Tag: computer repair

Four Simple Computer Maintenance Tips

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Do you know the number one reason people replace their computers? It’s because their current computer is too slow or suffers from poor performance.

If you have noticed a decline in your computer’s performance, and have been using it for the same amount of time and for the same tasks that you did when it was purchased, there are some simple and free things you can try before going out and buying a new one. The following four steps will help keep your computer in tip-top shape:

  • Uninstall programs that you don’t use. Over time, we tend to accumulate several programs, and chances are you haven’t used some in a while. If there is a program that you haven’t used in the last six months, consider uninstalling it to free up some space. This may allow your computer to run the more important programs more sufficiently.
  • Delete temporary and unnecessary files. Every time you visit a website online, your computer stores information, so the next time you visit the site it will load faster. Of course this a great principle, however, temporary files can add up over time and may eventually slow the load time of your applications.
  • Delete all but most recent system restore. You can free up more space on your computer by removing all but the most recent restore point. As a standard function for Windows takes snapshots of your computer’s contents at regular intervals. The process can take up to a half an hour or so if it’s been some time since your last cleanup.
  • Scan for viruses, spyware, etc. After your computer is all cleaned out, use your security software to do a sweep for viruses, worms, and spyware that can potentially damage your computer and compromise your privacy. This step shouldn’t take too long if you’ve already deleted unnecessary files and programs.

If the steps listed above don’t improve your computers overall performance, there may be an underlying problem that is causing the poor performance. If the latter is the case, consider consulting a company that offers computer repair.

If your computer is suffering from poor performance, contact Up and Running Computer Solutions in Corona, CA 951-737-8558 today. Or visit www.urcs.net for information regarding the services we offer.

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

5 Common Computer Problems | Computer Repair Corona, CA

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Over time every computer will have problems. These problems could range from being big and complicated to a simple fix. The biggest problem you may face though is not knowing much about computers in the first place. Fortunately, if you have little knowledge on computers or just don’t have the time, Up & Running Computer Solutions is here to help. The following includes a list of the most common computer problems, and their possible causes.

  • Computer Won’t Turn On- I’m sure this is a lot of peoples worst nightmare, you hit the power button and nothing happens. This could be caused by number of things. It could be something as simple as a loose cord, or as serious as the power supply going bad.
  • Slow Computer- When you delete files and applications from your computer they’re still on your computer taking up space. Another reason your computer may be running slow could be due to low hard drive space or not enough RAM (Random Access Memory).
  • Odd Noises- Does your PC make strange noises? This may be caused by a dying fan or a failing hard drive. A fan is an easy fix and often times 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. Overheating could be 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. This could be cause by overheating, hard drive failure or a buggy software.

If you are having any of these issues or any other issues that are affecting your computers performance, call Up & Running Computer Solutions in Corona, CA for help at 951-737-8558. We are here to get your computer back up and running! For more information regarding our services visit our website at www.urcs.net.  

Proudly serving Corona, Riverside, Anaheim, Irvine, Newport Beach, Tustin, and all surrounding areas.

What to Do About a Slow Computer | Computer Repair Corona, CA

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Waiting what may seem like decades for your computer to complete a simple task can be quite the annoyance. A slow running PC can start occurring after years of having it, or in some cases it occurs after only having your PC for a few months. There are several things that can contribute to your computer slowing down. It could be caused by bugs in the operating system, failing hardware, or even static electricity from carpet. Before taking your computer in for repair or buying a new PC all together, try out these quick fixes to see it they can get your computer running a bit faster again.

  • Uninstall Unused Programs- When buying a new computer, it usually comes with programs pre-installed and over time your computer compiles more programs.  Most of them you’ll never use and some of them actually run in the back ground, ultimately slowing your computer down.
  • Delete Temporary Files- When you use the internet all of your browsing history remains deep in your computer, and the same goes for when you install something. Make sure to get rid of all the clutter to free up space on your system.
  • Get More Hard Drive Storage- It doesn’t matter how tidy you keep your computer, if you have too much on your hard drive, it will affect the speed of your computer. If you use your computer for things such as recording media or video it’s more likely that you’re hard drive will become full, thus slowing your computer down.
  • Stop Unnecessary Start-ups- Every time you start up your PC there are some programs that automatically start to run in the background. Skype are one of the programs known for this. Every application that is running will use your PCs memory and slow it down.
  • Clean it up- You won’t believe how much dust your computer can accumulate over time. The dust gets sucked in by the cooling fan and can clog the airflow of the computer causing it to overheat and slow down. Use a vacuum on a low setting to gently clean out the insides. Make sure your computer is disconnected from all mains.

If your computer is still running slowly after trying out these quick fixes, contact Up & Running Computer Solutions in Corona, CA at 951-737-8558 or visit our website at www.urcs.net for more information regarding our services

Proudly serving Corona, Riverside, Anaheim, Irvine, Newport Beach, Tustin, and all surrounding areas.

What is the Blue Screen of Death? | IT Services Corona, CA

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Have you ever been working on your computer when it suddenly freezes and goes to a blue screen with a list of instructions and information? Well, that right there is called the Blue Screen of Death. The Blue Screen of Death can be caused by problems with your computer’s hardware or even issues with the hardware drive software.

A blue screen happens when Windows runs into a “STOP Error”. This type of failure causes Windows to crash and automatically stop working. At this point the only thing Windows can do is stop and restart the computer. This can sometimes lead to data loss if your programs don’t have the chance to back up. It’s ideal for you to have programs that back up continuously just in case you happen to run into the Blue Screen of Death or any other sort of error.

If you’ve run into the Blue Screen of Death and haven’t the slightest clue how to fix it on your own, call UP & Running Computer Solutions. Our knowledgeable computer repair technicians will help figure out why your computer crashed and get it back up and running in no time!

For more information regarding IT Services call UP & Running Computer Solutions at 951-737-8558 or visit our website www.urcs.net.

Proudly serving Corona, Riverside, Anaheim, Irvine, Newport Beach, Tustin, and all surrounding areas

3 Common Causes for a Computer to Overheat | Computer Repair Corona, CA

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There are several reasons your computer could be over heating and not knowing what’s causing it to overheat can get quite frustrating. The causes can range from being a severe problem to something very minor. So before rushing off to get your computer repaired make sure that these three common reasons aren’t causing the overheating issue.

  • Dust Buildup- Dust buildup on the vents and the internal components of your computer can contribute to overheating. Dust buildup starts to block the vents and prevents airflow, while dust on the internal elements traps heat. Make sure to clean your computer with a can of compressed air regularly to keep from dust build up.
  • Poor Location- Where your computer is located plays a big role in the ability for it to cool itself down. Make sure your computer isn’t located in a room with poor ventilation or one that has little to no climate control, especially during the warmer seasons. Keep your computer away from windows and in a temperature controlled environment.
  • Poor Ventilation- Poor ventilation can be another cause of overheating. Most computers have vents in the casing that allows for proper air flow, if those vent are covered or have dust build up it will block airways and warm air will 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 and you are in need of computer repair, call Up & Running Computer Solutions in Corona, CA at 951-737-8558 or visit our website at www.urcs.net for more information.

Proudly serving Corona, Riverside, Anaheim, Irvine, Newport Beach, Tustin and all surrounding areas.  

5 Reasons Your Computer May Be Running Slow | IT Services Corona, CA

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One of the most common issues that arise with computers today is when they start to become slow and sluggish.  When your computer starts to slow down, and take for what seems like an eternity to open a document or application, you may sometimes starting getting impatient and feel like pulling your hair out. But please refrain from doing so and take a look at the following reasons why your computer may be slowing down to gain some understanding and insight:

  • Limited Space- One of the main keys to a fast functioning computer is free space. The more free space, the quicker your computer will be. Make sure to clean up any old or unwanted files to keep as much spaced freed up as possible.
  • Too Many Programs Running- Another reason for a slow computer may be because you have too many applications or other programs that run in the background. The more programs running, the more difficult it is for your computer to “focus” on the task you want to be completed.
  • Overheating- If your computer is covered in dust that may be the reason it’s running slower. Dust and dirt constricts the air flow through your computer, and without proper air flow your computer can overheat.
  • Fragmented Hard Drive- Another common reason for a slow computer is a fragmented hard drive disk. Once the disk is fragmented it takes about 10 times longer to read and write basic information.
  • Viruses- There are all sorts of viruses out there ready to “attack” and slow down your computer. Some viruses include ransomware, at type of virus that wants money to free your computer, and other viruses could just be running in the background. So if your computer is running slower than usual, you may have a virus.

Computers can be quite difficult to work on, especially if you don’t know how they work. If you have a slow computer that needs some working on, contact Up & Running Computer Solutions in Corona, CA at 951-737-8558 or visit our website at www.urcs.net for more information.

Proudly serving Corona, Riverside, Anaheim, Irvine, Newport Beach, Tustin, and all surrounding areas.

Signs Your Hard Drive Is Failing | IT Services Corona, CA

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Hard drive failure can be quite devastating for most people. Our hard drives are typically full of important files like personal information, photos, audio files and videos. Few people fail to realize just like any other electronic devices, hard drives have a limited life span as well. The average lifespan of a stationary hard drive is about 5-10 years. Fortunately, your hard drive will start to show signs of failure before facing a fatal failure, which will give you a chance to react. There are plenty of signs and symptoms you can keep an eye and ear out for, those include the following:

  • Computer Freezes- If your computer hard drive is about to fail you will find your computer slowing drastically and freezing constantly. If your computer is freezing while trying to access particular files, you should shut down and restart your computer. If your computer still freezing while trying to access that same files, you may be experiencing hard drive failure.
  • Corrupted Data- If your files are starting to disappear or are failing to open even though they were saved with no error, you should worry a bit. This could be a possible sign of gradual hard drive failure.
  • Strange Sounds- When you start hearing noises coming from your hard drive such as clicking or grinding, that’s when you should really start worrying. This very common sign of a failing hard drive is known as the click of death.
  • Chkdsk Command- This is another common sign of a failing hard drive. If every time you start up your computer,  it automatically runs the Chkdsk command while its booting up this may indicate hard drive failure.

If your computer is having any of these issues or any other issues you know are a problem, call Up & Running Computer Solutions in Corona, CA at 951-737-8558. For more information about our company and our services visit our website at www.urcs.net

Proudly serving Corona, Riverside, Chino, Onatrio, Anaheim, Irvine, Newport Beach, Tustin and all surrounding areas.

Don’t Pay Up to Ransomware | Computer Repair Corona, CA

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If you’ve visited the webpages of The Huffington Post or LA Weekly, you may have contracted a virus. This virus seems to have only affected people running Windows PCs using outdated browsers such as Internet Explorer 8. The culprit is a ransomware called Kover malware, with ransomware the threat operator takes control of your computer and locks it. The malware ran on AOL ads between Dec.31 till Jan.5th, says researchers, and there have been around 15,000 infections.

Once Kover locks your computer it figures out your location and tailors a message saying that you have broken the law. This message that appears on your screen states that you have to pay a fine before a certain deadline or you will face severe fines and jail time. This “fine” is a ransom and typically they want you to pay around $300 to regain the use of your computer. Kover targets people who have visited adult websites, but anyone is fair game with this malware. Kover will manufacture their own “evidence” and lock your screen.

It’s important to keep in mind that if you do contract this malware, paying the ransom will not restore or remove the malware from your system. Don’t be a victim, use trusted browsers and sources to keep you and your computer protected.

If you think you may have contracted a virus or are in need computer repairs, call Up & Running Computer Solutions in Corona, CA for help at 951-737-8558. 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.

 Proudly serving Corona, Riverside, Anaheim, Irvine, Newport Beach, Tustin and all surrounding areas.

Are You Protected? | Computer Repair Corona, CA

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Virus Alert

Most of society spends a good amount of time on the computer by going online for things such as, searching for information, work, shopping, school work and even banking, which can sometimes leave your computer vulnerable to hackers due to the amount of personal information held in there. Keeping your computer protected from viruses and Trojans can be quiet simple, but you must be on top of it. Here are a few tips to lower your risk of contracting a virus or Trojan:

Use Anti-Virus Software- Having an anti-virus program installed is a great benefit for your computer. The ant-virus programs scan for viruses that try to get into your emails, operating system or files. Make sure your anti-virus is set to update automatically for the most protection.

Install a Firewall- Firewalls can help alert you of any suspicious activity, while also blocking viruses, hackers or worms from attempting to download malicious programs onto your computer. Some systems have a built in firewall but are usually shipped in “off” mode, so be sure to turn your firewall on. Make sure to keep your firewall updated regularly.

Use a Pop-up Blocker- Avoid clicking on a pop-up ads by using a pop-up blocker. Most pop-ups are created by advertisers but they may contain a harmful or unsafe code.

Don’t 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- Make sure to choose a strong password to protect yourself for potential hackers. Don’t choose something simple as your password; some hackers have a program that can try every single word in the dictionary.

If you think you may have contracted a virus are in need computer repairs, call Up & Running Computer Solutions in Corona, CA for help at 951-737-8558. 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.

Irvine, CA | Why does my business need Managed Computer Services?

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Whether you are a large business or small business your computers and network should be monitored. Managed Computer Services which is remote monitoring and maintenance offers 24/7 security against issues that could impact your network and computers. A managed services contract also offers daily support for any problems that arise.

Why does my business need Managed Computer Services?

  • Quick Discovery – the Managed Services team will be notified of any problems and will be able to fix them before they become big problems, such as major software issues, viruses, and hacks. These problems if not taken care of quickly can mean large costs for your business.
  • Cost Effective – Managed Services keeps on top of updates and daily maintenance that help your computers and network increase their life expectancy. It also reduces the chance of needing emergency repairs or replacement products.
  • Maximize Productivity – All repairs and updates on the network and computers can be done after business hours. Your employees can keep working with no lost hours due to operating system maintenance and backups.
  • Invest in your Business – Having a Managed Services team making sure your network runs smoothly, with no issues and no fires to put out, means more time for you as the owner to spend more time expanding your business.

Take the first step on the road to having a more productive, cost efficient business, call Up & Running Computer Solutions, Inc. and ask for a FREE consultation of our Managed Services. Call 951-737-8558 or visit our website at www.urcs.net.