Computing by Inches - 0771 721 7773

Virus and other Malware removal

Some malware problems are very simple to remove and more of an annoyance than a real problem. These can usually be removed at my visit without any problems.

More severe Virus problems may take several different types of scans to remove, or the computer may need to be restored to factory settings to resolve the problem fully. In this case I will back up your data before I restore, and I will try to get your computer back up and running as close to the way it was before the infection. Hence the fairly high minimum charge of £80, please be aware that if you have installed specialist programs or hardware (usually business usage) the costs may be higher.

Some Viruses are known to encrypt your data, holding it to ransom until you make a payment (usually by some very risky methods) to get your data back. I can usually do nothing to get your data back as the current level of encryption would take years to "crack". I can however get your computer recovered and working again following this type of infection.

Operating System Updates

Sometimes updates will go wrong on any device, not just Windows. Mobiles, MacOS or iOS are not immune.

Symptoms can include, booting issues, long wait times to start up, constant rebooting, menu items missing or do not work or software dissappearing.

I will usually know the latest issues, and solutions for them but occasionally I will see something new and may need a longer time to resolve the problem. Usually the cost to resolve the problem is my normal callout fee of £60

Internet issues

This is a specialist task which involves some skill to diagnose and may many tests to find the cause of your problem.

If you call your ISP (Internet Service Provider) they may ask you to do a number of things which most people find very confusing, before they will consider sending a OpenReach engineer to check things out (often quoting as much as £190 for this work).

I normally confirm very quickly if the problem is outside your property and will be able to call your ISP on your behalf to arrange the repair and therefore my charge for this would be normally £60.

However I may charge more if the problem is inside your property as it can be difficult to trace the phone lines and extensions. An Openreach engineer will not do this any quicker because the fault must be found in your wiring - I can offer other potential solutions which do not involve rewiring.

Updates make my computer slower

Sometimes your internet will run slower than normal while a large Windows Update is downloading (because it competes with your use although it should not) - unfortunately usually the best solution is to wait for the updates to complete - you can check in settings - then restart your computer.

Wireless Problems

Sometimes your internet is not working because although you are connected by wireless it is not working correctly for some reason. Wireless can be affected by distance, wireless signal type and interference from things like tumble driers, halogen lighting, too many other wireless routers crossing channels and many other likely issues. Changes can usually be made to allow quicker or more stable connections as part of my normal callout charge of £60.

Windows updates have also been known to upset wireless devices though this is happening less frequently this year.

Data Recovery

This is a specialist task which can involve some skill to achieve.

Sometimes it is simply that your computer or laptop will not boot to Windows or Mac OS and cannot be repaired automatically. If there is no failure of the Hard Drive then data recovery is simple and just needs specialist equipment. So the charge is not likely to be more than £60.

If the Hard Drive has been accidentally formatted, sounds like it is "Ticking", gets slowere and slower for no apparent reason or suddenly appears empty I can usually manage to get some data off it (sometimes all data) - but you MUST STOP USING THE COMPUTER and should not try to repair the drive using disk check or error checking. The more you try the more the data could be damaged or overwritten. Usually the cost is £80 (depending on the results).

If the drive has failed completely only specialist companies can recover data from a dead drive, which can cost upwards of £500 depending on the amount of data to be recovered.

Obviously one way to prevent loss of your data, and for ease of recovery, it is best to keep a backup (see below).

Data Backup

It is important that your data is backed up correctly. This means all your photos, letters, emails, music, videos.

Unfortunately many people think that putting data on a USB or DVD then deleting it from the computer to save space is a backup. This is not a backup and would result in losing all your data if your USB or DVD became damaged.

If your data is important then you should always have two copies, one on your computer and one on another device, usually external hard drive (or for small amounts of data a USB, DVD or online storage).

Online storage, in the cloud, is a great idea for vital documents or pictures, but the free cloud services are often small in size and you will pay a montly fee for larger amounts which can become expensive. Photos and especially video are usually very large.

I recommend using an external hard drive to backup your computer for the main bulk of your data, the price is around £60 for a 1TB external hard drive. Especially for businesses where the external drive can also be taken offsite in case of theft or fire.

A standard backup charge would be £40 (labour) and I can also supply hard drives (usually around £60) or USB (usually about £15) if needed.

Data On Mobile phones - storage full

Mobile Data can seem very difficult to backup - because many people now see a mobile device as a replacement for a computer (this is really only true for very infrequent users or those who will never need printing or extra copies of things on the mobile). Mobile devices usually have some online cloud backup systems and may allow you to store more online than is on your mobile - But this is still not a backup and data could be lost.

Most mobile devices will connect to a computer and backing them up is relatively easy, so this should be done regularly. Photos particularly can be a memory of an important event and if you do not wish to lose them a backup should be made now.

I can usually do backups while I am visiting you for another task - just ask if you need help with this.

Phones

Mobile phones can now be used in a similar way to a computer. We can easily carry one with us everywhere we go and they are very convenient for taking photographs of events which we would never have been able take before.

Because of this we are now in danger of using a mobile phone in a way they were not really designed for - storage. So we now need to think about backing them up regularly too, as online storage becomes expensive for large amounts of data.

Backing up to a computer is simple and I can usually help out in a phonecall - but if you are having other problems then I can do this for you (particularly where you do not have a computer), I can advise you on the best methods.

Tablets

Tablets come in all shapes and sizes now - but like all Mobile devices they are not intended as a replacement for a computer. I often get calls from people who have been told they will never need a computer if all they do is emails and browsing the internet.

This may be true for a time - but once the mobiles become full I can help you with advice or by backing up to USB or DVD.

First time use setup

Setting up a new tablet or phone - will normally cost £60 in your home or business (but could be reduced if you wish to leave the device with me).

Screen Replacements

I can replace many screens on Mobile devices. But I do not keep stock due to the huge numbers of different phones, and I cannot compete with local repair shops as I need to order parts. So if you need the work done quickly a local shop may be best for you. Most modern screens are touchscreens glued to the LCD screen below and so can be very expensive, only specialists can remove the two parts so it it is usually best to order the package.

My usual charge of £40 only covers labour costs in my workshop - cost of the screen would be quoted when you provide model numbers for accurate ordering of parts.

Apple Virus Myths

MAC OS and iOS are not totally immune to viruses although the Unix type of operating system is less vulnerable to most types. The virus must be written specifically for MAC or iOS and because the number of people using these computers is very low it has not been worth the "hackers" time to do this.

However numbers of users are increasing, making them more likely to be affected - it is still more difficult for them to do much harm - but not impossible.

Most issues that I have seen are malware, and phishing emails which depend on the user not the operating system, any browser can display they type of popup which cannot be closed or fake webpages which tell you your computer is infected (taking 10 seconds to fully scan you hard-drive and finding thousands of "viruses").

It is also still possible to download and install software which can slow down the MAC computer, at least one MAC optimisation program is well know for this, despite it being touted as something to make your MAC faster, windows users have long been plagued by software that does this.

Apple malware

Malware is a specific name given to programs which manage to get on your device disgused as or loaded with other legitimate software. Apple devices are affected by Malware!

You can still get infected emails phishing for information and delivering ransomeware and while they may not affect your whole apple device they certainly can cause significant problems in one way or another.

Apple devices and data storage

Many people think that their pictures and contacts etc are safely stored on their phones and in the iCloud as backup, but unfortunately sometimes users mistakenly turn off these features to protect their privacy which then prevents the online storage.

However it is easy to backup an apple device on any computer using iTunes, and saves you storage space online or an iCloud "storage is full message" Although extra storage can be bought for a very reasonable fee per month, it is often as well to back up to your computer as well (can you ever have too many backups - well yes - but a topic for elsewhere!). Call me for training and initial setup.

Webmail or Email Client

Do you use a program such as Windows Mail, Thunderbird or Outlook to get your emails (without typing your password). This is using a Mail Client

Or do you open a browser like Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Internet Explorer then get to a sign in page (your settings may be saved). This is called WEBMAIL.

Email problems

Email problems might be caused by several different things depending on the way you get your emails, your internet may not be working so test that first - can you get online to YouTube or BBC?

If your internet is working OK then the problem could be with your Service provider - they usually will have a service page which notifies of problems - it does happen occasionally.

Anything else could be a little more difficult to work out, and might have been caused by an update, incorrect shutdown of the computer and hard drive errors. but call me and I can visit to find out.

Protecting your Data before recycling

You may be reluctant dispose of an old computer because you are worried that you may not have backed up everything correctly, or because you are worried about someone else being able to access your data.

If I have done the data transfer for you - I can guarantee that I have transferred everything to your new one, (apart from older software which may not be compatible).

I will always securely wipe your data from the drive before disposal or recyling.

You may still feel insecure about your computer being recyled and I will be happy to ensure that the drive is destroyed to protect you, by opening the drive and breaking the disks inside so that they cannot be used.

Computers

Usually when your computer has reached the end of its life there may be parts inside which still work. If the computer is still working then I will securely wipe the drive then reinstall the operating system for you to resell or for sending to charity organisations

However if it is not working and you have asked me to dispose of it I may still be able to use parts for repairing other computers. I also offer a service to train people how to build computers and the parts may be used for that purpose.

Disposal of other equipment

Working equipment - you can try to resell this yourself or if you ask me to dispose of it I may use it for testing.

Broken or faulty equipment may be salvaged for parts where possible, but I normally break them down to separate parts - metal and some plastics to the recycling center, and electronic parts to specialist recycling.

Gamers

For true gamers my services are not likely to be needed as many gamers will be able to research and build their own computers, but occasionally I do get requests for help when they come across something they do not understand - I have 30 years experience building computers and while I rarely build now, that experience can still be useful.

Consoles

I can diagnose and repair most consoles - but I do not keep stock of spares - I order parts as needed and so there may be few days waiting for delivery. There are Console repair centres in Dundee if you need a quicker repair, but I have no personal experience with them and so cannot recommend one over another.

Not a gamer - but want to make a start, or just to play basic games

Everyone has to start somewhere - most new gamers will begin with a console, and many will never progress beyond them as they are great for gaming. But if you are thinking of building your own computer there are a lots of things to be considered, if you want some help please call and I will be happy to advise you and can even offer some build experience using old computers, so that you do not destroy your £500+ graphics card as soon as you install it!

Not everyone wants to be a "gamer" but do want to be able to play some games - even solitaire can be difficult for someone not used to a computer - call me if you need help with any level.

Do you have a game which you used to play years ago - but find it will not work on a modern computer - there are some methods which may help, but they may never feel the same. However some games have been rebuilt to work on a modern computer or console.

Social Media

There are many types of social media on line - they all have strengths and weaknesses to watch out for. I do not use them much for personal use other than Pinterest and I look at Facebook (rarely posting). But I do use them to help drive my Business on Google searches, to get my business more prominant. I am not a social media expert - but if you want to start out I can give help and advice.

Facebook

This is the one everyone is talking about, using or ranting against. It can be great but can also expose you to problems which you would prefer not to have.

One of the main problems with Facebook is privacy, you can do something to protect yourself by changing a few settings, but you need to decide first of all how you plan to use it. You should be aware that even when you lock down all your privacy settings the things you share can be passed on and you have no control over that outside sharing. Employers are increasingly looking at Facebook profiles to check out your activities so beware of what you post, negative comments about your place of work or your trip to somewhere while you were off sick are the most common ways to get fired!

Other problems on Facebook include bullying and fake news, both of these seem to be randomly blocked or ignored by Facebook - but then this is a forum for your personal comments (and everyone elses too) and the question is whether should that be regulated - you can always choose to block those people or companies which cause you problems, which will reduce or stop the issue.

There is currently a backlash against Facebook which has lost share value - because of they way they allowed a third party company to use Facebook Data well beyond the accepted level of use. This has resulted in the recent closing of accounts by some prominant people and companies. Where this will lead in the future is hard to tell.

Linked In

Linked In is a forum for professionals and job seekers, although increasingly it is being used as a social networking forum. If you are looking for a job this is a great way to get your information out to propective employers.

Many professionals are posting training and information pages to help other businesses with management, training and HR issues.

Other Social Networks include

Twitter short comments about anything usually called "hashtags" - they can be used as a blog or to link to other comments of a similar nature

Pinterest an online scrapbook of images which you can store online, to show your interests and ideas, great for inspiration about weddings, food, or my current interest in Mud buildings.

Reddit this is a comments forum about popular culture, with a very different layout

Google + this competitor to Facebook is very similar and although it is still being updated is also significantly less active by users. Hangouts is it's most active tool - like facebook groups.

Instagram a site for sharing photos and videos from a smart phone.

Snapchat also for sharing photos and video, they are used to talk rather than store - the images only last a short time online - unless you post to your "Story" and express your instant feelings/activities, all in chronological order.

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