Finding a Security Suit that’s Your PC’s Best Friend

When it comes to choosing an antivirus software, the situation can be a little tricky these days. Although several options are available in the market, which one’s the best is a question that limited users have an answer. People usually don’t visit a shop for computer repair service unless they have computer repair issues.  So, what to do and how to find a security suit that’s made for your computing needs. Allow us to help. 

Thorough Research is the Solomon’s Key
Although research might sound obvious, but how you do your research matters when looking for the most optimal security software for your computer. Simply put, here’s how you need to conduct your software research. 

1. Consider Cross platform security
Most people use more than a device for their c

omputing needs these days, from PC to tablet and mobile phone. And, it isn’t uncommon to see them initiate a task on one device and then complete it on the other. Therefore, when you look for a security software for your device, ensure it provides cross-platform safeguarding. Multi-device software require only one account, but can protect all of your devices.

2. Use AV-TEST
AV-TEST is a leading independent service provider in IT security and antivirus research. It has around 30 IT experts who keep working to detect the latest malware and find out the best applications to beat it. You can use their site to find out which security application you should consider for the protection of your PC. For instance, if you’ve recently upgraded your PC's operating system to Windows 10 and are wondering about the best applications to remove viruses from it, visiting AV-TEST might help.

3. Read reviews on the prominent technology sites
We all like reading reviews when upgrading our phones. Do the same when buying a security suit as well. Visiting prominent technology sites such as CNET, PCWorld, PCMag, and TechRepublic can help you find ample useful information about various security applications, with their pros and cons for different devices. 

4. Test and Try
Despite reading all about the best anti-virus and phishing software, your personal experience could be different when you use them. That’s a good reason why many companies offer those free plans and trial periods. When you use any free software, however, focus on these elements:

• Robustness of email protection
• Performance of scheduled scans
• Real-time scanning speed and other results
• Browsing protection
• Compressed file scanning
• Automatic updates

Conclusion
Besides reading online reviews, checking sites like AV-TEST, and testing a free software, it’s also a good idea to take the help of a friend who’s been using a security solution for their PC and is happy with the results. Additionally, you may visit a computer repair shop, be it in Fort Worth or any other city, and talk to a professional, explaining the system you use and the kind of protection you are looking for it.

6 Effective Ways to Enhance Your Computer’s Performance & Longevity

Custom built desktop computers offer complete customization, unlike brand new, pre-built PCs. A custom-built desktop computer does help save money, providing a usage-based, high-performance machine for heavy tasks such as gaming and handling of bulky software programs. Internal components are manufactured by different vendors, making it quite tedious to seek support in case of technical problems such as performance issues and crashes. It is imperative to take steps towards maintaining a custom-built PC if you are keen on prolonging its life. This blog post discusses the different methods to maintain custom-built desktop computers for long-term performance:

Perform Periodic Upgrades

Custom-built desktop computers are fabricated using high-end parts, but even the most durable and high performing parts need periodic upgrades and maintenance for longevity. You should also look into upgrading some internal components such as the RAM, Graphics Card, and Processor, among others, for better performance and user experience. Spending more money on the internal components does not guarantee a longer life, but replacing or upgrading crucial components such as the motherboard and PC fan.

Protect it From Power Surges

Computers are a system of complex circuits and internal micro-components, susceptible to damage as a result of repeated power surges. Make sure you install a surge protector, and that it's working properly for optimum protection against fluctuating voltage. Recurrent outages can also have damaging effects on the CPU, making it crucial to back up the power supply using a UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply) solution.

Fix Heating Problems

Heat dissipation is a major issue posing a serious threat to the functioning of internal PC components. Consider installing additional fans and heatsinks to provide more cooling and combat problems associated with overheating. Make sure fans are performing optimally in terms of speed. 

Perform Periodic Cleanups

The internal components of a PC are bound to witness the accumulation of dust and debris over time eventually leading to noisy fans, overheating, abrupt reboots, and reduced performance.  The presence of dust also reduces the lifespan of your fans  and he components they are meant to cool down. You need to blast compressed air to clean up the dust and use cotton swabs or dryer sheets for hard-to-reach places. You can also invest in air-filters for the fans to avoid dust accumulation.

Deploy Malware Protection

Purchasing a license for trusted malware is imperative given the countless threats that exist online and on various storage media such as flash drives and disks. Malware such as trojan horses are capable of gaining unauthorized control of your PC and inject remote code executions that can easily corrupt a hard drive. It is also essential to keep a check on counterfeit OS copies and software applications.

Avoid Liquid Spills and Physical Damage

Accidental liquid spills can cause permanent damage to the internal components, demanding replacement or destroying your PC. Avoid eating while working on your system and ensure that it is placed on a stable platform safely away any physical shock.Ensure that the platform is high to be out of the reach of children

The Way Forward

Custom PC upgrades and maintenance can be cumbersome and requires investing some cash in new, better, faster components. Chances are high you will end up missing one or two crucial steps if you go without professional help. It’s always a good idea to hire reliable professional PC support services to perform essential fixes on time. You can also discuss your requirements and get advice on how to maintain your computer system.

4 Prominent Hard Drive Data Recovery Tools that Don’t Cost a Dime

Whether you have accidentally deleted a file, or your hard drive has got corrupt, loss of data is frustrating and may prove to be expensive. Fortunately, there are some excellent free software available that help you recover your lost data. Availability of a wide variety of options on the internet, however, often overwhelms users when it comes to making a choice. To make your job easier, we have listed four popular data recovery software. Though, it is advisable that to achieve optimal solutions, consulting a company that provides hard drive data recovery services is always better.  

1. Disk Drill

Disk Drill is one of those free and widely used data recovery programs that presents a brilliant, user-friendly design and a comprehensive list of features. It is helpful to recover data from almost any storage device. The software is capable of scanning File Allocation Table (FAT), New Technology File System (NTFS), Extended File Allocation Table (exFAT), and EXT2/3/4 formatted drives and helps filter all data by size or date, archives, pictures, audio, video, documents, and more. You can even use Disk Drill to preview images before recovery, pause and resume scans, backup a complete drive, run a full or quick scan and save the scan results.

2. Recuva 

Recuva is a preferred tool for many computer users, who are looking for a free software to recover lost data files. It comes with an easy-to-handle user interface and a variety of hard drive and other data recovery features. The program is compatible with both older and newer Windows versions such as NT, ME, 98, 2000, Windows 10, 8, 8 & 8.1, 7, Vista, XP, and Server 2008/2003. Use it to recover files from internal and external drives, USB, and memory cards, among others. 

3. Pandora Recovery

Pandora Recovery helps undelete files on almost any device that connects to a PC, including hard drives, memory cards, USBs, and external drives. If the standard search of the program does not produce the desired result, you may try the “Surface Scan,” which is an advanced search option to hunt and recover files of almost all popular formats. Like Disk Drill and Recuva, this data recovery tool is easy to use and provides a simple user interface. 

4. Puran File Recovery v1.2 

Many users rate the Puran File Recovery 1.2 as one of the better free tools for hard drive data recovery as it is both simple to use and identify lost files. It’s treeview feature makes it an amazingly appealing data recovery tool. It is a better alternative than Recuva for many users. Puran File Recovery v1.2 works with almost all versions of Windows. Install it to recover data from non-overwritten lost partitions, search over 50 file types, and filter deleted file results sorting by picture, doc, music, video, and other categories. 

The Bottom Line

The internet has a plethora of free tools that help recover data from hard drive and other devices, thanks to the software manufacturers for introducing various useful tools. Too many options, however, confuse users when it comes to choosing one data recovery program over the other. The above tools are some of the most widely and easy-to-use in the clutter. If you are still indecisive, it is wise to consult a professional company that provides affordable hard drive data recovery services in your area. 

4 Ways to Get Rid of a Sluggish PC Performance

These days the market has such a vast variety of affordable computer systems that the temptation to dump your old machine and get a new one is always there. This is especially true if your current system is a nightmare to work on. Whether it’s the design, specs, or number of cool features, there’s no dearth of options. However, unless your PC or MAC is completely down , in which case you need a home computer repair service or new system, there are ways to optimize system performance and get more out of it. Here are four of them. 

1. De-clutter  

Understand this, if you are an average user, you can enjoy a fast computing experience whether using Facebook, sending emails, streaming on youtube, or browsing sites such as Amazon on that old PC. You don’t have to buy a machine with the latest processor such as AMD Quad Core A8 6410 processor. The presence of unwanted applications in the PC can be responsible for its sluggishness. Uninstall those that you never use and witness a considerable difference. 

2. Add more RAM

RAM doesn’t cost much and it helps boost performance of your computer system in a huge way. Upgrading from a 512 MB RAM to 4 GB, for example, will give you immediate results. Your system will run better, open large files, multi-task, open multiple windows, and play games with better graphics more smoothly than before. Check out Amazon or any other e-commerce platform and you’ll find that RAM chips are very affordable, with brands such as the Corsair 4GB (1x4GB) DDR3 1333MHz (PC3 10666) Laptop Memory going for not more than $28.00. 

3. Upgrade to SSD

If you are looking for exceptional computing experience, without having to purchase a new system, invest in an SSD. It is indeed an investment, as purchasing a Solid State Drive (SSD) might appear a little expensive to many users given the prices. The durability and speed SSDs offer, however, in comparison to HDDs is beyond comparison. Simply put, with other benefits such as less power consumption, zero sound output, and more, an SSD offers great value for money. 

4. Address Driver and Hardware Issues

Many people keep complaining about slow PC performance, owing to hardware and driver issues. A glitch in the CPU Fan, for example, impedes its ability to cool the processor, resulting in slow performance and other glitches resulting from heating. Similarly, a problem in the video drivers can make your computer run slow. To avoid such issues, use utilities to check the CPU speed and scan for hard drive errors. Check to see if your drivers are compatible with your hardware and up-to-date. You should address any issues as they have an impact on overall performance. 

Conclusion

While the advancements in technology are giving us the new computer systems every day, there is no need to replace your current system unless you really have to. Implementing tips discussed in this brief helps you get better performance from your system ensuring that it serves you well for longer.  The easy option is to seek a professional that provides home computer repair services. 

4 Free and Effective Tools to Optimize Hard Disk Space

The way we store digital information in the form of photos, videos, and documents on our computers these days, it isn't surprising that even a spacious 2TB hard drive may not be good enough. It is easy to buy an external hard drive from your local market, but the issue here is about optimum usage of your existing hard drive rather than buying additional disk space. Considering this, we have listed four efficient tools to help you analyze your disk space, look for any duplicity, and delete any bloatware. When there’s a need to optimize your hard disk space, however, you can consult an IT service firm that offers computer repair services in Fort Worth, Texas, or in any other state for that matter. Let’s take a look at the tools. 

1. SpaceSniffer
SpaceSniffer helps you structure all of your data in the form a treemap layout that immediately identifies the location of the large files and folders through graphical representation. The rectangular shape refers to the size of a file or folder in terms of space they occupy on the disk. This freeware and portable program also enables users to filter specific file types and conditions.

2. WinDirStat
WinDirStat is the first choice for many people, who use a hard-disk-space-analyzing software. This comprehensive and user-friendly tool displays all the files and folders in three different views:

Directory List - Displays the file/subtree size on the upper left of the screen. It resembles the tree view in Windows Explorer.

Extension List - Presents different file type statistics on the upper right corner.

Treemap - It’s located at the bottom of the window. Presents files, directories, and subdirectories in colorful rectangular shapes. Each rectangular area is equivalent to its size.

3. GetFoldersize
GetFoldersize is an application you can use to analyze internal/external hard disks, CDs, DVDs, and network share drives. As soon as you select a folder or drive, the program displays its size, along with the subfolders and files within it. This application is also available as a portable version that users can carry in a flash or hard drive.

4. Disktective
After opening Disktective, you need to select either a drive or directory. Once you do this, the software analyzes your hard disk and displays all the files, directories, and subdirectories in the form of a pie chart on the right-hand side and tree view on the left-hand side of the window. Unlike other programs, you need not install Disktective, and can carry it on a flash drive and plug into a system to analyze its hard disk space.

The Bottom Line
There are plenty of free tools available on the internet that can help you analyze a hard disk's space and get rid of unwanted or duplicate files. Many of these freeware applications, however, carry crapware and adware. Installing them may create bloatware on your system or lead to popping up unwanted advertisements. It is, therefore, advisable to take help of a professional computer repair service provider if you are not sure about using any free applications.

Here's Why your Business Needs Remote Computer Repair Support

 

Remote computer repair is an effective solution for businesses with no dedicated in-house IT support. It is not just small, even the mid and large scale businesses are looking for remote computer repair company in Grapevine, TX and other locations for the several advantages of the remote computer repair service. Let’s look at a few reasons in the post:

It is a quick solution
95% of issues in a PC are software-based, so there’s no point to take the machine to a computer repair shop. Not all local hardware and software repair shops provide same-day service, which means you might have to live without the PC for a couple of days. Remote PC repair is a fast way to fix the software related issues and get back to work. A technician diagnoses the problem, finds out the solution for it and verifies the implement solution; all through the Internet.

It is money saving
Technicians charge a hefty amount for a doorstep service and might take some time to reach the office. A remote technician doesn’t need to drive to the office and can start working on the problem soon after receiving a call. The price is less compared to what a door-to-door service provider charges for the same service.

No location barriers
The onsite technicians have service area limitation, and they might not be willing to drive beyond a specific range. Even if they agree, they might ask for a hefty fee. Location is not a barrier with remote service providers, and as long as the Internet connectivity is good, the technician can finish the work without any problem.

Apt for expanding businesses
Businesses always look for long-term tie-ups, especially when it comes to IT support and services. If a company has expansion plans overseas or even at distant locations within the country, it is better to associate with a remote IT service provider. This way, the company can work with the same team of technical experts despite having its offices at multiple locations.

Remote computer repair service is ideal for every business from cost-saving, efficiency, time and security perspective. There are several reputable remote IT service providers in Grapevine, TX and other areas. It is, however, better to check the infrastructure of the company, talk to a few clients, look at the services they offer and compare the price quotes before finalizing one for your business.

4 Benefits that Small Businesses Can Get from Remote Tech Support

When you think of technical support, you typically imagine a technician assisting you with any issues related to your PC over the phone or providing onsite services. However, there’s another way of providing quality technical assistance, which is remote technical support, wherein a technician accesses and fixes your computer directly from their system. This service significantly cuts down the amount of time it takes to resolve an issue. If you are seeking business PC support in Fort Worth or any other US state, you can easily hire services of a professional IT consultant to troubleshoot PC issues.

Benefits a Business Gets through Remote Repairing Computer Services
Hiring the services of a professional remote tech company has certain advantages. Below are the major benefits that any business, whether big or small, can get. Let’s get started.

1. Lower Costs
Small businesses seeking technical support need not stretch their budget and overburden themselves by incurring cost by keeping an in-house IT department. On the other hand, you can save money by hiring a third-party technical support company that can provide you high-end remote tech support.

2. Faster Response Time
When you opt for remote technical support, there is no need for you to wait for a trained technician to become available and travel to your business premises. A technician can resolve even most complex technical glitches from their location as per your convenience. This also saves your business a good amount of money.

3. Proactive System Management
Remote technical support can monitor multiple machines without having to compromise on system security. In addition, since a technician works in an environment that are in your control, service delivery happens in a more efficient manner.

4. Convenience
You can access remote tech support anywhere whether on a business trip out of town or working from home instead of your office. As long as you have Internet access, your tech company can remotely access your laptop, regardless of your location.

Conclusion
There are computer support companies that offer different services including troubleshooting PC errors, installation, and timely upgrades of antivirus software program. Computer repair Dallas, Fort Worth technicians, also offer email support services support for all operating systems and other related services under a single package that saves you a significant amount of money. If you are looking for services related to computer repair in DFW, check a local service provider that has a proven track record.