Tag: Computer Maintenance

How To Tell If Your Hard Drive is Going Bad | Prescott, AZ

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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

            Strange 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 Operating Speed. 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.

            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. If its 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. We will evaluate the problem, run diagnostics and fix the gaps in your operating system, ensuring your data and operating system are secure.

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.

The Importance of Regular Server Maintenance | Prescott, AZ

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While regular computer maintenance may feel like a chore, or direct financial loss during down time, it could save your business from total loss. Investing in the health of your operating system through consistent updates and software monitoring is arguably one of the best things you can do for your company.

There are plenty of benefits of regular maintenance. We feel these advantages far outweigh any associated financial cost. In fact, failure to maintain an organized, clean, and functioning operating system could lead to total loss of your files.

Some advantages to maintaining the health of your computer are

  • Improved Security
    • The main reason servers need to be regularly monitored is so patches in your security can be applied to failing software. When this is done frequently, it reduces the potential for security risks.
  • Better Performance
    • No matter how efficient your software is, there is always room for improvement. Over time, adjustments help eliminate bottlenecks that can occur when technology has advanced beyond your system.
  • New and Enhanced Features
    • Being proactive about software maintenance is vital to the efficiency of your system. This allows you to steer clear from bugs and continually updating applications.
  • Less Downtime, Better Efficiency
    • During the time your system is down for cleaning, it’s a good opportunity to check for backups, and adjust the server resource allocation. Doing so keeps your servers fresh and helps ensure your server is running efficiently.

Routine server maintenance very well could save your business one day, so if you haven’t already, it may be time to consider adding it to your routine.

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!

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!

Computer Monitoring and Maintenance | Corona, CA

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Your business matters as much as the way it continues to operate. A large portion of that operation today is through various on and offline services. While we might not be able to have an on-call IT guy, or monitor it ourselves, monitoring computer activity and maintenance is an important precaution against viruses that can implode your business.

When you hire an IT specialist to monitor and maintain your computer operations, that does not mean this person is tapping into your affairs online. What it entails tends to be the diagnosis of any current malware, installation of a malware monitoring system and regular check-ins to ensure operations continue to run smoothly.

If you feel your computer is running at less-than-optimal performance, it may be due to malware hidden in the depths of your server. Call the professionals at Up and Running Computer Services today to learn about maintenance packages today!

Network Administration | Corona, CA

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When you hire a network administrator, he or she will solve any issues that may arise within the scope of your computer network. Typically, this falls into the scope of installing, configuring and monitoring computer and system functionality to ensure and/or improve the performance of your operating system. These individuals are paramount in ensuring your business activities, on a technological level, are getting done. If your business operations have expanded, it may be time to discuss with this individual how to increase storage capacity. Maybe you have detected a decrease in operating efficiency or noticed a spark emit from the server; these are all indications that your computer’s operating system has been impaired, and your business information is at risk.

Without the full operational capacity of your computer, expanding your business will grind to a halt and at that point, due to several factors, it could be too late. At Up and Running Computer Solutions, we are dedicated the continual maintenance and improvement of your network so you can be dedicated to expanding it.

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

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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.

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.

Don’t Let It Be the Death of You | Prescott, AZ

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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. And you were in the proverbial zone that saving your work hadn’t happened for quite a while. Oh no! 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. Apropos, isn’t it?

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. Seriously! The color blue has shown to have a calming effect on people, so the blue screen is used to prevent you from freaking out.

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. Calming your nerves yet?

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, call a computer technician for help.

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 Prescott Valley 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.

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.