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  • What is preventive computer maintenance and what do you do?
    Through the sixteen-point process, that includes various scans, updates and optimizations, it cleans and protects the computer and its valuable data. For a thorough list of the process, visit https://pcm-today.wixsite.com/website/services-provided.
  • Should I wait until I have a problem, before bringing in my computer?"
    Absolutely not. Computer maintenance is a lot like automobile maintenance. It's meant to be preventive. You wouldn't take your car to a mechanic, asking for an oil change, after you've already blown your motor, from dirty oil. You want to keep it properly tuned, so you DON'T have problems. Even if your computer isn't displaying any visible signs of a problem, if you are not taking the time to perform preventive maintenance, you can bet something is brewing.
  • Does a new computer need preventive maintenance?
    Does a new car routinely need to have it's oil changed? Absolutely. Just like your car, the better you take care of your computer, the better it performs and the longer it lasts.
  • Why do I need routine maintenance?
    Preventive maintenance is the best defense against computer frustration and malware attack. It is estimated that of computer users today, over­­­­­ 90% admit to having experienced some form of computer frustration, even to the point of getting violent with the machine. The average American suffers 40,000 bouts of tech rage in their lifetime. Two thousand individuals were surveyed and found that half reported that they had yelled at a piece of technology and 16 percent had even been reduced to tears. It has been reported that many times this stress leads to serious medical problems. ​ Instances of Malware attacks are rapidly increasing. According to Microsoft Security Intelligence and Consumer Reports, in the last two years, 16 million Americans have had a “serious” virus issue and in the last six months, 8 million have had cases of spyware. American households impacted by these problems in lost money, time and computer hardware has been estimated to be about 4.5 billion dollars. ​ Preventive maintenance is more than just a virus scan, an occasional defrag or an update. There are numerous processes that should be routinely performed. When done properly and regularly, these processes protect your computer, your valuable data, and leaves you less stressed because of a slow or quirky machine. In today's busy times, we are torn between family, work and outside activities. Although it's difficult to find the time for preventive computer maintenance, it should be high on our priorities of things to do, as malware attacks are so prevalent today in our society. So, whether you do it yourself or have someone to do it for you, preventive maintenance is essential. ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­PCM maintenance saves you time, money and unnecessary frustration. It better protects your computer from malware attacks. It also ensures your machine is performing at its best. With PCM's routine maintenance, you don't have to worry about the aggravation and hours spent doing maintenance yourself, as we are happy to do it for you.
  • How long will the maintenance take?
    Generally speaking, it take 2 - 3 days to complete the initial 16 point process. The reason for this is that each thorough scan can sometimes take several hours, and I have known some updates to take several days, before completing. Every machine is different. Performing about five different updates and scans, on each system, along with the other miscellaneous tasks, take quite a bit of time, to ensure all items are thoroughly completed. However, once the initial process has been completed, routine cleanups don't take nearly as long. Without any complications or large Windows Update to install, the complete maintenance process usually takes about 3 to 4 hours.
  • After maintenance, will my computer run like new?"
    That depends on the age of your computer. If your computer is relatively new, then yes. It will. However, hardware begins to break down, due to heat and everyday use. The only way to correct that issue is to replace hardware pieces or either purchase a new computer. But routine preventive maintenance helps to relieve some of that heat stress and extends the life of the computer. After maintenance, the computer will perform to the best of its ability, depending on the over-all condition and age of the machine.
  • What’s the difference in hardware repair and software preventive maintenance?
    Think of it as the difference between a refrigerator repairman and a maid. They both come to your home to provide a service. The refrigerator repairman uses his tools to work on the physical, hardware problems inside your home. The maid, on the other hand, routinely cleans up the clutter that has developed there, over time, making it easier to move around and prevents larger issues from occurring. Think of me as the maid for your computer. ​ PCM eliminates tomorrow's problems today.
  • What OS's do you work on and why?
    I work on Windows 8, 10 and 11. The reason I only work on newer model machines is that as a computer ages, the hardware ages, as well, thus slowing it down. You could feasibly do the maintenance; however, you'd still have a slowness issue, because of worn out hardware. Also, the older machines are no longer eligible for Windows Update, therefore, they should not be accessing the internet.
  • Do I have to be present for the repair?
    After the initial meeting (to discuss all the details), we should not have to meet again. I may need to contact you during the process, however, if any questions arise. If you don't want to bring the computer to me, that fine. It never has to leave your home. For a minimal one time setup fee of $20, I can remote into the computer to perform the maintenance tasks.
  • *What do you charge?
    Verbal consultation: Free Maintenance, laptop: $95. Maintenance, desktop: $115 A one time, 10% discount is offered on each additional computer, in the same household. Remote assistance: $20, one-time fee OR home visit, $35 per visit. Desktop clients can save by opting for remote assistance. ​ Any client requested visits will be billed for a home visit, plus $35 per hour for work completed. ​ * If additional media is needed, DVD's or thumb drives will be available at cost. Or you can provide your own. *Fees are subject to change without notice. *All routine maintenance services are paid in advance.
  • Which payment methods do you accept?
    Preferred form of payment is cash or check. Venmo and credit cards are also accepted. There will be an additional $3 processing fee charged for electronic payments.
  • What items do I need to bring for service?
    With a laptop, the only other item needed is the power adapter. With a desktop computer, I highly recommend taking advantage of remote assistance. That way, you don't have to bring anything. For a slight additional charge, I can remote into your machine and take care of whatever issues you are having. Using this method may also lower your overall charge, as there may not be any travel charges to consider. You will need to provide backup and restore media. A 32 GB thumb drive is used for each process. If you do not have these, I can provide them for you at cost.
  • Do you perform any other tasks, other than preventive maintenance?"
    Yes. I can assist with any issue that does not require tools. If you have lost your ability to access the internet. Your computer needs new RAM. You need to purchase a new computer, but don't know what to buy. You need assistance with installing software. I will be happy to assist you with any such issues, at a rate of $35 an hour.
  • What are your hours of operation?
    Generally, my hours are from 9am until 6pm. I usually don't work weekends or national holidays, but I am willing to work around the client's schedule, as needed.
  • Can I do my own preventive maintenance?
    Yes. Most of the processes can be done on your own, however, a few tasks are risky and should be only performed by skilled individuals. Updates are risky. Anytime one attempts a hardware or system update, they are risking their computer's stability, if they are not careful. This could mean having to totaly wipe your computer, thus losing all data that was stored. Other tasks, although relatively safe, can sometimes create big issues. Although you can attempt the processes, and usually there is no problem, just be aware, you are taking a risk. All tasks are listed below. Also note, the entire process can take anywhere from 2 hours to days to complete. It is time consuming; however, extremely important to the safety and healty of your computer and your precious data. The steps to clean your own computer are as follows: MONTHLY MAINTENANCE 1. SCANS Antivirus – possibly already installed, but free and paid versions are available. Malware Scanner - Free or paid versions are available. Spyware Scanner - Free or paid versions are available. Software Scanner - Free or paid versions are available System Cleaner - Free or paid versions are available. 2. UPDATES Windows Update - In search box, type CHECK, select Check for Updates 3. OTHER A. Restore Point – Type RESTORE in the search box, click CREATE A RESTORE POINT, select WINDOWS C, click CREATE. B. Delete Cookies In Chrome browser, click on three vertical dots in top right corner, Select More tools...Clear Browsing data, All time, Clear Data. In Edge, click on three horizontal dots, History, three dots again, Clear History, All time, Clear Now. C. Additional Updates - Hardware Updates and Manufacturer Updates are too risky to attempt. Do not try those on your own. If you do, be sure to create a Restore Point and back up your data, just BEFORE you attempt the update.

Garfield, GA   

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