Fix Computer Problems Guide

Support.com - “Instant Technology Relief for Computer Problems” 

Format: Technical Support Service
Delivery: Remote Connection and Phone
Publisher: SupportSoft
Order now for: $39.99* 

By now you may have noticed that this website is all about teaching people how to fix common computer problems on their own without expensive outside IT consultants. So why would I do a review on remote technical support service?

The reason is simple. I try to write useful how-to articles that help non-technical people understand and use their computer technology better.

But, sometimes, people just need a little extra help or something complex and nasty has really stumped them and they need a guiding hand. So who are they going to turn to for help at 1:00 AM in the morning or late on a Sunday afternoon?

I did a lot of research on remote services, checked out their reviews and forums and dug down to the “company” behind the website, if possible. Sure, I found a ton of websites hyping this one or that one, but I liked Support.com best.

Their parent company is SupportSoft, a NASDAQ (SPRT) corporation. They are the folks behind the helpdesk software systems for such customers as Lowe’s, Dell and Bellsouth. Support.com is their consumer helpdesk division, I guess you could say.

Services:
• System TuneUp
• Virus and Spyware Removal
• Network Setup and Troubleshoot
• Wireless Security Setup
• Printer Setup and Troubleshooting
• Data Backup Service
• Tune and Protect
• Digital Camera Training and Setup
• MP3 Player Training and Setup

Highlights:
Remote access over the Internet. This is big one. These guys are the experts as providing remote technical assistance. If you have high-speed access then they can reach your machine and help you. This a plus if the ability of taking your computer to a repair shop is limited due to physical problems, time contra its or travel issues.

Pros:
Remote access over the Internet. Trained computer professionals on call 24/7.

Cons:
Now they clain to fix computers instantly and naturally that’s a bit of stretch. But one they “remote” into your PC, they have very powerful software, that does make it seem like they fixed your problems, “instantly”. Repair costs are similar to an offline repair shop, so there are no direct savings there.

Recommendation:
Okay, if your machine has gone belly up and you need it worked on by a pro ASAP, this may be a service you can use. And having your PC worked on at your convenience at the time of your choosing in your own home may out weigh other considerations. 
 
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Computer Secrets Unleashed! Volume 2: Home & Small Office Networking

Author: Rich Pryor
Format: PDF
Pages: 63
Delivery: Download only
Publisher: Hana Bound LLC
Publication Date: August 5, 2007
Order now for: $12.95*

Okay, I’m starting not to like this guy! No, no, no not for the reason you think! He keeps writing the ebooks, I wanted to do. Dang it!

In his first ebook, Computer Secrets Unleashed! Volume 1: PC Tips and Tricks, Pryor laid out some the best computer maintenance and repair information; I have read in a long time. No, I’m not kidding. Okay, the guy ain’t Will Shakespeare, but who is?

He’s an IT pro and in his manual he has written simple, easy to use steps just how to properly maintain and keep a home or small office computer up and running perfectly. He tells his readers the same thing I tell my own clients! It’s like being a echo chamber.

Now his has gone and done it again with Computer Secrets Unleashed! Volume 2: Home & Small Office Networking. This is the ebook I wished I had gotten BEFORE I started doing small office consulting.

Let me tell you, working with a well organized company that has 10 or 12 servers and over a 100 computer users is a piece of cake compared to getting 2 poorly maintained PCs hooked to a small wireless setup using cheap networking equipment. If you have a home or small office network or on the verge of installing one, then you need to get this ebook.  Buy it, read it and then call me!

Table of Contents:
Chapter 1 - Configuring Your Router
Chapter 2 - Wiring Your LAN (Local Area Network)
Chapter 3 - Wired Networking
Chapter 4 - Wireless Networking
Chapter 5 - Configuring File and Printer Sharing
Chapter 6 - Setting up a Shared Folder
Chapter 7 - Choosing and Sharing Printers
Chapter 8 - Remote Desktop Connection
Chapter 9 - Expanding Your Network and Other Advanced Topics
Chapter 10 - Basic Network Troubleshooting

Highlights:
The section on “Configuring Your Router” and “Wiring Your LAN (Local Area Network)” is worth the price of the book alone. I’m telling you, instead of surfing all over the Net picking up a little free info here and a little free help there, bit the bullet and get this ebook, It will save you hours of head scratching and time-wasting.

Pros:
The technical information is again excellent. Technical explanations are jargon free and written is very easy to understand English.

Cons:
And even more than his other ebook, he really should have used a “Step 1, Step 2, Step 3″ layout in the more technically detailed spots. You probably will have print out some chapters and highlight sections to make sure you don’t miss a step. But overall this ebook is also a winner.

Recommendation:
If you want to save yourself thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours in worry and stress then you need to get this ebook before you setup any kind of computer network. Honestly, if I had known about it sooner, I would have saved myself lots of wasted time working on clients’ machines.

Click to order here: $12.95*

Related Link: Fix and maintain your home/small office computer: Computer Secrets Unleashed! Vol. 1
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Computer Secrets Unleashed! Volume 1: PC Tips and Tricks

Author: Rich Pryor
Format: PDF
Pages: 37
Delivery: Download only
Publisher: Hana Bound LLC
Publication Date: August 5, 2007
Order now for: $12.95*

Now I admit to being to a skeptical and cynical so-and-so sometimes. I had seen ads for this ebook floating around the net for over a year. But I had ignored it mainly because; I never heard any other computer geeks talk about it much.

Sure, I found a ton of Internet marketers yakking on about it but we all know some those guys live next door to crooked and would endorse a pile of bat poop if it had a big enough commission for it. So to say I was more than a little leery when I downloaded a copy of Mr. Pryor’s little ebook would be an understatement.

I was both pleasantly surprised and impressed. His little how-to manual is good, very good!

Table of Contents:
Chapter 1 - How To Buy A Computer
Chapter 2 - Can Your Old Computer Be Saved?
Chapter 3 - How To Tweak Your Computer For Maximum Performance
Chapter 4 - How To Protect Your Computer From Viruses And Spyware
Chapter 5 - How To Backup Your Computer
Chapter 6 - The Best Free Software
Chapter 7 - Bonus Tips And Tricks

Highlights:
I liked this manual because Pryor “talked to” and not down his readers. This is a rare thing in the geek world. Lots of computer technicians are highly skilled, smart (even brilliant) people but lack the ability to comfortably interact with non-technical folks. After reading his book, you can imagine him sitting across from you talking in plain, easy to understand language about what you need to do to fix your home or small office computer. And I am very glad he included a section on backups since I have a real pet peeve about clients not doing them. He even named some freebie software, I hadn’t heard about.

Pros:
The technical information is spot-on. Very well thought out and communicated with common sense and in a practical manner. Technical explanations are jargon free and written is very easy to understand English.

Cons:
I admit this is picky. While he did a great job of explaining what should be done, I personally feel a few of the more complex spots could have been helped with a “Step 1, Step 2, Step 3″ layout. But this is just me and overall this ebook is a winner.

Recommendation:
Dang it! I wish I had written it. This was one of few computer how-to guides I have found that I could honestly recommend to my non-technical clients without fear of them getting overwhelmed with computer jargon and confused with complex instructions. This is the manual should have come with your computer!

Click to order here: $12.95*

Related Link: Fix and maintain your home/small office network: Computer Secrets Unleashed! Vol. 2

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