Computer repair NYC - Data recovery New York - PC & Laptop repair NYC

Floods in Thailand Cause Computer Hard Drive Prices to Soar

MichaelAdmin — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 15:13:14 +0000

A natural disaster you might never have heard of could have a big effect on your business this year.

While the earth quake and tsunami in Japan made headlines, another lesser known disaster has struck the Far East. Experts at the Asian Development Bank say the massive October floods in Thailand, a key source of computer components, could impact manufacturing networks with delays that may last longer and go deeper than those caused by Japan’s March earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis.

The effects are already being felt in technology markets. Computer hard drives prices, over 50% of which are manufactured in Thailand, have almost tripled in price. A hard drive costing $48 a month ago now costs between $129 and $145. Western Digital, one of the key suppliers of computer memory components, shut down operations in Thailand completely in October, as did primary competitor Seagate. Even three weeks after the monsoon rains ceased, factories remain submerged in the brown corrosive waters. Company spokesmen report that even after the water recedes, clearing factories of much and debris and rebuilding clean rooms and production lines will take years.

The shift from traditional hard drive technology to solid state drives (SSDs) was an established trend before the Thailand floods. It is sure to gain steam now that traditional drive manufacturing has taken this great hit. Talk to your IT consultant before you make any hardware acquisition decisions. You’ve got cost factors and technology factors to consider.

What 4 Things You Might Not Know About Your Cell Phone

MichaelAdmin — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 11:38:50 +0000

Cell phones have become indispensable in our lives. Here are four little known facts about your cell phone that can get you out of a jam or even save your life. Please feel free to share this information with everyone you know who has a cell phone.

1) It’s an Emergency.
Don’t call 911. It won’t work. The worldwide mobile phone emergency number is 112. Even if you find yourself out of your network coverage area, a 112 emergency call will go through. Dial that number and your phone will connect with any available network, regardless of carrier and connect you. It will even work if your keypad is locked. Try that with 911! Memorize it: 112 is the number to know.

2) Dead battery? Not really.
Ever find yourself in a situation with very low battery power when you really, really need to make a call? Has your cell phone gone dead on you? Dial *3370# and your phone will restart on reserve battery power and show 50% available battery power. It’s great to know you have backup when you think your phone is running on empty. The reserve power will recharge when you plug your phone into a power source.

3) Stop thief!
You can disable your lost or stolen phone from just about anywhere–with a little forethought. Your mobile phone has a unique serial number. If you don’t have the original documents that came with your phone, you can retrieve the serial number by dialing *#06#. A 15 digit code will appear on the screen–that is your phone’s serial number. Write it down and keep it somewhere safe. Consider giving the number to a friend or family member you trust. If your phone is lost or stolen, call your service provider and give them the lost phone’s serial number. Your phone will be rendered unusable, even if the thief changes the SIM card. You probably won’t get your phone back, but at least you know that whoever stole it can’t use/sell it either. If everybody does this, there would be no point in people stealing mobile phones.

4) 411 for Free
Need a phone number fast? Aren’t carrying the yellow pages with you? Don’t call 411 and pay anywhere from $1 to $2 dollars for this simple service. Instead call (800) FREE 411 or (800) 373-3411. You should program this number into your cell phone now. And you can thank McDonalds for sponsoring the service.

This is the kind of information people don’t mind receiving, so pass it on to your family and friends.

Beware: New Virus

MichaelAdmin — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 14:29:18 +0000

We have just learned that a new a global computer virus that hides in an email about Gaddafi’s death has been detected by internet security firm Sophos. The malware was caught in its worldwide network of spam traps.

The scam appears to be an official email from newswire service AFP with images of Gaddafi’s body but when users open the attachment, the virus infects Windows computers with malware.

A detected malicious email reads:

Subject: “Fw: AFP Photo News: Bloody Photos: Libya dictator Moammar Gadhafi’s Death”

Message body:
“Libya dictator Moammar Gadhafi’s Death
Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi, the most wanted man in the world, has been killed, the country’s rebel government claimed Oct. 20. The flamboyant tyrant who terrorized his country and much of the world during his 42 years of despotic rule was cornered by insurgents in the town of Sirte, where Gadhafi had been born and a stronghold of his supporters.”

“The death of Libyan dictator Colonel Gaddafi has almost inevitably resulted in cybercriminals taking advantage of the news story, and the general public’s seeming interest in viewing ghoulish photos and videos of his last moments,” said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant at Sophos.

“As unlikely as the legitimacy of these emails may seem – in this case, the latest photos being forwarded to you in an email attachment – the news is often just too interesting for people to ignore. Internet users need to be sensible when it comes to a top news story, and not throw their security suspicions regarding links and unsolicited attachments out the window, in search of the latest revelations or shocking images.”

PC users are advised to avoid opening the email and updating or applying their security settings.

SIVRE FRANCE

Please always be cautious when opening emails from senders you don’t know , or emails with subjects you have not requested. Cal us at 212 682 6878 if you have any questions.

Great deals and advise for buying a new computer

MichaelAdmin — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 16:05:35 +0000

Even though we are in the business of repairing computers and believe that many problems on computers can be fixed, and that even older models may be worth upgrading, sometimes there are situations when you need a new computer. And then there are offers out that are hard to resist. Consumer Report published a few great laptop offers from many brands that are worth checking out.

If you have any questions along the way, Pc Mac Express has a staff of Microsoft or Apple certified engineers who are there to help you 24/7. Don’t miss out on our great set-up service offer for your new computer.

212 682 6878 or 718 997 7230.

Check out what other customers have to say on www.google.com

Our Set-Up Service Offer:
How PC Mac Express can help with your new laptop purchase

Before you go out to the shops or online to purchase a new laptop, we suggest you contact us for an all-round shopping advise. We can help you pick out the right laptop with the right features for your needs.

If you have any special programs, you would like to have installed, we can help you find out if they are compatible with your new machine.

Whether you have data that needs to be transferred or computers that need to be connected with each other, PC Mac Express can help.

For our valued customers, we would like to pass this special set-up service offer on to anyone who purchases a new laptop or PC.

One hour of on-site service for only $99.

Whatever we can do of the following within one hour is included:
– Transfer data
– Install any programs
– Transfer licenses for ITunes, etc
– Ensure your new computer is protected, install Antivirus (software not included)
– Help with Windows 7, or any other questions you may have.

Each additional 15 minutes is charged at the regular rate of $24.50.

Consumer Report:
Laptop Prices Drop Steeper Than Usual

Often, there are large price drops in computer prices, but the past month or so has seen even steeper cuts than usual.
Here are a few deals Consumer Report published and we would like to pass them along to our valued customers:

Thirteen-inch laptops are usually among the most expensive, but Toshiba’s new Satellite L735-S3210, which comes with 4GB of memory, a 500GB hard drive, and high-resolution display, costs just $500.

Sony often offers some of the more costly laptops: But in our ratings is the 14-inch Vaio VPCEG11FX/L, for $660-and this laptop doesn’t hold back. It has a large hard drive, long battery life, and notable performance.

A 15.6-inch Gateway laptop, the NV59C70u, saw a significant price drop. And it’s also loaded with features, such as a large hard drive and an HDMI port for streaming high-def video to your TV.

Even Apple is getting into the act-sort of. The company has replaced its $1,000 white MacBook with a $1,000 MacBook Air, an 11.6-inch model running the latest version of Apple’s operating system, OS X Lion. It weighs just 2.5 pounds and was a top performer among laptops.

Some models didn’t drop in price-but they’re still very good deals. At $430, the Acer Aspire AS5742-6814 is relatively light on your lap, and on your wallet, though its 320GB hard drive is on the puny side. It has Gigabit Ethernet and HDMI video output.

Another machine from Acer, the 13-inch Aspire AS3830T-6417, $620, tested for very long battery life and very good performance in our labs. Its 500GB hard drive provides lots of storage, especially compared with many other 13-inch models.

The 15.6-inch HP G62-373DX, at a low $380, is another worthwhile bargain. It’s a bare-bones system, but a great deal if you just need a computer for the basics, such as word processing and Web surfing. It comes with Windows 7 Home Premium and HDMI video output but no ExpressCard or PC Card slots.

And the 15.6-inch Dell Inspiron 15R-2nd Gen i3, a CR Best Buy at $500, has 6.5 hours of battery life, an ESATA port for connecting an external hard drive, and HDMI video output, which lets you stream high-definition.

Hurricane Precautions for your Computer

MichaelAdmin — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 16:26:33 +0000

Hurricane Irene is approaching the East Coast of New York and the city and state are issuing advice on how to prepare for the upcoming event.

At Pc Mac, our business is all about repairing and preventing computer problems. Therefore, we would like to pass on some advise on how to protect your computer and other networking equipment and to be safe from electric hazards during a hurricane.

A hurricane may trigger disruption in electric services. This means, not only outages can occur, but also surges and spikes of electricity can run through your electric sockets and harm your computer.

We therefore advise you to

1) Make sure that your computer is shut down and turned off completely during the hurricane, even before electric outages occurs. Unplug your computer from the electric socket, even if you use a surge protector.

2) Shut down and unplug network routers, cable boxes, TV. Anything you can live without for a few hours or days. All equipment that is still plugged into any outlets and electric sockets could be damaged.

3) Once power has returned be careful while turning on your equipment again. Use a surge protector.

4) If part of your house is flooded, do not turn on any electrical equipment in a wet surrounding.

Be safe: turn your computer off and unplug it from the electric socket.

These simple precautions will prevent damage to your equipment and possible loss of data.

Pc Mac Express wishes you all a safe weekend!

Call PC Mac Express today for any questions you may have

212 682 6878 or 718 997 7230.

Consumer Reports “State of the Net” Threats

MichaelAdmin — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 15:50:10 +0000

Consumer Reports has just released their “State of the Net” report with statistics on the latest security threats. These threats range from annoying such as spam (24 million U.S. households report experiencing a significant volume of unwanted and suspicious email offers), to productivity loss (16 million households experienced performance inhibiting computer viruses and 8 million households reported spyware attacks that damaged their computers), to economic loss (1 million households lost money or had their accounts misused due to online scams and phishing).

Ten Easy Ways to Better Security
Protecting yourself from these threats takes a small, but deliberate effort.

1)    Install protection on your computer. Your computer technician should make sure your machines have an updated firewall, spam blocker software, and other built-in security applications. Protection is not a set-it-and-forget-it task—make sure you keep it current, including your operating system and your browser. Threats constantly change and protective measures constantly adapt to thwart those threats.
2)    Actively scan your computer for viruses, spyware, and other kinds of malware. Your computer technician can install supplementary online security tools you can use to regularly scan your machine for problems and automatically fix them. Some experts suggest running two malware protection programs from different vendors—one may catch problems the other misses.
3)    Turn it off—if your computer will be sitting idle for a few hours, turn it off or disconnect it from the Internet. You reduce the risk that your machine will be compromised.
4)    Use public computers and unsecured public Internet connections with care.
5)    Watch out for free downloads. Games, utilities, music, and free software of all kinds can be packed with viruses and spyware. If you are the least bit suspicious, don’t download. It might be worth paying a little extra buying from a trusted source than going with risky free.
6)    Create a spam email for use on web sites you don’t completely trust. You’ll keep your regular account relatively clear of spam.
7)    Consider keeping one credit card exclusively for your Internet purchases. Never use a debit card or allow any site to directly connect to your bank accounts.
8)    Remember, no site is safe. Certifications can help, but even big, well-run retailers can get hacked. Review your statements carefully and report suspected problems immediately
9)    Guard your information. Don’t respond to email requests for passwords, user names, Social Security numbers, bank accounts, etc. Thieves are experts at creating the appearance of security.
10)    Back it up. Back it up. Back it up. We cannot say it often enough. You need to back up your computer regularly and carefully. Don’t rely entirely on an automatic service. And don’t assume that just because you did a back up, you are safe. Back ups aren’t always completed properly. We often encounter corrupted files and other problems that make a back up worthless. Test your back ups to make sure they were done properly. Your computer technician is your best resource for setting up a system that won’t let you down.

Clean Computers Run Better
When you hear about the need to clean your computer, you might think of clearing off viruses and spyware apps that slow performance and create security risks. But a malware-free computer might not really be clean. You may be at risk from muck of a different kind—and that is old-fashioned dust and dirt.

All the little holes and vents on your computer are there for a purpose—usually cooling critical components, from the CPU to the power supply. And all those openings are prone to collecting dust, pet hair, and dirt of all kinds. That dirt is more than merely unsightly. It can create electrical shorts, cause small fires, and permanently damage moving parts.

There is no way to keep dust out of any machine short of spending hundred thousand in a clean room
A simple spray of air 3X a year should do a pretty good job.

Ten Easy Ways to Better Security

Protecting yourself from these threats takes a small, but deliberate effort.

1) Install protection on your computer. Your computer technician should make sure your machines have an updated firewall, spam blocker software, and other built-in security applications. Protection is not a set-it-and-forget-it task—make sure you keep it current, including your operating system and your browser. Threats constantly change and protective measures constantly adapt to thwart those threats.

2) Actively scan your computer for viruses, spyware, and other kinds of malware. Your computer technician can install supplementary online security tools you can use to regularly scan your machine for problems and automatically fix them. Some experts suggest running two malware protection programs from different vendors—one may catch problems the other misses.

3) Turn it off—if your computer will be sitting idle for a few hours, turn it off or disconnect it from the Internet. You reduce the risk that your machine will be compromised.

4) Use public computers and unsecured public Internet connections with care.

5) Watch out for free downloads. Games, utilities, music, and free software of all kinds can be packed with viruses and spyware. If you are the least bit suspicious, don’t download. It might be worth paying a little extra buying from a trusted source than going with risky free.

6) Create a spam email for use on web sites you don’t completely trust. You’ll keep your regular account relatively clear of spam.

7) Consider keeping one credit card exclusively for your Internet purchases. Never use a debit card or allow any site to directly connect to your bank accounts.

Remember, no site is safe. Certifications can help, but even big, well-run retailers can get hacked. Review your statements carefully and report suspected problems immediately

9) Guard your information. Don’t respond to email requests for passwords, user names, Social Security numbers, bank accounts, etc. Thieves are experts at creating the appearance of security.

10) Back it up. Back it up. Back it up. We cannot say it often enough. You need to back up your computer regularly and carefully. Don’t rely entirely on an automatic service. And don’t assume that just because you did a back up, you are safe. Back ups aren’t always completed properly. We often encounter corrupted files and other problems that make a back up worthless. Test your back ups to make sure they were done properly. Your computer technician is your best resource for setting up a system that won’t let you down.

Clean Computers Run Better

When you hear about the need to clean your computer, you might think of clearing off viruses and spyware apps that slow performance and create security risks. But a malware-free computer might not really be clean. You may be at risk from muck of a different kind—and that is old-fashioned dust and dirt.

All the little holes and vents on your computer are there for a purpose—usually cooling critical components, from the CPU to the power supply. And all those openings are prone to collecting dust, pet hair, and dirt of all kinds. That dirt is more than merely unsightly. It can create electrical shorts, cause small fires, and permanently damage moving parts.

(Michael—what should people do to prevent dirt and remove dirt?)

There is no way to keep dust out of any machine short of spending hundred thousand in a clean room

A simple spray of air 3X a year should do a pretty good jog

The end of Windows XP

MichaelAdmin — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 17:33:18 +0000

Microsoft has recently announced that Windows XP will no longer be installed on new computers. Find out how this may affect you, even if you are not purchasing a new computer.

As of October 22, 2010, Microsoft ended the sale of Windows XP on new computers. For Microsoft, the future is Windows 7 – the latest Microsoft operating system.

If your computer is currently running on XP or any other previous Microsoft operating system, please continue to read.

What does the end of Windows XP mean to you?

The end of Windows XP may not be an immediate issue, however as time goes on, you may run into some compatibility and security issues.

1. As other software programs are upgraded to be compatible with Windows 7, you may have difficulty finding new programs that run on XP.

2. Microsoft plans to continue the support for XP for now, but has already announced that by April 2014, they will cease the support of the XP operating system. This means no more security updates, which will result in a higher probability for viruses, Trojans and the like. Your data may not be safe anymore.

What should be your next step?

For most people, the best long term solution is to upgrade your existing computer with Windows 7. This process is simple and relatively inexpensive – about $125 for the home version.

Before buying the new Windows 7 system, you need to check if your machine is compatible with Windows 7. Microsoft has provided free software to download to perform this simple check.

If you decide you want to upgrade your system, you need to make sure that all your data and programs are being transferred correctly. Our Microsoft certified engineers are more than happy to assist you in a smooth upgrade.

Here some facts you should know about Windows 7:

Windows 7 has proven benefits over earlier versions of Windows. It combines the latest in reliability, security, and responsiveness with the familiarity and compatibility of Windows XP.

Windows 7 is designed to be compatible with the most popular hardware and software products you use every day.

Call PC Mac Express today for a free evaluation of your computer system.

212 682 6878 or 718 997 7230.

Checklist for a healthy computer

MichaelAdmin — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 16:12:50 +0000

Whether you just purchased a new computer, are giving one to a loved one for Christmas, or already own a PC or laptop, the following check list should help you maintain a healthy computer.

1. Install and run an Anti-Virus Program
Viruses are as dangerous for computers as for people. So, just like you take precautions not to get sick, do the same for your computer. There are many anti-virus programs out there, but not all protect your computer equally well.

2. Clean your computer from unused date
Depending on how your computer or laptop is set up, unneeded data may be stored in your system. Over time, this data will use up your memory and slow down the system. Make sure your settings are right and use a ‘cleaner’ for your computer to get rid of unwanted data on a regular basis.

3. Be safe
Safety is important. You don’t want hackers in your computer. Make sure your PC is set up with a high safety level and protected with a firewall. There are a number of programs and settings that should be installed to prevent unwanted access.

4. Back up your data
Even though you know how to take precautions with the above steps, sudden hard drive failure can happen. It happens more often than you think. To minimize the damage to you when it happens, make sure you have your data backed up regularly. Whether you need to save all your private files, such as pictures or I Tunes, or business data, get a system set up that allows you to back up your data frequently.

All of the above steps are important, but here is some final advise:

Should your system crash, DO NOT reboot your system more than two times. If your machine does not properly reboot after two tries, stop trying.

Here is why:
When your system crashes, the brushes physically collapse on your hard drive. Every time you restart your machine, you are spinning that drive and dragging those brushes across its surface. This can easily physically destroy the drive and cause more damage to the drive than it had in the first place.

We strongly advise you to bring your computer to a professional computer technician who can make the repairs and rescue your drive.

HOLIDAY OFFER

This holiday season, we would like to draw your attention to the following offers and services
we can provide to you:

New Computer:

Software Installation (Microsoft and other programs)
Email Setup
Data transfer from previous computer

Existing Systems:

Tune Up (Installation of new hard drive)
Virus & Spyware Removal
Data Recovery from your crashed computer

We service both residential and business customers. So whether you have a small office with multiple PCs and laptops to get connected, or just one computer to set up or repair, give us a call today to get a free phone consultation.

Special Offer for new customers: FREE anti-virus with a service visit.*

For any questions or further assistance, call PC Mac Express:
212-682-6878 or 718 459 9477.
We offer free phone consultation.

* Please call us to see if you qualify and if this offer is still available

Preventing Expensive, Inconvenient and Inevitable Computer Pain

MichaelAdmin — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 15:19:18 +0000

Backing up your computer is like flossing your teeth and eating five fruits and vegetables a day. Everyone knows it is a good thing to do, but not everyone does it. Advances in technology have eliminated every excuse for performing this critical, but irksome task.

Hard Drive Crashes Are Inevitable

If you haven’t experienced full failure of your computer hard drive at least once, the clock is ticking for you. Hardware failure isn’t a matter of “if”, but “when”. Everyone experiences this potentially disastrous event at some point. When your hard drive crashes, recovering data can be expensive from $250 to over -$2,500 if the data can be recovered at all. The value of permanently lost work is incalculable.

Why Pay Thousands for Recovery When Prevention Is Less Than $90?

Backing up your hard drive used to be an onerous, labor-intensive process. No more. Massive storage devices cost less than $90 and your computer services provider can set up remote utilities that can perform this task for you automatically and regularly. PC Mac Express can inexpensively set you up so that you never again have to remember to back up and that you never have to experience the pain, inconvenience and cost of lost data.

PC Mac Express Automated Backup

Call PC Mac Express to set up your automated and secure backup system. We will provide all the needed hardware and with optimize the software so that your data is dependably secured and easily restored if (when!) your hard drive is damaged or lost.

In Case You Missed It: What does your have in common with the IT systems at Iranian Nuke Sites?

You have more in common than you think. You both are extremely vulnerable to attacks by malicious computer viruses. The “worm” that attacked the systems in Iran can just as easily attack your laptop or desktop computer.

With cyber terrorism and virus attacks in the headlines, we want to send you a review of the threat to your home and office computers along with critical steps you can take to protect yourself.

The fact is you may already be a victim. Cyber criminals can access and use your machine without you even noticing. You can get our white paper on what you can do to prevent problems and protect yourself from this threat. Call us at 212-682-6878

Stop Making Damage Worse

Before closing, let us offer an important piece of advice: When your system crashes, the natural response is to reboot a few times to see if you can restore your computer to functioning.

DON’T!

You may be causing exponentially more damage to your machine. When your system crashes, the brushes physically collapse on your hard drive. Every time you restart your machine, you are spinning that drive and dragging those brushes across it surface. You can easily physically destroy the drive.

If your machine does not properly reboot after two tries, stop trying. You need to bring your computer in so that we can make the repairs and rescue your drive. Call PC Mac Express: 212-682-6878 or 718 459 9477

Upgrading to Windows 7 Key Considerations

MichaelAdmin — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 17:09:03 +0000

Microsoft’s announcement ending support of XP in June 2006 and Vista by April, 2012 raises important issues for many computer users.

What does it mean if my version of Windows is no longer supported?

Ending support means that Microsoft will no longer send you security or performance updates and software patches. Your PC will become increasingly vulnerable to harmful viruses, spyware, and other malicious software. You will also no longer receive new drivers and patches that improve the reliability of Windows.

Get fully informed before upgrading

Windows 7 is considered by many to be the best operating system to come out of Microsoft in quite some time. But like any advanced technology, it must be properly configured for trouble free operation. We advise you carefully weigh benefits against the risks. The Windows 7 operating system will bring huge improvements in performance and functionality for most people. Yet the wisdom of upgrading depends on many complex factors. We recommend consulting a trusted expert to help sort through the options.”

Upgrade Issues

PC Mac Express suggests people consider a number of factors before upgrading to Windows 7:

Compatibility: some important applications and programs may no longer be compatible with windows 7 necessitating further upgrade on other software as well. This could lead to significant additional costs. Also keep in mind that you may only upgrade from Vista operating system not XP, another potential hidden cost.

Functionality: Each user and each machine is unique. Some machines run faster with the upgrade; others may not. Some features of XP are discontinued in Windows 7, also consider that there will be a learning curve that comes along with any new operating system. For basic users it could take a while to adjust. PC Mac Express recommends that novice users invest in an hour or two of one-on-one instruction,which could save them many hours of frustration and lost time in the future.

Cost: The new operating system is not expensive, but costs could escalate if numerous programs must be upgraded and new devices must be purchased as well.

Complexity: Upgrading can be challenging. XP users can’t directly upgrade to Windows 7. In addition to upgrading the operating system, you may have to also re-install applications, update drivers, and move files. For the average person, the process can be time consuming and fraught with frustration.

Advice Before Upgrading

In many cases you may be better off purchasing a new machine with Windows 7 already installed. Install your old software that is compatible on the new machine and purchase upgrades of software that is not. Take special care that old data will work with your upgraded software. In addition, we offer this advice:

Consult with a trusted IT professional who knows your machine, knows your current uses and future needs, and can effectively anticipate and test for problems in advance.
Make sure you know the advantages and weigh the risks before investing in Windows 7.
Consider your future plans. Every business is unique and that impacts the ultimate decision. Upgrading now may make sense for some, but waiting another year is a better option for others.
Whatever your decision, get regular yearly checkups and maintenance on your machine. You’ll enjoy better, faster performance, and may save yourself from expensive problems.

PC Mac Express advises people take the time to make an informed decision. Only by knowing the costs, the risks, and the expected benefits can you know if upgrading to Windows 7 is worth it to you and your business.

And we cannot stress this enough: Have you made a backup today?