Computer Overhauls

A Brief Holiday Gift Guide (How to Really Get a Deal)

I'm still amazed that this past Friday, in the year of 2007, that millions of people actually went to a retail store, pushing through the dirty and tired masses in search of a great deal.  Ha.  A sucker is born every minute, they just come out mostly on Black Friday.

The best way to shop is online.  No hassle, no lines, no screaming kids -- and paying with a credit card online is actually more secure than in a retail store.  No kidding.

So here's how to really get a good deal this holiday season:

1.)  Use websites like Dealhack.com that take the hard work out of finding great deals.  Deal Hack scours the web each day so you don't have to. 

2.) Sign-Up for deals via Email with websites such as Buy.com,  Newegg.com, and Tiger Direct. These sites are famous for having stupidly low prices.  For example, I was able to score an Olevia 327V HDTV for only $439 shipped back in August.  I would have paid over $600 for this TV from a retail location.

3.) Don't waste your money on high-markup items like cables. Do not ever, ever, ever buy cables from Monster.  I'm sure you've seen those gaudy Monster Cables, the ones guaranteed to make your new HDTV that much sweeter.  Well, I've got news for you: all new HDTVs use a cable called "HDMI" -- this is a digital signal, meaning it either works or it doesn't.  There is no reason to spend $100 for a Monster HDMI cable when a $10 cable from Newegg will do the same thing.

4.) Steer clear of buying last years models unless you really know what you're getting.  There is a website I frequent that runs ads for HDTV's at low, low prices.  They often brag about their 42" plasmas going for hundreds less than their competitors.  The dirty little secret is that these TV's were designed and manufactured almost 3 years ago.  Technology, as well all know, moves at incredible speeds.  If you buy a TV made 2 years ago, not only are you getting an inferior product, you're getting an inferior value.  As technology gets better, it gets cheaper.  A low end HDTV made in 2007 will almost always be better than a high-end one made 2-3 years ago.

Whatever you buy this holiday season, make sure that it's well reviewed.  With sites like Newegg and Amazon featuring hundreds of reviews from users , it's inexcusable to buy a lemon.  Do your research, have a idea what you expect from your purchases, and spend accordingly.  Before I buy anything I like to do a few quick Google searches.  Adding the word "review" to any Google search will add a plethora of information from others about how well that product performs. 

Your Right to Privacy

You may have seen some of the recent online reports and commentary about one well-known computer support company violating consumers’ privacy and trust by secretly downloading customer files. Whether these reports prove accurate or not, they raise the question of just how secure your personal data is when a technician comes to call.

Whenever turning your computer over to another party through traditional support means, whether it’s at a service desk in a store or having a technician on your computer in your home, you as the consumer have little control over what happens to your personal data. But this is where Remote Services offers a huge advantage over traditional service calls. Because our services are delivered via the Internet, we are able to monitor and record EVERY aspect of the support session, from both a visual (down to the technician’s keystrokes) and the audio perspective (from the first hello to the final goodbye). These recordings are centrally maintained, and if a customer ever has a question about what took place during the session, we can pull up the recordings and address their concerns immediately.

This approach protects both the customer and the technician from any misunderstandings or perceived improper actions.

In our view, this should become standard operating procedure for all technology help companies. You as the customer deserve to have your privacy protected at all cost and any organization that is unwilling to put your trust first, doesn’t deserve your business.

Prevent Tech Help from “Helping Themselves”

In July, I posted an entry about the security of remote tech services and how remote services help in the security of your personal information.

Consumer concerns continue to rise, as more reports come out about the integrity of tech support and how to protect your personal information when your computer is being serviced.

In response to this growing concern, we released this week some simple steps that can be taken to help protect your data when your PC is out of your hands.  We wanted to post them here as well as an extra benefit to our visitors.

Step One: Keep Control.  First and foremost, consumers should look to engage a remote services firm whenever possible.  Remote support technicians will service your computer over the Internet – all while you watch – and the consumer never has to relinquish control, keeping the ability at all times to terminate the session with the click of their mouse.  What’s more, the more trusted remote providers will record the entire session (down to the keystroke) and be able to play back the service session if any questions arise.  This type of service protects both the consumer and the technician from any misunderstandings or misconduct.

Step Two: Clear your Web Browser. Web Browsers record the websites you visit, files you have downloaded, and passwords and usernames you use to access online stores.  If you ever have to drop your computer off for service, remember to clear out your browser cookies, history, and cache files before hand.  You don’t want someone shopping on your J.Crew account because you have your username and password set to automatically log into the site.

Step Three: Change your Password.  Change your password before you let anyone touch your system.  Many of us use the same password for everything, giving this to someone, gives them access to everything.  When the service is complete, be sure to change your password back.

Step Four: Limit What You Drop Off – Both the Virtual and the Physical. Remove anything that doesn’t pertain to the specific issue at-hand.  Don’t leave your personal CDs, games or USB sticks in the computer.  In most cases, all the technician needs is the computer and any affected accessory.  Leave everything else at home, otherwise you open yourself up to others viewing your photos, documents, etc.

And when dropping your computer off, make a list of what materials are with the computer and ask the service provider to sign it.  If the power-cord, mouse or another device is in your laptop bag, be sure that they’re there when you get it back.  Without a list you may be “powerless.”

Step Five: Mark Private Files Off Limits.  If you don’t want someone to see a video of your family on your vacation, be sure to password protect it, especially if you are dropping it off at a store.

Step Six:  Keep Your Tech Service Accountable. Protect yourself and your data by asking the tech support company how they monitor the service they provide.  Whether in-store, over the phone, in-home or remotely, effective oversight is the best remedy for misconduct. Review the company policy in this area before entrusting your computer with anyone.  Good questions to ask include:

·        Does the company record their service calls?
·        Does the company record the actual service session?
·        Does the company conduct background checks on its employees?
·        Do its technicians have one of the following certifications:  Microsoft MCSE, MCP, CCNE, Comp TIA A+
·        What is the company’s process for reporting and solving a problem?
·        Is the company a member of the Better Business Bureau?