Skylance Computer Services: Spring Cleaning Specials

Spring Cleaning Specials

Spring is here, though there are still rumors of snow and cold in our future. Spring cleaning time is upon us, and it may be a good time to do the same for your computer. Read on to find our current offerings, as well as some information for XP users, and a few good tips.

Spring Cleaning: That time of year is upon us. Folks start going through attics, basements, garages, offices, etc and find things we were missing – or that we no longer want or need. Your computer is no different. Over time, as we use our computers, we add some clutter to them. This may come in the form of cached image files, downloaded files, programs running during startup – or even some unwanted programs. It's good to go through and clean these things up to keep your machine(s) running their best.

Our Spring Cleaning package starts with a free initial consultation. Is the computer having issues? If so, what are they, and what courses of action are available? Some warning signs to watch out for include, but are not limited to:

• Computer running slow
• Programs taking a long time to launch
• Browser homepage changed
• Extra toolbars on your browser
• Strange popups or notifications

Each case is different, and we'll give you the straight answer on what the problem is, how it can be fixed, and what you can expect upon completion.

The basic Spring Cleaning package starts at $40, and includes an internal dusting.

Spring Cleaning Add-ons:

Want more than just the basic cleanup?   We can make that happen too! Below are some some bonuses, along with two prices.  The first is the combination price, the second is the stand-alone price.

Spyware Scan & Removal: $15 ($20)*

There are many names used, sometimes depending on your perspective. Producers may consider it “helpful ad-ware”, while others may call it “spyware” due to the way it monitors your habits. Sometimes this software comes bundled with a “free”program you download, which may be installed unless you choose a “custom” installation, rather than “standard”. Sometimes this is added to your computer through a malicious exploit in a browser or add-on.

Some of these programs may actually be desired, but often times they are found to be a nuisance, and will use up your system resources. They are also known to track your browsing and shopping habits, and report this information to their parent company – which may also transmit this information to third parties for advertising purposes.

Want 'em gone? That can happen. We'll scan your PC, see if anything unwanted is there, and get rid of it.

* Cost of software may apply, in addition, based on customer preference 

Virus Scan & Removal: $15 ($20)*#

For our purposes here, "virus" will be defined as "any malicious code unintentionally installed, with undesirable results". Yes, there's a lot of types, a lot of distinctions, and they can do a lot of really bad stuff to your computer. We can make them go away. If you're running without security or anti-virus, we can help change that, as well. At the end, you'll have a virus-free PC, and know how to keep it that way.

* Cost of software may apply, in addition, based on customer preference

# Virus Removal may be required during Spring Cleaning if infections are detected

Data Sorting: $15/hr ($20/hr)

Sometimes you have important files in a bunch of locations throughout your PC. Want to get them all in one place? This may be the solution for you. The default is the appropriate folder within "My Documents", unless you have a different preference.

Data Backup: $40 ($50) **

"Don't put all your eggs in one basket" is a good moral. In the PC world, that can be applied. It's good to always have a backup. You never know when something may damage or destroy your had drive, and you don't want your important files to be lost. With the data backup service here, your "My Documents" (and any other specified files or folders) will be backed up to the medium of your choice.

** Media used for backup varies by customer, and may be Optical Disc (DVD), Flash Drive, Media Card, or external hard drive. Backup media may be provided by customer, or provided at an additional cost.

Fresh Start: 

At times it may be desired to “start new” with your computer. This may be a decision to start clean, it may be a “last resort” to get rid of a number of issues. It may also be a chance to start with a new operating system. With this package, your documents (and other selected files & folders) will be backed up. Your system will be reformatted with your operating system of choice installed. Your documents will be returned to the newly installed locations, and any programs of your choice will be installed.

The base price for this service is $100, which includes backup of files, installation of operating system, transfer of backed up data, and configuration of settings. There may be additional charges for installation and configuration of other software, copy(ies) of backed up data, and cost of software.

Improvements: 

Unfortunately, computers have a fairly short life expectancy. While they my still work fine for years, there is always something “better” coming out. It doesn't always make sense to buy a new machine every couple of months, or even every couple of years. Depending on the age of your machine, and your use thereof, a component upgrade may be just what you need to get a happier computing experience from your machine. Sometimes, even with a cleanup, an older machine will still have some performance issues. An increase in memory (RAM) may help it run more efficiently. You may also be able to add a new CPU (processor) to gain some speed. Perhaps a new graphics card could help your gamin. A new wireless card may give you some faster connection speeds. Each situation is unique, and we will work with you to find the specific solution for your situation – as well as realistic expectations upon completion.

The initial consultation for this is free, along with a clear estimate for parts, labor, and time

Digital Archiving:

Do you have old VHS tapes, still photos or records? Would you like to transfer any of these to digital format? We can convert your old home movies to DVD, or a digital format for you. We can also convert your old LP's to mp3 – or other format. We can also scan your photo albums into digital format.

The base price for this service is:

$10 for transfer of one two-hour movie, converted to DVD or digital format

$10 for one LP converted to mp3 or other digital format

$20 for one small photo album scanned in high resolution to media of customer's choice.

Bulk rates may be available depending on size of customer order.

At present we cannot do Betamax, 8mm, reel-to-reel, cassette or mini-cassette or other media, but we're working to change that!

Windows XP: End of Life:

In just a few days (April 8, 2014) Microsoft will officially end support for Windows XP. I know there are many who would wish that Windows Vista would have been shelved, and XP support continued, but such is not the case. Windows XP had a good life, addressing some of the problems with Millennium, offering several variations (Home, Professional, Media Center) and was available for both 32 and 64 bit systems. It also continued in popularity after the release of its successor Vista. Microsoft has this page regarding the upcoming end of support:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/en-us/xp/default.aspx

In short, on the 8^th, Microsoft will cease adding updates for Windows XP. This means there will be no further Service Packs, software updates, and security patches. While some may say that this is merely a way to sell more software, To a degree it is. Microsoft offers, through their site, options for upgrading your copy of XP to a newer, supported version. However, marketing and sales aside, newer software is better able to handle evolving technology.

For a more detailed explanation of what's going to happen, what it may mean to you, and what you can do, check out this article.

Helpful Tip:

Dust can be one of your computer's worst enemies. Dust can build up in desktops and notebooks. It can clog fans and vents, preventing airflow, and causing overheating. It can also help provide an environment great for static electricity to damage delicate internal components. One simple thing that you can do, is to periodically spray inside your case with a can of compressed air. These can be picked up for a fairly low cost at office supply stores, electronics stores, and retail superstores. On a PC (with the power off) you'll want to unscrew your side panel, and spray around the inside of the case to blow any dust out. The CPU fan and power supply fan (and any other fan) should be blown out to ensure good air flow. It may be a good idea to do this outdoors if possible. For a notebook, you'll want to blow out vents, but not disassemble your machine.