We Don't Speak Geek

There are a lot of 'cookie cutter' and 'board swapper' techs who advertise what looks like a good price, only to find out what they thought was the problem wasn't the problem. The customer ends up paying for a whole series of fixes that total way more than that first 'good price.'

If you're looking for the cheapest, that ain't us. That doesn't mean we're not economical or worth it. It just means our goal is to offer value in a complete package that induces people to become repeat clients. We look for the best solution between cost, need, and longevity (how long you want it to last).

Though they may look the same on the outside, computers are not built identically. Most manufacturers have their own little proprietary quirks. Some of the quirks make things easier, but most of them make repair more difficult. Packages sold by the big box stores are often undersized and compact in the extreme which adds to problems too. As a general cost guide, however, here are some of our common services with pricing.

Reinstall system $150.00. Erase hard drive, install Windows or Mac OS or Linux.

Fresh install of system on new hard drive about the same because of data transfer and program install.

Virus removal - usually about $32.50 to $65.00. If we can't dig it out quickly, it's best to just wipe the drive and reinstall the system.

Replace or add a secondary internal hard drive, not including price of drive or installing programs, about $30.00. The drive can cost from $50.00 to $100.00 or more depending on size and quality.

Vacuuming out the box, which includes removing CPU fan, $32.50.

Blowing out a tower with an air compressor is free with other services.

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Recover (Data)

We recover data. Sometimes through software if the hard drive is still accessible. Sometimes through special hardware if we have to take the hard drive apart after it fails. We have lab services for what is called Forensic Recovery, meaning detective work needed to actually find the electronic coding on the magnetic plates or platters physically inside your hard drive.

There are times when the hard drive will fail but can still be accessed through special tools. If the drive just won't function, we might have to get more technical with it and make the machine give up the data through other means. Our lab service can order a donor hard drive for replacement parts, open it up, replace the bad parts, renew the firmware, close it up and then use software to extract the data. Pricing varies according to difficulty, but generally starts at about $400.00 to $500.00 and can go as high as $1,500.00 and more. Of course, we recommend backups, but if you don't have a backup and the data is very important, Tech Support data recovery services can really help bail you out of a jamb.

MMaybe you accidentally deleted something and you just want it back. As long as you don't do anything else, like shuffle data around or use other programs, the data you erased is usually still there and can be extracted easily.

Repair (PC's, Apple, Etc.)

Most computer hardware needs to be replaced if it fails. Repair is possible but not usually economical. Tech Support can replace bad parts. We also add new parts like RAM (random access memory). Our lab can repair many problems with laptop motherboards including re-soldering chips and replacing power connectors. Upgrading parts like power supplies, processors or motherboards can be a good idea too.

Enhancing hardware just means installing stuff that makes the use of the machine better and easier. For instance, you might want something installed so you can access different kinds of memory cards such as CF (used a lot in cameras). Or you might want an extra hard drive installed for backups. As prices come down further and further for solid state hard drives they are becoming more and more common.

Maybe you want advice on what is best to buy. Or find out what might be available to solve a usage problem. Whatever your problem or question, Tech Support has the answer.

We also build custom computers.

Restore (Software)

Tech Support of Grand Junction will give you renewed hope that all is not lost if you have a software problem. If you like, we can install or help you upgrade to a new operating system, install other programs, erase the hard drive, and move your data. A reinstall of the operating system can be done by you, but it's a little tricky sometimes.

You might need network support, or help with a lost password. Whatever software problems you have, we have the solution. We also give advice on what kinds of software to buy for the job you want to do.

Retrieve (Backup Storage)

We are in the process of modifying our systems to offer a back up storage system. Our clients will be able to store copies of their data files or system images with us. The advantage is we are local, you can visit anytime during office hours to see where your data is stored, and much more secure than the cloud. Call us to find out details of this service.

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Refresh (Speed)

Lots of our work involves helping your computer go faster. Sometimes it's a fairly easy software issue. Other times it might be that you need some new hardware. Whatever the cause, Tech Support will figure it out and speed things up as much as possible.

Click or tap here for do-it-yourself information on refreshing your computer for speed.

Redesign (Websites)

Web sites can be simple and fairly inexpensive or they can be complex and more expensive. Simple means a couple or three pages and a few graphics, and you change information yourself. (We can teach you.) Complex means lots of pages, lots of pictures and text or a large product catalog, and you pay us to keep it updated. Our simple and complex sites use templates and cost around $500.00. If we have to do a lot of content editing (inserting text and pictures) it can cost $800.00 or more. This compares to designing a website from scratch at $4,000.00 to $5,000.00 including content. We don't do too many of those, for obvious reasons. /p>

It's not that hard to get a simple web site set up and going. You owe it to yourself to get at least a small presence on the web, whether you are a business or just a hobbyist. Nowadays it's one of the best marketing tools around, whether it's for profit in your own business or just getting word out about your hobby.

And speaking of marketing, we don't just stop with the nuts and bolts of design work. It's not computer code that sells your business or excites people about your hobby. It's marketing. Marketing doesn't mean selling ice cubes to Eskimos. It means explaining how your ideas or products will help meet the needs of the people who need them. Xerox used to have very expensive marketing training seminars (they spun it off to a separate company in the late '80's) for what they called 'needs satisfaction selling.' You discover a need, then bring a product or idea to market that meets that need.

Bruce was sent to that seminar by the utility he used to work for, and at first he resisted mightily. He thought they would just try to teach him how to sell something to someone who didn't want it. But, he has to say, he was wrong. All they did was teach how to find out what the customer needed, then match the benefits of the product to those needs. Sounds simple, and it is sorta, but it can be a real challenge to properly define your business and your products or services, then match it to the market. We can help you figure those things out.

We offer much more than just a pretty picture on a computer. Tech Support ties web design and marketing together so you get more bang for the buck in your marketing efforts. We mostly help the smaller business or hobbyist get an affordable basic site going, because the flashier sites (and fancier invoices) just aren't necessary for most local businesses.

Click or tap HERE for more detail on having Tech Support design a website with marketing expertise.

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Consult or Train

When you want to do the work, but you need some help getting the job done, Tech Support is there with our consulting and training service.

We don't just repair computers, we help you use them more productively. From multiple monitors to marketing through a web site, we've got lots of good ideas for getting the most out of your machine.

It's not just a box sitting on the floor. It's a tool, and like all tools it needs to fit your hand, specially designed for a particular function. You don't use a screwdriver for a chisel (although I do sometimes) because it's not supposed to cut. You don't use a computer for a hammer. Except sometimes I'd like to use a hammer on the computer.

I used to help my dad a lot repairing things around the house when I was younger. A lot of times it would take us a while to get the job done, because he didn't have the tools he needed. We'd sweat and strain and moan and groan, and we'd get the job done, but we could've done it quicker and without as many banged up knuckles if we had the right tools.

So don't (figuratively) bang up your knuckles trying to get a job done with tools that aren't up to the job. Give Tech Support of Grand Junction a call, and we'll see if we can't help you with sharpening things up.

Click HERE for more detail on consulting or training services from Tech Support of Grand Junction.

 

Tech Support Services