We’ve all seen pop-ups and paid advertisements showing: “$75 Computer Repair Services Any Problem.” We hear about it all the time: A residential client that bawks at our hourly rate but then discloses to us the horror stories about the technician they paid $75 “per job” for. These consumers complain to us about the experiences they had with these types of “Technicians”: Repeat charges for unresolved issues, unrepaired problems that linger without resolve and how can we forget about the incorrectly diagnosed repairs and wasted time? Orange County Computer’s Tech Repair Center picks up the pieces for many of these frustrated consumers. We have seen misdiagnosed motherboard problems, laptop components, clean room data recovery jobs that didn’t need to go to a clean room, hard drives replaced that had no evidence of being bad, and the list goes on and on….My personal favorite is when we hear about customers that honestly believe they have valid Microsoft licensing which was produced by “Key Generators” provided by BitTorrent websites.
People, you get what you pay for, it’s as simple as that. Typically the one-man-show technicians that are undercharging the market inevitably end up coming back several times to correct a problem and you, the customer, end up paying more money in the long run anyway. Other scenarios can include being sold illegal copies of software applications. The truth about licensing is this:
If as a consumer, you are sold a Microsoft License as an example, you will receive a Valid License key code and an authentication sticker to place on your system or a Certified Product License key code. If you have hacked or illegal product licensing, you, the customer, will have an array of compatibility issues and bugs, followed by warnings. That same technician that charged you $75/hour will have to come back several times to correct some completely unnecessary problem that they created themselves by selling you an illegal copy of a software application. Unfortunately, most people find out about their illegal software licensing a few years later when having to purchase LEGAL, valid licensing during a repair, or when as new computer is purchased.
So buyer beware: Protect your technology, time and money and qualify your technician by asking the following questions BEFORE giving someone access into your home office and your personal confidential information:
- Ask how long they have been working as an IT Consultant?
- Do they carry Business Insurance?
- Do they have any Technical Certifications?
- Do they have any references you can speak with?
- Do they provide these services on the side or full-time?
I hope that this honest posting has been useful and hopefully steered you or someone you know away from working with the wrong type of technician. Orange County Computer Computer, Inc. is happy to help. Feel free to stop by our Tech Repair Center or visit us online at www.orangecountycomputer.com for more information about our professional and responsible business practices in the Technology Sector.
Written by Deborah Walck, Operations Director, Orange County Computer, Inc.
One of the fastest-growing methods cybercriminals are using of disseminating malware is through fake antivirus software. Fake antivirus software can either be a program that claims to be antivirus software that does little or no work, or it can actually be a Trojan horse, disguised to actually implant malware onto a computer. The purpose of it is to scare a user and get the payment out.
The reason why fake antivirus software can get around powerful protection is because of social engineering. Social engineering is the term used to describe the act of tricking an unsuspecting person into giving up information or money. Specifically, this is done in the context in the digital world where the trick is done remotely.
Question:
I have Norton Internet Security on my computer, and heard that it was hacked. Now, I’m getting e-mail from Symantec saying that I need to update my security, and the e-mail provides a link. I know you say never click a link in an e-mail, but what do I do about my security?
Answer:
You’re wise to question that e-mail. Hackers did indeed break into the network of security developer Symantec and stole the source code for multiple security programs, including your Norton Internet Security. While that happened back in 2006, the hackers just released new information related to that incident last week, so there is renewed concern.
Now other hackers are taking advantage of the situation and sending fake e-mail with malicious attachments and links. Remember, Symantec programs update themselves. The company will never send you update links or attachments via e-mail. Symantec will also never ask for your personal information.
That e-mail is a fake. If you use Symantec products, you’ll need to watch them carefully for available updates.
For more information on keeping your computer virus free, visit our site at OrangeCountyComputer.com and read our few simple and effective steps for proper security on your desktop/laptop system.
Has your IT Provider locked down your company network and disappeared? Do you believe that your In-House IT Guy is talking over your head to direct your focus away from their incompetencies?
Orange County Computer receives frequent phone calls from frustrated business owners inquiring about our services and how they can phase-out their existing In-House IT Guy or Outsourced IT Vendor who is holding them hostage. Many times they are contacting us in secret so a member of our team can relinquish administrative rights to that company network and give the business owner the rightful access to their company that they deserve. The technology industry isn’t safeguarded against the unsavory professional that falls short of basic business ethics. It’s important to choose wisely who you entrust with your company data, financial information and intellectual property and client contacts
Here are a few tips when either transitioning or hiring a Technology Service Provider for the first time:
- Ask for both previous and current references – It is important to confirm how both current and past clients rate service and professionalism.
- Verify partnerships or certifications that you are hiring the vendor for. For example, if you are running or want to run in a Microsoft Server Operating System Environment, it would be wise to confirm that the company is qualified and certified to help you or obtain support services in mission critical situations.
- Confirm exactly how many employees the IT Vendor has on staff. Lack of staffing resources during mission critical times can cost clients thousands of dollars in lost revenue.
- Personally visit the location of the business you are hiring to work for you. It is important to know where your IT Vendor conducts business. This may help to confirm or rule out a possible candidate. A “one man show” working from home might not align with the needs of your organization.
The team at Orange County Computer hopes this information has been useful. If you have found this blog post and your network is currently being held hostage by your IT Vendor, we are here to help.
Contact our Tech Team at 949-699-6619 or reach us via email at support@orangecountycomputer.com
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