Use Facebook and Twitter Even When Blocked at Work

Does your company block access to facebook and twitter from work computers/phones? If so, you can use some free programs to do all your social media through email!

This LifeHacker article describes the software you need and what you can do with it. Pretty neat!

Keep in mind that corporations can still monitor your emails and see if you are using your email for social media. Practice good judgment when making use of tools like these. Here’s the link:

http://lifehacker.com/#!5783473/how-to-use-facebook-and-twitter-over-email

Disclaimer: Companies block access to such sites for a reason. ATL Computer Repair will not be responsible for damages, loss of job, etc. resulting from reading this post. Use common sense and discretion.

Loaner Laptop Now Available

We’re pleased to announce that we now have a loaner laptop that we can give customers on a first come first serve basis to use while their computer is being repaired. The laptop is running Ubuntu Linux and is perfect for surfing the internet and email. You can also use it to write word documents using Open Office. Instructions on how to navigate the basics of Linux are included so you can be up and running in no time.

If you would like to make use of the laptop, please ask us about it when you drop off your computer.

How to Form an LLC in Georgia, the Easy Way

We are now officially a limited liability company, ATL Computer Repair Georgia, LLC.

As we make it our business to help other small businesses, we will outline the steps for establishing an LLC in Georgia. It will save you $40 versus using a website like legalzoom.com, or more costly, hiring a lawyer. It’s really fairly simple and you don’t need a law degree to jump through the hoops.

Step 1:

Once you have your business plan, or at least an idea, a name, and a drive, you can search your name at the Secretary of State website to see if your name (or a derivation thereof) is already taken. Here is the link for the search:

http://corp.sos.state.ga.us/corp/soskb/csearch.asp

Follow this link to get to the LLC transmittal form. You will want to fill it out online and then print several copies. If you try to save the file, it will erase any information you type into the form. If you want a digital copy, it’s best to scan in a signed copy.

http://www.sos.state.ga.us/acrobat/Corporations/form231.pdf

Step 2:

You will need to draw up “Articles of Organization“.

This can be as simple or as complicated as you want. This link offers a simple and acceptable Articles of Organization template. You can use it as is (after you replace the default variables with your own information) or you can add onto it if your organization requires certain legalese.

http://sos.georgia.gov/corporations/filing_procedures_llc_2001.pdf

Step 3:

Print 2 copies of your Articles of Organization and sign them. Print one copy of your LLC transmittal PDF that you filled out in step 1, then date it and sign it.

Step 4:

Mail all three documents to the address at the top of the pdf form that you printed in step1.

That’s it! You will receive an email with your “certificate” in 5-8 business days (or 12 days if they are very busy). They will also snail-mail your documents.

Smartphone Security and Privacy

With the proliferation of smartphones, it has become common for people to keep more and more data on their phones. Unfortunately, most people are unaware of how easily the phone’s security could be compromised.

ATL Computer Repair recommends that every smartphone owner read the following article:

http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/guides/2011/01/why-you-should-always-encrypt-your-smartphone.ars

While the above article mainly focuses on legal precedent for police to seize and search your phone, the same risks apply if you lose your phone or it is stolen.

Some simple common sense steps can greatly improve your smartphone security. Always password protect your phone with adequate encryption and refrain from using bluetooth in public areas for starters.

Professional Virus Removal $49 January Special

Happy New Year!

For the month of January, we are offering professional virus and spyware removal for $49. This price also includes a pc tune-up and a backup/recovery consultation.

Q: I already have an antivirus program. Why do I need professional virus removal?

A: It is imperative to have a good and up to date anti-virus program installed, but that will not always protect you. Each antivirus program has its strengths and weaknesses. There is no “silver bullet” when it comes to preventing computer infections. Therefore, it is good to regularly scan with other anti-malware programs to minimize risk.

Q: What is “Professional virus removal”?

A: Professional virus removal refers to the experience gained from removing viruses for over a decade. We do things differently, with resources you likely do not have. We will physically remove your hard drive and scan it with our diagnostic computer which is MUCH more effective at removing the most nasty of viruses. This is known as offline virus removal. Most computer techs do not bother going the extra step here, but it is critical to ensuring that you do not have any infections remaining on your computer. Norton, McAfee, Kapersky, AVG, Avast, etc…none of these programs will do offline scanning and removal. Thus, you always run the risk of having lingering infections that could be compromising your security AND privacy.

Q: Why is it important to remove ALL infections, even if my computer is running just fine?

A: Many computer infections, including spyware and adware, compromise your security and privacy. They will install “silent” programs on your computer that will track your online activity and then transmit this data to other computers on the internet. Hackers and internet vigilantes will then use, sell, or manipulate this data to their liking. This is the number one way that people are able to steal your passwords, hack into your email accounts, steal your identity, and otherwise make your life a living hell. Those are the nasty ones and you could have one installed right now and you wouldn’t even know it. The less-nasty ones will just track your online browsing history and send this data to marketing companies that then use this data to their advantage. For example, if you go to ebay or amazon and look at buying an iPod, these tracking programs will then follow you around and monitor what other products you look at. These programs are called spyware and they are everywhere! I have NEVER worked on any computer that did not have at least one of these programs running on their system. Why are they so bad? Well, they are not so bad in principle, I guess, but they use your system resources without your permission. If you have several of these installed, it will slow down your system considerably. Imagine going to your mailbox to get the mail and it takes you twenty minutes because there is a horde of people gathered around your mailbox sifting through your mail and pestering you with questions about what you received in the mail and how it relates to you and your overall money spending patterns!

Contact us today and release your computer from infections.

What to do if you spill liquid on your laptop

In this blog post, we will cover what to do if you spill liquid on your laptop, notebook, or netbook. We will review potential repair options and suggest ways to prevent this from happening in the future.

If you spill liquid on your computer…

The first, and most important step, is to not panic. If you act in a panic, you run the risk of making the problem worse. For example, if the spill is contained on top of the keyboard, picking it up and tilting it might cause liquid to flow into the case and onto the motherboard. If that happens, your motherboard will most likely short out and may damage other components, rendering your system dead, or at least too costly to repair. So don’t panic.

Pick up the spilled container of liquid first to prevent further spilling. Next, unplug your laptop if it is plugged into an outlet. You will also want to remove the battery as quickly as possible without tilting the laptop. After you have removed the power, you will need to clean up the laptop.

Note: Some laptops come with “spill-resistant” keyboards that isolate the keyboard from the internal components. If you have one of these, a channel should be indicated to where you can simply tilt the laptop and drain away any liquid.

To clean up the spill, you should use any safe, absorbent material available (thick paper towel work great). Absorb as much liquid as possible.

Repair Options…

At this point, the type of liquid becomes important. Is it a sugary liquid like soda or was it an alcohol-based drink like a martini, or perhaps it was just a glass of water? If the liquid was clear (good indication of water/alcohol based liquid) then you might be able to get away with pulling out the keyboard and letting the computer dry out for a day or so. This is not so easy in humid climates, but can be accomplished by using a low temperature heating source (dry heat).

If the liquid is sugary and has leaked past the keyboard and onto the internal system components, then it requires a massive cleaning. The motherboard will have to be removed and cleaned with solvents.

So if you accidentally spill, cut all power and clean the spill with absorption. Contact a computer repair specialist to have the laptop analyzed. A good professional will test all components and give you a quote for repair/replacement. It might just require some cleaning or it might need more. Even if the laptop is professionally cleaned and inspected, there is always the chance that a hidden bit of moisture will plague the whole system upon power-up.

Unfortunately, the biggest victims, based on our experience, are motherboards, in which case it is often better to replace the laptop rather than repair it. If the motherboard is still functioning, then other system components might go awry including video, wifi, usb ports, disk errors, etc., in which case, the motherboard will need to be replaced.

If you are lucky, your laptop will only need a cleaning and drying. If that doesn’t work, then it’s time to see if your insurance policy covers spills or just suck it up and shell for a new spiffy laptop.

Prevention

Companies spend millions of dollars each year training people how to avoid accidents. It’s a major industry in its own right! They don’t spend money for nothing!

It’s far too easy for people to cause an accident. We have a virtual obstacle course set in front of us every day. Nonetheless, there are some steps we can take to eliminate a vast majority of the instances in which accidents can take place.

In my 25 years of working with computers, I have never spilled anything on any of my computers. Yet in the same time period, I must have spilled hundreds of drinks, broken dozens of glasses, and generally made the point that I can be a complete klutz.

Yet I’ve never spilled anything on my computer. How so?

It’s preparedness. When a drink is near the computer, it is registered in my brain as such. It becomes a dangerous object. If I’m not aware of my surroundings or the potential danger that abounds me, then I have already lost.

Yes, it comes down to awareness. Be aware of your surroundings. An introduction of your friend telling a wild story with their hands can lead to disaster…if you are not aware.

Of course, the simple solution is to not allow any liquids to come within striking distance of your computer.

So in review…

• Don’t freak out
• Unplug/depower
• Absorb
• Call a pro

Any questions? Ask away!

The Geek Squad Has it Wrong

ATL Computer Repair has serviced many computers recently that were first taken to Geek Squad at Best Buys. In almost all the cases, Geek Squad gave the customer the wrong diagnosis. Some of the customers were upset with their timeliness and all were appalled at the prices quoted.

Yet, day after day, people go to them and spend hundreds of dollars for a repair that we can do for less than half the cost. Don’t be one of these people. Shop around and get a reasonable quote for your repair, and then call us. A customer recently told us that Geek Squad wanted $200 just to diagnose their issue. That is ridiculous. We will find the problem for free if you decide to do the repair with us. We’re happy to say that 100% of our diagnostic business becomes repair business. Our customers are always happy and that helps with our word of mouth business.

While Geek Squad can provide good service, we’ve been surprised at how often they do not. It is unacceptable to tell a customer that the motherboard is bad when it is actually the power supply. Likewise, it is terrible to say that the memory is bad, when it is actually the motherboard. A correct diagnosis is crucial to a successful repair. We theorize that a lot of these mistakes come from lack of experience. Most of the employees at every Geek Squad we’ve seen have been very young people. Supposedly, some of the employees are still in school or training. That is simply no match for 20+ years of computer repair experience.

So give us a call today for a free quote and skip the super high rates from Geek Squad.

Windows Recovery Disks . XP, Vista, Windows7

At times, you may need to reset your system to the way it came new. You need your Windows DVD to be able to do this.

Most new laptops (and some desktops) do not come with disks. They require that you create the disks yourself, from your desktop environment. The problem is that most people never know about this or do not make an effort to do it. It’s too often the case that nobody seems to ever have their disks when needed. Here’s how to be prepared for the inevitable need for the reinstallation/restore disks.

The program varies depending on the manufacturer, but the general approach is to click on “Start” and then click on “All programs”. Look through your program list for a program named “Create Restore Disks” or something similar. Sometimes this program is inside a folder. In this case, look for your manufacturer’s name and you should find the program in that folder (Example: If you have a Dell, look for a folder named “Dell”).

You will need a CD/DVD burner as well as some blank disks. The program will walk you through all the steps. Just follow the instructions.

Keep in mind that most of these programs work only once! You will need to save your disks and keep them in a safe, memorable place. If you lose those disks, you will not be able to use the program again.

If you do not have disks and are not able to use the program that came with your computer to create your restore disks, then you can always order the disks from the manufacturer. For most manufacturer’s, this can be done online at their website. The typical charge is $25-$35.

This is key. It is too often that people bring in their computers and need a complete reinstall of Windows, but do not have their disks. As an honest computer repair company, we can not reinstall Windows most of the time. The disks are essential.

The only alternative left is to use a different operating system. Linux is free and better than Windows in many ways, but as it is an open source project, the updates are slow for hardware support. For most people, this is not a big deal. If you use your computer for internet, email, and documents (Excel and Word), then you will be fine using Linux. Nonetheless, many people are still apprehensive about using Linux and this is understandable. It’s underlying structure is different from Windows, so there are new things to learn. But if you can’t reinstall Windows, Linux is a good option. Ubuntu is the recommended install.

So as you can see, it is crucial that you make your restore disks. It should be the first thing you do when you buy a new computer. Run the program and burn the disks. This ensures that you can always use your computer. Remember, the computer is only as good as the operating system it is running. A computer without an operating system is useless.

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

Free PR7 Link . Quality SEO Backlink

Here is a nice site you can use to create a free, high quality backlink to your website. Creating backlinks for your site is a key element of Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Google and other search engines rank your site in the search results by considering a number of factors related to your website. One of the primary variables search engines like Google use to determine ranking is the number and quality of websites that link to your site. By creating links to your site, Google and other search engines consider your site to be more and more popular. The more links pointing to your site the better!

Hint: PR7 refers to PageRank 7. PageRank is a system Google uses to evaluate sites based on a myriad of different variables.

You can find out how many links you have pointing to your site by using a free tool offered by Yahoo called Site Explorer. You can type in a web address and it will show you how many pages exist at that address as well as the incoming links (backlinks) that Yahoo has found across the internet. You do not need a Yahoo account to use this.

Once you have found out how many backlinks your site has, take a moment to look at the domains that are pointing to you (hopefully you have some). By noting these domains, you can check back at a later date and ensure that your new links are being found. You can also view the links that Google finds by going to the Google Webmaster Tools, which is also free but requires a Google account and a bit more to set up.

Take a moment to look at your competitors links by using Site Explorer. If you look at your number one competitor, you will realize the importance of link building. Chances are good that they have hundreds, or even thousands of links pointing to their site. To compete with them and your other competitors, you must have a link building campaign.

There are various ways in which to build links. The typical outlets for link building include website directories, blogs, forums, social media, and press releases. The PR7 link included in this post is a forum style link. It requires you to register with the site and then verify your account via email. Once your account is verified, you sign in and go to your profile, where you place the link.

Click here for the free PR7 SEO backlink!

NOTE: This site actually wants new members that participate at the site and add something to the community. Take some time to explore the site and don’t hesitate to interact and show involvement. Some website owners find it abusive for members to sign up, post links, and never come back again. Don’t present yourself as a spammer and you can be assured that your link will last shall it be scrutinized by the administrators of the site. Besides, it’s a pretty cool site, similar to Pandora, but for art.

Disclaimer: I assume no liability for anything you do at the site linked above. By following the instructions below, you assume all liability.

Here are the instructions for creating your backlink:

Click on the link above and once on the site, click on “Sign up” in the upper right corner of the site. You will need to fill in your credentials, making sure to provide a valid email address. After signing up, you will receive an email that contains a link that enables you to confirm your account. Once you have confirmed your account, sign in to your account. You will see your username with “[view my profile]” next to it. Click on “View my profile” and you will be taken to your profile page. Once there, you will see “[edit my profile]” next to your user name. Click on that and then scroll down to the section labeled “Bio”.

In this box you will need to enter your website using html code. Here is the code you need to enter. You only need to substitute ‘http://www.example.com’ with the name of your own domain and your keywords. (copy and paste)

<a href=”http://www.example.com”>Your keywords here</a>

Example: I run a website about dogsledding called http://www.dogsleddingbackcountry.com. The keyword phrase I want to rank high for is “dog sledding Arkansas”. So I would enter:

<a href=”http://www.dogsleddingbackcountry.com”>Dog Sledding Arkansas</a>

That’s all there is to it! You will now have a link pointing to your site. Rinse, lather, repeat for other sites to continue to increase your backlinks.

As you can see, the process is tedious and takes a bit of time to find a good site to get a link from and then actually create the link. We are SEO specialists and can create an effective backlink campaign for you. You sit back and watch your rankings rise while we do all the work. More information can be found on our SEO page and you can always contact us for more information or a custom quote.

Should I get a laptop or desktop?

This is a popular question amongst computer users. Laptops seems to be the most popular these days, because of portability, but there are reasons why a desktop computer might be a better option. This article looks at the pros and cons of each.

Laptops

Pros

• Portability
• Lower Power Consumption
• Lighter Footprint

Cons

• More Expensive
• Harder to Repair/Upgrade ($)
• Higher Incidence of Theft
• Prone to Overheating
• Limited Expansion Possibilities

Desktops

Pros

• More Powerful
• Easy to Upgrade/Repair
• More Expansion Possibilities

Cons

• Not Portable
• Heavier Footprint
• Uses More Energy

There are certain cases where this question is a no-brainer. If you need portability, you need a laptop. If you need lots of power (audio mixing, video production, etc.), you will want a desktop. But for the average home user, the lines can get blurry.

Use the comparisons above to help make your decision easier. For example, if your most important criteria is energy savings, then you will probably want a laptop if you don’t mind the extra cost and other drawbacks. If your most important criteria is bang for the buck, I’d recommend a desktop as long as space is not an issue. etc…

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask them in the comments section. If you decide to get a desktop, consider our custom computer build service. Please contact us to get a recent quote.