EagleTech Computer Service Newsletter

Greetings from EagleTech Computer Service!

Here are some topics we will be covering in this edition :

- Don't fall for this...
- Windows 10 free offer is over
- Where and what to purchase in a new computer
- Am I about to retire???
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Don't Fall for this...:

I can not tell you how many calls I've received from clients who have seen these types of warnings pop-up on their screens and been absolutely convinced it was legitimate. It is ALWAYS a scam and not based on any real knowledge of your computer. 

It results from clicking on a web link that looks legitimate but then suddenly an image like this pops up and creates all kinds of alarm to the viewer. 

Recent stories from clients who have allowed these criminal hackers on to their computers range from being told they are just about to have their computer crash and will lose all their personal data, up to being charged $720 to fix what the criminals said needed fixing. In each case where the criminals have been allowed to come on to a computer they run fake tests that supposedly reveal all kinds of very serious errors and viruses and they load software that gives them the ability to return and enter your computer any time your computer is online. In some cases, when the victim doesn't pay them what they want the criminals create a new password for the computer making it impossible for the user to get back on their computer again. I have had to come out in some cases and remove the password and repair the computer, in other cases I've been able to repair it remotely.

They will routinely attempt to get the user to purchase new Antivirus Software, like McAfee, but instead of charging the normal price of around $60 they will try to charge upwards of $200. Just another scam...

To allow these criminals access to your computer is to possibly have your usernames and passwords snatched by them to such sites as banking and shopping, and can easily cost you hundreds to thousands of dollars.

If you see these pop-ups on your computer all you need to do is press the power button on your computer until the computer completely shuts down, then restart the computer and all of it will be gone unless you return to the same website and click on the same link again.

If you have any questions don't hesitate to give me a call, but whatever you do don't ever call these folks...they will only lie to you and seek to rip you off.
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Windows 10 free offer is over now:

Microsoft has now discontinued their offer of a free upgrade to Windows 10 for those who have Windows 7, 8, or 8.1. Sooo, did you make a mistake in not taking it? I doubt that you did. Microsoft will continue to support Windows 7 until January 14th 2020 and Windows 8 until January 14th 2022 so that should be plenty of coverage for most folks until they are ready to purchase a new computer.

If you purchase a new computer it will automatically come installed with Windows 10 and it is a great operating system, and not something to fear. It is easy to learn, full of good features and will continually be improved by Microsoft and made available through Windows updates.

I've been using Windows 10 since it first came out and I'm thoroughly pleased with it. Unfortunately, for many who tried to upgrade their system to it the process didn't go well, but when you purchase a new computer it will come pre-installed with 10 and won't be a problem to learn.
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Where and what to purchase in a new Computer?

I'm often asked what are some good specifications to look for in a new computer and where to purchase one?

Locally; Best Buy, Costco, Office Depot, and Staples are reasonably priced locations to purchase a computer, and for those who want to order one online I would generally recommend you use Amazon.com

Here are some specs to consider when purchasing a new computer:

1) Brands: Lenovo, Toshiba, Dell, and Asus all seem to provide pretty good equipment and performance.

2) Processor: Intel Core i5, with at least 2.2GHz processing speed will give you good speed and power.

3) RAM: at least 6 gigabytes and 8 is even better.

4) Hard Drive: the best is a solid state hard drive but they are generally more expensive and have less storage capacity, but they are fast and run without the heat a normal drive creates. I only use them in my personal computers, and I am currently running a 256 gigabyte size which is usually available as a separate item for around $125. When they are included in a new computer they cause the price of the computer to be higher than a standard hard drive.

5) If you are buying a Laptop and feel you need a CD/DVD player be sure to check if the model you are interested in comes with one because not all do these days. Remember...they will not play Blue Ray DVDs. To play Blue Ray DVDs you would have to order that as a special add-on.

If you have any questions don't hesitate to call me.
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Am I about to retire???

As it is obvious by my graying hair that I'm getting up in years some clients have wondered if I'm about to retire? I will be 65 in March.

At this point, because I thoroughly enjoy my clients, working with your computers, and because my health is sooo excellent I'm not planning on retiring for around 10 years. If things were to change or new plans were to emerge I would certainly let all of you know, but for now I'm really happy to continue working with your computers for a long time to come.

I can say this though...the older I get the more I find myself needing to not begin my work day until 8am and "call it day" around 7pm in the evening, and I'm often allowing phone calls and emails to wait until after 8am, and waiting until the following day after 7pm, for a response. If you feel you have an emergency and "need" immediate assistance please do let me know and I will do my best to respond quickly, but otherwise I apologize for not providing immediate response after 7pm or before 8am in the morning but I'm beginning to slow up just a little bit these days.

As for weekends...well...I would prefer to keep most service calls for Monday thru Friday, but during the winter months, when it is too cold and rainy to do anything around our 8 acre horse ranch I'm more open to weekend calls, but I'm finding I do best when I have a couple of days away from the business on the weekends. I'm sure you understand.

Having said these things please don't conclude I'm an old worn out guy...quite the opposite...but slowing up a bit??? yes. I look forward to serving you for a long time to come.
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Best of success to you in all your computing!

I’m here to assist you when you need it.  As just a reminder... my onsite residential fee is $45 per hour and for the commercial setting it is $55 per hour and will continue through the month of March. For those times when working remotely with your computer over the Internet is a good option then the cost savings to you are substantial since I only need to charge on a "15 minute" increment instead of the full hour fee for an onsite visit. This means just $12 per 15 minutes. Once again...for any clients you send my way, who use my services for an hour or more, I'd be happy to credit you with $12 of free computer service at your next call.  Do let me know if you send folks my way and I'll keep notes on that as a credit for my next visit to you, and don't feel embarrassed to remind me you would like that credit when I visit.