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Gold Coast Computer Repairs - Repairing Computers on the Gold Coast - A Gold Coast Local helping other Gold Coast locals with computer repairs Gold Coast
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IMPORTANT

Things you should know
Important things!
You Should Know

We see lots of people with their respective computer problems daily, the percentage of these customers who are ill informed or simply don't know the things others take for granted is very high. So we have put together this section of our site to try and educate our customers and visitors to those important aspects of using a computer.
Download Limits & Speed

Some people opt to have cheaper Internet connections and without understanding what they are actually signingup for. There are two (2) main things you need to consider when choosing an ISP (Internet Service Provider), firstly the speed of your connection. There are many different levels of speed you can get we recommend a minimum connection speed of 1500 kbps or 1.5 Mbps this way you get to enjoy faster load times and better streamimg of video. A common response is we dont mind it being slow however as your confidence and abilities grow - which they will - a slow connection speed becomes frustrating.

Secondly, download limits, some ISP's offer cheap connections with very low download limits. We have had customers say that they dont download so a low limit is fine until they discover they are actually exceeding their allocated data transfer allowances. Whenever you make a connection to the Internet you are downloading, the webpage dispalyed in front of you has been downloaded, those emails you recieve have been downloaded, Windows and other applications on your computer download updates regularly, so even without you initialising a download, you are in fact already downloading.

So consider this when signing that contract with your chosen ISP.
Why I should Update

Firstly, updating your computer doesn't mean buying a new one. If you are using a PC then chances are that it has Microsoft Windows installed, either XP, Vista or 7. Whatever version of Windows you use requires updates to be installed regularly. As the most commonly used operating system for PC, Windows is a major target for those in the world that see it as a challenge to attempt to destroy, disable or compromise it in any way possible. However Microsoft spends millions of dollars to ensure it remains safe by closing holes, these hackers have found. Each Tuesday, Microsoft releases updates and patches to help you stay safe and all these updates are free to you, all you have to do is install them. Microsoft even lets you know that these updates are available by placing a small icon near your clock ( bottom right hand corner) to inform you.

We see many computers that have been  victims of infections that could have been avoided if these updates had been installed. So the next time you see this icon, you need to make it a priority to install them.
Updates
Things to consider

Some important information to consider when using your computer.

Ransomware - Ransonware is a viral infection you can get via the Internet from any site anytime, This malware will lock all your files on your PC and to unlock them you will need to pay the source a fee, either directly or indirectly via a subcription or purchase a product or simply send a SMS to a particular number etc. Once you have decided to pay the fee, there is no guarantee that you will recieve the unlock code or that they wont attck you immediately after unlocking. To protect yourself you must keep backup copies of your files and maintain good security software with regular system scans plus install all updates from Microsoft.

The end of XP is Near - Microsoft will be no longer supporting Windows XP SP2 as of 13th July 2010. Therefore you will need to ensure you have SP3 installed. Generally Microsoft will continue support for three (3) years after the release of a service pack (SP) so this would mean that if you have Windows XP SP3 you are safe until at least 2012. We would recommend upgrading to Windows 7 sooner rather than later.
It is time to face facts and finally dump Windows XP
Microsoft Windows XP is 10-year old technology; it is time to dump it for something better and safer.
Contact us today to find out how easy it is to upgrade from Windows XP to Windows 7.
Data Recovery

Information stored on hard disks and flash drives are vulnerable and can be damaged and lost. Data recovery can be attempted under certain conditions but is not always possible. So before you throw away that old hard drive that failed call us as we just might be able to get your files back. For critical information keep copies on CD/DVD and make two (2) copies. Mechanical devices will fail its when not if.
Notebook Repairs

There are a few things you need to consider when having your notebook repaired.

1. You have paid the extra money so as to be mobile
2. Notebook lifespans are shorter than desktops
3. Components are fully integrated (all on one circuit board)
4. Parts are much more expensive than desktops

One of the key features of a desktop computer is the size of the case, due to this and the arrangement of fans it can expel its heat much more effeciently. A laptop on the other hand is very limited in its ability to remain cool. Becuase of this heat issue, notebooks suffer from damage as a result. The most common fault we see is heat damage to circuitry, to rectify this we need to replace the mainboard which could cost from $500 upwards. So if your notebook is 2 -3 years old and has suffered a serious failure the cost of repair up against replacement should be a major consideration. It is strongly advised that if purchasing a notebook computer you should also have a three (3) year extended warrantty. This way for the expected lifespan of the equipment it is covered and you don't have to put your hand in your pocket for the repair costs or replacement costs.

If your notebook is older than three (3) years it would be advisable to be considering a replacement unit.
Install Security

Security Software - These types of programs are designed to search out and destroy any little nastie that manages to get passed your firewall and install itself, So in the process of protecting yourself these types of programs are critical. Yeah, there is lots of different ones and sometimes it can be an individual choice as to which one you choose, the most important thing is to have one of them and to ensure it is updated (preferrably daily) for more info about security software visit our which program should I use section.
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