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Archive for the ‘Computer Repair’ Category

Wednesday, February 12th, 2014

People who want to purchase an insanely sophisticated gadget carrying a reasonable price tag are flirting with the idea of purchasing a Chromebook. In this context, those who hate the idea of throwing money out the window are probably asking themselves the following question: which Chromebook is the best? Keep reading to discover the best answer to your question.

Advantages Provided by Chromebooks

What’s so special about Chromebooks anyway? These inexpensive gadgets may surprise you with a relatively long list of advantages, including the following:

– Fair price

– Rapid start (most models can be turned on in less than 8 seconds)

– Satisfactory performance

– A familiar, intuitive interface

– Cloud storage (some models come with free cloud storage for a limited period of time)

– Security advantages

What Type of Model Would Be More Suitable for Me?

Make an informed purchase by evaluating your own needs and requirements, in terms of design, performance, price tag storage, memory, screen size, and various other selection criteria that you could consider important.

Acer Chromebook C710-2847 is well liked for its 320 GB hard drive and for its minuscule price tag of only $199. This is definitely the best option for those who want to purchase a quality, inexpensive Chromebook.

Google Chromebook Pixel is up to 6 times more expensive than you average Chromebook. It costs no less than $1,300, displays a battery life of only 5.5 hours, a 12.8-inch screen, a memory of 4 GB, and an appealing design.

HP Pavilion 14-c010us Chromebook costs $329 and gets bonus points for its large screen (14 inches), comparable to the one displayed by your old-fashioned laptop. However, its battery life isn’t remarkable.

Samsung Chromebook XE303C12-A01US is appreciated for its matte display, which makes it easier for people to use it in well-lit environments or in outdoor spaces. It is decently priced at $249 and comes with a 16 GB SSD (solid-state drive).

Ask an Expert

Don’t know which Chromebook is the best? If so, get the best advice from an experienced computer repair specialist. Find the best one in your area with Seva Call, your number one connection to the best professionals in your area.

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How to Restore Windows 8 DVD Drive Missing from a Computer

Tuesday, January 21st, 2014

A common issue that many Windows 8 users are experiencing is the missing icon of the optical drive. According to reports, Windows 8 fails to recognize the DVD drive after the operating system has been installed or upgraded from Windows 7. As a result, Windows 8 DVD drive is missing both in the Windows Explorer and in the Device Manager.

While tech experts cannot pinpoint what is causing this problem, you can try the following fixes to restore the drive when Windows 8 DVD drive is missing. However, if your computer is new and you just assembled it, make sure to check first if the optical drive cable is connected properly before trying the steps below.

Fix Option 1:

1. Launch the Command Prompt with admin permissions by switching to the Start screen and typing CMD. Then, press the Ctrl + Shift + Enter keys all at once to launch the elevated prompt.

2. When prompted for user account control, click “Yes.”

3. Next, you need to type a specific string of commands into the elevated prompt and press the Enter key. You can copy-paste the command from the Microsoft tech support forum site.

4. Once you’ve entered the command, exit out of the prompt and reboot your computer. Afterwards, you should be able to see the DVD drive appear in the Windows Explorer and in the Device Manager.

Fix Option 2:

The first option described above may not work for some users. If this happens to be your case or you’re hesitant opening the Command Prompt to run the command, you can download a free utility called CD-DVD Icon Repair and run it on your computer to fix the problem.

This standalone tool is specifically designed to help users with Windows 8 DVD drive missing due to the OS failing to detect the existing drive. Even though this application is primarily programmed to work with Windows 7, it’s perfectly compatible with Windows 8.

Simply launch the utility once you’ve downloaded it and click the button that says “repair CD-DVD icon”. Restart your computer for changes to take effect.

Call In a Professional

If you’re still having problems with Windows 8 DVD drive missing from your computer, it’s time to call in a professional computer repair technician. Seva Call offers a free service that can connect you with trusted service professionals quickly and conveniently. Try Seva Call now, the first step to having your computer problem fixed in no time.

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Use Computer on TV

Thursday, January 16th, 2014

These days, most people choose to invest in sophisticated devices like HDTVs with a sleek design and a bright, wide screen or super intelligent computers designed to simplify their work. If you want to make a great presentation but can’t rely on a good projector, you could easily use computer on TV. It’s actually easier than you might think; all you have to do is to follow a few simple steps.

If, for one reason or another, you can’t use your TV screen as a projector, don’t hesitate to ask for expert guidance and schedule an appointment with your computer repair expert.

How to Use Computer on TV

1. Check the display settings of your computer to see if you could use the TV screen as your new monitor.

2. See whether or not the video card of your computer supports a connection with your HDTV.

3. See what type of connectors you have on your computer and on your TV set. Most computers are equipped with DVI, HDMI, or VGA connectors.

4. Afterward, notice which type of connector is available on both devices. If you have more than 1 option at hand, go in favor of the one guaranteeing a superior video quality. Obviously, 2 VGA ports will require a VGA cable, 2 DVI ports will require a DVI cable, and so on.

5. Connect the computer to your TV set, using your VGA, DVI, HDMI, or S-VIDEO cable.

6. In the end, remember to modify the image displayed on your TV screen to make it fit perfectly on your new TV monitor.

Ask an Expert

As long as you follow the steps described above, you should be able to use computer on TV without encountering any problems. If you have any unanswered questions related to this topic, contact a well-trained computer repair expert operating in your area. Identify the best one in minutes by consulting Seva Call, a free service designed to connect you with dependable professionals in your area.

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What to Consider When Buying Factory Refurbished Electronics

Friday, January 10th, 2014

The label “refurbished” quickly conjures images of defective products. However, this is not always the case with many factory refurbished electronics.

A product can be labeled “refurbished” for various reasons. A customer may simply return the product unopened, and it could end up being offered as a refurbished product since it cannot be sold as brand new.

Products can also become refurbished due to minor exterior damages such as dents or scratches during shipping as well as production defects. In the latter case, the manufacturer repairs the defective parts of the returned unit and sells the unit as refurbished. Sometimes, demo units are also sold as refurbished items. Here are some pointers when shopping for factory-refurbished electronics:

Look for the “Factory Certified” mark.

Not all refurbished products are the same. While they are available from numerous third-party retailers, choose units that are factory refurbished that have been tested thoroughly to their original quality standards and come with a manufacturer warranty.

Buy a product with full warranty.

Usually, manufacturers and sellers offer warranties on refurbished products up to 90 days only. You’ll feel more confident about your purchase if you go for a product that has a complete one-year warranty, if possible. You can also ask if an extended warranty is available on the product, which often indicates a product’s good quality.

Check the store’s return policy.

Manufacturers have different return and refund policies, some allowing returns to be made within 90, 30, or 14 days. At the very least, you want to make sure to buy from a store that has some policy that allows returns.

Double-check the product and all accessories.

Check that your product includes all the accessories that should come with it such as cables, chargers, software, manuals, etc. Look at the list of technical specs for your item and verify it is the product you’re looking to purchase.

Where to Buy

Obviously, getting a huge discount is the reason why anyone would want to buy factory refurbished electronics. If you’re looking to save money, but you’re apprehensive about the quality of the unit you’ll get, the safest bet is to buy from a reputable seller such as the direct manufacturers and try to get the best warranty.

When You Need Computer Repair

If you’re considering buying factory refurbished electronics to replace your old or poorly performing computer, you might want to look for ways to improve its performance first before you go ahead with your purchase. Get expert computer repair help from qualified local technicians with the help of Seva Call. Try us now and we’ll connect you with local pros within minutes.

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The Cost of Replacing Laptop Battery

Monday, January 6th, 2014

Is your laptop battery giving out much sooner now? Do you need to plug your laptop into an AC outlet more frequently than you used to or maybe all time because the battery is not charging?

If so, it appears the battery has come to the end of its life and needs to be replaced. In this case, brace yourself for the potential cost – replacing laptop battery is expensive.

Comparing Prices

The range of prices for a replacement battery varies depending on the model. However, it’s not strange to see new battery packs selling for at least $100, which is quite steep when you consider that this is about 1/4 of the price of some brand-new units.

At $50 average minimum cost, replacing laptop battery can certainly create a dent on the finances of an average person. Therefore, it is perfectly understandable why many are patiently scouring for a bargain. Start to research your options at the website of your laptop’s manufacturer, compare prices, and warranty details.

Third-party suppliers

You may be able to find a good deal from third-party suppliers of laptop parts and peripherals that are selling the same name-brand battery you need at a discount. When considering this option, always choose a reputable supplier, and take note of product warranty terms and conditions.

Buy a Fresh Battery

You may be working on a budget, but there’s no valid reason to waste your money buying a used laptop battery. Make sure to check the battery’s manufacture date; you don’t want anything that is more than a year and a half old.

Never Buy Based on Cost Alone

There are some components and accessories of a laptop where you can afford to scrimp and go for the much cheaper option, but not with the battery. One thing to remember is never to buy a replacement battery just because of the price.

Lithium ion (Li-Ion) batteries are known to have safety issues because of their tendency to produce a chain reaction that can result in overheating and, eventually, fires or a rare explosion. A cheap, substandard Li-Ion presents a serious fire hazard risk.

Always consider other factors such as quality and safety when buying a replacement battery. The cost of replacing a laptop battery is nothing compared to the cost of a potential injury or property loss.

Need Expert Laptop Battery Repair?

It may be that your laptop battery doesn’t need replacement, but repair work. A computer repair specialist should be able to help you determine this and fix the battery, if needed. TalkLocal can match you with the right technician in just a few minutes. We’ll connect you with the right professionals in your area in just minutes.

Tags: Replacing Laptop Battery
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Microsoft Office 2010 Windows 7

Thursday, January 2nd, 2014

Technological breakthroughs have made it possible for us to turn any indoor space into the perfect work environment. Microsoft Office 2010 and Windows 7 make no exception. They come in handy for people who want to simplify their daily assignments, save a significant amount of time, and focus on the core of their business.

Jump Lists Offer You Fast Access to Your Most Recent Files

With Microsoft Office 2010 and Windows 7, you don’t have to waste your precious time trying to spot and open your most recent work. Your last files can be accessed with two clicks.

Jump Lists, created for every single Office program, enable you to check out your latest files and all the other elements that you open on a regular basis, in the blink of an eye. Jump Lists also make it easier for you to send email attachments via Outlook: you just have to open your list and drag the item that you plan to attach and send.

Outlook Features Ensure Much More Effective Time Management

Outlook features can help you battle procrastination by setting and complying with strict deadlines. You just have to drag the doc that you’re working on onto your calendar: this simple action will allow you to set your priorities straight.

Thumbnail Previews Make Things a Whole Lot Easier

Don’t have excellent multitasking skills? In this case, thumbnail previews will simplify your daily assignments and make you feel less confused, especially if you like to open several documents at the same time.

Create and Broadcast Flawless Presentations

Windows 7 is a great ally for people who have to elaborate and share memorable, attention-grabbing presentations.

Rely on an Expert Opinion

These are only a few of the amazing advantages provided by Microsoft Office 2010 Windows 7. Don’t know which Windows version would be more suitable for you? In this case, discuss your options with a computer repair expert. Find the best one in your area with TalkLocal, your one and only expert tracking service.

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Benefits Wireless Technology

Thursday, December 12th, 2013

Wireless technology has become extremely popular in recent years, and for a good reason. There are several types of wireless technology. They are mainly distinguished by their range.

Connectivity is determined by the range of the wireless device. Some wireless technologies can only cover the space of a room, while others facilitate access in an entire house or building. Then there’s the mobile phone, which is based on some of the most advanced wireless technologies.

What Some of the Benefits Wireless Technology?

Flexibility

Wireless technology allows you to send and receive data regardless of location, at a much faster pace.

Affordability

Wireless technology is a cost-effective alternative, which makes communication faster and more accurate. Information is transferred between businesses, within companies, and to customers, more quickly and more effectively.

Comfort

Wireless technology relieves you from the burden of carrying cables with you or using them to connect to various devices.

Easy to Install

Wireless technology is accessible and easy to install. You don’t need to be a tech geek to install or access a wireless network.

Increased Mobility

Wireless technology allows you to move freely whether you are at work or at home, and use the Internet or intranet to communicate.

More Space

Wireless technology creates cable-free spaces both at home and at the office.

There are multiple options when it comes to wireless technology. The choice depends on your specific needs. If you want to use wireless technology for personal purposes, Local Wireless solutions or Personal Area Network (PAN) might be appropriate. If you want to use it for business purposes, a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) might be recommended.

Need Help Choosing Your Wireless Technology or Installing a Wireless Network?

Look no further. Contact TalkLocal right away to save time and energy, and we’ll put you in contact with a professional in your area who can help.

Tags: Wireless Technology
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What to Do When a Laptop Screen Needs Replacing

Tuesday, December 10th, 2013

A cracked laptop screen is pretty much unusable. Regardless of how your laptop screen got broken, whether you dropped the laptop accidentally or someone carelessly winging something heavy around and hit the screen, the bottom-line is your laptop screen needs replacing.

The good thing is replacement is easy to do, and most laptops are built similarly. Thus, the same steps can be done by most people as long as they have two things: a replacement screen and a jeweler’s screwdriver. The task is as simple as removing a screw here and there and a few connectors. You can have your laptop restored in less than 30 minutes.

Here’s what to do when your laptop screen needs replacing:

1. Purchase a replacement screen from your local computer parts supplier. Make sure you get the correct panel.

2. Disassemble: To start, pry off the tiny piece of rubber that covers the screws of the screen bezel and then remove all the screws. Gently pry the bezel away from the frame of the display. You may need to pry out the clips with a small flathead screwdriver. You’ll then see that a metal frame secures the actual screen panel and that this frame is screwed in turn to the plastic display frame. Remove these, and then you can dislodge the back of the display.

3. Now, you will have access to the backside of the old screen panel (which is where the part number is located if you’re trying to determine which panel you need). At this point, take note of how the power and data cables are connected on your existing panel, since you want to replicate this setup on the replacement screen that you are about to install.

4. When you’ve noted where each connector is supposed to go, carefully take out the old connections and remove any piece of fixing tape.

5. Unscrew the broken panel and put it aside. Screw the replacement screen into place. Then, reconnect all the connectors based on the setup you noted earlier.

6. Lastly, turn the system on to test if the screen is working properly.

Need a Computer Repair Professional?

If your laptop screen needs replacing, but you’re not comfortable disassembling the screen yourself, you can always rely on a computer repair professional to help you. With the free service of TalkLocal, you can be matched within minutes with up to three qualified computer repair professionals in your area, so you can get your laptop screen back to the way it should be in no time.

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What Is the Cost of a Motherboard?

Monday, December 9th, 2013

All computers, including laptops, have a motherboard. It’s the fundamental hardware component in a computer, which ensures the connection between all the other components and peripherals. The cost of a motherboard depends on the technology used, as well as on design and manufacturer.

If you want to buy a new motherboard or replace a broken one, there are several things to consider. The two major factors that will probably influence your purchasing decision are the quality and cost of a motherboard. They are directly related: a cheaper motherboard is weaker and likely not to last long, while a more expensive motherboard will perform better and last longer. Before you make a choice, consider your needs and budget.

What Is a Motherboard?

Also called a main board, a motherboard is the central component of a computer. This printed circuit board contains many fundamental parts of your system, while at the same time ensuring connection with your computer peripherals. All other components, including the processor, memory, hard disk, video, sound, CD, and DVD, depend on the motherboard.

What Is the Cost of a Motherboard?

The cost of a motherboard may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, depending on the components used, the design, and the technology employed. The manufacture of a motherboard is a complex process, which starts with the design. When designing a motherboard, the manufacturer takes into account the characteristics of the central processing unit (CPU). Low-cost motherboards don’t use the latest technology. If you want to buy a cutting-edge motherboard, you must expect to pay more.

Need Help with Your Computer?

Buying a new motherboard or replacing it is a serious job. If you’re not sure about what kind of motherboard you need for your computer ,or if you’re looking for help to install your newly purchased motherboard, contact TalkLocal today. We’ll connect you for free with local professionals who can do it for you.

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How Much Does a Keyboard Cost?

Thursday, December 5th, 2013

It’s hard to imagine that in the beginning computers didn’t have a keyboard or a mouse. Nowadays there are countless keyboard models, ranging from the basic, standard one to the latest ergonomic models. If you want to replace your old keyboard because it doesn’t work properly any more or simply because you want a new item, your main concerns are probably cost and model.

How Much Does a Keyboard Cost?

Prices for a keyboard that connects to your computer through a USB can range from $10-15 for a basic model to $130 for an ergonomic wireless model.

Cost and Design

The design of the keyboard has evolved over time. Currently, the most popular keyboards are the ergonomic wireless ones, which are preferred for both their design, and their ergonomic properties.

The standard keyboard model you grew up with is based on the design of the typewriter. There had not been any major changes in keyboard design until the 1980’s. Since then, the design of ergonomic keyboards has become popular. As a result, there are many models at competitive prices.

Are Ergonomic Wireless Keyboards Better Than Standard Keyboards?

Wireless keyboards are not only easier to use and have a more attractive design, but they are considered to have health benefits as well.

Extended keyboard usage has been associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). Wireless ergonomic keyboards reduce the symptoms associated with CTS. The movements of the hands are more natural, and tension in the arm is reduced.

In addition, people suffering from arthritis can benefit from using ergonomic design keyboards.

Need Help with Your Computer?

Not sure about what keyboard to buy? Or maybe you want assistance with your computer and have too many options? TalkLocal can make your task easier. We can put you in touch with qualified professionals in your area in minutes.

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