Services We Offer
Our general rule for many years was "If it has a keyboard, we'll tackle it." With the emergence of iPods, flip-cams, and smartphones, we've had to clarify that to some degree. The keyboard is now defined as "a cable-connected data entry device that facilitates the input of alphanumeric characters and is required in order to operate the system." So, if you have a computer that has a cable-connected alphanumeric-driven data entry device, we're willing to help you fix it. If that newly-defined keyboard is missing on your unit, take it back to the pimple-covered salesperson that sold it to you and ask for a real computer.
Okay, maybe that's a little harsh - we apologize. But the point is this - we won't work on everything, and we reserve the right to say "No". Mainly, it's based on the fact that time is valuable - yours and ours - and we know pretty well what's going to be a lost cause and which machines we can save. So, if we say no, don't take it personally. Either it just isn't worth it, or it's a lost cause waiting to die in the first place.
All that said, we have a really hard time saying "No." Yes, we are softies most of the time, willing to take on more than we should just to keep things interesting and lively. You'll find that most of the time we can handle most any request the same or next day, and for items that require bringing back to the office, the next day or two is usually the turnaround time. We don't like to keep your machines any longer than you like to be without them - not like we can sit around and play games on them all day!
Some of the things we're pretty good at include:
Virus and Malware Removal
Okay, so this may be one of the most frustrating features of today's computing world, but it's no thrill for us either. However, we've gotten really good at cleaning up a machine that's been infected, even heavily infected, with malicious software. We take the most direct approach and start at the bottom, cleaning up the drive and temporary storage locations to get rid of the possibility of infected files. Then we scour the file system looking for leftover or less common infections and remove those as well. Then we turn to the registry, and clean up any known issues as well as check the startup routines to make sure the machine isn't set to reinfect itself as soon as it's booted back up. Then, and only then, do we boot the machine up and see what damage is left over to deal with. This may sound intensive, and it is - it takes time, but when we're done, we haven't spent an entire day fighting with malicious code - we've given your machine a really good cleaning, and it'll be a better machine than you had before the problems started. Trust us, it works, and very rarely do we have to go back and try it again.Hardware Replacement and Upgrades
Sounds boring, but simple upgrades to your machine can make a huge difference. Something as simple as adding more memory or sometimes a larger hard drive can drastically improve the performance of your machine, especially the older machines. Over time, operating systems come out with more and more updates, and that means that more resources are going to be needed to run them. Sometimes, machines that had enough memory when they were new need additional memory just to boot the machine up after all the updates are installed. We can make the upgrade process simple and quick - an easy bang for the buck.Software Installation and Updates
Operating system and software updates are generally a good thing - most often, the desired effect is to reduce the number of errors you see while using the programs while adding functionality and features that make the software better. Installing those can be frustrating, time-consuming, and have its fair share of problems if you aren't familiar with the process, or know what can conflict with what. We try to make this painless for you by performing these services whenever we have your machines. It's performs two tasks - it updates your machine, making it more stable and secure, and it also lets us know whether the machine is working correctly or if there are still issues after fixing some other problem. The more we can make your machine do while we have it, the better the chances that you won't see any more problems when you get it back. Plus, it's one less thing you'll need to call us back for later when something goes wrong while you try to do it yourself.Data Recovery and Migration
No one wants to have to be in the position where your machine won't boot and there's data on it that you HAVE to have back. We, on the other hand, are pretty comfortable with this situation. While not desired, it's also manageable and survivable most of the time. Just because your system won't light up doesn't mean the data isn't there any more - most often, it's a simple act to get your data secured and copied to a new or existing machine. For those cases where it's not simple, we still have some tricks up our sleeve that can make it possible. For the worst case situations, there are outside services we partner with to make it a possibility, even if the drive itself has been physically damaged. It just all depends on how important that data is to you. And if your machine is no longer functional, we can help get your data and programs loaded onto a new machine, sometimes seamlessly, so you won't even notice a change. Migration made easy - just ask.Network Installation, Upgrades and Expansion
Networks were meant to scale to meet your needs - don't let networking issues hold you back from going where you need to go. Whether it's a new office installation, adding functionality to an existing network, or making room for new computers or servers, networks are not to be feared or limit you. We can get you the speed and access you need to accommodate as many computers as you required. If there are issues with your network, we can find, isolate and repair those too. Your network shouldn't be your bottleneck.Internet Connections
With the invasion of the internet, connecting your home or business to the internet is a must - we just can't seem to function without it anymore. Dialup is no longer the answer, and as connection options change, so do companies offering internet connections. If you already have a provider and just need to make sure it's hooked up correctly, we can do that. If you're switching services, we can help with that process too. Not sure who to get internet service from - we have some opinions there as well, and for the most part, the providers we recommend meet both the cost and speed requirements for most any user. If you're not sure what you need to get your computer connected up to the internet safely, we can provide assistance and hardware if needed.Server Installations and Maintenance
We are strong proponents of having and maintaining your own servers. For most industries, you almost have to because of the specialized softwares most businesses have to run to stay competitive. And for the most part, it can be done affordably, and the benefits usually outweigh the costs when there are 5 or more employees involved. If you're thinking of stepping into the server environment, we can help. If you need to upgrade or migrate to another server platform, we can help there too.Website Design and Hosting
This is what we like to do best - make you look good, and at a good price too. With our all-in-one approach, from design to hosting, you can be assured that the web solution you end up will work the day it goes live. You won't have to worry about platform compatibility or cross-platform coding, because it'll all be done for you. Our websites are turnkey solutions - you ask, we deliver. From simple to the extreme, we like the challenges our clients come up with, and enjoy the completion of them all. Whether it's a simple informational site or a production-oriented tool, we can make it a reality.Web Application Development
Web applications are more than a site - they are a tool for getting your business done. Whether you're producing a product or delivering customized information, we can create a system to fill your needs. PDF generation, image manipulation, data collection and mining, automated entry-based functions - we've done it all, and look forward to the next solution we're asked to provide.Custom Web Programming
Databases, custom applications, web tools - if you can't find exactly what you need, we can design and program it for you. Need a relational database that collects information, reparses it, and send you a PDF via email? We can do that. Need an inventory system that tracks more than just quantities? We can do that. Need to produce customized data sets or barcoded print material and deliver them via the web? We can do that. What do you need - I bet we can help find the solution cheaper than you think.
