By popular demand, ERI is now offering a computer tune up service for new or old computers. Actually, we've been doing this for clients, but never codified it into a named service before.
You may think that a new computer doesn't need a tune-up; however, with all the junk pre-loaded onto today's PCs, a new computer in the 2000s is often more cluttered than a 1990s model that is three or four years old. In addition, some manufacturers are routinely including spyware in their new machines -- software that lives behind the screen and informs the manufacturer what you're up to. This may help the manufacturer to offer better deals, but I'd prefer they were up front about it.
Here's what a tune-up entails:
- Setup and testing of hardware components; I will deal with technical support should there be any out-of-the-box problems.
- Installation of all waiting Windows patches including security patches and Microsoft Malicious software removal tools.
- Setup of Windows auto-update service to enable future updates without effort.
- Removal of all spy-ware, beg-ware, cripple-ware, trial-ware and other non-useful software from the machine.
- Installation of Avast!, a free online anti-virus program that tests out better than Norton.
- Installation of SpyBot-Search and Destroy, a program designed to remove and prevent the installation of malware on your PC.
- Innoculation of system settings to make it more difficult for a virus to overcome a PC.
- Installation of CCleaner, a free program designed to help clear junk out of your PC in the future (I can show you how to run it if so desired).
- Installation of the Firefox web browser with Google toolbar and (optionally) Thunderbird email program.
- Installation of the Adblock plugin, which reduces annoying advertising as well as download times by blocking web ads.
- Installation of the latest standard browser plugins, including Adobe Acrobat (PDF reader), Quicktime (video player), Real (video and audio player).
- (Optional) Installation of OpenOffice, a free office suite compatible with Microsoft Office.
- Defragment and delivery to your home or office.
That's it. These steps are designed to ensure that your (new) computer is virus-resistant and maintenance-free for some time to come. You will also find that it runs faster, crashes less often and gives you fewer problems.
Some Notes:
- If you are transferring from an old PC, I can transfer data and software onto the new PC, but that will be charged separately.
- Training is also available separately; I'll be happy to answer any questions about your new computer at regular rate.
- If you would like, I can dispose of the old PC appropriately (normally, I clean them up and donate them to churches and non-profit groups) for you. DO NOT throw your PC in the trash - they are not allowed in landfills.
Our standard rate for this service will be $75. Simply have your new PC drop-shipped to our offices and we'll take care of the rest.
Our address:
Effie Rover, Inc.
9679 Fargo Rd
East Bethany, NY 14054
And, if you'd be kind enough to drop an email ahead of time -- I'd like to know whose PC I'm working on before it arrives :)