems
Fixing internet connections, email sending & receiving, slow internet browsers, hijacked browsers or browsers that just don’t work at all.
• Windows errors
There are many causes of Windows errors including incompatible programs, bad updates, failing hardware and corruption (caused by power surges, static electricity or a failing hard drive.)
• Installing programs
Most old programs can be installed on a new computer. Most new programs are a little harder to install because they usually don’t come with a disc for installing. They usually have to be downloaded from the internet.
• Fixing hardware problems
Failing hard drives, faulty memory chips and power supply units are the most common hardware failures.
• Tutoring on a wide variety of programs
We ran courses for many years to teach seniors to use computers. The school has closed, but 1 on 1 instruction is available on programs such as Windows, Word, Excel, etc., and also on topics such as email, internet and file management.
• Setting up new equipment
Installing new computers, printers, scanners, wifi routers, monitors, etc.
• Data transfer to new computer
Programs will need to be reinstalled on a new computer. Data, such as pictures, documents, spreadsheets, music, email, address book can all be copied to a new computer.
• Virus removal
Virus infected computers are not very common anymore, as most computers are protected by an antivirus program, but occasionally a virus makes it through. Most viruses now come from infected websites, not email.
• Computer hardware upgrades
Most common upgrade is memory. Installing more memory can sometimes substantially speed up your computer.
• Software upgrades
New versions of programs may offer new useful features.
• Removing malware
Malware is malicious software that doesn’t spread on it’s own. It can be just as bad as a virus, but because it needs the computer user to unwittingly help it spread, it’s not a virus and may not be stopped by antivirus programs. Never call phone numbers that pop up on your computer. They are malware scams.
• Computer security - Firewalls & Antivirus programs
Installing & renewing security programs. Viruses are continuing to get worse, but paid or free programs offer good protection and are essential on any computer.
• Backing up files
Most home users don’t back up their files, but any data you don’t want to lose (pictures, documents, email, address book), should be backed up so that you have two independent copies. Backups can be made on DVD’s, memory sticks or an external hard drive.
• Speeding up slow computers
Removing or disabling programs that run automatically, but shouldn’t be running. Cleaning up temp files and removing unwanted internet add-ons.
• Start-up problems
Eliminating errors on start-up & fixing issues that prevent Windows from loading.
• Windows updates
For continuing security, Microsoft comes out with monthly updates for Windows. These updates are needed even when you have an antivirus program, but usually install automatically without causing problems. If they won’t install or stall when installing or cause other problems, service may be required.
• Hard drive cleanup
Most hard drives are large enough that the average user will never run out of space. But, Windows needs room to operate efficiently and a full hard drive will slow the computer down. Removing old programs and temp files may help.
• Windows upgrades
When Microsoft stops providing security updates for Windows, you may be forced to upgrade to stay secure. Support for Windows XP stopped in April, 2014. Support for Windows Vista stopped in April, 2017. Support for Windows 7 stopped in January, 2020. In most cases, a computer with Windows 7 can be upgraded to Windows 10.
• Wi-Fi
Setting up routers, connecting computers, printers, tablets & phones to wifi.
• Tablet setups & problems
Apple Ipad and Android systems. Connecting wi-fi, setting up email, installing apps for banking, news, solitaire, etc.
• Cell Phone setups
Connecting wi-fi, setting up email, etc.
• Printing problems
Replacing cartridges, cleaning printers that are printing poorly, removing paper jams and troubleshooting printers that are not printing at all.
• Spam
Prevent spam by not giving your email address out to everyone. Once you start getting spam, it’s difficult to stop.
Fixing internet connections, email sending & receiving, slow internet browsers, hijacked browsers or browsers that just don’t work at all.
• Windows errors
There are many causes of Windows errors including incompatible programs, bad updates, failing hardware and corruption (caused by power surges, static electricity or a failing hard drive.)
• Installing programs
Most old programs can be installed on a new computer. Most new programs are a little harder to install because they usually don’t come with a disc for installing. They usually have to be downloaded from the internet.
• Fixing hardware problems
Failing hard drives, faulty memory chips and power supply units are the most common hardware failures.
• Tutoring on a wide variety of programs
We ran courses for many years to teach seniors to use computers. The school has closed, but 1 on 1 instruction is available on programs such as Windows, Word, Excel, etc., and also on topics such as email, internet and file management.
• Setting up new equipment
Installing new computers, printers, scanners, wifi routers, monitors, etc.
• Data transfer to new computer
Programs will need to be reinstalled on a new computer. Data, such as pictures, documents, spreadsheets, music, email, address book can all be copied to a new computer.
• Virus removal
Virus infected computers are not very common anymore, as most computers are protected by an antivirus program, but occasionally a virus makes it through. Most viruses now come from infected websites, not email.
• Computer hardware upgrades
Most common upgrade is memory. Installing more memory can sometimes substantially speed up your computer.
• Software upgrades
New versions of programs may offer new useful features.
• Removing malware
Malware is malicious software that doesn’t spread on it’s own. It can be just as bad as a virus, but because it needs the computer user to unwittingly help it spread, it’s not a virus and may not be stopped by antivirus programs. Never call phone numbers that pop up on your computer. They are malware scams.
• Computer security - Firewalls & Antivirus programs
Installing & renewing security programs. Viruses are continuing to get worse, but paid or free programs offer good protection and are essential on any computer.
• Backing up files
Most home users don’t back up their files, but any data you don’t want to lose (pictures, documents, email, address book), should be backed up so that you have two independent copies. Backups can be made on DVD’s, memory sticks or an external hard drive.
• Speeding up slow computers
Removing or disabling programs that run automatically, but shouldn’t be running. Cleaning up temp files and removing unwanted internet add-ons.
• Start-up problems
Eliminating errors on start-up & fixing issues that prevent Windows from loading.
• Windows updates
For continuing security, Microsoft comes out with monthly updates for Windows. These updates are needed even when you have an antivirus program, but usually install automatically without causing problems. If they won’t install or stall when installing or cause other problems, service may be required.
• Hard drive cleanup
Most hard drives are large enough that the average user will never run out of space. But, Windows needs room to operate efficiently and a full hard drive will slow the computer down. Removing old programs and temp files may help.
• Windows upgrades
When Microsoft stops providing security updates for Windows, you may be forced to upgrade to stay secure. Support for Windows XP stopped in April, 2014. Support for Windows Vista stopped in April, 2017. Support for Windows 7 stopped in January, 2020. In most cases, a computer with Windows 7 can be upgraded to Windows 10.
• Wi-Fi
Setting up routers, connecting computers, printers, tablets & phones to wifi.
• Tablet setups & problems
Apple Ipad and Android systems. Connecting wi-fi, setting up email, installing apps for banking, news, solitaire, etc.
• Cell Phone setups
Connecting wi-fi, setting up email, etc.
• Printing problems
Replacing cartridges, cleaning printers that are printing poorly, removing paper jams and troubleshooting printers that are not printing at all.
• Spam
Prevent spam by not giving your email address out to everyone. Once you start getting spam, it’s difficult to stop.
McGinn Computer Sales & Services Ltd. (403)295-7413
