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Replace a Power Supply in a Desktop PC

Replacing a power supply in a desktop PC is a relatively simple process that can be done by most individuals with a basic understanding of computer components. However, it is important to note that working with electrical components can be dangerous, so it is important to take proper safety precautions such as unplugging the power cable and wearing an anti-static wrist strap to avoid damaging the components.

The first step in replacing a power supply is to determine the type of power supply that is required for your specific PC. This information can usually be found in the PC’s documentation or by looking at the current power supply. The most common types of power supplies include ATX and SFX.

Once you have determined the type of power supply needed, you can proceed with the replacement process. Begin by turning off the PC and unplugging it from the power outlet. Next, remove the side panel from the PC case to expose the internal components.

Locate the power supply, which is typically located at the top or bottom of the case. The power supply is typically held in place by screws, so remove these screws to release the power supply from the case. Carefully remove the power supply from the case and disconnect any cables that are connected to it.

Next, install the new power supply into the case, connecting any cables that were disconnected earlier. Make sure that the power supply is securely fastened to the case with the screws. Finally, replace the side panel on the case and plug the PC back into the power outlet.

It is important to ensure that the power supply has the correct voltage, amperage and connectors that match the motherboard and other components. Some high-end PCs may have a specific type of power supply that can be compatible with the PC, so make sure to check the PC’s documentation before purchasing a new power supply.

Once the new power supply is installed, turn on the PC and check for any errors or problems. If the PC is functioning normally, the power supply replacement was successful.

In conclusion, replacing a power supply in a desktop PC is a simple process that can be done by most individuals with a basic understanding of computer components. However, it is important to take proper safety precautions and to ensure that the power supply is compatible with the PC before beginning the replacement process. By following these steps, you can easily replace a power supply and keep your desktop PC running smoothly.

 

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Paying for Computer Repair

Paying for computer repair can be a difficult decision, especially if you are on a tight budget. However, in most cases, it is worth the investment to have a professional fix your computer. Here are a few reasons why:

  1. Expertise: Professional computer technicians have the knowledge and experience to diagnose and fix a wide range of computer problems. They are able to quickly identify the root cause of the issue and provide a solution that will get your computer running smoothly again.

  2. Time-saving: Attempting to fix a computer problem on your own can be time-consuming and frustrating. A professional technician can get the job done quickly and efficiently, saving you time and stress.

  3. Preventing further damage: If you try to fix a computer problem without the proper knowledge or tools, you may inadvertently cause more damage to the computer. A professional technician will know how to properly diagnose and repair the issue without causing further harm.

  4. Cost-effective: While paying for computer repair may seem expensive in the short-term, it can save you money in the long-run. A professional technician will be able to fix the problem correctly the first time, preventing the need for additional repairs in the future.

  5. Warranty: Many computer repair shops offer a warranty on their work, which means that if the problem reoccurs within a certain period of time, they will fix it again at no additional cost.

  6. Data Recovery: If you have important files or data on your computer that you can’t afford to lose, a professional technician will have the tools and expertise to recover the data for you.

  7. Upgrades: A professional technician can also advise you on any upgrades that may improve the performance of your computer, such as a larger hard drive or more memory.

In conclusion, paying for computer repair can be a wise investment. Not only will it save you time and stress, but it will also ensure that your computer is fixed correctly the first time, preventing the need for additional repairs in the future. Additionally, professional technicians can also offer valuable advice on upgrades and data recovery that can improve the overall performance of your computer. It is important to remember that, in the long run, it is always better to invest in professional computer repair services rather than attempting to fix the problem on your own, which can often result in further damage.

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Should I buy a Mac or a PC? 2023 Edition

When it comes to purchasing a new computer, one of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make is whether to buy a Mac or a PC. Both have their own set of pros and cons, and ultimately, the choice will come down to your personal preferences and needs.

Let’s start with Macs. These computers, which are made by Apple, are known for their sleek and stylish design, as well as their user-friendly interface. Macs also come with a number of exclusive software programs, such as iMovie and GarageBand, which are popular among creative professionals. Additionally, Macs are generally considered to be more secure than PCs, as they are less susceptible to malware and other types of viruses.

On the other hand, PCs (which stands for “personal computer”) are made by a variety of different manufacturers, including Dell, HP, and Lenovo. One of the biggest advantages of PCs is their wide range of options in terms of hardware and software. There are many operating systems to choose from, such as Windows and Linux. These operating systems have a huge eco-system of software application and games, that are not available on MacOS.

Another advantage of PCs is their cost. In general, PCs tend to be less expensive than Macs, especially when you consider that you can often find a high-quality PC for a fraction of the cost of a comparable Mac.

When it comes to performance, Macs and PCs are generally considered to be on par with one another. Both types of computers can handle similar tasks, such as web browsing, video streaming, and document editing, with ease. However, some users may find that Macs are more reliable and less prone to crashes and other issues.

One of the biggest factors to consider when deciding between a Mac and a PC is the type of software that you’ll be using. If you’re a creative professional, such as a graphic designer or video editor, you may want to opt for a Mac, as many of the industry-standard programs are only available for Macs. However, if you’re a gamer or a developer, you may want to opt for a PC, as the majority of games and development software are available for Windows operating system.

Another factor to consider is the compatibility with your other devices. If you already own an iPhone or iPad, it might be more convenient to have a Mac, as they can easily sync data and files between devices. On the other hand, if you own a Windows phone or android phone, a PC might be the better choice.

In conclusion, whether you should buy a Mac or a PC ultimately comes down to your personal needs and preferences. Macs are known for their sleek design, user-friendly interface, and exclusive software, but can be more expensive and less versatile than PCs. PCs, on the other hand, are generally less expensive, offer more options in terms of hardware and software, but can be less reliable and less secure than Macs. Ultimately, it’s important to research both options and consider your specific needs before making a decision.

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Continous Maintenance Program

Our remote continuous maintenance service offers complete peace of mind to both residential and commercial customers. Leave the continuous routine computer maintenance to us. With this service, we’ll have the ability to securely dial into your computer and resolve issues we identify. We monitor the computer continuously for threats, vulnerabilities, software patches, installation of unwanted applications, and backup completions. With our auditing and inventory configurations, we can track hardware and software detail no matter where the system is located throughout the world. We also provide insight into your CPU, disk, memory, bandwidth, and bottlenecks. In addition, we can also offer a complete antivirus and anti-malware solution that is the corporate grade for additional protection. Let us reliably patch your system with the latest tested Microsoft patches as well as other third-party applications updates. Think of it like home security but for your computer and network.

UNLIMITED
MAINTENANCE

Per Device, Per Month
$ 16
99
Per Device, Per Month
  • 24x7x365 Continuous Maintenance
  • 30+ Points of Management
  • Operating System Updates
  • Hardware Driver Updates
  • Maintain Restore Points
  • System Optimizations
  • Security Monitoring
  • Software Updates
  • Audit & Inventory
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ANTIVIRUS
SOLUTIONS

Per Device, Per Month
$ 6
99
Per Device, Per Month
  • Commercial Grade Solution
  • VB100 Certified Protection
  • Ransomware Protection
  • Antivirus Protection
  • Email Protection

















SECURE!

DESKTOP
BACKUPS

Per Device , Per Month
$ 16
99
Per Device, Per Month
  • Unlimited Storage Space
  • 256bit Cloud Backups
  • Continuous Protection
  • Limitless Bandwidth
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  • Unlimited Space
  • No File Size Limits
  • Ransomware Recovery







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BACKUPS

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$ 29
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WHAT WE DO

Our routine covers 30+ areas of interest. We’ll install a lightweight agent on your computer that will call home to us with potential issues, available updates, and other system details as mentioned above. With our routine maintenance, you will enjoy a faster computer and faster internet speeds. Your personal data will be secure from prying eyes. We watch the health of your system and report only necessary findings.

The service ensures a trustworthy professional will keep close eyes on the health of your computer continuously. Our employees will inspect, repair, and optimize your device as needed. We ensure your software is up-to-date, firewalls and anti-malware protection are working, and that your computer is performing better than ever.

Our maintenance service is one-of-a-kind and offers Prevention, Protection, and Peace of Mind! Our competitors cannot offer a better service or a better price.

Remote Maintenance Service (Desktops / Laptops) Offers

  • Remove viruses, spyware, bloatware, and pop-ups while increasing speed.
  • Update AntiVirus and Firewalls while increasing protection.
  • Update Backup Software and Schedules while increasing peace of mind.
  • Enable and Configure System Restore Points allowing rollback options.
  • Perform System Optimizations.
  • Protect against the latest Ransomware Outbreaks.
  • Perform Windows and Application Updates further securing your machine.
  • Update hardware drivers and BIOS updates for better performance and stability.
  • Unlimited Free Email Support*

Requirements

While there are no contracts for this service, we do require the computer be connected to the internet and our agent software running. Doing this allows us to perform routines with no interruptions to your busy day.

If you’ve ever brought your computer to us to be worked on; it’s that same level of service but every day and there is no need to bring your system into us!

 

 

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Should You Buy a Mac or a PC?

Mac or PC

Should You Buy a Mac or a PC?

It seems the debate about buying a Mac or a PC computer has been around since the beginning of the computing age, and there still appears to be no resolution in sight. These days however, the lines are blurring between the two operating systems, with the availability of cloud storage and cloud computing at the back end of both systems, and many of the same apps available to both.

Mac or PC
In truth, both machine types have always been very capable of accomplishing computing tasks, but have simply gone about it in different ways. There are still some reasons why you might want to purchase an Apple machine or a PC running the Windows operating system, depending on your personal preferences.

Here are some of the differences which might appeal to you personally, and sway you toward one computer versus the other.

Screen considerations

If you’re a big fan of touchscreen capability, you might want to lean toward a PC with the newest Windows operating system, because Apple has yet to incorporate touchscreen into its own technology portfolio. Users who prefer navigating with a swipe of their finger rather than using some kind of mouse are likelier to find a computer which appeals to them in the Windows arena rather than in Apple. On the other hand, Retina Display, which reduces glare and makes the screen easier to view for longer periods of time, is more apt to be found on Apple machines, and is not in widespread use on PC’s.

Availability

This is one major difference that is likely to remain intact for quite some time, since it has to do with the respective manufacturers. Mac computers are only available for purchase through Apple, whereas PC’s running Windows are available from a whole slew of different manufacturers. The practical impact of this is that Apple computers tend to be priced similarly no matter who you buy them from – but PC’s are available with a broad range of pricing, depending on what kinds of features are included on specific machines, and which manufacturer produced the machine.
It also means that when you need repairs, most take your Mac to an Apple computer repair service, whereas PC’s can be fixed by most repair companies, no matter who made the machine. As for us, we can work on both.

Performance

In terms of memory and hard drive storage, most PC’s have a slight edge over Macs. Whereas PC’s tend to have between 2 and 8+ GB of RAM, standard Mac machines generally come equipped with between 1 and 4 GB+ of RAM. The same difference holds true for hard drive space, with PC’s routinely providing more space than Macs.

 

Question to Ask Yourself before you buy

No days, buying either is much like buying a Ford or a Chevy. Which one do you like the most? Here are some questions that may help you identify what direction to go.

  1. Where is all my data now? Do you have data in the cloud such as movies, music, pictures, documents, etc? If it sits will Google you might just want to stick with a PC. If it sits with Apple you may want to move to Mac for better integration.
  2. What is my budget? If a new Mac is in the budget then great. Keep in mind for the same amount you spend on 1 Apple you might be able to get two very decent PC’s. PC parts are generally much cheaper to replace or repair.
  3. What do I use my computer for? If you use your computer for cruising the internet only, save the money and get a PC. If you require video, photo, and music editing, Mac has the edge. Game much? go with PC’s

At the end of the day this is your choice. Don’t let anyone settle you either way. We have customers that have switched to Mac’s and hate them. We have customers that switched to PC’s and hate them. Use your best judgement. Spend the right amount of money for you and give it some time to learn. Where most go wrong is comparing a $2000 Mac to a $500 PC. Be sure to compare equivalent prices when comparing Apples to PC. Our bet is you’ll get more bang for your buck with PC than a Mac, But which operating system to you like most?

 

 

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Slow Browsing? Faulty Internet or Computer?

SmashingComputers

Slow Browsing? Faulty Internet or Computer?

You’re all set for a fun session of surfing the internet, your mind is racing ahead with all the possibilities you want to explore and the results you are expecting to be pleased by – but for some reason, pages are loading slowly, images fill in at a snail’s pace, and navigation is so slow you could walk to the next site faster. What gives? What’s responsible for this agonizingly poor performance, that’s turning your pleasurable browsing time into a frustrating session of hair-pulling? You can of course, call your expert PC repair company, but you may want to check for some of these possibilities first.Slow Computers

Excessive number of add-ons

It’s fairly common for computer users to download too many add-ons, or even some that are somewhat malicious, over the course of their computer’s life, and many times these interfere with efficient browser functionality. It’s also entirely possible that you have downloaded a browser extension at some point which is itself a source of poor performance because it downloads ads and displays pop-ups whenever you open your browser. You can cure this yourself by searching for your browser’s extension manager and disabling the ones you don’t need.

Your computer has a virus or malware

Everyone knows that the Internet is is like a minefield loaded with viruses, malware, and spyware, and no matter how careful you are about the sites you visit, you have the potential to involuntarily download one of them every time you fire up your machine. Any of these malicious objects can slow your computer’s performance, because they’re running scans in the background which suck up machine cycles and resources. Luckily, there are a number of really good anti-virus, anti-malware programs which can protect your computer from most of the nasty stuff out there.

Too many programs running

While your computer is built to multi-task efficiently, it will inevitably slow down when you have a huge number of windows open with resources allocated to each of them. A big part of your computer’s capability for running multiple processes concurrently depends on how much random-access memory (RAM) it came with. RAM facilitates the processing of several programs at once. When the demands of all these programs exceed your RAM and your processing power, you’ll quickly begin to notice a slowdown. The obvious solution here is to just shut down some of the windows you’re using, to free up valuable resources. 

Your hard drive is nearly full

When you get to the point where your computer’s hard drive has reached about 90% of capacity, all processing will slow down to a virtual crawl. Full hard drives even prevent your machine from booting up properly. Periodically check how much storage is being used on your hard drive to make sure it never gets anywhere near this threshold. These days all kinds of files and other storage hogs can be moved to the cloud. Pull up your file manager and review applications and files which are taking up an enormous amount of space but not needed. After doing this, run CCleaner to empty out additional trash files. It may be time to replace the old hard drive with a new solid state drive.

 

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2016 & 2017 Angie’s List Award Winner

2016 & 2017 Angie’s List Award Winner
Computer Repair Award 20172016 Angie's List Award Winner

iNFLUX PC, LLC Earns Esteemed Angie’s List Super Service Award, 2 years running. The Award reflects company’s consistently high level of customer service

iNFLUX PC, LLC has earned the home service industry’s coveted Angie’s List Super Service Award, reflecting an exemplary year of customer service to members of the local services marketplace and consumer review site in 2016 and 2017.

This achievement is particularly significant as Angie’s List experienced unprecedented member growth in. More than 1.6 million consumers, many of whom were eager to quickly hire highly qualified service pros, joined Angie’s List after the company added a new, free membership tier.

“Companies that can meet higher demands without missing a beat in their exemplary performance standards truly do stand apart from their peers,” said Angie’s List Founder Angie Hicks. “Only a fraction of the Technology Services companies in Phoenix Valley, Arizona were able to do it.”

Angie’s List Super Service Award 2016 & 2017 winners have met strict eligibility requirements, which include an “A” rating in overall grade, recent grade, and review period grade. The SSA winners must also be in good standing with Angie’s List, pass a background check and abide by Angie’s List operational guidelines.

“We are honored and excited to accept this award! We pride ourselves on maintaining 100% customer satisfaction.” said Brad, the company owner.

Service company ratings are updated daily on Angie’s List as new, verified consumer reviews are submitted. Companies are graded on an A through F scale in areas ranging from price to professionalism to punctuality.

For more than 21 years, Angie’s List restricted access to its verified reviews to consumers who paid membership fees. When the company removed that barrier, some companies worried that the new, non-paying members would not be as engaged as members of the past. Experience has shown, however, that these newly added members are just as engaged – across all age groups – as prior members. Also, because the company continues to adhere to its review verification process, there has been no degradation of review quality.

“The biggest change at Angie’s List is that we are connecting even more consumers to high-quality service professionals,” Hicks said. “And that’s good for everyone.”

###

Angie’s List helps facilitate happy transactions between more than 4.5 million consumers nationwide and its collection of highly rated service providers in more than 720 categories of service, ranging from home improvement to health care. Built on a foundation of more than 10 million verified reviews of local service, Angie’s List connects consumers directly to its online marketplace of services from member-reviewed providers, and offers unique tools and support designed to improve the local service experience for both consumers and service professionals.

Check out our other 2016 award from Expertise.com

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Tips on Knowing When to Buy a New Computer

When to buy a new computer

Tips on Knowing When to Buy a new Computer

Knowing when to buy a new computer can be tricky unless a catastrophic event like a hard disk crash, someone steals your laptop, or a piano falls on your CPU, forces you into action. Since most people don’t really know when it’s time to replace their computer, they tend to accept its operating quirks and work around them far longer than they really should.

When to buy a new computer

Of course, if you know a really good computer repair service, the technicians will tell you what the true condition of your machine is, but it will still help for you to observe behaviors which seem to be unusual or abnormal about your computer’s operation. Here are some warning signs that can help alert you to the fact it may be time to replace your old system. If you observe just one of these indicators, that may not be decisive on its own, but when you see several of these warning signs, it’s a pretty good bet that your computer is trying to tell you it’s ready for retirement.

New operating system won’t install

Years ago, most people used to stick with the operating system that was installed on the computer when they bought it, since new versions were only released every three or four years. Both Apple and Microsoft are now moving to the point where they release an operating system update on a near-annual basis, which is made available as a free download. When you can’t install the newest update on your machine, it’s a bad sign; however, sometimes there a workarounds.

Can’t run new apps and games

The requirements for new applications and video games are becoming greater all the time, and when you reach the point where you can’t run a lot of these on your machine, it’s time for some kind of upgrade.

Slow performance

This is probably most noticeable during boot-up time and when you have several tabs open at the same time. Granted, a good system cleaning may be all you need, but eventually even cleaning won’t help. Sometimes a Solid State Drive (SSD) or a memory upgrade can fix the slowness.

Running out of space and memory

Check on your available storage. How much hard drive space do you need? Do you have enough? Every once in a while, open file explorer and check it out. Also open task manager to see how much CPU and RAM is used up. If CPU usage is at 80% or greater, that could be a good sign that your computer’s hardware is close to being maxed out.

Can’t connect newer devices

This is one of the most tell-tale signs that your computer is aging. All new gadgets you want to try out simply don’t work when you try to connect them to your machine. For instance, when you try to hook up a brand-new 4K monitor to your system, and it looks like you need a new pair of glasses, that’s your computer shouting out ‘incompatibility’. It’s time to buy a new computer.

 

 

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Take Good Care of Your Computer

Take Good Care of Your Computer

Take Good Care of Your ComputerTaking good care of your computer directly affects its performance and its shelf life. It’s a good idea to make yourself aware of what affects the performance of your machine and what causes degradation. Cost of computers are down an awful lot but a computer purchase still represents a significant investment.

That means you should do whatever you can to keep it in good running condition, and avoid the necessity of computer repair. Without getting too deep into tech life, here are some things you can do that will help keep your computer in tip-top shape.

Keep it cool

Heat kills. Plain and simple. Heat may be the biggest single factor in your computer’s day-to-day performance. When the interior components of a computer get warm or hot, their performance is degraded. You’ll notice your computer running more slowly. Computer cases are designed the way they are, with vents strategically placed, and with fans that runs constantly to keep things cool. If you place your computer next to a wall and block any of those vents, you prevent the cooling system from functioning as intended. Make sure your PC is located somewhere so that all sides remain unobstructed, and air can be exchanged freely.

Keep it clean

Another computer killer is dust or debris. Both increase heat and degrade machine performance. Dust, cat hair, and smoke circulating in the air around your computer will automatically be sucked into the case and settle on the components.

If it gets severe enough, it will block gum up the fans and render air exchange non-operational. Keep in mind, even when properly placed there will still be dust. Periodically remove the cover, and blow away as much of that dust as possible with compressed air. Whatever you do, don’t use a rag or cloth to clean the interior, and never use traditional cleaning products when you’re cleaning the inside.

Keep it current

Your computer needs protection from more things than dust and heat. Nasty-minded folks out there will try to gain control of your machine, corrupt it, and hold it for ransom. Make sure you have good anti-virus software installed and keep it current, it knows  know how to stop all the latest malware on the Internet. While you’re at it, keep your computer current with the latest updates from Microsoft or Apple. Most updates are security-related and help keep your computer safe from attacks.

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Best Computer Repair

Expertise Award - Best Computer Repair Service in Phoenix, AZ 2016

Best computer repair service!

We are so honored and proud to find out that Expertise.com awareded us the “best computer repair service” in Phoenix Arizona for 2016!
Check us out on their award page located here: www.expertise.com/az/phoenix/computer-repair

Who was the competition?

Expertise looked at a total of 268 Computer Repair Services located in and around Phoenix; including Goodyear, AZ, Avondale, AZ, Buckeye, AZ, Peoria, AZ, and other major cities in the entire Phoenix Valley. Expertise picked us to be in their top 20 in order to connect people to the best local experts. They analyzed and scored Phoenix’s computer repair service businesses on more than 25 variables across six categories to give their visitors a hand-picked list of the best computer repair service companies in and around Phoenix, AZ.

CriteriaExpertise Award - Best Computer Repair Service in Phoenix, AZ 2016

  • Reputation – A history of delighted customers as a signal of outstanding service.
  • Credibility – Building customer confidence with licensing, industry accreditation’s, and awards.
  • Experience – Masters of their craft, based on years of practical experience and education.
  • Availability – Consistently approachable and responsive, so customers never feel ignored.
  • Professionalism – Providing customers a seamless experience both online and off.
  • Engagement – Actively engaged with their customers across a number of platforms.

Read up on our latest Google Business reviews and find out why our customers think we are the best! We look forward to continuing our service offerings and helping our customers find the best solutions that fit their budget; including computer repair, technology advice, web design and hosting services, wireless network security, parental controls, and data restoration services.  How is is that we offer the best service in Phoenix?… By being honest and fair.

Spread the word to your friends and family and let us become your favorite award winning personal IT department!

Thanks for reading and we looking forward to working with you!