Got a Frozen Computer Screen? |Corona IT Services

headache over computer problems

It is something that anyone who works on a computer dreads the most. You’re busy working along when all of a sudden, your screen freezes. Did you lose all your work? More importantly, will it come back? There is literally nothing like the panic that washes over you when a computer screen freezes and all you see is a blue screen. Did you know that your ultimate computer dread has a name? It does. That blue screen with a list of computer instructions and information is called the Blue Screen of Death. This occurs when Windows crashes or locks.

Despite what you think at the time, the reason for this Windows screen is to tell you the reason for the error and to calm you down. As you read the information shown, the error you experienced will be in all capital letters at the top. It will help you or a computer repair technician find the information you need to fix the problem. Also, Windows will take anything it’s holding in system memory and put it in a file and saves it on your hard drive.

The error and memory file will be researched to find the cause of the system stop and to help repair it. If you experience a Blue Screen of Death and aren’t sure how to fix it yourself, hopefully you have a contracted an IT Service that will be able to get you back up and running in no time.

Call Up & Running Computer Solutions in Corona, CA for help with your business computer issues at 951-737-8558. We specialize in computer repair and managed IT services. Learn more at our website at www.urcs.net.

Proudly serving Corona, Riverside, Norco, Riverside County, Orange County and all surrounding areas!

Slow Computer|Corona, CA

In a day and age where waiting is an annoyance we are unwilling to deal with, having computer issues are a headache. Not only do we live on the internet, but even basic life functions have somehow integrated a computer into it. So, when we have a slow computer what can we do to speed things up?

There are several things that can contribute to your computer slowing down.

 Bugs in the operating system, failing hardware, or even static electricity from carpet can lead to computer glitches. But before taking your computer in for repair or buying a new PC all together, try some quick fixes first.

  • Uninstall unused programs. When buying a new computer, programs that have been pre-installed.
  • Delete temporary files. All your browsing history remains deep in your computer, and the same goes for when you install something. Make sure to get rid of all the clutter to free up space on your system.
  • Get more storage. If you have too much on your hard drive, it will affect the speed of your computer, especially if you use your computer for things such as recording media or video.
  • Stop unnecessary reboots. Every time you start up your PC, some programs automatically run in the background. Every application that is running will use your PCs memory and slow it down.
  • Clean it up. Dust gets sucked in by the cooling fan and can clog the airflow of the computer causing it to overheat and slow down.

Call Up & Running Computer Solutions in Corona, CA for help with your computer repair at 951-737-8558. Learn more at our website at www.urcs.net.

Proudly serving Corona, Riverside, Norco, Riverside County, Orange County and all surrounding areas!

Is My Hard Drive Failing? | Computer Repair Corona, CA

The health of the hard drive in your computer is important to the vitality of the whole system. A failure can happen without warning or proper preparation, potentially resulting in the total loss of information.

The three main causes of a hard drive crash are because of a virus, mechanical failure, or electrical surge. None of these events are necessarily predictable, and without proper preparation, can be a disaster for your business.

Symptoms of deterioration for your hard drive are the following

            Whirling Noises. If it sounds like your computer is struggling to operate, that is a warning sign that the drive could be on the brink of burning out.

            Slow Loading. If your computer is not operating as efficiently as it once was, it may be because the hard drive is overwhelmed with files and needs to be cleaned out to avoid a crash.

            Aggressive Pop-Ups. Typically, unexpected or the new presence of pop-ups on your screen could mean that your hard drive has been compromised by a virus. Viruses are sent to your computer by a third party and could cause your system to crash.

While it is always good to be mindful of these warning signs, your hard drive is the life blood of your computer, and it needs to be maintained.

Our experienced professionals will evaluate the problem, run diagnostics and fix the gaps in your operating system, ensuring your data and operating system are secure. If it’s been a while since you have replaced your hard drive, or taken steps to avoid total loss in case of a crash, call the team at Up and Running Computer Solutions today.

To learn more about our services, and how we can help your system function efficiently, visit us online at www.urcs.net or give us a call at 951.737.8558 today.

Proudly serving Corona, Riverside, Norco, Riverside County, Orange County and all surrounding areas!

Data Backup and Recovery | Corona, CA

In this day and age, companies rely so heavily on online usage, it is important to have a data backup and recovery plan for their most critical data. Why? Because humans make errors, computers crash, and accidents happen at the worst times.

Data loss can happen in many different ways and we shouldn’t live by the idea that we can wing it. The most common causes are an accidental error, employee or competitor theft, or physical failure to computers, but they can range into the even wilder, like natural disasters or a spilled cup of coffee. Here are six reasons why you must have data recovery for your company.

Technology fails. Just in the last year, we’ve seen massive changes in the technology that we use. Many businesses are now virtually paper-free and need to be stored electronically.

People are fallible. Let’s face it, we’re only human. Backing up your information is crucial in order to remedy any accidental mishaps.

Natural disasters. From tornados to wildfires, mother nature has wreaked havoc on company technology systems. It will be an issue if you don’t have a data backup and recovery plan in place after a natural disaster.

Competitive advantage. Businesses around the world have suffered huge losses and reputation damage after losing data.

Theft. Sadly, corporate theft is on the rise. If employees were fired or laid off, 20% said they would be more likely to take data due to the anger they’re experiencing and pass it off to a competitor.

The future is now. An online backup service allows you to and your employees to access your data whenever you like, from wherever you are to work remotely, collaborate, and ensure the integrity of that information.

To learn more about our Data Backup and Recovery services, visit us online at www.urcs.net or give us a call at 951.737.8558 today.

Proudly serving Corona, Riverside, Norco, Riverside County, Orange County and all surrounding areas!

Computer Maintenance | Computer Repair Corona, CA

Computer maintenance may seem like something that is best left to the experts. While you should seek advice and have your computer components cleaned by an IT professional, basic maintenance can be easier than you think. It’s also important; caring for your computer before things get out of hand goes a long way to the life of your computer.

One of the most important elements of care for our computers may seem like the most simple. It’s important not to eat or drink around your computer and to utilize a padded case whenever it is not being utilized. Over time, seemingly small things like crumbs or a bit of water along the edge of the computer on the desk amount to gunk between the keys. Keeping the components clean will help keep your computer running efficiently for as long as it may go.

External drives are a great investment for computer care. Our computers have limited storage and memory capacity, so when there is an abundance of files it starts to break things down. Transitioning older files or completed projects to an external drive will help keep the amount of files you computer has to track to a minimum. This allows it to become more efficient with other processes and ultimately keeps the hard drive from becoming overworked.

Another great way to continually maintain your computer is to allow for software updates. Updates patch holes in the system or bugs that outdated technology may leave behind. Rather than an inefficient necessity, updates should be viewed as part and parcel to the longevity of your system. Updates also allow your system to handle files sent from others whose computers could be on the latest version so you aren’t left out.

Properly shutting down you computer, putting it to sleep and keeping the brightness at an appropriate level for the lighting conditions also makes a difference. It helps maintain battery life and tells your computer when it can recover; rather than leaving it on all the time which ruins efficiency over time. We recommend charging your computer when it is off, rather than in use to help maintain the battery life.

For more information on computer maintenance and IT Managed Services for your business, call us at 951.737.8558 today! Visit our website at urcs.net.

Proudly serving Corona, Riverside, Norco, Riverside County, Orange County and all surrounding areas!

Malware and Virus Protection|Managed IT Services Corona CA

Since everything revolves around the internet, it is important that we make sure to protect ourselves. It is important to know the difference between the things harming your computer. A big threat – malware. The term “malware” refers to any type of malicious software that’s designed to infect your computer or mobile device, including a computer virus and is designed to specifically harm and infect host systems. Managed IT Services can continually help protect your businesses network and computer systems.

Here are some things you have probably heard of, now what they mean.

Virus. This is a contagious program that attaches itself to another piece of software, and then progresses to reproduce itself when the software is running.

Adware. Adware is the least dangerous and most profitable malware. It displays ads on your computer.

Spyware. This is a software that spies on you by tracking your internet activity in order to send adware back to your machine.

Worms. This is a program that replicates itself and destroys data and files on your computer. Worms are designed to “eat” the system operating files and data till the drive is completely empty.

Trojan horse. The most dangerous, Trojans are designed to discover your financial information and take over your computers system resources.

Ransomware. If you see a screen that warns you that you have been locked out of your computer until you pay for your cybercrimes, you have ransomware. Even if you do pay to unlock your system, you are not free from of it locking you out again.

Call Up & Running Computer Solutions in Corona, CA for more information on Anti-Virus and Managed IT Services at 951-737-8558. Learn more at our website at www.urcs.net.

Proudly serving Corona, Riverside, Norco, Riverside County, Orange County and all surrounding areas!

Data Backup and Recovery | Prescott, AZ

In this day and age, companies rely so heavily on online usage, it is important to have a data backup and recovery plan for their most critical data. Why? Because humans make errors, computers crash, and accidents happen at the worst times.

Data loss can happen in many different ways and we shouldn’t live by the idea that we can wing it. The most common causes are an accidental error, employee or competitor theft, or physical failure to computers, but they can range into the even wilder, like natural disasters or a spilled cup of coffee. Here are six reasons why you must have data recovery for your company.

Technology fails. Just in the last year, we’ve seen massive changes in the technology that we use. Many businesses are now virtually paper-free and need to be stored electronically.

People are fallible. Let’s face it, we’re only human. Backing up your information is crucial in order to remedy any accidental mishaps.

Natural disasters. From tornados to wildfires, mother nature has wreaked havoc on company technology systems. It will be an issue if you don’t have a data backup and recovery plan in place after a natural disaster.

Competitive advantage. Businesses around the world have suffered huge losses and reputation damage after losing data.

Theft. Sadly, corporate theft is on the rise. If employees were fired or laid off, 20% said they would be more likely to take data due to the anger they’re experiencing and pass it off to a competitor.

The future is now. An online backup service allows you to and your employees to access your data whenever you like, from wherever you are to work remotely, collaborate, and ensure the integrity of that information.

To learn more about our services, visit us online at www.urcs.net or give us a call at 951.737.8558 today.

Common Keyboard Shortcuts to Know | Prescott, AZ

Do you utilize keyboard shortcuts? There are a few everyday key combinations you can use to boost productivity whether you use a Windows or Mac computer. If you haven’t been using keyboard shortcuts, they will go a long way to making your day more efficient. We find that those in creative spaces get a lot out of these shortcuts, but of course, they are for everyone.

Windows:

Ctrl + Z: Undo

No matter what you have been up to on your computer, Ctrl + Z is a universal lifesaver.

Ctrl + A: Select all

Rather than clicking and dragging your mouse across a paragraph or URL, simply click the general area of text and use Ctrl + A to save you time and finger strain.

Alt + Tab: Toggle

If you are running multiple applications on your screen and need to go back and forth, simply use this shortcut to navigate between them. This will save you time because instead of trying to figure out which application is minimized or open when doing multiple things, this lets you see it all at once.

Ctrl + Esc: Open Start Menu

Older generations of windows computers may not have the windows button that later models feature. To open the start menu to access different applications, Ctrl + Esc is a nifty trick!

Mac:

For Mac users, the command key is the go-to starting point for any shortcuts you may want to make. The trick is to remember which alphabetical keys do what – and try not to mix them up on important projects.

Command + A: Select All

Simply click on the section of text you want to select and use Command + A to highlight the area.

Command + S: Save

This is useful when working on documents in the flow state. We all know saving documents as you go can be a lifesaver for those files that are too important to lose time on re-typing. Just use Command + S as if it were part of the paragraph, and your content will be saved as you go!

To learn more about our services, visit us online at www.urcs.net or give us a call at 951.737.8558 today.

Business Benefits of Monthly IT Maintenance Contracts | Prescott, AZ

By integrating managed information technology (IT) services into your business, you gain peace of mind. Why? Our team will actively monitor your network, servers, and computer operating functions 24/7 to ensure they are up-to-date and working at full capacity. By incorporating preventative services into your business plan, you are expanding the security of your information and longevity of your enterprise.

There are many benefits to utilizing Up and Running Computer Solutions for your IT service needs. A managed services contract can be budgeted into your regular expense account and will allow you to stop worrying about your network, knowing a professional has your back. Preventable issues such as malware infiltration, data loss and corroded computer hardware are all things our team will monitor as part of your contract. 

They are also all issues that have caused business owners to lose their hard-earned clientele sheets, data and financial security. Not to mention these services can be performed on almost any device that’s used for business, such as desktop PCs, laptops, servers and mobile devices. The following list includes the benefits of having managed IT services:

  • 24/7 Monitoring– Many businesses don’t have a way to monitor their network day in and day out. Fortunately, a managed IT provider can monitor your systems 24/7. This type of monitoring is very valuable to companies because the earlier a problem is spotted, the earlier it can be taken care of. With 24/7 monitoring and maintenance, most any problem can be taken care of before it causes any severe downtime.
  • Talk to Professionals- If something unexpected occurs, you can always pick up the phone and dial your managed IT provider for expert advice and/or help concerning the issue.
  • Security enhancement- Having a secure system in place can be crucial to your company. With Managed IT Services, they generally offer contacts where they monitor your Firewall, Anti-virus, and can also apply all of the latest updates and patches to ensure you and your network is secure and that is runs smoothly.
  • Stay on budget- Managed IT Service contracts allowcompanies to stop worrying about their network and allows them to budget your IT expenses with no monthly surprises.
  • Free your time- Having a full service contract allows for one to focus on their business at hand, while the technical side is taken care of by IT experts.

Take the first step on the road to having a more productive, cost-efficient business by contacting Up & Running Computer Solutions in Prescott, AZ at 951-737-8558 today and ask for a FREE consultation of our Managed IT Services. Or visit www.urcs.net for additional information regarding IT Managed Services.

Proudly serving Prescott, Arizona and surrounding areas.

Reasons Your Company Should Prioritize Backup and Recovery | Prescott, AZ

Companies today rely so heavily on online usage, it is important to have a data backup and recovery plan for their most critical data. Why? Because humans make errors, computers crash, and accidents happen at the worst times.

Data loss can happen in many different ways and we shouldn’t live by the idea that we can wing it. The most common causes are an accidental error, employee or competitor theft, or physical failure to computers, but they can range into the even wilder, like natural disasters or a spilled cup of coffee. Here are six reasons why you must have data recovery for your company:

Technology fails. Just in the last year, we’ve seen massive changes in the technology that we use. Many businesses are now virtually paper-free and need to be stored electronically.

People are fallible. Let’s face it, we’re only human. Backing up your information is crucial in order to remedy any accidental mishaps.

Natural disasters. From tornados to wildfires, mother nature has wreaked havoc on company technology systems. It will be an issue if you don’t have a data backup and recovery plan in place after a natural disaster.

Competitive advantage. Businesses around the world have suffered huge losses and reputation damage after losing data.

Theft. Sadly, corporate theft is on the rise. If employees were fired or laid off, 20% said they would be more likely to take data due to the anger they’re experiencing and pass it off to a competitor.

The future is now. An online backup service allows you to and your employees to access your data whenever you like, from wherever you are to work remotely, collaborate, and ensure the integrity of that information.

Call Up & Running Computer Solutions in Prescott, AZ for help with your computer issues at 951-737-8558. Learn more at our website at www.urcs.net.

Up & Running Computer Solutions proudly serves Prescott and all surrounding areas.