Tag: computer repair

Is Your Hard Drive Going Bad? Here’s How to Tell | Corona, CA

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Has your computer started making funny noises? If you know nothing about computers, you aren’t alone. We buy our technology to make our lives easier, but when they begin to act strange, we have no clue about what to do with them. What are the components that make up our machines? How do we make sure they are running at top form?

If you find that your computer has begun to make noises you don’t recognize, it is possible that your hard drive going bad. Your hard drive is the brain of your machine, where all of your information is stored. And while there are plenty of reasons it is acting funny, they usually crash because of a virus, mechanical failure or electrical surge.

Unfortunately, a hard drive failure could happen at any time without warning, so you need to make sure you back up your hard drive on a regular basis, because valuable data that cannot be retrieved. If Windows is always telling you that it needs to check the consistency of your hard drive, it could be trying to tell you your hard drive is about ready to fail. Your computer runs like we do and can develop symptoms of deterioration, so make sure you don’t ignore the signs.

If you think your hard drive might be going bad, we can run a diagnostic test and let you know if you need a new one. In addition to testing, we can order and install a new one for you.

Call Up & Running Computer Solutions in Corona, CA for help with your hard drive at 951-737-8558. Learn more at our website at www.urcs.net.

Having Computer Problems? You Aren’t Alone | Corona, CA

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headache over computer problems

In this day and age, having some type of computer is necessary. Whether it be a desktop, a laptop or a tablet, we all have some way to connect to the information superhighway. Otherwise, kit feels like we are out of touch. Unfortunately, like everything else, that computer will eventually have problems. These problems could be big and complicated or small and simple to fix. It’s especially a problem if you don’t know as much about computers as you would like. The good thing is, if you have little computer knowledge or don’t have the time to learn, a computer repair company can help get you back on your proverbial feet. But while you wait to get your computer looked at, here are five common computer problems and what is going on internally:

Malicious software. Otherwise known as viruses, spyware, adware, etc. Either way you look at it, all versions can harm your computer and attain access to your private information.

Computer won’t turn on. One of the more basic of issues, power issues could be due to a loose cord or a power supply that has gone bad.

Slow computer. All deleted files and applications are still on your computer taking up space and need to be cleaned up. Low hard drive space and not enough RAM can also cause your computer to be slow.

Blue screen of death. This happens when your computer freezes, resulting in a blue screen with an error message. This could be many things – overheating, hard drive failing, or buggy software.

Noisy computer. A fan, or your entire hard drive could be going out. Back up your files immediately so you don’t lose anything in the process.

Call Up & Running Computer Solutions in Corona, CA for help with managed IT services at 951-737-8558. Learn more at our website at www.urcs.net.

Your Computer Needs Tender Loving Care | Corona, CA

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computer repair service

The saying “cleanliness is next to godliness” hold true. And it isn’t just when it comes to your person. Just like anything else, your computer tower needs a good cleaning at least every three to six months to prevent dust build up and to keep it from overheating. Ridding your computer of dust and debris build up helps increase your computer’s performance and avoid future technical issues. Unsure of how to do it? Here is a quick rundown:

  • Gather up a soft brush, a can of compressed air, electronic safe wipes, a vacuum and a screwdriver to remove the computer panel.
  • Make sure to shut down your computer, unplug any cords and let it cool down before you start cleaning.
  • First, start by wiping down the outside of your computer tower with the electronic safe wipe, then carefully vacuuming out the tower’s vents.
  • Next, remove the computer panel and cautiously vacuuming the inside, careful not to touch any of the computer’s components.
  • Once loose dust and debris has been removed, take a soft brush and brush away the remaining dust. For extra dusty areas, use your compressed can of air to help loosen the debris.
  • Finally, replace the computer panel and plug back in your cables. Now it’s all cleaned up and ready to be used.

When it comes to electronic equipment, it is important to realize that in order to ensure your computer will last as long as possible, maintenance is required. There are many benefits that come from cleaning your computer regularly. Dust build up is one of the key factors that cause a computer to overheat, so make sure to keep up on your computer cleanings.

Call Up & Running Computer Solutions in Corona, CA for help with managed IT services at 951-737-8558. Learn more at our website at www.urcs.net.

Don’t Let Your IT Needs Overwhelm You | Corona, CA

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Online Security Protection Internet Safety

When you start your own business, there are just so many things that you need to consider. Products, services, startup supplies – it can be enough to drive a business owner mad. But now that the world is run electronically, you now have to throw IT service in the mix. For most business owners, this is one of the more overwhelming tasks to do when opening their proverbial doors. Now would be a great time to research IT companies that can manage all of these services for you.

Budget-friendly. It may seem unnecessary but there are many benefits to using managed IT services. A managed services contract allows you to quit worrying about your network, while also allowing you to have this area locked into your budget with no costly surprises. You decide what your budget is and what services you need.

One less employee. Keeping a staffed IT employee on payroll can become very expensive. By outsourcing to a managed IT services company, you only pay for what you need.

Experience counts. You already know IT services is entirely too complicated for you. When it comes to your computers and network you want a trained, experienced and certified IT to repair any technical issues and grow along with your business’ success. Having managed IT services monitor your network, servers and computers will be like having a security guard watching your business 24/7/365. Instead of waiting for something to break, routine maintenance is done to keep your system up and running.

Your business is already a labor of love. Let a managed IT services company take care of the technical stuff.

Call Up & Running Computer Solutions in Corona, CA for help with managed IT services at 951-737-8558. Learn more at our website at www.urcs.net.

5 Reasons Your Computer Could Be Running Slow | Computer Repair Corona

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Most likely, you know how frustrating it can be to use sluggish desktops and laptops. You’re probably reading this article on one right now. But, did you know that your computer slowing down is likely because of how you’re using it? It can be the programs you’re running, the files you’re downloading that are slowly filling up your hard drive, or it could be a virus that you mistakenly installed on your computer.  

We’ve taken the time to collect five of the most common reasons why your computer could be running slow, and what you can do to speed it up a bit.  

  1. Too many programs open or running. Sure, you can theoretically do a million things at once, but to do so quite literally requires an extremely powerful computer. Unfortunately, not all of us have access to such a computer. Most of us only have a computer that can run so many programs at once before it starts slowing down, or in worse cases, crashes altogether. Fortunately, all you need to do to solve this very simple problem is shut down or quit any programs that you currently aren’t using and in the case of browsers, learn how to bookmark pages and links so you don’t have to keep them open all the time.  
  1. Your hard drive or memory could use an upgrade. Your computer will also slow down if your hard drive is nearly full, or if you’re constantly maxing out your computer’s memory performance. The solution to this is rather simple – it’s either you upgrade your hard drive and/or memory or delete files that aren’t being used and remove any unnecessary programs that may be running in the background.  
  1. Unnecessary software updates and “bloatware”. If you’re not careful, you might be installing programs and applications that have automatic updates activated, or come pre-packaged with other unnecessary software without you knowing. Both can take up valuable hard drive space and slow down your computer’s performance. Not to mention it can put your computer at significant risk. Always remember to double-check whatever you’re installing on your computer.  
  1. Too many applications running at start-up. Like how some applications can have automatic updates activated, some are programmed to run automatically during start-up unless the settings are changed. This can sometimes be useful, but more often than not, it’s a nuisance and can significantly affect performance, especially in older desktops and laptops. Making sure that only necessary applications are running on start-up can help speed up your computer’s performance.  
  1. A virus might be slowing your computer down. Plenty of viruses can infect your computer without you ever knowing, running silently in the background and collecting important information, including passwords, financial information and so on. As such, it’s important to install an anti-virus solution, even if only free and basic, to help minimize the chances of your computer being infected by a virus. It’s also a good idea to avoid downloading and installing anything from suspicious and unsecure links or websites.  

The more you know about maintaining your computer, the faster and more efficient your computer will be. And, with these tips, your desktop and/or laptop will be running faster than it ever has! 

 

 

The Importance of Regular Server Maintenance | Corona Server Maintenance

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Frequent and regular server maintenance is, more often than not, seen by many as a nuisance, and why not? The servers, after all, will have to be taken down for maintenance work. And, it’s only understandable for businesses to look at server downtime directly as financial loss. Then, there’s the added cost. But, really, server maintenance is not as bad as it looks like.  

The truth is, there are plenty of benefits to taking the servers down, albeit momentarily, for maintenance, including the following: 

  • Improved security. No matter how great and well-coded software is, it can and will contain bugs and security leaks, some of which has not been discovered yet. The key reason why servers need to be regularly taken down is so that patches can be applied to eliminate as many risks as possible. Do it regularly enough, and the server becomes much less of a security risk than when it doesn’t go through maintenance as often. Think of the expected downtime as a momentary delay to prevent much worse problems in the future. 
  • Better performance. Again, software, no matter how efficient it was made to be, can and will always be improved. Sometimes, the improvements are small, but it is incremental. Over time, the said improvements can help eliminate bottlenecks that often occur during complex situations. In many cases, the small improvements can add up over time and prevent any prolonged server downtime in the future, while creating a more stable environment than the last.  
  • New and enhanced features. Speaking of improvements, software is best approached with a proactive manner. Many agree that introducing new features and improving previous ones can go a long way in eliminating as many risks and bugs as often as possible. This can then translate to higher level of service towards clients and business efficiency.  

Less Downtime, Better Efficiency 

Regular planned server maintenance can also be a good opportunity to check for backups, adjust server resource allocation, doing reboots to keep servers fresh, and doing necessary application level tests to make sure that the server is running as well as it should be. Don’t worry, though, as some tasks are highly automated, so downtime is kept minimal.  

Remember, it doesn’t matter how small or how big your business is, server maintenance should always be done regularly. By ensuring there is less chances of downtime and better efficiency, it directly translates to higher chances of profit for your business. This effectively renders the “financial loss” as a result of maintenance-related downtime moot and irrelevant. Additionally, the various improvements that come with the patches applied during server maintenance only serves to help improve your business and its services.  

Of course, since there are a lot that happens during server maintenance, many of which you may not have any idea about, it’s best that you choose to work together with a trust-worthy company that fields a team of experts that has built a reputation in ensuring that their client’s servers are running on all cylinders at all times.  

Call Up & Running Computer Solutions today for information on our maintenance packages to keep your business up and running, 951-737-8558 or visit our website at www.urcs.net.

5 Tips To Prevent Your Computer From Overheating | Corona, CA

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Hard drive failure

Although most modern PCs are built with fail-safe switches that cause them to shut down if a computer is nearing or reaches the point of overheating, it’s still a situation that you generally want to avoid.

Below are five useful tips that can help you prevent your computer from overheating again or ever!

  1. Keep it clean – Keeping your computer moderately clean will make a huge a difference when it comes to temperatures. It doesn’t even have to be sparkly clean. It just has to be free of dust build-up. In particular, you’ll want to clean the fans and heat sinks regularly to keep things cool.

Note: If you plan on removing dust from your computer, make sure that you shut it down and unplug it first before dismantling it. Also, if it’s your first time, take a video of yourself taking the whole thing apart to make it easier for you to put it back together.

  1. Use high-quality thermal compound – Thermal grease, thermal gate, thermal paste, and heat sink paste are among the many things thermal compounds are called.

If you’ve had your computer for a while, chances are that the CPU is generating more heat than before as thermal compound tends to deteriorate over time. Do yourself and your computer a favor and buy a high quality thermal compound from your nearest computer hardware shop and apply a pea-sized amount (Look at YouTube videos if you’re unsure) over your CPU after dusting out your heat sinks and fans.

  1. Ensure adequate airflow – Good airflow requires paying attention to your computer’s layout and to where you place it. Installing enough fans will do wonders in helping keep your computer cool. But, it will even run much cooler if it’s not rammed right up against the wall. As a rule of thumb, put your computer on top of a table where it can suck in cool air and push out hot air properly. Also, make sure that the fans in front are used for intake, while those at the back are used for exhaust.
  1. Install a better heat sink – While most modern CPUs run cool enough using only the stock heat sink it comes prepackaged with, older ones may require better, larger heat sinks. Investing in one could keep your CPU – and in turn, your whole computer – running a few degrees cooler.
  1. Tweak your BIOS settings – Options may vary depending on your computer’s motherboard and cooling hardware. However, regardless, there will be options, so don’t be afraid to jump into your BIOS and see how you can play with it. Most likely, you’ll find all sorts of controls for fan speeds and thermal triggers. With a little bit of trial-and-error, you should end up with just the right mix of cool and quiet.

Note: Most modern motherboards have software available – either via CD or via download – that lets you access fan settings without having to go to your BIOS. Such software should come in handy if you want to set your rig to run silent under normal use, and jump into max-cooling mode when you’re playing video games or doing something intensive.

For more information on computer care or if you are experiencing trouble with your computer or network, call Up & Running Computer Solutions. We can help answer any questions you have and can repair any issues. Call today 951-737-8558!

 

 

 

Tips to Avoid Viruses this Halloween | Corona

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Data Breach

Halloween is one of the most celebrated holidays, and cybercriminals want to be a part of the fun. As Halloween approaches, many hackers take advantage of popular Hollywood titles to spread computer viruses. For example, Google and other search engine results with keywords that are related to popular topics that are used to trick users into clicking on the malicious link.

Another popular form of spreading computer viruses is through spam. Hackers used typically Halloween characters to trick users and lead to where they want. This way, in addition to getting your personal information, hackers will redirect you to other websites selling prohibited products. We must educate ourselves and must be aware that hackers will try to deceive us with practical jokes. However, these practical jokes introduce malware to our equipment which will lead to a huge headache. The following includes a few tips on how you can avoid viruses this Halloween.

  1. Don’t open emails or messages that are received from social networks that come from an unknown source.
  2. Never click links that you get by email, unless you know it’s a reliable source.
  3. If you do click a link in an email, it’s important to look at the landing page. If you do not recognize it, close the browser.
  4. Never download attachments from unknown sources. During this holiday we must pay extra attention to files that come with Halloween related names.
  5.  If you don’t see anything out of the ordinary on a page but it’s requesting a download, do not accept.
  6. Never buy from online stores that don’t have a solid reputation. To be sure that your purchases are safe and secure, look for a security certificate, they’re typically located in the lower right corner.
  7. Don’t use shared computers to preform transitions that require you to enter a password or personal data.
  8. Be sure that you have an Anit-virus installed and updated.

If you think your computer many have a virus, contact Up & Running Computer Solutions in Corona, CA at 951-737-8558 today. We can repair your computer and get you back up and running! To learn more about our company or to put in a service request visit our website at www.urcs.net.

Is Your Computer Protected? | Corona, CA

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Several people spend a good amount of time on their computers by going online for certain tasks or entertainment. Some of the things society use their computers for are searching for information, work, shopping, school work, social media, even banking. Doing such things may leave your computer vulnerable to hackers. Hackers are typically after personal information stored in your computer. Thankfully, keeping your computer protected from viruses and Trojans can be quiet easy, however, you must be on top of your computer’s security. The following includes a few tips on how you can reduce your risk of your computer contracting a virus or Trojan:

Use Anti-Virus Software. Installing an anti-virus program is a great benefit for your computer’s protection. An ant-virus program scans for viruses that attempt to get into your emails, operating system or files. Be sure the anti-virus is set to update automatically.

Install a Firewall. Firewalls are able help alert any suspicious activity on your computer, while also blocking viruses, hackers or worms from attempting to download malicious programs onto your computer. Some computers have a built-in firewall, however, they’re typically shipped in “off” mode, so be sure to turn the firewall on. Also, be sure to update your firewall on a regular basis.

Use a Pop-up Blocker- Avoid clicking on any pop-up ads by using a pop-up blocker. Many pop-ups are created by advertisers, but some may contain a harmful or unsafe programs that can damage your computer.

Do Not Open Unknown Emails- Emails can contain computer viruses so before opening an email, make sure you’re receiving it from a known address or sender.

Use a Strong Password- Be sure that you choose a strong password to protect yourself from potential hackers. Don’t choose something simple for your password; many hackers have a program that can try every single word in the dictionary in attempts to get into your system.

If you think your computer many have a virus, contact Up & Running Computer Solutions in Corona, CA at 951-737-8558 today. We can repair your computer and get you back up and running! To learn more about our company or to put in a service request visit our website at www.urcs.net.

4 Common Computer Repair Myths

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Woman on Computer

Unless you’re a computer repair technician, chances are you’ve probably been a victim to some computer repair myths at some point in your life. There are many silly myths and misconceptions when it comes to computer repair. If you’re searching to have some computer repairs myths busted, you have come to the right place. Read on to see if you’ve fallen for some of the common computer repair myths.

Myth #1) My computer technician can fix some problems I’m having with a website.

  • This is an all too common computer related myth. Computer technicians can’t usually fix problems with websites because the site itself is on a server, which is a computer built to run web pages and share content located in other places. Only the people who run the site can access the files and the computer which host the website. A technician may be able to tell you why you’re having problems with it or maybe be able to tweak some setting for some small issues, but aside from that, they won’t be able to do much more.

Myth #2) I would know if my computer was infected with a virus, spyware or other malware.

  • Sometimes you may know, but not all malware is obvious. Malicious software is typically designed to run quietly in the background so it can log the keys you press, website you visit, and attempt to steal data and passwords, sending them back to the culprit/hacker. There are also other viruses that can turn your computer into a spamming device without your knowledge.

Myth #3) I can purchase a computer for less than $500, so it’s cheaper to replace my computer than repair it.

  • Computers that you can buy for $500 or less are typically very low-end, cheaply made machines. They’re usually equipped with low-grade processors, little RAM, small and slow hard drive, and are cheaply built. An older computer, 5 years or less, can often be repaired and/or upgraded for a rather cheap price.

Myth #4) I need to be a computer technician to repair every problem I have with my computer.

  • There are many things that you can do before you have to take your computer to a computer repair technician. You just need to know what you’re doing, which is why there are many websites with tutorials and tips about computer repair. Many computer repairs are simple and require little to no technical knowledge.

There are times when you may need an expert to repair your computer, and others you may not. Some of the silly myths and misconceptions regarding computer repair may have you thinking the worst, when in all reality, there are some things you can do to repair your machine from home.

If you are having trouble with your computer, contact Up and Running Computer Solutions in Corona, CA 951-737-8558 today. Or visit www.urcs.net for information regarding computer repair.

Up and Running Computer Solutions proudly serves Corona, Riverside, Anaheim, Irvine, Newport Beach, Tustin and all surrounding areas.