Tag: Corona CA

A Few Simple Steps to Clean Computer Towers | Corona, CA

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Just like cars, boats and homes, your computer tower too needs a good deep cleaning every now and then. According to sources, your computer tower should be cleaned at least three to six months to prevent dust build, which can cause your computer tower to overheat. By eliminating debris and dust buildup will increase your computers overall performance and will keep it preforming smoothly. We here at Up and Running Computer Solutions have complied a list of a few simple steps you can take to clean your computer tower, which include the following:

1.       Gather up a soft brush, can of compressed air, electronic safe wipes, a vacuum and a screw driver to remove the computer towers panel.

2.       Be sure to shut down your computer, unplug cords from any outlets, and let the computer cool down before you start cleaning it.

3.       Begin by wiping down the outside of your computer tower with the electronic safe wipe you collected, then proceed by gently and carefully vacuuming out the computer towers vents.

4.       Next, remove the panel from your computer tower and cautiously vacuum the inside of the towner, be extremely careful not to touch any of the computers components.

5.       Now that you’ve vacuumed the loose debris and dust, take the soft brush and brush away of the remaining debris and/or dust. For the extra dusty areas you can use the can of compressed to help loosen the debris.

6.       Finally, replace your computers panel and plug back in the cables. Now your computer tower should be all cleaned up and ready to go!

There are many advantages that stem from cleaning your computer tower on a regular basis. Debris and dust buildup is one of the main factors that cause a computer to overheat, so don’t but your computer tower cleaning on the back burner.

If you suspect your computer may be damaged from excessive debris and dust buildup, contact Up & Running Computer Solutions in Corona, CA at 951-737-8558 to get your computer back up and running in great condition. For additional information regarding the sevcies we offer visit our website at www.urcs.net.

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

Is Your Computer Protected? | Corona, CA

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Several people spend a good amount of time on their computers by going online for certain tasks or entertainment. Some of the things society use their computers for are searching for information, work, shopping, school work, social media, even banking. Doing such things may leave your computer vulnerable to hackers. Hackers are typically after personal information stored in your computer. Thankfully, keeping your computer protected from viruses and Trojans can be quiet easy, however, you must be on top of your computer’s security. The following includes a few tips on how you can reduce your risk of your computer contracting a virus or Trojan:

Use Anti-Virus Software. Installing an anti-virus program is a great benefit for your computer’s protection. An ant-virus program scans for viruses that attempt to get into your emails, operating system or files. Be sure the anti-virus is set to update automatically.

Install a Firewall. Firewalls are able help alert any suspicious activity on your computer, while also blocking viruses, hackers or worms from attempting to download malicious programs onto your computer. Some computers have a built-in firewall, however, they’re typically shipped in “off” mode, so be sure to turn the firewall on. Also, be sure to update your firewall on a regular basis.

Use a Pop-up Blocker- Avoid clicking on any pop-up ads by using a pop-up blocker. Many pop-ups are created by advertisers, but some may contain a harmful or unsafe programs that can damage your computer.

Do Not Open Unknown Emails- Emails can contain computer viruses so before opening an email, make sure you’re receiving it from a known address or sender.

Use a Strong Password- Be sure that you choose a strong password to protect yourself from potential hackers. Don’t choose something simple for your password; many hackers have a program that can try every single word in the dictionary in attempts to get into your system.

If you think your computer many have a virus, contact Up & Running Computer Solutions in Corona, CA at 951-737-8558 today. We can repair your computer and get you back up and running! To learn more about our company or to put in a service request visit our website at www.urcs.net.

Four Simple Computer Maintenance Tips

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Do you know the number one reason people replace their computers? It’s because their current computer is too slow or suffers from poor performance.

If you have noticed a decline in your computer’s performance, and have been using it for the same amount of time and for the same tasks that you did when it was purchased, there are some simple and free things you can try before going out and buying a new one. The following four steps will help keep your computer in tip-top shape:

  • Uninstall programs that you don’t use. Over time, we tend to accumulate several programs, and chances are you haven’t used some in a while. If there is a program that you haven’t used in the last six months, consider uninstalling it to free up some space. This may allow your computer to run the more important programs more sufficiently.
  • Delete temporary and unnecessary files. Every time you visit a website online, your computer stores information, so the next time you visit the site it will load faster. Of course this a great principle, however, temporary files can add up over time and may eventually slow the load time of your applications.
  • Delete all but most recent system restore. You can free up more space on your computer by removing all but the most recent restore point. As a standard function for Windows takes snapshots of your computer’s contents at regular intervals. The process can take up to a half an hour or so if it’s been some time since your last cleanup.
  • Scan for viruses, spyware, etc. After your computer is all cleaned out, use your security software to do a sweep for viruses, worms, and spyware that can potentially damage your computer and compromise your privacy. This step shouldn’t take too long if you’ve already deleted unnecessary files and programs.

If the steps listed above don’t improve your computers overall performance, there may be an underlying problem that is causing the poor performance. If the latter is the case, consider consulting a company that offers computer repair.

If your computer is suffering from poor performance, contact Up and Running Computer Solutions in Corona, CA 951-737-8558 today. Or visit www.urcs.net for information regarding the services we offer.

Up and Running Computer Solutions proudly serves Corona, Riverside, Anaheim, Irvine, Newport Beach, Tustin and all surrounding areas.

5 Reasons Your Computer May Be Running Slowly

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I’m sure you’ve experienced how frustrating it can be to use a slow computer. I know I have. Of course, the first thing I want to do when my computer is acting “sluggish” is to yank my hair out or toss my computer in the garbage. However, before you take any of those drastic actions I mentioned, you may want to try take a step back and see if it’s something simple that’s causing your computer to run slowly. I’ve compiled a list of possible reasons your computer may be running slowly, which include the following:

  • You have too many programs running at the same time. It’s very common for people to download apps, utilities and other programs that run in the background. If too many programs are running, your computer becomes “less focused” to other things you are having it do. Avoid downloading web browser help, more than one anti-malware program, or apps that claim to speed your computer up, as each one of them will slow your computer down.
  • You don’t have enough free RAM. One of the key factors to fast running computer is free space. Random access memory, commonly referred to as RAM, is what your computer uses for thinking space and temporary working. The more free space your computer has, the faster it will run. Make sure to clean up any old or unwanted files to help improve your computers speed.
  • Your computer has a virus/malware. Both internet slowness and slow computer operation can be signs that your computer may be infected. You can use an anti-virus and anti-spyware application to see if your computer is infected.
  • You haven’t shut your computer down in a while. It’s a good idea to shut your computer down once in a while. Computers cannot complete some of its updates until you restart it. You can also free up memory resources that are linked up with buggy programs by restating your computer.
  • You share a wireless network. For instance, if your internet speed is lagging but your computer is running fast, you may have a good amount of activity on your wireless network. Be sure to check if anyone else on your network is using a lot of bandwidth, such as playing an online game or streaming videos, as this can make your computer run slow. Be sure that your wireless network is secure by creating a password. If it’s not, anyone can use it.

Computers can be difficult to work on, especially if you don’t know what in the world you’re dealing with in the first place. If you have a slow computer that needs some working on, contact Up & Running Computer Solutions in Corona, CA at 951-737-8558 or visit our website at www.urcs.net for additional information.

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

Three Common Computer Problems

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headache over computer problems

We here at Up & Running Computer Solutions resolve several technical support calls and emails ranging from simple to advanced computer problems. Computer problems can be such a headache and can even leave you feeling like your about to toss your computer out. The following list are three common computer problems

  • Malicious Software

This sort of problem includes viruses, adware, spyware, worms, trojan horses and any other type of software that is designed to cause mischief with you or your computer.

You can get malware anytime you’re browsing the internet, downloading an email attachment, accessing a different computer through a network, or when you’re plugging in a flash drive that was previously plugged into an infected computer.

  • Slow Computer

Computers are essentially like a new home or car; if you don’t take proper care of them, you’re going to have problems. In order to keep your computer running smoothly, it’s very important to make good use of your computer resources.

Every computer has a limited amount of storage space, ram memory and processing speed. So the more programs, documents, music, videos, pictures and tool bars you have, the slower your computer will run. Computer can also become slower is the have been infected with a virus.

  • Hard Drive Failure

If you’ve been hearing your computer make loud noises it’s never made before, be scared because those noises could be coming from your hard drive. The hard drive is where everything is stored, and hearing a clicking noise when you access data is one of the first signs of hard drive failure.

Hard drives can stop working for a myriad of reasons, but they typically crash due to mechanical failure, a violet shake, electrical surge, or even viruses.

If you’re having any computer problems and looking for technical support, don’t wait till the last minute to ask for help. Be sure to contact Up & Running Computer Solutions in Corona, CA at 951-737-8558 for professional assistance today.

Up & Running Computer Solutions serves Corona, Riverside, Anaheim, Irvine, Newport Beach, Tustin and all surrounding areas.

Safer Internet Day: 5 Tips to Stay Safe on the Internet

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In our digitally connected world, what can you do to keep yourself and your family safe online? Well today is Safer Internet Day and we here at Up and Running computer Solution would like to help educate and inspire you to better protect yourself and your family online. This years the slogan for Safe Internet Day is “Play your part for a better internet”, so we’ve round up a few tips on how you can play your part in creating a better internet:

  • Update your applications regularly- By keeping the applications and other critical software on your computer updated it enables your system with the latest security fixes, while also protecting it from viruses and other malicious software.
  • Be cautious where you click- I’m sure you’ve seen an interesting topic or video that’s captured you’re attention while browsing a webpage, making you instantly curious to know more about it. Well with one click, this tricky little link could direct you to malicious site where you could share your personal and financial information. Some cyber hackers even hack into emails and send malicious emails to the contacts of the hacked account. Make sure to never open on an attachment from an unknown or “fishy email”.
  • Don’t use the same password- A cybercriminal can figure out a pattern if you’re using the same or a slightly different password for different types of accounts. Most websites suggest that you use a password with a punctuation mark, an upper case letter, a lower case letter, and a number because it makes it much hard for a cybercriminal to hack.
  • Protect your personal info- You should be extremely cautious who you give your personal information to. Don’t give out your social security number or any other sensitive information unless you’re positive who’s receiving it.
  • Keep your children safe online- Start by educating your children about the internet and mold rules around each child’s age. You must also make sure to monitor and pay attention to what your children are doing online.

The tips that have been listed above may seem like common sense, but many times they are over looked, leaving your doors wide open for cybercriminals. Keep yourself and your family safe by exercising caution when browsing the World Wide Web.

Make sure to have a productive Safer Internet Day, contact Up & Running Computer Solutions in Corona, CA at 951-737-8558 to get your computer protected today. Visit our website at www.urcs.net for information regarding the services we offer.

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

National Clean Out Your Computer Day

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Is your computer running a bit slower than usual? Have you been putting off cleaning out your files stored on your desktop? Well, since its National Clean Out Your Computer Day today, you should take some time out from busy day and dedicate it to your computer. Imagine what you would do if your computer unexpectedly crashed, permanently deleting all you had stored in it. Before your computer has time to take an unexpected turn for the worse, do yourself a favor and start by cleaning it out today. The following list includes a list of the best practices to keep your computer up and running:

  • Clean Your PC- Cleaning your PC’s exterior will not only get rid of food particles, dust and hair that have settled in your key board, fan, mouse and the rest of its components; it will also allow your computers performance. So start by turning the power off. Clean your key board with compressed air and a safe cleaning solution. Wipe down your mouse. Then proceed to use the compressed air to clean your actual computer.
  • Clean Out Your PC-Cleaning your computers software is just as important as cleaning it’s hardware. Start by deleting junk, duplicate files and programs that you no longer use. Next reorganize your files, folders and desktop. Also make sure to check your PC for adware, viruses and other malicious software that’s slowing your system down.

If you aren’t sure how to clean your computer or don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself, make sure to pass your PC on over to a professional for additional help. Once your computer is cleaned inside out, enjoy its seamless, quick and quiet performance. Also, make sure to clean it more often to keep it up and running.

If you are having problems removing a virus or a malicious software, contact Up & Running Computer Solutions in Corona, CA at 951-737-8558 for help or visit our website at www.urcs.net for additional information regarding our services.

Up & Running Computer Solutions proudly serves Corona, Riverside, Anaheim, Irvine, Newport Beach, Tustin and all surrounding areas.

Dell Goes Green | Corona, CA

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Did you know that Dell is committed to maximizing the re-use or recycling of all returned Dell products? The Dell Outlet actually refurbishes and sells about 90% of all returned Dell system. The remaining 10% of returned Dell products are resold for parts or recyclable materials, such as plastic, metal, glass.

There are many reasons to buy refurbished Dell systems, for one they don’t use as much new material or as many new parts, which in turn can reduce the environmental impact of your technology purchase. You get the same great quality and value as a new Dell product when you purchase a refurbished Dell product. The Dell Outlet offers three different types of refurbished inventory identity and those include the following:

Certified Refurbished-These PCs are laptops and desktops that have been returned, put through a productions process, and then is tested to make sure it meets all the original factory settings. Some Certified Refurbished products may have slight cosmetic blemishes, but the will not affect the performance.

Previously Ordered New- Previously Ordered New computers are PCs that were shipped out to a customer who opened the box, but then decided to return the PC without ever using it. These PCs are retested and then repackaged by Dell Outlet.

Scratch and Dent- Scratch and Dent products are systems that have a considerable amount of cosmetic blemishes, but these of cosmetic blemishes do not affect the performance. These are a great way to save money and help recycle!

There are actually many things you can do to help Dell go green. So what are those actions you can take to help Dell go green?

  • You can set your system up to go on standby or hibernate modes when it’s not in use instead of using a screen saver.
  • Use less paper! Only print what’s necessary, and if it’s possible, use both sides of the paper.
  • Re-use parts when purchasing a new system. Keep your mouse, monitor and keyboard from your old system.
  • Recycle your old computers. There are organizations you can donate it your computer to.
  • Recycle your bottles because these can be recycled into a new flat panel monitor.

It’s Dell goal to become the greenest technology company around. So let’s help Dell and the world of technology go green!

For more information regarding IT Tech Services call UP & Running Computer Solutions at 951-737-8558 or visit our website www.urcs.net.

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

Top 5 Windows 10 Updates | Corona, CA

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Even though Windows 10 won’t be released for a little while longer, I’m sure everyone is eager to find out what some of these incredible updates are all about. From having Cortana for desktop to Xbox for Windows, Windows 10 definitely has a lot to offer. The following list will include just a few of the major updates Windows 10 will be releasing:

  • Start Menu Is Back- The startup menu is back in action, and is one of the most noticeable changes. The startup menu is two panels side by side, the panel on the left shows pinned and the most recent apps used, while the right side brings back features back from the Windows 8.1, such as live titles, and can be resized.
  • Cortana on Desktop- When you thought being lazy couldn’t get any easier, Windows 10 is going to feature Cortana on your desktop now! Cortana will make things like multitasking easier for you. Say you’re working on a spreadsheet and need to send out an email, just ask Cortana to and it’s done.
  • Xbox App- Soon you will be able to play any Xbox One games from your PC or tablet when installing the Xbox app for Windows 10. Windows new operating system will improve the speed and graphics performance thank you DirectX 12 support. The Xbox app also lets you recorded, edit and share your victories with Game DVR feature.
  • Improved Multitasking- Another new feature is Multiple Desktops, which lets you run another set of windows as if you’re using another screen but without a physical monitor. You can create a desktop for home only which could be apps such as Netflix and Pinterest, and one specifically for work where you keep Word and Excel.
  • Project Spartan- Say goodbye to Internet Explorer, and hello to Project Spartan. This new browser will include features like PDF support, which helps improves the layout of long articles, and also a note taking feature.  This browser lets you scribble on any webpage and share your comments with friends through social networking by using a slide in menu so you won’t have to leave the browser. Another feature Project Spartan will have is Cortana support within the browser.

These are just some of the wonderful features Windows 10 is going to introduce! Windows 10 will be released around late July 2015, and will be free for one year to users that already have Windows 7 and 8.1.

For questions or information regarding IT Services, contact Up & Running Computer Solutions in Corona, CA at 951-737-8558 or visit our website at www.urcs.com.

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

Signs Your Hard Drive Is Failing | IT Services Corona, CA

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Hard drive failure can be quite devastating for most people. Our hard drives are typically full of important files like personal information, photos, audio files and videos. Few people fail to realize just like any other electronic devices, hard drives have a limited life span as well. The average lifespan of a stationary hard drive is about 5-10 years. Fortunately, your hard drive will start to show signs of failure before facing a fatal failure, which will give you a chance to react. There are plenty of signs and symptoms you can keep an eye and ear out for, those include the following:

  • Computer Freezes- If your computer hard drive is about to fail you will find your computer slowing drastically and freezing constantly. If your computer is freezing while trying to access particular files, you should shut down and restart your computer. If your computer still freezing while trying to access that same files, you may be experiencing hard drive failure.
  • Corrupted Data- If your files are starting to disappear or are failing to open even though they were saved with no error, you should worry a bit. This could be a possible sign of gradual hard drive failure.
  • Strange Sounds- When you start hearing noises coming from your hard drive such as clicking or grinding, that’s when you should really start worrying. This very common sign of a failing hard drive is known as the click of death.
  • Chkdsk Command- This is another common sign of a failing hard drive. If every time you start up your computer,  it automatically runs the Chkdsk command while its booting up this may indicate hard drive failure.

If your computer is having any of these issues or any other issues you know are a problem, call Up & Running Computer Solutions in Corona, CA at 951-737-8558. For more information about our company and our services visit our website at www.urcs.net

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