Beware of Ransomware! | Computer Repair | Corona, CA

Computer owners beware! There is a new Ransomware computer virus going around. Ransomware is malicious software that gets installed on your computer and criminals can lock it from another location. You will get a pop up window warning that looks like it’s from an official authority. They say something about your computer being locked because of illegal activity and demand payment before you can access your computer again. Computer repair will then be needed.

The newest ransomware has a pop up with the FBI logo, warning you that you are guilty of illegal music downloads or some other illegal internet activity. Then your computer locks up. The message tells you to pay a fine or you will be arrested. It states that if you pay the fine your computer will be unlocked. This is a scam. Do not give money, credit card information or personal information to anyone asking for it on your computer and seek a computer repair technician immediately.

Antivirus companies are constantly working to keep up with the newest viruses to prevent this from happening. However, computer criminals are always finding new ways to get around antivirus software security. Be sure to keep all your antivirus software up to date.

If you happen to get a ransomware virus and are in need of computer repair or need antivirus software installed contact Up and Running Computer Solutions for help at 951-737-8558. Visit our website at www.urcs.net.

Proudly serving Corona, Irvine, Riverside, Anaheim, Newport Beach, Tustin and all surrounding areas.

Top 5 Reasons Networking Can Help Your Business | Corona, CA

Networks are extremely useful in a business setting to increase productivity, efficiency and capabilities of users. Networking gives computers and users the gift of being connected together. Up and Running Computer Solutions, Inc. recommends that all businesses have a computer network. Here are the top 5 reasons why:

  1. Increased Connectivity:  Networks can connect an unlimited number of computers, thus connecting the people using those computers.
  2. Share Hardware:  Networking helps users to share hardware devices throughout the office. Devices such as printers, copiers, etc. This cuts the cost of having say a printer at every workstation.
  3. Easy Data Management:  Networking all company data in one place makes it easy for the administrator to manage it efficiently. Networking offers the benefit of centralizing data from all the user systems to one system where management of the data can be done efficiently and it can be managed in an easy and improved way.
  4. Data Sharing:  Networking provides all data in a centralized location that can be easily accessed by all employees. The sharing of data through a network saves time allowing your employees to get more work done in a day. Permissions and restrictions can be set so certain employees can only access certain files.
  5. Internet:  Networks offer internet service for the whole network. Every computer on the network will receive high speed internet, can experience the high speed internet. Quick processing and delivery of work load.

It’s time to step out of the dark ages of technology and step into the future of networking. For a free quote to have a network installed in your office contact Up and Running Computer Solutions, Inc. in Corona, CA at 951-737-8558. Visit our website at www.urcs.net.

Serving Corona, Riverside, Anaheim, Irvine, Newport Beach, Tustin and more!

Does My Computer Have a Virus? | Computer Repair | Riverside, CA

Do you know if your computer has a virus? If your anti-virus software is out of date or a virus managed to slip by, you very well could have one and not even know it. There are signs to look for that could give you a warning signal that your computer does in fact have a virus and is in need of computer repair.

Here are some signs you have a virus and need computer repair:

  • Compute has become erraticViruses and malware infects important files that help your computer run correctly. If these files become infected your computer could crash. If a crash occurs you will get a message that there is corrupted data.
  • Computer is slow – Viruses deplete your computers processor.
  • Inability to use drives or files – When trying to open certain drives you get an error message, files won’t open, and applications won’t run.
  • Constantly changing file sizes – your file sizes will change up and down even if you haven’t accessed them.

If you think you are a victim of a computer virus or malware call Up & Running Computer Solutions so we can remove the virus before important data on your computer is lost. We specialize in computer repair and can remove your virus and get your computer set up with the latest anti-virus software. Call 951-737-8558. Visit our website at www.urcs.net.

Serving Corona, Riverside, Irvine, Anaheim, Newport Beach, Tustin and more!

Managed IT Services Help Your Business Run Smoothly | Irvine, CA

When running a successful business, your computer system is a vital part of that business. Computers are essential in business. And when your computers are down, your business shuts down and you’re not making money. This is why managed IT services are becoming so popular.

Some of the benefits are:

Reduced costs – Managed IT services will take care of your computers with no need for an in house IT department which can be very costly. By hiring an IT company you will only pay for the IT support you need when you need it.

Productivity – Trying to solve complex IT problems yourself takes away from the important business you should be attending to. A professional IT company can solve the problem in a more efficient time period.

Flexibility – You get to customize your managed IT services plan to best suit your business’ needs.

Our Managed IT Services program is designed to give you the ultimate in service and reliability while keeping your costs under control. By monitoring your systems 24/7/365, installing necessary updates, performing routine maintenance, and proactively resolving potential problems from our offices, we can keep your network running at its’ peak for less than the old “break/fix” model of IT services. A managed services contract allows you to quit worrying about your network and also allows you to budget your IT expenses with no costly surprises. This allows us to concentrate on finding ways to leverage your technology investment to make your business run more smoothly and profitably.

Give URCS a call today at 951-737-8558 to see how we can help you and your business with your IT needs. Visit our website at www.urcs.net

Serving Corona, Irvine, Riverside, Anaheim, Newport Beach, Tustin and more!

Backing Up Your Computers Can Save Your Business | IT Services | Irvine, CA

If you own a business and have important company files and data on your computers you should have a back system in place. Losing important company data could be devastating to your business. Here at Up & Running Computer Solutions, Inc. we always recommend to all of our IT Services clients to back up their data. Here’s why:

Data could be lost if:

  • You have a virus on your computer
  • Your hard drive fails
  • Your computer is lost or stolen
  • Your computer is in a fire or flood

We suggest having a daily back up in place for all your computers.  Not sure of how to back up your computers? We can help. Up & Running Computer Solutions, Inc. can help you put a backup system in place for your business. We are a premier Computer Consulting and It Services company. After installation we can help with any problems you experience with your back up or any other computers or network problems you may have. Call us today to find out what we can do for your business! 951-737-8558. Visit our website at www.urcs.net.

Serving Corona, Anaheim, Riverside, Irvine, Tustin, Newport Beach and more!

What is the Blue Screen of Death? | Computer Repair | Corona, CA

Ever been working on your computer and it suddenly freezes and goes to a blue screen with a list of computer instructions and information? This is called the Blue Screen of Death. This occurs when Windows crashes or locks.

The reason for this Windows screen is to tell you the reason for the error and to calm you down. The color blue has shown to have a calming effect on people so the blue screen is used as to not freak you out.  When reading the BSOD, the error you experienced will be in all capital letters at the top.  It will help you or an computer repair technician find the information you need to fix the problem. Also, Windows will take anything its 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, call Up & Running Computer Solutions, Inc. Our knowledgeable computer repair technicians can figure out why your computer crashed and will fix it to perfect working order.

Call today at 951-737-8558 or visit the website at www.urcs.net.

Serving Corona, Irvine, Riverside, Anaheim, Newport Beach, Tustin and most of southern California!

Is your Hard Drive going bad? | Computer Repair | Corona, CA

Has your computer started making funny noises? It could be your hard drive going bad. Your hard drive is where all of your information is stored. There are many reasons why a hard drive stops working. Usually they crash because of a virus, mechanical failure or electrical surge.

A hard drive failure could happen at any time without warning, so making sure your hard drive is backed up is very important. Without a backup you could lose important, valuable data that cannot be retrieved.

There are times when you hard drive can give you a warning. 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 you think your hard drive might be going bad, call Up & Running Computer Solutions, Inc. in Corona, CA and we can run a diagnostic test and let you know if you need a new hard drive. In addition to testing your hard drive, we can order you a new one and install it for you! Call today at 951-356-4035.

We also serve Irvine, Riverside, Newport Beach, Anaheim, Tustin and more.

Does my business need Computer Networking? | Corona, CA

 

Having a computer network set up at your business only benefits the business and employee productivity. Networking is about sharing. With a computer network you can share information, resources, applications, emails and office documents.

A large hard drive is set up on a central server computer where a common storage area is used to store files that can be shared throughout the office. Individual files can be worked on between several employees without having more than one document created. All users can share the one document and have access to it when they need it.

Printers, scanner and other external devices can be used by all employees. No more need to have a printer on every employee’s desk. This saves you money. With the money you save not having multiple printers, etc. you can invest in one piece of high quality equipment.

Also, different applications can be used by all employees. For example, accounting software, data entry software, etc. can be seen and used by the whole company. Don’t want all employees to have access to all programs? Not a problem. Permissions can be given for only those employees chosen to access those programs.

Thinking about setting up a network at your office but don’t know where to start? Call us at Up & Running Computer Solutions, Inc. at 951-737-8558. Visit our website at www.urcs.net.

Don’t be fooled by Anti-Virus Pop Ups | Computer Repair | Corona, CA

 

Do you get pop ups on your computer saying your anti-virus software is out of date or your computer is infected, but you don’t remember having that anti-virus program? That’s because you don’t. These are rogue anti-virus programs.

The anti-virus programs pretend to be legitimate programs, but end up locking your computer making it appear you have a virus. They will say that your computer has viruses and you will need to activate the program in order to resume use of your computer. To activate the program they require a credit card. This is a scam. Never give out your credit card information.

These anti-virus programs are designed to scare you into buying their product or your computer will not work. But, don’t worry, they can be removed and your computer will be fine.  Call us at Up & Running Computer Solutions, Inc.  and we will help you get that rogue anti-virus program removed.

For any computer repairs or orders you may need, call 951-737-8558. Visit our website at www.urcs.net.

Also servicing, Corona, Riverside, Anaheim, and Irvine .

Help! My Computer is so Slow! | Computer Repair | Corona, CA

Is your computer running slow? Can you go to lunch and be back before its done booting up? This could be caused by several different reasons. Things such as not enough hard drive space to missing windows updates. It could be as simple as your computer needing to be rebooted. Let’s take a look as some of the potential problems and possible solutions.

  • Not enough space on the hard drive: You should have at least 200-500MB of hard drive space left.  If you have below that amount you will need to delete temporary files and used files or programs to free up some hard drive space.
  • Corrupted Hard Drive: Run a ScanDisk to ensure there is nothing physically wrong with the hard drive.
  • Scan for viruses: Use a virus scanner such as Malwarebytes to scan your computer for spyware or malware.
  • Background programs: Disable all programs that automatically start when you boot your computer.
  • Windows Updates: Make sure you have installed all the latest Windows updates and all browser plugins.
  • Overheating: Dust and dirt restricts air flow through the computer. Without proper air flow your computer can overheat. Make sure there are no obstructions around your computer and that all fans are working properly.
  • Not Enough Memory: If you have an older computer the memory might not meet the standard requirements needed today. Adding more memory will fix this problem.

If you have addressed all the above possibilities and your computer is still running slow, your computer may be out of date and you may simply need a new computer.

If you’re not sure how to complete these tasks we can help! Call Up & Running Computer Solutions Inc. in Corona, CA for your entire computer needs at 951-737-8558. We service all large and small business, PC’s, server installs and much more! Visit our website www.urcs.net.