5 Tips for Saving Your Laptop Battery

Weren’t laptops supposed to be convenient since you didn’t have to stay in one place plugged into the wall?  It seems like the batteries on laptops drain so quickly that you need to always carry your charger with you to be able to plug in a moment’s notice.  There are a few things you can do to conserve your battery, here are 5 simple ones:

• Clear USB Ports & DVD/CD Drives – All your accessories that use USB ports or drives use battery power even when you are not directly using them.
• Use Power Saver Option – Check your computer’s control panel for power options. If you are trying to conserve your battery or make it last longer, choose the power saver option.  This will reduce the performance of your computer, but if conserving your battery is a priority, use this option.
• Turn off Wi-Fi & Bluetooth – Your battery is constantly being drained while Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are searching for connections. If you won’t be using either of these services, turn them off to increase the length of your battery charge.
• Shut Down or Hibernate – These options are the best battery savers if you won’t be using your computer for an extended period of time. The standby mode uses the most battery power.
• Lower Brightness & Screen Resolution – If you are working in a brightly lit area or outside, turn down your screen brightness to conserve your battery. If resolution is not critical to your task at hand, lowering it is another way to help your battery charge last longer.

Although there isn’t a magic trick to make your battery last for weeks at a time, these ideas can definitely help increase the length of your battery charge especially if there is not an outlet nearby.

Written By: Amy Murphy, TLC Computer Solutions, Las Vegas, NV

How to Clean Your Keyboard

With normal usage, your keyboard collects dust, debris, and germs. It is a good idea to clean your keyboard every couple months or more often if it is shared with other users. This ensures that your keys remain working properly and you don’t spread germs and bacteria with other users.  Here are some easy ways to clean your keyboard starting with the simplest.

• Use a soft brush (from vacuum attachment or toothbrush) to gently brush off dust.
• Spray compressed air on your keyboard to force dust and dirt particles out from between the keys.
• Use a small handheld vacuum or small attachment to carefully suction dust and debris from the keyboard.
• Wipe keys off with isopropyl alcohol using a cotton swab and soft cloth. Do not ever pour the liquid directly on the keyboard.
• Pop keys off carefully and clean them individually. Use a small vacuum or compressed air to clean out underneath the keys.

If you are not confident cleaning your own keyboard, take it to your local computer repair shop for professional cleaning or ask for it to be cleaned next time you get your computer serviced.

Written By: A. Murphy, TLC Computer Solutions, Las Vegas, NV

6 Ways to Backup Data

Nothing is much worse than finding out you lost all the data on your computer including important documents, your favorite pictures, and your whole music library.  Having all this data backed up will prevent that experience.  You can back up specific data or you can back up your whole hard drive.  Choosing the right method depends on what type of data you want to back up and how much space that data takes up.

1.)    Flash Drive – A flash drive is a simple way to store documents.  You just insert the flash drive into one of your USB ports, copy the data to the drive, and remove the flash drive.  Depending on the amount of data you want to store on the drive, you can pick a drive with the right capacity for your needs.  They are priced based on capacity.  Flash drives range from very small capacities all the way up to one terabyte that could often store everything on your hard drive.

2.)    CD/DVD/Blu-Ray – Data may be stored on any on a CD, DVD, or Blu-Ray depending upon the content and what type of burner you have on your computer.  These compact storage devices are easy to store but may eventually deteriorate over time.

3.)    Network Attached Storage – Data may be stored on a device attached to your network.  Many companies offer built in storage on wireless routers.  This lets you store your data away from your computer as well as share it with others on your network.

4.)    External Hard Drive – An external hard drive is a good way to back up your entire hard drive so you don’t lose anything in the event of a crash.  Some external hard drives even come with software that will automatically back up your data at selected intervals of time.

5.)    Cloud Storage – Growing in popularity, storing your data in the cloud has become a common way to store large amounts of data safely off of your computer.  You can conveniently view your items in the cloud or bring them back to your computer at any point.  This is also a convenient way for tablet owners to be able to have access to many apps without having to store them all on their small device.

6.)    Windows/Time Machine Backup –Your operating system also will back up your important data. Windows 7 will let you choose which data to back up and where you would like it backed up to. Macs have a built in backup system called Time Machine.  It backs up all data hourly to an external hard drive or AirPort Time Capsule.

Data back-up has changed over the years and has become increasingly more important due to the amount of information individuals and companies store digitally.  Just remember that your hard drive could crash without warning and you will have a much better day if all your data is backed up on another source and can be quickly replaced.

Written By: Amy Murphy, TLC Computer Solutions, Las Vegas, NV

Should I Upgrade My Computer or Buy a New One?

The bad news…recently purchased computers can be replaced within a month after purchasing by cutting edge computers debuting greater speeds and capabilities.

The good news…computer prices have come down considerably over the years and now newer computers have drastically improved speeds and graphics.

Before you go out and replace your computer, consider whether or not it is more economical to upgrade some parts.  How do you decide? There are two important things to consider:

1. Age – Take into consideration the age of your computer. If it is less than two years old, you might be better off making some simple upgrades.  When your computer is over two years old, the cost of upgrades often outweighs the advantages of a new computer. Older computers are sometimes not capable of certain upgrades. Adding an extra large hard drive to an older computer will not improve your computer speed and sometimes special memory chips (which can be expensive) are required to install the upgrade.
2. Use – Have your computer needs changed? Age doesn’t have a big impact on simple uses like email, word processing, etc., but if you plan to start editing videos or playing the newest video games, you might want to look at a new computer if the upgrade needs surpass the worth of your computer.

If you decide to go down the upgrade path, here are some popular upgrades you may want to look into:

1. Memory – Adding more memory is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to upgrade your computer.  You will notice better performance right away.
2. Hard Drive – If you computer has some years on it, most likely the hard drive is nearing capacity.  You can either replace the hard drive or add a new one.
3. Graphics Card – A new graphics card is helpful if you are a gamer or work with lots of digital photos.  You will notice faster loading times and sharper images.
4. Monitor – A bigger monitor can make it seem like you bought a new computer.  The clarity and brightness of a new monitor might make you forget about your other computer issues for the moment.
5. Sound System – Most likely your computer came with an average sound system.  If you want to hear your music or play your games with superior stereo sound, you might want to invest in a new sound card and/or speakers.

After considering the age of your computer and the cost of the upgrades that would fit your needs, your decision about whether or not to buy a new computer should be much clearer to you.

The professional technicians at TLC Computer Solutions are able to help you with upgrades or selecting a new or refurbished computer.  Stop by our Summerlin location today at 7501 W. Lake Mead Blvd., Las Vegas, NV.

Written By Amy Murphy, TLC Computer Solutions, Las Vegas, NV

Internet Scams – 5 Common Ones to Avoid

The internet has become a playground for faceless criminals.  These scammers are continuously developing ways to use the internet to swindle people out of their money and personal information.  The following five scams have been around for some time, but still get people taking the bate and falling for the scam every day.

“Phishing” Scams – These types of scams try to trick you into divulging personal and financial information.  Often times the email looks very official, using logos from financial institutions and companies, but once you click onto this fake website, you will often be asked to log in or give account information. This personal information is used to access your real bank accounts and often wipe them clean.

Giveaway Scams – Some scams offer you a give certificate from a popular store or restaurant or tell you that you won a new iPhone or Xbox.  These types of scams will ask you for credit card information to cover postage or ask you to promote your gift to friends. The scammers will either take your money and never send the “prize” or take your friends information and try to scam them.

“Nigerian Prince” Scams – This popular, long-standing scam asks for money to help release a larger sum of money and promises you a large portion of the profit.  They want you to send or wire money to cover taxes or fees so you can access the rest of the money. Obviously this money goes directly to the scammer and you never see any portion of this larger sum of money.

Computer Security Scams – You might get a warning that your computer security is at risk.  This scam takes you to a fake website that may look just like a popular internet security provider.  Once on the site, you might be asked to purchase a new program or security upgrade.  This is how they get personal and financial information.

Lottery Scams – You will be contacted via email stating that you won an international lottery.  In order to claim prize money, you need to send some money to cover administrative fees, etc.  They may also ask you to keep your winnings confidential for “security reasons”.  This fee you send will go straight to the scammers and they might come back for more money.

With the innumerable scams out there and their changing “faces” every day, it is difficult to keep up with the current ones.  In general, just remember that if it seems “too good to be true,” it most likely is a scam.

Written By: Amy Murphy, TLC Computer Solutions, Las Vegas, NV

Your Wireless Home Network – 6 Ways to Make it More Secure

Many homes and businesses today have a wireless network to allow multiple users to easily connect to the internet.  This provides a convenience to welcome users, but also provides an opportunity for hackers to get into your home computers, or the frugal next door to surf for free .

Accessing your wireless router is as easy as accessing any website; each manufacturer provides an IP address or simple URL to access the router set-up.  Check your manufacturer’s website or user manual if you haven’t bookmarked it already.  Here are some simple items to check on your wireless network:

1. Make sure to change the Default Administrator Password –To access and manage the settings of the router, a username and password are required.  Until recently, many router manufacturers provided common administrator user ids and simple passwords.  These are easy targets for hackers so make sure that you change the log in and password to be stronger and uniquely yours. Use a complex password, like 12 alphanumeric and special characters, and change it routinely.
2. Turn on Encryption services – Wireless networks all come with some type of encryption service.  Make sure you turn on your router’s most advanced setting (like WPA2) so that when you send messages, they get encrypted and difficult for users outside the network to understand them.
3. Change the default SSID – When you set up your wireless router, it will often come with a standard SSID, or network name.  Often times, the name reflects the company of the router you purchased.  This is the default SSID and hackers might think you are an easier target because you network is configured so simply. Change it to something clever, not your family’s name.
4. Disable SSID Broadcast – Places that provide Wi-Fi access to users in the area, such as a library or coffee shop, broadcast at intervals for people who roam in and out of range.  This is unnecessary in your home, so as the network administrator, disable the SSID broadcast feature.
5. Do not auto-connect – To avoid unnecessary security risks, do not allow any of your computers to automatically connect to Wi-Fi networks.  If you are at a place with trusted Wi-Fi, like your home network, then enable that particular network.
6. Enable firewalls – Most wireless networks you purchase today offer built-in firewall protection.  It may not be automatically turned on, so make sure you enable it in the administrator settings.  This is one extra layer of protection for personal computers which should have their own firewall protection active as well.

For the serious home network security geek, consider limiting your router to only known MAC addresses. A MAC (media access control) address is a unique number assigned to any device that is capable of accessing a network. Your router will identify these MAC addresses for any connected devices. Change the settings in your router set-up to only accept your devices. Nobody else can get in, even with the password.

Since home wireless networks have become such common place, it is forcing non-technical computer users to understand some basic safety hazards on wireless home networks and learn how to make them more secure.  The tips above may be intuitive to computer experts, but new to your average user.  By being familiar with these aspects of a wireless router for your home, you can make sure your identity and important information is more secure when it is sent and received.

Written By: Amy Murphy, TLC Computer Solutions, Las Vegas, NV

Why do I need to reset my router sometimes?

Having trouble connecting to the internet? Check your router.  Occasionally, routers may need to be reset to regain your internet connection.  This can happen for a variety of reasons.  One reason may be that your router has overheated.  If this is the case, make sure it has plenty of ventilation and turn it off for 10 full seconds before turning it back on.  Another reason for a router failure might be due to owning a faulty or poor quality router.  Sometimes, less expensive routers don’t work as well or last as long.  Buying a router with good reviews and reliability might solve your problem.  High internet traffic can also cause routers to get bogged down or shut down and need to reboot.  If you are a heavy downloader, you might want to go into your settings and limit the download speeds or amount of connections.

Written By: A. Murphy, TLC Computer Solutions, Las Vegas, NV

Tips for Cleaning your Computer

With standard usage, computers can gather debris and dust which will diminish the effectiveness of a computer and its components.  Use the following tips to clean your computer on a yearly basis or more often if needed.

1. Cleaning the Outside of Your Computer – The best and safest way to clean the outside casing or shell of your computer is to use a soft damp cloth.  Do not use any solvents unless you have something difficult to remove.  When using a solvent, never spray it directly onto your computer.  Always spray the cleaner on the cloth and use the cloth to gently clean the difficult area.  You may also use a small vacuum to clean the outside vents of your computer; never use a vacuum on the inside of your computer due to static electricity.
2. Cleaning Your Screen – To clean an LCD screen, use a soft cotton or microfiber cloth to gently wipe the screen clean.  If needed, you may put a little rubbing alcohol onto the cloth and gently wipe the screen. To clean a monitor screen made out of glass, you can use regular household cleaners made for glass.  It is always recommended to just use a cloth dampened with water first and then use other products if still necessary.
3. Cleaning Your Keyboard – A keyboard can accumulate of lot of dust, debris and bacteria with standard usage.  It is important to remove this so the keys are able to function properly and you are not harboring harmful bacteria, especially if the computer has multiple users.  The easiest way to clean a keyboard is to use compressed air to blow out the debris.  You can buy a can of compressed air at any computer or electronics store or any retailer that carries computer and office supplies. If you have had a spill on your keyboard, it is recommended that you take it to a professional to remove the keys or look up how to remove keys through a step by step process.
4. Cleaning Your Mouse – To clean your mouse, first remove the cover on the bottom.  There should be two arrows directing you on which way to rotate the cover.  When you rotate it, the cover should fall into your hand.  Simply clean the roller and cover with your finger or cotton swab and replace the cover.
5. Cleaning Your Disk Drive – To clean your CD or DVD drive it is important to buy a disc cleaner from a computer or electronics store.  This will effectively clean dirt, dust, and hair that have been lodged into your drive and make reading discs much smoother.  If the disk tray is dirty, you may carefully clean it with a damp cloth, but make sure it is completely dry before inserting it back into your computer.
6. Cleaning Internal Components – Only clean the internal components if you are comfortable taking apart your computer and you are able to recognize all the components.  You can clean the internal parts by blowing them with compressed air or a battery powered vacuum.  Do not use a vacuum attached to an electrical outlet.  The static electricity can damage internal compartments.

Written By: Amy Murphy, TLC Computer Solutions, Las Vegas, NV

Where Should I Get My Computer Fixed?

All computer repair stores are not equal.  There are many important factors to consider before taking you computer to be diagnosed at the closest big box retailer or local computer shop.  Here are some important items to consider:

Professional & Knowledgeable Technicians – Take your computer to a shop that employs certified, trained computer technicians.  Many big box and chain stores hire employees with little computer knowledge.  These employees rely on diagnostic tools put in place by the company, but don’t truly understand how computers work and what it will take to fix a computer efficiently and make it the most cost effective for the customer.  Many small computer shops, such as TLC Computer Solutions, employ only trained professional technicians who can both diagnose your computer problems and fix them.

Correct Tools – Not all computer stores carry the right tools for your computer problems.  Computer issues can be complex and stores that carry the tools to fix all types of computer problems from being able to replace a screen to welding internal components are going to give you a much better deal and don’t run the risk of selling you costly upgrades or a new computer when your current computer may be fixed more reasonably with the correct tools. At TLC Computer Solutions, the technicians have the tools to fix almost every computer problem and if they don’t have the capability, they will be honest upfront and give you the best options for your computer needs.

Reliability – Check out reviews and make sure the shop you choose has a reputation for being reliable.  It is important that they explain their diagnosis procedure when you drop off your computer and let you know when you will be contacted with the results. A reliable company will have repeat visitors and lots of referrals.  TLC Computer Solutions has many online reviews that show a high level of customer satisfaction and have a very strong referral component.

Proper Diagnostic Tools – A computer problem may be diagnosed with many different diagnostic programs.  Make sure the company you choose has the proper diagnostic tools to diagnosis your specific issues.  This will avoid you paying for unneeded diagnostic tests that many big companies run all computers through (and charge you for them).  At TLC Computer Solutions, the technicians have some of the best diagnostic tools in the business and all of the technicians know how to use them properly and give the customers the most accurate description of their computer problems as well as the most cost effective way to take care of them.

TLC Computer Solutions, a local computer repair and computer sales company located in the Las Vegas/Summerlin area that takes pride in listening to customer needs and diagnosing computer issues in an efficient, reliable manner without hidden costs or unnecessary repairs.  If you have any computer issues, please call for a free diagnosis today at 702-275-8455 and see what a difference a small, reputable company can make with your computer needs.

Written By: Amy Murphy, TLC Computer Solutions, Las Vegas, NV

5 Ways to Get Less Spam

It’s amazing how fast your email or spam folder can fill up.  If you are tired of unwanted emails or emptying your spam folder every day, here are a few suggestions to get less spam:

• Use a filter: Most email providers have a built in spam filter. If your filter is not effective, you can buy a program which is more sensitive to spam emails and blocks most of them.  Two popular spam filters are MailWasherPro and SpamFighterPro.
• Unsubscribe: Make sure to unsubscribe to all unwanted, non-threatening emails. This will prevent unwanted email from that website as well as prevent your email from being accessed by other companies associated with that one.
• Change email: If you can’t seem to control the spam on your email account, change email addresses and/or providers. Some providers have better email blockers. Certain providers such as Gmail have a better reputation for recognizing and sorting spam.
• Block: To get rid of unwanted spam, block the sender and/or the server. This prevents them from sending you any unwanted email.
• Report: You can report unwanted emails to your email provider. Many providers take this seriously and try to stop the companies from sending spam email to their users.

These suggestions may not eliminate all unwanted emails, but will definitely make a difference in the amount you receive.

Written By: A. Murphy, TLC Computer Solutions, Las Vegas, NV