Technically Supported
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Computers
Generally yes! We can support you on Microsoft Windows, Apple Mac, or even some Linux installs. Whether it’s a laptop, desktop, mini-pc, entertainment system, or even a kiosk or other computer-based devices, we likely can help.
Maybe. It depends upon the type of issue you have. We can’t rewrite the code of existing software to provide new features or change the way it looks or behaves, but we can certainly help you configure it if there are options to do so.
If the issue is simply one of an application not starting or crashing while running, we might be able to help with that as well.
We strive for honesty in our support and as such will not make unrealistic guarantees or set unreachable expectations.
Mostly, yes. Not all parts of the prior computer can always be copied across 100%. Sometimes the difference in hardware between the computers limits what can be copied. Sometimes old applications are no longer supported or available.
We will help you understand what can and cannot be done and what changes your new computer will have that will be different than your old computer.
Physically? No. If your computer’s screen is cracked or broken in some way or if there’s physical damage to the device, we’re not able to help directly with those problems. We can guide you on how to work with the device’s warranty (if still available) or give you advice on where you might be able to take your device for physical repair.
If your issue is a physical problem with a replaceable component – like a battery, hard disk, etc. – we can certainly help with those requests.
Software and Apps
Maybe. There are likely hundreds of thousands of different software applications in the world. No one can know all of them.
Our team is well versed in the common applications – like Microsoft Office, Adobe products, and similar – and can likely help. Even obscure software might be supportable with a little investigation, interaction, or research. Most software are similar in nature with settings, files, and common behaviors. Our team’s years of experience help to quickly understand software and why it might not be doing what you want or expect it to do.
YES! We love the opportunity to guide and educate people with the use of software.
It can be very frustrating to spend money on software and the be faced with a large number of features and options and no real understanding of how to get the most out of it. We will spend time with you to help you learn and use your software in a way that you’ll feel comfortable with it after we leave.
YES! Often there is software you have either outgrown, never used, or don’t want to use anymore and a desire to not see it anymore or have it not bother you with popups or requests.
Sometimes the “thing” that is bothering you isn’t easily understood as to what is generating the popup or other annoyance. We can help figure that out for you and explain where and why it happens or exists and how it can be removed or suppressed.
Removing software and applications that are no longer used is also important for your security. Applications that are not used and not updated are more easily exploited by hackers and bad actors.
YES! While we won’t personally know about every software application that exists, we know many and, possibly more importantly, know how to find software and validate its claims, safety, and security.
Many times people will say “i wish i could simply have something do this thing for me”. We can help you find software or even a mix of software and devices to match with that wish.
We have no bias or affiliation with any software or device vendors which means you will get honest and thoughtful opinions and suggestions.
Devices and “Things”
Probably. Printers, however, are sometimes the most frustrating piece of connected hardware for computers and getting them working is a mix of software, drivers (special software), and physical or wireless connection to the computer. As such, there are a lot of possible reasons for printers to have issues.
We are well versed in supporting printers, from common “doesn’t print” problems to “how can I make it print better?” questions.
To be accurate as well, sometimes the issue with a printer is the printer’s age. Printers made for home-use are often made with parts that simply wear out after a year or more – not by design but as a result of using less costly parts to make it affordable.
YES! We can absolutely do that!
There are many camera options available today. We can recommend brands and specific devices based on our experiences and can help set them up in or on your home and teach you how to interact with them.
Note that we are not a security monitoring company. We can only help you on the selection and setup of the devices. Exterior cameras or fixed interior camera installation is left to you. We’ll help with the technical parts like network connections, phone setup, and recording (if desired).
YES! Many devices – from refrigerators to coffee machines to laundry and workout machines and more – are offering some sort of connectivity these days.
We can help you get them connected, show you how and why you might use it after it is connected, and inform you of any security concerns.
Phones and Tablets
Maybe. It will depend upon the issue you are having.
If the device is physically damaged, we won’t be able to help with physical repairs. But, we *might* be able to help with exporting files and pictures, if you think they are not being backed up.
If the device works, but is not behaving the way you need or expect, we can probably help. However, sometimes the reason a phone is “acting weird” is because it has a physical problem inside the device that you cannot see. We can help diagnose and determine if the issue is a “broken” phone or simply a settings problem.
YES! We can absolutely do that!
There are many settings on phones that are enabled by default to track you – albeit anonymously. We can show you where those settings are and how to disable them and also tell you what might change in your experience with your phone.
Sometimes the tracking is from an app that has been installed as well. We can help identify such and suggest ways to control it or to remove it.
Possibly. It is common for mobile devices to get hot from time to time.
Sometimes it is due to an app running in the background or by an internal component that is starting to fail. We can diagnose things and give you an honest opinion and possible actions to take to manage it.
If the device is showing any swelling, even slightly, this often means the battery inside is failing and could become dangerous to you. You should stop using the device and acquire a new one.
Other Things
YES! This is easier that most people realize.
The costs for this are very low as well and different services provide different features.
YES! We can absolutely do that!
From old to new televisions, DVD players and game consoles, and audio and speaker setups. We have experience in helping with the setup as well as advice with entertainment systems.
Many of the newer TVs and audio systems today are very technical and can be managed from your phone or tablet now – but these manufacturers rarely make that setup easy.
YES! Backups are very important for many reasons.
Whether its backing up your phone or your computer, there are many options for this task and many are very affordable.
We can recommend and configure the backups for you and teach you how to manage it yourself as well.