News

Here are some client testimonials coming from real people. Listen to what they have to say about E-Geniuses’ Computer Services. Feel free to submit your own comments about you experiences with E-Geniuses. We are not geeks. We know computers, but we know how to deal with people also. Thanks for your interest and we will be glad to help you with any of your computer problems. Feel free to give us a call at (877) My-Genius or (877) 694-3648.

Joel’s Testimonial

Guido’s Testimonial for E-Geniuses Computer Services and Repairs

Xenia’s Testimonial for E-Geniuses Personal Technician Service

Computer Repair in Brentwood - E-Geniuses Client Testimonial

Client Testimonials for Computer Repair Services in Covina

“I meant to do a top 10 list, but I had too much to say and it became 11. Oh well, hope you like it. Please comment and add some suggestions of your own.” -Joey

When you’re shopping around for computer services in the Los Angeles Area, or anywhere for that matter, here are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that you get the best possible computer service and support.

Quick List: 1) Don’t just go for the “cheapest”. 2) Can you talk to a live person right away? 3) Are they professional? 4) Check to what their website looks like. 5) Read their testimonials. 6) Do they recommend reinstallation of the Operating System as a first resort? 7) Do they let you know exactly what is involved with each service? 8 ) Make sure they backup first and can migrate your data. 9) Do they charge per service or per hour? 10) Trust your gut instinct. 11) Ask to see if they offer maintenance plans.

1) Don’t always go for the cheapest quote. Not all services are the same. With computer services you usually get exactly what you pay for. That doesn’t mean you should pay the highest price out there, it just means that you shouldn’t be cheap when it comes to your priceless data and computer security. There is a reason why companies charge a decent amount for their services, it takes time and experience to get the job done correctly. If you don’t want to spend money, call your nephew or neighbor. Just hope they can do it right. You can also learn to do it yourself if you are trying to save money. Just realize that it does take time to do things right. That costs money. Understand that you have to pay for good service.

2) If you can get a hold of a person quickly the first time you call, you will more than likely be able to get a hold of them again in the future. If they don’t answer their phone and it goes to voicemail, they had better return the call in a timely manner. If they don’t answer or don’t get back to you, it might give a hint to their level of customer service. I wonder how responsive they’ll be when you call because your computer is still having the same problem they supposedly fixed. Hmmm.

3) How does the company answer the phone? Do they answer in a professional manner? Do they just answer with Hello? If they answer by saying their business name first, you know that they are a serious business and not just a one-man-show answering their cellphone. You need a company you can rely on. Computer service is something that is needed on an on-going basis. One-man-shows are dangerous because you can’t rely on them all of the time. They can only be at one place at one time…unless they don’t have any clients which may be yet another hint as to their level of service. Pay close attention to whether the person on the other end of the line is paying close attention to your questions and statements or whether they are just trying to “sell” you. Test them to see if they understand what you’ve asked for.

4) What does their website look like? You’re looking for a computer service company. If they are up on technology, they should have a decent looking website. If they have a shabby looking website, they might be one man show with a small budget or a company that doesn’t understand the importance of a website and company image. Either way, stay away from them and go with a company that “looks and feels” professional. If they’ve spent some time and money on their website, then they are serious about their business. That’s important.

5) Read their customer testimonials on their website and on independent sites. Search the company name in Google and Yahoo. Search for the company in Yellowpages.com and Superpages.com. What do past clients have to say about the company? Negative feedback or no feedback? Watch out. Go with a company with a proven track record with their clients. Make sure the testimonials are written by real people and not employees of the company. You can usually tell because real testimonials will sound and feel different than ones that are made up. If all of their testimonials sound the same, they’re probably fake.

6) Reinstalling your Operating System should be the last resort. Most good computer service technicians can remove almost any virus and repair most problems. There are some cases when reformatting and reinstalling makes sense, just not in most. It makes sense to reinstall when time is an issue; virus and spyware removal, repairing specific system files, and resolving software conflicts can take up to 3 to 5 hours to complete. If time is of the essence, it makes sense to reinstall. If it costs less to reinstall the operating system than to resolve your specific problem, then it might be a good idea. Just make sure you know what else is involved. See number 3. Find a company that understands that reinstallation is a last resort technique. This goes back to number 1. Most companies that charge a fair rate, will be willing to take the extra time to do things correctly by not reinstalling as a first resort.

7) If the technician does have to reinstall the operating system, you should understand that EVERYTHING will be deleted. If you have important data, you need to make sure that they migrate the data first, reinstall the operating system, then migrate the data back.

8 ) Make sure that when they migrate the data from an old operating system to a new one, that they integrate the data with the programs by importing the data. Your data file for your addressbook, email, and favorites are useless unless you can see the data in the program they are meant to run in.

9) Pay close attention to the company’s pricing method. I think that companies that charge only for solutions, per-job basis, are generally better than companies that charge per hour. Companies that charge per-job have to be confident that they can get the job done or else they don’t get paid for the service. When a computer service company charges per service, then they can take the time to ensure that the job is done correctly without feeling rushed. If the company charges per hour, make sure you get an estimate up front and make sure they stick to their quote. Find out if they have a guarantee in case they are working on the problem for a few hours and cannot solve the problem you called for. You don’t want to get stuck with a $400 bill and still have the same problem. Try to find a company that only charges after they fix your problem. (Side note: make sure you understand how much the company charges just to send out a technician to diagnose your problem.) Find out how long their work is guaranteed for.

10) Noticed that I’ve mention “feel” or “feelings” a couple of times. That is because I really believe that your gut instinct and your first impressions are usually pretty accurate. Having a technician service your computer system or network on-site requires trust. Trust must have a solid foundation which starts the moment you start the communication with the company. Do you feel that this company is trust-worthy? Backup your “feeling” with some factual information by searching their website, checking the BBB and reading testimonials and you will have enough ammo to make a good decision.

11) Ask to see if they offer maintenance plans. Companies name their plans differently. I have heard the plans called monthly maintenance plans, service plans, support contracts and personal technician plans. GeekSquad offers Black Tie Service for Laptops. Try to find a company that offers plans with no long term contracts. You don’t want to get stuck with a bad company. The reason I recommend companies that offer these services is because it shows that they are interested in maintaining their clients’ computers and not just looking for the one time fix. They are interested in a long-term relationship with their clients. These plans can keep overall costs down because they can prevent problems from happening in the first place. Clients who purchase these maintenance plans often get special benefits such as priority service and services at discounted rates.

Check the Computer Repair Directory for local listings near you: http://www.pcrepairdirectory.com

Feel free to add to the list…

Adware: Software designed to collect data about the user’s interests and behavior. Adware can track which sites the computer user visits and then sends the information to advertisers who use the information to sell their products or services. The methods that adware use range from using cookies to track visits to a website, installing unwanted toolbars, and installing unwanted programs which are packaged with software the user wants. Along with privacy issues associated with adware, these added programs and toolbars are a major cause of users’ complaints about their “slow computer”. Click here for Spyware Removal by E-Geniuses.

Related terms: adware, adaware, spybot, adawares, antispyware, malicious code, malicious software, malware block list, spybot search and destroy, adware spyware, download spybot, adware, anti-spyware guide, pc repairs, services, computer repairs, free firewall, pc repair, remove spyware, onsite repair, spyware removal, spybot search, windows command to remove spyware, adware removal, onsite computer, firewall, bank of america online banking, identity theft protection, spybot freeware, chase online banking, monthly maintenance, monthly maintenance plan, personal technican, identity theft, removal spyware, fixing computers, pc computer repair, on-site computer service, squad geek, identity theft identity, remove spyware free, notebook repair, free spyware removal, download free spyware removal, norton internet security, spyware removal tools

Help Desk: Help Desk refers to the ability for a client to be able to be assisted remotely by a technician via phone or connected computer to computer via the Internet. Help desk technicians work specifically with clients who need remote technical support. Many problems can be solved remotely therefore reducing the costs of an on-site I.T. department. Click here to Download the E-Geniuses Help Desk Utility. You can also chat with a live E-Geniuses Technician here.

Related terms: helpdesk, help-desk, helpdeskcomputer, help desk technician, remote technician, remote support, remote help, technical support, e-geniuses help desk utility, green e, green-e, logmein, vnc, dell technical support.

Malware: Short for malicious software and describes any type of unwanted software. It is a more general term which includes spyware and all of the different types of viruses. Click here for Malware Removal by E-Geniuses.

Related terms: malicious code, malicious software, malware block list, adware, spyware, virus, viruses

Managed Systems: A consolidated network usually consisting of a group of a computers, VOIP phones, network printers and a service provider that is in charge of maintaining the network and all of its components: as opposed to having a different provider for a phone system, for a computer network, and yet another technician for printers. Managed systems reduce costs through consolidation of service providers. The service providers are usually liable for ensuring that the system is monitored regularly. Click here for Managed Services by E-Geniuses.

Related terms: voip, voice over ip, network, computer support, computer technician, computer services, personal technician, it support, networking, security, network cables, printers

Modem: A device that converts signals to usable data. The most common modems are DSL modems and Cable modems. There are also T1 modems, Fiber optic modems, and dial-up modems. The type of modem depends on the type of signal being converted. In a typical network it is the device that connects directly to the cable or telephone line. For shared Internet connections, the modem attaches to a router which splits the converted signal (data). Click here for Modem Setup and Configuration from E-Geniuses.

Related terms: dsl, cable, internet, modems, t1, fiber optic, fios, att, sbc, charter, qwest, roadrunner, broadband, high speed, comcast, dial-up, router, networking, firewall, network cables, wireless router, upgrades, network installation, it services,

Monthly Maintenance Plan: A computer maintenance plan in which the client’s computers are maintained on a scheduled (usually monthly) basis as opposed to waiting problems to occur. This is a form of preventive maintenance can lower overall long-term costs associated with owning a computer and maintaining the integrity of the system’s speed, security and stability. Maintenance may be performed on-site, in-home, or remotely based on the plan type and the company performing the services. A computer maintenance technician can prevent viruses, spyware, and malware. Companies offer the services to clients who want an added layer of protection when dealing with important data, backing up critical data online, or online banking. In many cases, manual updates and scans must be performed by a technician. An antivirus software can offer a layer of security, but cannot perform all of the tasks necessary to keep a system safe from users with malicious intent. See E-Geniuses’ Monthly Maintenance Plans for an example.

Related terms: MMP, preventive plan, monthly service plan, service plan, personal technician, retainer, preventive maintenance, m.m.p., computer repairs, virus removal, remove spyware, onsite repair, online banking, identity theft protection, backup, avast home, fixing computers, pc computer repair, virus removal software

PC: Some people use the term personal computer, or PC, to refer to a computer which runs the Microsoft Windows Operating System. Although computers made by Apple are also personal computers, they are not referred to as PC’s and instead called Macs, short for Macintosh.

Related terms: p.c., personal computer, personalcomputer, personal-computer, ibm clone, pcrepairs, pcrepair, pc repair, pc repairs, laptop, computers hardware, computers hardware software, windows, dell, cheap dell computers, apple laptops, dell computers, dell laptops, computer equipment repair, dell laptop, dell laptop computers, apple mac laptops, sony laptops, pink laptops.

Personal Technician: A computer technician or a group of service technicians whose job it is to maintain a clients computers and network. They are usually assigned to a particular client. It is the technicians duty to become familiar with the client’s setup in order to more efficiently and effectively maintain the integrity of the client’s systems. They are on-call when there are technical issues. Many small and mid-sized businesses are using personal technicians instead of in-house I.T. departments and full-time staff. Personal technicians can be called as needed. A retainer fee is common. Some companies offer discounted rates to clients who purchase personal technician maintenance plans as a way to keep costs steady and to prevent sudden fluctuations in computer service costs. Personal technicians may also service employees of businesses who are telecommuting and working from home or away from the office. See E-Geniuses Personal Technician Services as an example of a personal technician plan.

Related terms: PT, p.t., computer consultant, computer department, computer consultants, not a geek, geniuses, e-geniuses, preventive maintenance, computer repair, pcrepairs, laptop repair, small business telecommuting, firewall, medical transcription, telework, telecommuting, work from home, work at home, identity theft protection, network security, vpn, encryption, antivirus, antispyware

Router: A device that is used to connect local computers, peripherals and other devices over distances longer that 5 ft. using networking cable. A router is commonly used to share a single Internet connection among multiple computers on a network. It can separate incoming request from the outside (Internet/WAN) from the requests from within the local network (LAN). This keeps users within the network protected. Routers with this capability have built-in firewalls. Routers can be either wired or wireless. Click here for Wired and Wireless Network Setup from E-Geniuses.

Related terms: firewall security, network security, linkysys, dlink, belkin, buffalo, cisco, switch, hub, cat5, ethernet, cat6, networking, wireless router, wep, wpa, wpa2, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 54g, wrt54g

Viruses: Programs that are designed to take over a user’s computer without the user’s permission. Trojans or trojan-horse viruses are meant to attack the computer “from the inside” like the story of Troy. Trojans are usually downloaders which are designed to download more viruses. Sometimes, so many viruses are downloaded, the infected computer runs out of resources eventually slowing the computer down so much that it is virtually unusable. Worms are viruses which spread themselves over a network or through the internet via email. Many viruses can self-replicate and can change filenames making them difficult to remove. Most viruses are set to automatically start when the computer boots into the operating system. Many viruses attach themselves to necessary system files. This causes problems because when the viruses are removed, the system files that the computer needs to function properly are removed as well. Some viruses even have the ability to disable antivirus programs. Another type of virus is the keylogger which is created to record the user’s keystrokes, can possibly take screenshots, record audio if a microphone is connected, video if a webcam is connected, and send the recorded information to the intended recipient. Users who do online banking must be particularly careful since their passwords can be exposed. This is one method that criminals use to steal a person’s identity. Digital identity theft is one of the main reasons why keyloggers are used and why E-Geniuses is commited to preventing viruses. The last type of virus does not have a specific name although it does have a specific purpose. Usually worms, the purpose of these viruses is to spread to as many users as possible. Once hundreds, thousands and sometimes millions of computers are infected, the virus creator can control all of the infected computers. The computers are called zombie computers since the control is no longer in the hands of the computer user, but instead by the virus creator. With the ability to control, the botnet, the term used for all of the infected computers, the criminal can send a signal for all of the computers to visit a website at a precise time. This causes the website to crash. This is called a ddos attack which stands for distributed denial of service attack. A company who relies on its website for business can be extorted by the criminal who threatens to attack the website. Click here for Virus Removal from E-Geniuses.

Related terms: nod32 detect, nod32 detecta, malicious code, malicious software, virus protection, adware spyware, pc repairs, services, computer repairs, avast, free firewall, virus removal, postcard virus, pc repair, remove spyware, onsite repair, computer virus melissa, onsite computer, firewall, bank of america online banking, identity theft protection, nod32 antivirus software, virus, kill trojan horse virus, chase online banking, monthly maintenance, monthly maintenance plan, personal technican, identity theft, avast antivirus, nod 32, avast home, fixing computers, types of computer viruses, virus removal tools, pc computer repair, on-site computer service, melissa virus, computer virus definition, squad geek, identity theft identity, notebook repair, nod32, avast home edition, anti virus, virus removal software, norton internet security, computer worm, trojan virus