Tag: Corona Computer Repair

The ABCs of Malware | Corona, CA

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Virus Alert

In the day and age that revolves around the internet, it is important that we make sure to protect ourselves from anything that can affect our way to stay in touch online. That is why it is very important to know the difference between the things harming your computer. You may have heard of the term virus, but a virus is just the common term for a bigger threat – malware. The term “malware” refers to any type of malicious software that’s designed to infect your computer or mobile device, including a computer virus and is designed to specifically hard and infect host systems. Let’s break them all down:

Virus. This is a contagious program that attaches itself to another piece of software, and then progresses to reproduce itself when the software is running.

Adware. Adware is the least dangerous and most profitable malware. It displays ads on your computer.

Spyware. This is a software that spies on you by tracking your internet activity in order to send adware back to your machine.

Worms. This is a program that replicates itself and destroys data and files on your computer. Worms are designed to “eat” the system operating files and data till the drive is completely empty.

Trojan horse. The most dangerous, Trojans are designed to discover your financial information and take over your computers system resources.

Ransomware. If you see a screen that warns you that you have been locked out of your computer until you pay for your cybercrimes, you have ransomware. Even if you do pay to unlock your system, you are not free from of it locking you out again.

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

Up & Running Computer Solutions proudly serves Prescott Valley and all surrounding areas.

Don’t Panic: Computer Issues Edition | Corona, CA

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We can’t function these days without a computer. From shopping to social media, it seems everything we do has an online option. So, when our computers break down, there is always reason to panic. After all, how are we going to keep up with our timelines when our laptop is glitching? Don’t panic – there are things that can be done to fix your machine. But it is a good idea to know what is going on when a computer breaks, so we don’t fret and do something rash. So, here is a listing of the five more common issues your computer may face:

Computer won’t turn on. Nothing is more frightening than a computer that doesn’t turn on, and unfortunately it could be caused by number of things ranging from a loose cord, or a power supply going bad.

Slow computer. When you delete files and applications from your computer, they’re still on your computer taking up space. Low hard drive space or not enough RAM are also reasons your computer has slowed.

Odd noises. A dying fan or a failing hard drive can be a reason your computer may be making noise. A fan is an easy fix; you can back up your information from your hard drive before it fails, or with the use of a recovery software.

Overheating. Overheating can cause all sorts of computers problems caused by poor ventilation, dying fans or even excessive use of the computer.

Freezes. The “blue screen of death” is when your PC freezes in a blue screen with an error message caused by overheating, hard drive failure or a buggy software.

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

Up & Running Computer Solutions proudly serves Prescott Valley and all surrounding areas.

Computer Issues? Let’s Make Sure. | Corona, CA

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Virus Alert

There are plenty of reasons a computer will need some type of technical support, whether it be from something simple to something much more complex. Because computer issues are more a headache if you don’t have any idea what is going wrong, here are three of the ore common reasons your computer is on the fritz:

Malicious software. Viruses, adware, spyware, worms, trojan horses and any other type of software that is designed to cause mischief with you or your computer. You can get malware anytime you’re browsing the internet, downloading an email attachment, accessing a different computer through a network, or when you’re plugging in an infected flash drive.

Slow computer. Like a new home or car; if you don’t take proper care of your computer, you’re going to have problems so it’s very important to make good use of your computer resources. Every computer has a limited amount of storage space, ram memory and processing speed. The more programs, documents, music, videos, pictures and tool bars you have, the slower your computer will run.

Hard drive failure. If you’ve been hearing your computer make loud noises it’s never made before, be scared because those noises could be coming from your hard drive. The hard drive is where everything is stored and hearing a clicking noise when you access data is one of the first signs of hard drive malfunctions. Hard drives can stop working for a myriad of reasons, but they typically crash due to mechanical failure, a violent shake, electrical surge, or even viruses.

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

Up & Running Computer Solutions proudly serve Corona and all surrounding areas.

What to Do when Cleaning Your PC | Corona, CA

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Is your computer running a bit slower than usual? Have you been putting off cleaning out your files stored on your desktop? Since February is host to National Clean Out Your Computer Day (February 11th), take some time out and dedicate it to your computer. Before your computer has time to take an unexpected turn for the worse, do yourself a favor and start by cleaning it out today. The following list includes a list of the best practices to keep your computer running at its optimal speed:

Clean your PC. We aren’t talking about the guts of your PC, we mean the outer surfaces. Cleaning your PC’s exterior will not only get rid of food particles, dust and hair that have settled in your keyboard, fan, and other components, it will also allow your computers performance. Before you begin, turn the power off. Clean your keyboard with compressed air and a safe cleaning solution. Wipe down your mouse. Then proceed to use the compressed air to clean your actual computer.

Clean out your PC. This is where you clean the innards of your computer’s brain, because software is just as important as its hardware. Delete all junk, duplicate files and programs that you no longer use. Reorganize those files, folders and don’t forget your desktop. Finally, make sure to check your PC for adware, viruses and other malicious software that may be slowing your system down.

If you aren’t sure how to clean your computer, make sure to consult a professional for additional help. Once your computer is cleaned inside out, enjoy its seamless, quick and quiet performance.

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

Up & Running Computer Solutions proudly serve Corona and all surrounding areas.

Is It Malware or a Virus? | Corona, CA

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headache over computer problems

In a world where it seems everything is getting hacked, it is easy to panic when something goes wrong with your computer equipment. The slightest glitch or stall and we are thinking the worst. And when we think of the worst thing that can happen to this equipment, we will generally think about computer viruses. Yes, the evil computer virus is the original enemy of the typical computer user, and in this day and age, it is impossible to not use some type of computer in our daily lives.

Then you hear about malware and a whole new set of questions and concerns come to mind. Let’s break it down – a virus is just one kind of malware, but the actual term is largely used by the public and the only way to protect yourself is to have some type of an anti-virus. The following are various types of malware designed to infect your computer or mobile device:

Adware. Adware is the least dangerous and most profitable malware. It displays ads on your computer.

Spyware. This software spies on you by tracking your internet activity in order to send adware back to your machine.

Worms. A worm replicates itself and destroys data and files on your computer until the drive is completely empty.

Trojan horse. One of the most dangerous malwares, Trojans are designed to discover your financial information and take over your computer’s system resources.

Ransomware. If you see a screen that warns you that you have been locked out of your computer until you pay for your “cybercrimes”, you have ransomware.

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

Up & Running Computer Solutions proudly serve Corona and all surrounding areas.

When You Experience a Power Outage | Corona, CA

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computer repairWith all of the crazy weather, it is important to think about running your business without thinking about emergency precautionary measures. What will happen if you have a power surge? Do you have the proper backup equipment to keep your company moving if something interrupts the power?

Power outages can be devastating to your computer. Not only can you lose files and any vital information, but your computer itself could bear the brunt of some pretty devastating damages. If this happens to your computer, the first move is to seek immediate computer repair. They will be the best at trying to salvage anything that may become lost. But there is something you can do that can keep your computer stable through a power surge – a UPS, or uninterruptible power supply.

A UPS is a battery-containing device that supplies backup power to your computer in case of a power outage, as well as brown outs and electricity spikes. The battery will keep your computer running temporarily during a power surge, giving you the time to save your work and shut down your computer properly without losing data. Not only will this save important documents, but money from costly computer repair.

The UPS will come with power management software that can be configured to sense an outage and safely shut your computer down in the event you are not in front of your computer at the time. You can also set your computer to come back on when power is restored.

It is important to think about emergency plans when you start a business. Not only for your assets, but for your office equipment.

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

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.

This Summer Heat Isn’t Just Bad for You | Corona, CA

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During these hot summer months, we are all trying to stay as cool as possible. After all, the heat makes us feel sluggish and in no mood to do much as far as work is concerned. So, we try to stay hydrated and keep our pets as comfortable as possible. But did you ever think about your technology? We aren’t the only ones that can suffer from overheating. The causes can range from being a severe problem to something very minor that may not need repair. Here are a few of the main reasons your computer may be getting a bit too hot:

Dust buildup. Dust buildup on the vents and the internal components of your computer can begin to block the vents and prevents airflow, while dust on the internal elements traps heat. Keeping a can of compressed air can keep those dust bunnies off your equipment.

Poor location. Where do you keep your computer? Make sure your computer isn’t located in a room with poor ventilation or one that has little to no climate control, away from windows and in a temperature-controlled environment.

Poor ventilation. Most computers have vents in the casing that allows for proper air flow. However, when covered up, it will block airways, causing warm air to build up inside the case. Make sure that your vents are clear and are allowing for proper ventilation.

If none of the reasons list above are causing your computer to overheat, it may be time to take your computer in to a professional. Call Up & Running Computer Solutions in Corona, CA for help 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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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.

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!