Listed below are the most common causes for  a slow running computer.

1. Your unit is overloaded with multiple programs

The more programs that your laptop is running at the same time, the slower it performs over time. Keep in mind that running programs take up space and memory; thereby, preventing it from running up to speed. Make sure that there are no unwanted programs running other than the ones you are   currently using.

2. Adware and spyware

These programs are built for spying on  everything you are doing with your pc. The programs launch at start-up and continue running without your knowledge. They can significantly slow down its running time and put your documents and files at risk of being stolen or copied. Consult with a professional technician to ensure your pc doesn’t have any adware or spyware.

3. Limited memory

A unit’s memory plays a key role in ensuring efficient and smooth running time and operations. If your computer has limited memory, you may want to consider upgrading with additional memory to insure it will  run at optimum speed.

4. Virus presence

If the unit still runs at a relatively slow speed after checking all the above causes and considering basic precautions to remedy them, it may have a virus.   If this is the cases, it’s best to take it to a professional technician immediately. This will help  ensure that the virus will be removed with as little damage as possible to your important files and documents.

If you notice any other problems with your pc or laptop, be sure to mention them to your technician. Keep in mind that no matter how easy a repair might be, it’s always better to let a professional technician, like PCRx, do the job.

Contact PCRx now to learn more about professional computer repairs!

PCRx Computers
315 Kingston Street
Conway, SC 29526
843-488-4100
www.PCRxcomputers.com

Your computer experts!

Fortunately, there are some signs that could tell when your computer hard drive is nearly dead. When you see these signs, be sure to spend the last minutes or hours of your hard drive by transferring all your important files and documents to another hard drive or storage device.

Here are the signs of computer hard drive that you should look for:

1. Unusual sound coming from your hard disk motor
   A dying hard disk usually releases an unusual sound and would not sound healthy when you boot your computer. This unusual sound may be sporadically or too loud. You may also hear a clicking or rattling sound when the hard drive is running.
2. Failure to boot up
   If your computer won’t get past the black screen and is having a hard time booting up, this usually means you have to immediately replace your hard drive. However, this doesn’t always mean there is something with your hard drive. So it’s better to consult a professional computer repair technician to ensure appropriate and proper diagnosis of the problem.
3. Receiving alternate forms of communication from your computer
   Like many other problems that your computer goes through, it will try to communicate the problem it has detected to you or to the current owner. It will also try to fix the problem and communicate its findings as well.On the other hand, because it is the hard drive that is experiencing problems, it may use alternative forms of communication. These alternative forms may including flashing or beeping lights or monitor screen.

There are lots of other ways to know when your hard drive is falling apart and nearly dying. It’s extremely important for you to instantly recognize and understand these signs so you’ll be able to have time to transfer all your files and documents.

If you find yourself in this kind of situation, call a professional computer technician as soon as you have secured all your important files. It is important that you trust only highly professional and licensed technicians to have a look at your

computer hard drive

and repair it as well.

&nbbsp;
PCRx Computers
315 Kingston Street
Conway, SC 29526
843-488-4100
www.PCRxcomputers.com

Your computer hard drive specialist!

Here are some basic tips in checking your non-compliment computer .

• Check your battery

If you are using a laptop and it suddenly won’t turn on,  check your battery first. This is probably the most common cause of your problem as laptop batteries have their individual lifespan. If you are not aware of  your battery’s lifespan  – check with the manufacturer; it might be time to replace your battery.

• Make sure the unit is plugged in

Although it is standard procedure to connect power first before turning it on, it is possible to overlook this important step and assume there is a problem. However, before jumping into dire conclusions and calling your technician, make sure your unit’s power source is connected. Don’t forget that it may have gotten unplugged without your knowledge due to any  number of reasons; playing children or  pets, vacuuming, etc.

• Have your motherboard checked

If you’ve already checked the first two steps, then you can safely assume that the problem is not connected to the unit’s power supply. Should this be the case, the problem may well be in the motherboard. Have a computer technician check the motherboard. Keep in mind that this type of problem requires a skilled professional;  do not try to inspect the motherboard on your own and diagnosis the problem.

If you are having problems, not related to your unit’s power supply, do not try to make manual adjustments. It’s best to have a professional check the unit so you can be sure that the problem will be fixed properly. Also, be sure that you are only working with a licensed technician.

Learn more about computer problems by contacting PcRx now!

PCRx Computers
315 Kingston Street
Conway, SC 29526
843-488-4100
www.PCRxcomputers.com

Your computer experts!

If you need a versatile and powerful system that can easily arrange programs in a windows format as you want to see them then Windows 7 is your operating system – not Windows 8.

Windows without windows

Do the powers that be at Microsoft understand that Windows is called windows for a reason?  The Windows 8 Start screen has no windows.

The lack of windows is not the worst flaw in this new system (we will refer to this as W8).  You can still organize your desktop by dragging your applications, utilities programs and other devices into groups.  However, you cannot arrange them like  you are accustomed as submenus on the Start menu or folders within the hierarchy on your computer hard drive.  Instead, you are forced into viewing everything displayed up front.

Windows 8 Crippled Computer Desktop

Yes there still is a desktop in Windows 8 but it is not what users expect.  You can’t set your desktop as the default interface.  You can manage your files on the desktop but there isn’t an equivalent to Windows Explorer – which frankly I would be lost without.

Microsoft has removed the Start menu with the exception of a watered down version called “simplified start.”  The Start menu has been around since Windows 95 and is a convenient tool for most of us.

Just think about how many times a day you go to your Start menu?  The programs you use frequently are always at the top.  When you point to a menu choice, your most recently used files are display at the right.  No need to go searching your hard drive for where you stored that Word document you were working on yesterday.

Little Common Ground

What is even worse is that the two interfaces – Windows 7 and Windows 8 don’t play well together.  Going from one to the other is driving our customers crazy.

Windows 8 does include two different versions of explorer – one for each operating system – but they don’t work well together. When you create a favorite in the desktop version it will appear only in that version.  When you create a favorite in Windows 8 and it still only appears in the older version.  On a side note, you can “pin” a webpage to the Start screen in W8 but this only adds to the congestion that is already there.

Did Microsoft miss the boat?

We don’t need a confusing mix of Desktop (W7) and W8.  We need an operating system that can change its user interface when we switch between hardware devices such as laptops, tablets and smartphones.

You should be able to configure the way you work with the system and decide what is important to you.  You should have the flexibility to decide which system you prefer.

But Microsoft didn’t choose that route.  So, if you are like me, you will want to stay with Windows 7 as long as possible and hope that the interface is fixed when Windows 9 is released.

If you have recently purchased a new computer and are disappointed with the new operating system, bring it in to us and we will take you back to what works.

PCRx Computers
909 Norman Ave Conway, SC 29526‎
(843) 488-4100
bestmyrtlebeachcomputerrepair.com

If you don’t have sufficient money for such kind of regular investment and expenditures, you can consider buying refurbished computers. These cost less than buying brand new computers or regularly repairing and fixing your old systems; and may be a good alternative for you if you can find a good deal.

What exactly are Refurbished Computers?

Generally, there are two types of refurbished computers: those that have failed to pass quality control during the manufacturing process and those that are returned by customers for repair.

Instead of disposing computer systems that did not pass quality control, some manufacturers will have the units repaired by a computer technician to improve their quality. Once it is up to normal standards and are proven to work, they offer it to resellers at low and discounted prices.

The other type of refurbished computers comes from customers who return their computer systems for repair. But instead of waiting for their units to be repaired, they decide to replace it with a brand new unit. The computers left by their previous owners for repair will then go through the same process as those computers who failed to pass quality control. They will be repaired by computer technicians before being sold at lower prices.

The repairs necessary for refurbished computers to be up to date could be made by their manufacturers (for those computers that didn’t pass quality control) and third party computer suppliers (for computers returned due to repair).

Manufacturers can rebuild refurbished computers easily and more efficiently since they are likely to have the right and necessary parts on hand. Third party computer suppliers, on the other hand, are more likely to use parts from other computer brands if they don’t currently have the appropriate part. Because of this, it is extremely important to read and understand the specifications of the refurbished computer you are considering buying before actually paying for it.

Computer Repairs versus Refurbished Computers

Computer repairs can get very costly especially when they tend to continue for a long time. This is why those who don’t have sufficient money to buy a brand new computer will opt to buy refurbished computers.

On the other hand, buying a refurbished computer can only become cost efficient for you if these computers meet your requirements and no longer needs to be modified. You can consult a computer technician to verify and confirm whether the refurbished computer you are about to purchase no longer needs modifications, or if it does need to be upgraded, what those upgrades are and how much would they possibly cost.

Once you get your figures, compare the total cost of buying – and, if possible, upgrading – a refurbished computer with the costs of buying a brand new system as well as with the expenses of continuous repairs to your old computer.

Rebuilt Computers Warranty

Just like brand new computers, refurbished computers also come with warranties and these vary depending on who you are buying from. It is important that you ask the specific type of warranty you are getting with you refurbished computer.

Warranties usually come from the computer’s manufacturer. Third party computer resellers may also offer their own kind of warranty; however, this may cause problems especially with regards to replacing parts, which would make it longer to fix the computer problem.

To ensure you’ll get a secure warranty, buy your refurbished computer from a reputable retailer. See if they have been selling these types of computers for a long time now and find out whether they have negative customer reviews.

Purchasing refurbished computers can be a cost effective alternative to buying brand new systems or continuously bringing your current computers to computer technicians for repairs. On the other hand, it would be best to conduct research on the specific computer you are considering buying and the retailer from which you will be buying from.

Make sure the computer will meet your needs and that you won’t have much problems with the warranty and the need for repairs. If considering buying refurbished computers, learn more about the unit you are about to buy especially its specifications and history of repair.

Seek professional assistance and advice to ensure you won’t waste your time and money. Call PCRx Computers today.

PCRx Computers
909 Norman Avenue Conway, SC 29526‎
(843) 488-4100

bestmyrtlebeachcomputerrepair.com

Their primary concern is the way they were treated by a computer repair company that is widely known and respected. And they all basically wanted to know whether they could have prevented this from happening or not.

It is possible to prevent this kind of scenario. However, to do this, computer owners should be able to learn how to work effectively with their repair technicians. And this will all start in building trust.

Build Trust With Your Computer Repair Technician

Despite the continuous technological advancements, computer repairs remain inevitable. Every individual who owns a computer will need a repair technician more than once at some point in their lives. This is why it’s important for computer owners to find a technician who they trust and can work with for a long period of time.

Trusting someone you work with is important to ensure smooth work flow and successful outcomes, but it’s not that easy to build. In the marketing industry, trust is an essential part of their operations. And to build trust, they follow a formula: Know-Like-Trust factor. Before you could be able to trust anyone for the repair of your computer, you need to know who they are and like what they do.

When you’ve established trust, you can freely send your computer in for repair with a peace-of-mind that the repair technician will take good care and preserve all of your data.

Proper Communication

There are many computer repair shops presently in business to help you with any problems and issues you might encounter with your computer. Unfortunately, a great percentage of them believe the data in every computer sent to them is not their concern. They treat computers like ordinary appliances with problems, concerned only in fixing the problem and returning it in properly working condition.

Often times, when a computer is sent to them for repair, they assume that clients have created a backup of all their files – which of course is the responsibility of the owners. On the other hand, this would be impossible if the problem occurred before the owner has managed to back up files.

Without proper communication with the computer repair technician, simple misunderstanding between the two could lead to serious problems and unsatisfactory service provision. So when the customer goes back to the repair technician to ask about the missing data and files, they would only show them the warranty, which both have signed, where it says that saving data and creating backup for all files prior to the repair is the owner’s responsibility.

Keep in mind that it is not the legal obligation of computer repair technicians to save all your files prior to fixing your computer. If possible, communicate properly with your technician to include data recovery as part of the service.

The most common scenario for this situation is when a computer owner sends in his or her laptop to a warranty service repair, especially when the repair facility is in another city. In such situations, owners fill out an online form and take their laptop to the branch of the repair company that is nearest to them.

Because there was no proper communication with the technician, the owner wouldn’t be able to describe his or her needs appropriately. Also, the technician wouldn’t be able to warn the owner that all files and data in the computer might be deleted when it is re-formatted.

Create a mirror image backup

There are some computer repair companies that offer to create a mirror image backup of all the files saved in the computer prior to sending it for repair. An image backup is an exact copy of the computer’s system so it will be easy for the owner to restore all his or her files, data, and settings.

Restoring your computer to how it was before sending it for repair is not an easy task. You would have to restore every file and recreate every setting – including those that took you years to organize, compile, and manage. Hence, a mirror image backup would greatly help.

Handling of sensitive information

If you save important information on your computers and laptops, you need to handle these documents and files with utmost care since you wouldn’t want it to land in some other person’s hands.

You could move it to an external storage device and remove all its traces from your computer. Otherwise, you could leave it there but with strong passwords so no one else may be able to access to it.

Working with your computer repair technician is extremely important not only for a smooth working relationship but also to ensure that your computer will be handled with utmost care.

We at PcRx value your data and information as much as your system. So we are putting the same amount of importance to handling and protecting your data as to fixing and restoring your computers. Call us today for your computer repair needs.

PCRx Computers
909 Norman Avenue Conway, SC 29526‎
(843) 488-4100
bestmyrtlebeachcomputerrepair.com

Bringing New and Improved Features

• New Interface

Windows 8 is giving you a new look replacing the start menu with tiles and colorful boxes to provide you with a quick overview of all the apps you could use. This shortens the time it takes for anyone to look for the right app to use and to search for that important file or document.

Taking into consideration the more fast-paced life of people today, Windows 8 makes it easier for anyone to switch computers and tablets ensuring you’ll see the same tiles and settings from your main computer to all the computers and tables you use. Plus, all tiles are updated automatically in real-time to ensure you won’t miss any important event or meeting.

It is specifically designed to support a variety of monitors allowing its user to adjust all monitor settings from the main computer. So, you have full control of what you’ll see – including display settings, backgrounds, and slide shows – in every computer or tablet screen.

• Giving a Unified Experience

Its new sleek design is not only a far cry from the traditional in terms of colors and layout. It also makes it easier for any user to operate his computer by eliminating clutter. Plus, it combines all the strong points of previous versions to ensure maximum use.

Anyone who is using multiple workstations and gadgets, Windows 8 ensures to give a unified experience, unifying all your computers, tablets, laptops, and smartphones to give you ultimate satisfaction. It gives you the most advanced sync tools in the market today, allowing you to instantly access your main computer with whatever gadget you currently have on you – an ultimate plus for those professionals who are always on the road and travelling.

• Greatly Improved Performance

Taking away all its shortfalls and limitations, Windows 8 is designed to provide the average user with a greatly improved and snappier performance with the most advanced hardware and processing tools.

Computers running on Windows 8 now load faster, allowing the user to manage tasks, files, and programs with much ease and comfort. To ensure any user will get the most out of Windows 8’s ultimate performance, it also features responsible energy usage with the improvements made at the system level.

What Holds Users Back from Using Windows 8

• Hardware Requirements

Like the previous versions of Windows OS, one would need to upgrade system requirements as well to be able to use Windows 8. To support its higher graphic demands and touch-sensitive aspects, businesses and users would need to invest money on system upgrades.

Moreover, if you’re still running AMD chip based services, it will be harder for Windows 8 to connect to Active Directory. So you really need to get a new hardware system to get the most out of Windows 8.

• Learning Curve 

Because Windows 8 is a far cry and a huge leap from previous versions of the operating system, everyone considering upgrading to it will have to go through a bit of a learning curve. And for everyone who has been using Windows for a long time now might think twice in upgrading.

Through the years, Windows have gone through various upgrades and improvements, but it didn’t really change the way people use it. Those who upgrade chose to do that because of the new features but with minimal adjustments to the way they use the OS. This time though, everyone will have to make adjustments in using Windows 8.

Windows 8 maintains the traditional task bar and features a ribbon-based interface that is completely new. Minimal changes have been made with Office but training will be needed to become accustomed to the many changes and new features brought by the OS.

• Have Not Gotten enough of Windows 7

One of the most common hindrances that hold people back from upgrading to Windows 8 is their recent upgrade to Windows 7. Some entrepreneurs have just gotten out of their adjustments to Windows 7 and could not afford to make the same – probably more strenuous – training with Windows 8. Also, it may be too soon to upgrade, especially since service packs will not be released until mid 2013.

Upgrading Windows 8 is indeed a great leap for many business owners and entrepreneurs. It would do a lot for any business, especially in terms of task managing and documents accessibility. On the other hand, it will be best to weight the cons and pros of this major business decision prior to acting on it.

If you need assistance or seek more information about Windows 8, contact us at PcRx Computers so we can provide you all the help you need in making this crucial step for your business.

PCRx Computers
909 Norman Avenue Conway, SC 29526‎
(843) 488-4100
bestmyrtlebeachcomputerrepair.com

Top 10 Shortcuts – plus bonuses

Ctrl+c

Will copy the highlighted text to the clipboard.

Bonus:  Shift + arrow keys will select the text without using the mouse.

Ctrl+v

Will paste the text on the clipboard at the insertion point.

Ctrl+z and Ctryl+y

Ctrl+z will undo the last change made.  Pressing multiple times will undo several keystrokes going backwards.  Ctrl+y will redo the undo.

Ctrl+f

This is one of my favorites – will open a find dialog box in any program, including your browser, to look for text within the current page.

Using the Alt key

Use Alt+tab to moves forward between open programs.  You can also use Ctrl+tab to move between tabs in the current program.

Shift+Alt+tab moves backwards.

Ctrl+ backspace

This keyboard combination will delete a full word instead of a single character at a time.

Bonus: Pressing the Ctrl key and then the left or right arrow will move the cursor a full work at a time.  To highlight by words use Ctrl+Shift+arrow keys

Ctrl+s

Saves the document you are currently working on.  Use this frequently to ensure that you don’t lose data in the event of an unexpected shutdown.

Ctrl+Home

Moves to the beginning of the document.

Bonus: Ctrl+end moves to the end of the document

Ctrl+P

Will print the current document. This includes a web page in your browser.

Page Up, Page Down and the Space bar

The page keys will move you up and down the document one page at a time.  The space bar will do the same thing within an internet page.  Shift+spacebar moves back up.

Use the comments box below to tell us your favorites.

Deciding whether or not to jump on the app-development band wagon can be a tough decision.  Businesses of all sizes need to consider mobile apps just to stay competitive.  However, you probably have heard or been told that app development is time-consuming and expensive.  However, with more and more consumers moving from their desktops and laptops to cell phones, can you afford not to make full use of their online experience?

There is no clear-cut solution to this problem, but with more and more small businesses saying “yes” to the mobile question, can you afford to ignore it any longer?  PcRx would like to take you through the challenges as well as the potential payoffs of mobile apps. Before we dive into mobile apps let’s take a look at 2 separate approaches – a mobile optimized website or a stand along app.

Mobile Apps vs Mobile Websites

For the most part building a mobile ready site is not complicated.  PcRx can build a mobile-optimized version of your site fairly quickly provide your site is already using the modern CSS based design.   If you have an older site that is built on other protocols it may take a little longer.  If you are considering a mobile site and your website is outdated, now would be a good time for the web designers at PcRx to provide both an upgrade and a mobile site.

Keep in mind that mobile websites will work universally on all web based cell phones, however, apps do not.  A smartphone will open a web browser just as easily as an iPhone but an Android app won’t work on a BlackBerry or iPhone.  In these instances you will need to develop and app for each platform.

The advantage of mobile apps is rather than forcing the user to launch their browser to find your website, they can simply click on your app.  It is like having a bookmark on their phone.  This gives you more of a presence on the user’s phone.   A recent study has shown that 82% of all mobile minutes are spent with apps instead of a browser – do you want to be where your customers are looking?

A mobile website is generally a streamlined version of your website and therefore does not have the full capability of a website.  An app can be designed to do anything.  Do you want to push special notices to your customers? Build an app for that.  Do you want to feature specific products?  Build an app for that.

Want to be aggressive in your marketing and go the extra mile?  Do both – mobile website and an app designed for your business.

Does an app really make sense?

It would be foolish for us to say that an app is good for every type of business but into today’s world more and more small businesses are realizing that a mobile app really makes sense.  With an app you can reach your customers 24/7 instead of just when your customer is in front of their computer.  Do you want to keep up or even bypass your competition?  Do you want to reach new markets?  Then an app is a good choice for your business.

At PcRx we can help you determine if mobile apps, a mobile website or both is right for your business.   We can help you truly being added value to your customers and keep you “top of mind.”  Call us today or stop by our store and discuss your needs with our expert developers.

PCRx Computers
909 Norman Avenue Conway, SC 29526‎
(843) 488-4100
bestmyrtlebeachcomputerrepair.com

Simple computer maintenance tips

Unless your computer completely freezes up and you have no other choice, don’t turn off your computer by unplugging it while programs are still running.  Severing the power supply to your computer can easily result in damage to the hard drive and a loss of your data.

An easy to do computer maintenance tip is to always have your computer plugged into an uninterrupted power supply (UPS.)  A good UPS will ensure that you have time to properly shut down your computer in the event of a power outage.  It can also protect your computer from fluctuations in voltage.

If you do have a system crash and your computer freezes up, try pressing the Ctrl + Alt + Delete keys at the same time.  This will often reboot your computer and save the hard drive.

Computer maintenance should include the storage of your data.  You should have an off-site copy of your computer that can easily be restored in the event of data loss.  This is something you don’t want to put off for later.  We have customers bring in their computers every day for repair they do not have a backup.  They are sick when they learn that valuable information has been lost.

At least once a month you should run a defrag and a scan disk program.  These are programs that come standard on your computer and will help to keep your hard drive clean of fragmented files.  There are programs that will run these operations every time you turn on your computer.  Give us a call for help in this area.

Never pull the plug out of your computer for a peripheral such as a printer will it is turned on and connected with the system.  This can short out the motherboard.

Periodically blow out the inside of your computer to make sure that dust is not covering up the fan in the back of the computer.  Dust will cause the computer to run hotter and cause components to wear out faster.

Always make sure your antivirus program is up to date.  There are always new viruses that will attack your system no matter how careful you try to be.

To increase the speed of your computer try and keep as few programs as possible running at one time.  Check what programs are set to run on startup and make sure they are really necessary.

No matter how careful you try to be there will come a time when you need your computer repaired.  Give PcRx a call for all your service and repair needs.

PCRx Computers
909 Norman Avenue Conway, SC 29526‎
(843) 488-4100
bestmyrtlebeachcomputerrepair.com