Category: Computer Cleaning

Is Your Computer Running at its Optimal Speed? | Prescott, AZ

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We know that a buildup of files on our computer will start to deteriorate the efficiency at which it operates. But did you know that physical buildup within your computer may also impact its performance?

Consider the consequences of operating your business with a computer system that has not been maintained since their inception. What might the software that stores your vital business information look like after five, ten or twenty-five years without maintenance? Probably dingy, and on the verge of a crash.

While most people do well to maintain a balanced file system, very few physically clean their operating systems. While you can get away with this for a while, it will inevitably lead to a crash and potentially numerous consequences that could have your business recovering for months.

Here are some best practices to maintain a healthy computer system

  • Physically clean your computer and operating system
    • Every so often, it’s a good idea to wipe down your computer screen and internal components. It prevents buildup over time and will help keep your computer functioning like new.
    • We recommend shutting the computer down, and cleaning the keyboard, desktop, and internal components. Don’t forget to wipe down your mouse and perimeter of the screen or laptop.
  • Manage your file load
    • Regularly deleting junk, duplicate files and out-of-service programs is very important for the efficiency of your operating system. Reorganizing files and folders and recognizing potentially malicious files are also ways you can maintain the health of your computer.

If you are weary about cleaning out or cleaning up your computer, be sure to seek the advice and aid of an IT professional. Once your computer is clean inside and out, your system will enjoy seamless, quiet performance.

If you would like to consult or hire the professionals to get the job done, call the professionals at Up and Running Computer Solutions at 951.737.8558 or visit us online at www.urcs.net today!

Online Shopping in a COVID-19 World | Corona, CA

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Online Security Protection Internet Safety

Let’s face it – 2020 has been a wild year and on that has us relying on the internet to take care of our families. Whether we are working from home or ordering groceries, being online is a way of life. And this is why it is more important than ever for us to protect ourselves from online hackers and identity theft. Make sure that you have all your security measures in place. The holiday season is a time where cybercriminals are still very much at large, so let’s start this new year safer than ever. The following tips are recommended while you’re doing your shopping online:

An amazing deal. One common tactic that cybercriminals like to use is using very low prices on popular items to lure potential victims in.

Credit over debit. Use your credit card instead of your debit card because if your credit is used for something that you didn’t purchase, it’s easier to resolve issues with your credit card company than with your bank.

Stay alert. Take advantage of your credit card alert features. These instant alerts can alert you when there’s abnormal activity so you can get issues resolved immediately.

Safe apps. For safe online shopping through apps, you must make sure they are downloaded from a trusted source, like the Apple store or Android market. Be sure to read through the various permissions the app is asking you to grant.

Update security features. Keep your cyber information safe by ensuring that all of your security software is updated. Once an update is available, cybercriminals have all the information they need to attack your device.

Call Up & Running Computer Solutions in Corona, CA 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 Corona and all surrounding areas.

When It’s time to Call an Expert | Corona, CA

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computer repair service

Whether you use your computer for work or just pleasure, when something goes awry, it tends to cause a bit of panic, especially when you aren’t a computer expert. But when is the time to ask for help? For many of us, we are always unsure. But it is important to know that it’s okay not to know what is happening when your computer is on the fritz. So, if you find that your computer is acting funny, keep these tips in mind:

Little problems nearly always become big problems. There are several key things that a casual computer user does on a daily basis that can result in a massive problem down the road.

  • Overuse of cleaning programs and efficiency scanners
  • Refusal to acknowledge error messages
  • Failure to clean out old programs and files
  • Not getting routine maintenance

When you don’t correct these problems immediately, they get worse. Proper care of a computer and routine check ins with an expert are both important to proper health and your wallet.

Be able to relay what’s going on. Proper communication can mean you get your device back faster than if they have to guess what is wrong. Sometimes the simplest act of giving them a call, and describing what is wrong, can ease your mind about what is happening.

Everything expires. Even with steady replacement of bad parts, good care, and a proper use of a computer it will eventually die. Learning how to judge when enough replacing is enough is an art as much as it is a science.

Call Up & Running Computer Solutions in Corona, CA 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 Corona and all surrounding areas.

Slowing Down the System | Corona, CA

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computer consulting

Technology has sped up all of our lives in many aspects. That’s why it is somewhat alarming when our PCs begin to slow down. A slow running PC can start occurring after years of having it, or in some cases it occurs after only having your PC for a few months. It could be caused by bugs in the operating system, failing hardware, or even static electricity from carpet. Before taking your computer in for repair or buying a new PC all together, try out these quick fixes:

Unused programs. When buying a new computer, it usually comes with programs pre-installed and over time your computer compiles more programs. Delete these programs.

Temporary files. When you use the internet all of your browsing history remains deep in your computer, and the same goes for when you install something. Get rid of clutter to free up space on your system.

Hard drive storage. If you have too much on your hard drive, it will affect the speed of your computer. Recording media or video is likely to cause your hard drive to become full.

Unnecessary start-ups. Every time you start up your PC, there are some programs that automatically start to run in the background. Every application that is running will use your PCs memory and slow it down. You can stop this.

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. Use a vacuum on a low setting to gently clean out the insides. Make sure your computer is disconnected from all mains.

Call Up & Running Computer Solutions in Corona, CA 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 Corona and all surrounding areas.

Keep Your Hard Drive Safe | Corona, CA

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The world is full of online security products, because you can never be too safe. It seems there is always another virus or hacker trying to steal someone’s identity or private information. So, we have all of these ways to back up our information. The cloud is secure but can be hacked. It is important that you have a physical hard drive that can keep everything together, in case something happens to your information or internet storage.

Your hard drive is where all of the information on your computer is stored. But like everything, it will begin to develop natural wear and tear, and over time they will start fail. A failure could happen at any time, and without warning. Because of this making sure your hard drive is backed up is also very important.

As your hard drive begins to age, it will begin to show these common signs. If you keep them in mind, you won’t be surprised if it happens to die on you at a moment’s notice.

  • If Windows is always telling you that it needs to check the consistency of your hard drive, it could be trying to tell you your hard drive is about ready to fail.
  • If your computer begins to make strange sounds you don’t typically recognize.
  • Files you use are beginning to suddenly have unexplained errors.
  • A computer begins to slow down doing regular tasks will eventually lead to a complete freeze or crash.

If your computer begins to give you trouble, there’s no need to panic. Make sure that you have everything backed up as much as possible and you won’t become overwhelmed by computer issues.

Call Up & Running Computer Solutions in Corona, CA 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 Corona and all surrounding areas.

Staying Virus-Free | Corona, CA

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Now that we have been quarantined to our homes, we are using the internet more than ever in order to keep ourselves entertained. Coronavirus has taken over our lives, but there is one more virus we need to keep in mind – the computer virus. Because we are going to be using the internet for things like searching for information, work, shopping, schoolwork and even banking, it is important that we prevent our computers vulnerable to hackers with the personal information held in there. Here are a few tips to lower your risk of contracting a virus:

Anti-virus software. Having an anti-virus program installed is a great benefit for your computer. The ant-virus programs scan for viruses that try to get into your emails, operating system or files. Make sure your anti-virus is set to update automatically for the most protection.

Install a firewall. Firewalls can help alert you of any suspicious activity, while also blocking viruses, hackers or worms from attempting to download malicious programs onto your computer. Some systems have a built-in firewall but are usually shipped in “off” mode, so be sure to turn your firewall on. Make sure to keep your firewall updated regularly.

Pop-up blocker. Avoid clicking on pop-up ads by using a pop-up blocker. Most pop-ups are created by advertisers, but they may contain a harmful or unsafe code.

Use spam filters. Emails can contain computer viruses, so before opening an email, make sure you’re receiving it from a known address or sender.

Strong passwords. Make sure to choose a strong password to protect yourself for potential hackers. Don’t choose something simple as your password; some hackers have a program that can try every single word in the dictionary.

Call Up & Running Computer Solutions in Corona, CA 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 Corona and all surrounding areas.

Keep It Clean, Folks | Corona, CA

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To say that we need some form of computer to survive these days is almost an absolute truth. Between smartphones, tablets, laptops and PCs, it seems we all have at least one of these products. And not having them easily accessible and running correctly is imperative. Now that we are all on high alert about germs and infections, how often are you cleaning your electronic equipment?

One of the telltale signs that will tell you that it’s time to give your computer some TLC is that it begins to run a lot slower. If it begins to run a lot slower, chances are high that anything can cause a crash. Could you imagine losing everything on your computer because you neglected some simple cleaning tips? Here are some simple tips to keeping your computer equipment clean and running smoothly:

Outer beauty. Let’s face it – we are kind of gross when it comes to our computer stuff. We eat around them and rarely dust our keyboard, mouse, etc. Cleaning your PC’s exterior will improve your computer’s performance. Here’s how: Start by turning the power off. Clean your keyboard using compressed air and a safe cleaning solution. Wipe down your mouse. Then proceed to use the compressed air to clean your actual computer.

And now for the inside… Now that we’ve a spic-and-span exterior, it’s time to clean out the junk we’ve compiled. Here’s how: Start by deleting junk, duplicate files and programs that you no longer use, then reorganize your files, folders and desktop. Lastly, check your PC for adware, viruses and other malicious software that’s slowing your system down.

Call Up & Running Computer Solutions in Corona, CA 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 Corona and all surrounding areas.

Super SloMo: How to Fix It | Corona, CA

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In a day and age where waiting is an annoyance we are unwilling to deal with, having computer issues are a headache we have zero time for. 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-running machine, it almost feels like a reason to panic.

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 out these quick fixes to see it they can get your computer running a bit faster again:

Uninstall unused programs. When buying a new computer, programs that have been pre-installed. Uninstall any programs you don’t use.

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 issues at 951-737-8558. Learn more at our website at www.urcs.net.

Up & Running Computer Solutions proudly serve Corona and all surrounding areas.

Scrub-a-DubDub: Time to Clean Your Laptop | Corona, CA

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computer consulting

We use our laptops constantly because they move along with us through our daily life and the convenience factor is tremendous. But have you noticed that your laptop has begun to feel dirty? Perhaps some keys stick a bit more than before. If this is the case, it may be time to give your laptop a bit of a spring cleaning in summer. Every computer needs to be cleaned, but because laptops are so convenient, laptops require a cleaning more frequently. And since we talked about cleaning our computer towers last month, let’s get to cleaning our laptops with these simple steps:

Before you start, make sure to power down your laptop and unplug it from the wall. If your laptop has a battery, make sure to remove that as well. The first area you should start cleaning is the lid and bottom of the laptop. Mix a couple drops of dishwasher detergent with warm water and wipe the surfaces down with a lint-free cloth. Rinse your cloth with clean water and wipe down again before taking a dry cloth to dry.

Next comes the keyboard. NOTE: Be sure not to let any liquid (of any kind) drip down into the keyboard. Take your compressed can of air to remove any dust or crumbs in the crevices of the keyboard. Next, use the isopropyl rubbing alcohol to wipe down your keyboard and remove any residue.

Lastly, the vents. If your laptop has large side vents, you’ll most likely find some dust bunnies there. Use your compressed can of air to blow the dust out of the vents. By getting rid of excess dust and debris it will not only make your laptop look much better, but it will run better too.

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

Up & Running Computer Solutions proudly serve Corona and all surrounding areas.

Computer Maintenance: Keepin’ It Clean | Corona, CA

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As we all know, in order to keep our machines running in top condition, they need to be maintained. But do you actually follow those guidelines when it comes to your computer equipment? Believe it or not, you should be cleaning your computer at least every three to six months to prevent dust build-up. Dust build-up is one of the key factors that cause a computer to overheat, so make sure to keep up on your computer cleanings. Not sure where to begin? Here are some guidelines to giving your computer some necessary TLC:

  • Here are the tools you will need: a soft brush, a can of compressed air, electronic safe wipes, a vacuum and a screwdriver if you need to remove the computer tower’s panel.
  • Make sure to shut down your computer, unplug any cords and let it cool down before you start cleaning.
  • Start by wiping down the outside of your computer tower with the electronic safe wipe, then carefully vacuuming out the tower’s vents.
  • Next, remove the panel from the computer tower and start by cautiously vacuuming the inside, be very careful not to touch any of the computer’s components.
  • Once vacuumed, take a soft brush and brush away the remaining dust. For extra dusty areas, use compressed air to help loosen the debris.
  • Finally, replace the computer panel and plug back in your cables.

That wasn’t so bad, was it? By taking the time to maintain your computer tower, you are ensuring that your equipment will be running at peak performance, so there are many benefits that come from cleaning your computer regularly.

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

Up & Running Computer Solutions proudly serve Corona and all surrounding areas.