Computer Support Blog

Today, laptops have become the standard for computing in many areas such as college, the business world, and journalism. They have also risen to become powerful competitors in the home. Looking at this trend, one might wonder if desktops are on their way out. But if you’re thinking of buying a new computer, don’t rule out desktops just yet.

Laptops have important advantages over desktops, such as portability and compactness, but other than that, desktops have the upper hand. Gamers, especially, take note. Even if you plan on buying a gaming laptop, you should know that you can get better features and more accessible tech support for the same price in a desktop.

If you are going to be investing a lot of money on gaming peripherals, you probably don’t want to spend too much on computer repair services. Computer repairs for laptops are more expensive than it is for desktops because laptops often have to be shipped out to their manufacturer for computer repairs. This is because laptop computer repairs are often more intricate in nature. Tech support for laptops is generally more expensive, as they are more difficult to take apart and require more time and effort to fix. Often computer repairs require new parts, and such parts are almost always going to cost more for laptops.

When it comes to graphic design and media layout, desktops can offer much more powerful tech support for programs in the Adobe creative suite, for example. Laptops also have the limitation of screen size, often forcing users who want a larger viewing area to connect to external monitors.

The same goes for video and audio editing; laptops simply can’t provide the advanced tech support that desktops can due to space limitations. After all, the powerful video and sound cards needed for high performance machines are simply too big to fit in the increasingly slim laptop design. Laptops can’t always provide the right kind of tech support needed to run programs like Nero or Sony Vegas.

Laptops usually bring with them pricy initial costs, as well as tech support. Upgrading desktops can be done fairly easily, at times even by an skilled owner, but the tech support required to upgrade laptops is costly and offers limited options (such as RAM upgrade).

If you think portability is necessarily good, think again. Many laptop problems that require computer repairs result from the devices being moved around. Overheating is a regular computer repair issue that results from placing laptops on uneven surfaces. Because of the proximity of parts in laptops, physical damage to one part can affect the others easily, causing several parts to require computer repairs. So leaving a desktop in place is actually not all that bad.

Desktops remain the device of choice for gamers, designers, and audio-visual editors. They’re also much cheaper to maintain, as desktop computer repairs aren’t as costly. Finally, tech support is more readily available for desktops. So don’t rule them out just yet.

About RESCUECOM:

RESCUECOM provides computer repair and computer support, 24/7: Meeting every tech support need including data recovery, virus removal, networking, wireless services, and computer support for all brands of hardware and software. For computer support or information on products, services, or computer repair, visit https://www.rescuecom.com or call 1-800-RESCUE-PC.

For More Information, Contact:

David Milman, CEO

315-882-1100

david@rescuecom.com

Recently, restricted data was the target of cyber crime.  Hacker groups such as Anonymous and Lulz Security have hit government targets, breaking through Internet security, and releasing classified documents to the public.  NATO, a military coalition heavily backed by the United States, was the most recent victim of cyber crime.  Hacker group Anonymous claimed credit for violating the Internet security of a NATO database and reported swiping 1GB of data.  The current discussion about American Internet security is timely, as politicians and government personnel seek greater cyber crime protection against attacks on important systems.

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The results are in for RESCUECOM’s first Computer Reliability Report of 2011, Lenovo claims the top spot!

SYRACUSE, N.Y., Jun. 6, 2011 — RESCUECOM’s Computer Reliability Report reveals the top five manufacturers with the best overall computer reliability.

“There have been some interesting changes over the last 3 months. We are in a time of rapid technical change and consumers more than ever need to have up-to-date unbiased guidance.” stated David Milman CEO of RESCUECOM.

The Computer Reliability Report gives an unbiased summary of the most reliable personal computer manufacturers. The top five brands with the best overall reliability in Q1 2011 are:

1. IBM/Lenovo (254)
2. Asus (242)
3. Toshiba (164)
4. Apple (149)
5. HP/Compaq (122)

Read more »

Don’t Suffer from the Crash: Store Data Online

Crashing computers and multiple devices create difficulties in getting documents on demand. Entire papers can be lost, or the wanted photograph is on another device.  Online data storage offers a solution to the issue. Customers can arrange for a digital file cabinet for data files and avoid lengthy processes to recover or carry wanted items.

More customers use storage websites as more people grow more mobile. The number of available websites to store information also increases with the demand. Some options include: Carbonite.com, Dropbox, and MobileMe. Remember for expert and personal computer support, RESCUECOM offers a Remote Backup solution to protect all files against human or system errors through the device’s Internet connection. RESCUECOM’s trained technicians install the Remote Backup and will help retrieve lost information24 hours a day.

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Personal technology goes far beyond just a home computer. So, Microsoft designed an operating system modified to perform on many different personal devices. Windows 8, due to release next year, adapts to each product that runs it.

Rescuecom has five things customers need to know about the upcoming operating system.

Read more »

More shoppers buy items online everyday, with entire websites devoted to buying and selling. With the threats of identity theft and viruses, some shoppers still hesitate about making purchases over the internet.

Rescuecom offers five things you can go to protect yourself on and off the computer

1. Keep the browser and anti-virus software updated. Anti-virus software will keep information stored on personal computers safe from online exposure. When entering purchase information, like credit card numbers, a pause in the processing can endanger the information. The order might be lost, and someone else might get a look at the card number.  An updated browser ensures smooth processing of information on websites, and reduces the risk of private information getting exposed.
2. Know who you are dealing with. Stick to well-known stores or online marketplaces like Amazon.com. Legitimate businesses will help resolve an error or false charge and can refund the full amount sometimes. Business and marketplace websites also sometimes employ protective software to ensure customer privacy.
3. Never give out passwords. Private information needs to remain private. The less information available online, the less shoppers need worry about security. Create usernames and passwords with numbers and symbols to make guessing harder.
4. Use one card for transactions. Use only one credit card for online transactions. Shopping records are easier to follow and confirm on one card. Credit cards have to comply with Fair Credit Billing Act, so after reporting the theft of a card or a card number, the owner is only responsible for a small amount of the purchases. Each credit card company has the amount listed in the contract. More than one credit card used online not only increases the chance of stealing the numbers, card owners are also responsible for different amounts on each card. Using a check or bank card gives access to the entire account.
5. Record it. Keep detailed records of online spending by choosing to print the receipt copies. Check card bills every month and be sure that all transactions appear on both the bill and the receipts. Report any items that do not match the receipts to the credit card company and the online store immediately.

Shoppers can easily protect personal computers, identities, and personal bank accounts. Rescuecom’s five steps let customer shop online securely.

Next Windows Almost Ready

Personal technology goes far beyond just a home computer. So, Microsoft designed an operating system modified to perform on many different personal devices. Windows 8, due to release next year, adapts to each product that runs it.

Rescuecom has five things customers need to know about the upcoming operating system.

The classic design remains.  The classic Windows operations still exits for anyone who needs it. The basic programs like Word and Excel present similarly to Windows 7. Private individuals and businesses that make and store crucial documents in these files can still create and save work the same as before without needing to learn a new format.

New applications appear. The tile interface, a set of mosaic-like boxes showing different applications, lets customers find needed items quickly and choose which tiles appear instantly. The tiles are large enough to reduce mistakes in opening tiles on touch screen products and new information is clearly visible. Tablet and smartphone users can find favorite websites, while computer users shorten searches for files.

Customizable adjustments are possible. Microsoft designed the Windows 8 system to allow individual customization. Users who need certain pieces of information regularly choose which applications appear on the home screen. The constant connection to a favorite news website appears above the file for last summer’s vacation pictures as soon as the device turns on, and either one opens at one touch.

Fewer resources are needed. The Windows 8 operating system’s memory design lets the programs work more efficiently. The ability to multi-task and run several programs at once increases, letting customers do more. Downloads and updates will not cause other programs to run more slowly.

Microsoft is ready for the future. The new focus on compatibility helps the system get ready for future technology. Microsoft’s design includes many facets of smartphones, tablets and netbooks, integrating needs for a variety of devices. Windows 8 adapts to products already, and will adapt to new products. Customers will not need to learn new systems as products appear.

Windows 8 mixes what customers like about the operating system with the needs of new applications and devices. Customers will choose how the system works, instead of the system controlling how the customer works.

About RESCUECOM:

RESCUECOM provides computer repair and computer support, 24/7: Meeting every tech support need including data recovery, virus removal, networking, wireless services, and computer support for all brands of hardware and software. For computer support or information on products, services, or computer repair, visit https://www.rescuecom.com or call 1-800-RESCUE-PC.

For More Information, Contact:

David Milman, CEO

315-882-1100

david@rescuecom.com

RESCUECOM offers its top 5 cost-cutting tips to keep computers running smoothly and help consumers avoid unnecessary PC expenses

SYRACUSE, N.Y., May 13, 2009 – Without proper PC maintenance, computers’ performance slows down and may even grind to a complete stop. And in these tough economic times, buying a new computer to restore efficiency or trying to rescue data from a dead machine can be painfully expensive.

Proper and regular computer maintenance can save you time, money and stress, according to Josh Kaplan, president of RESCUECOM, the nation’s premier information technology services company. Whether users opt for RESCUECOM products and services or find their own resources, desktops and laptops can be kept running fast and efficiently through the following five strategies. Read more »

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ASUS, with new track record for success, and veteran leader IBM/LENOVO take top positions

SYRACUSE, N.Y., March 24, 2009 – Results are in from the latest RESCUECOM Computer Reliability Report, which recently increased the frequency of releasing its data from an annual to quarterly basis. An unbiased analysis that compares computer vendors’ market share with consumer service calls from RESCUECOM’s 1-800-RESCUE-PC call center, the report revealed a new leader in reliable personal computers. At the close of 2008, Apple had secured the lead with the fewest number of service calls. However, Apple slipped into second place while ASUS made a surprise leap into the top spot, with IBM/LENOVO sharing the lead. Read more »

Report Helps Consumers Make Informed Choices When Purchasing a Computer This Holiday Season

SYRACUSE, N.Y., Dec. 15, 2008 — RESCUECOM the nation’s premier information technology services company, today announced the results of its third annual RESCUECOM Computer Reliability Report, an unbiased analysis that compares computer vendors’ market share with consumer service call data from RESCUECOM’s 1-800-RESCUE-PC call center. Results of the report – based on a sample of more than 36,000 service calls to RESCUECOM – provide computer users with unique insight about the likelihood that they will require support beyond what is provided by the computer maker’s warranty. Read more »

You’re not just buying a machine; you’re also buying a company!

Among the most popular holiday gifts this year will be computer laptops, desktops and related products. Those who buy computers as gifts can easily make the wrong purchase if they don’t give their decision the proper thought. With that in mind, RESCUECOM has issued a Holiday Computer Buyer Checklist, items to consider before buying that first computer you see, or the first one the retailer suggests you buy.

With cut-rate pricing, high-pressure sales, and new technology being introduced all the time, confusion ends up being the biggest Grinch for technology shoppers during the holiday season. Those buying computers must think not only about the price of a machine but other factors such as warranties, reliability, how the recipient is likely to use the computer and what additional accessories they are likely to need.

The RESCUECOM Holiday Computer Buyer Checklist is designed to give shoppers guidance in their technology purchasing decisions. If used in conjunction with RESCUECOM’s soon to be released National Computer Reliability Report, shoppers will be ready to make the right purchase this holiday season. Read more »