Services

There are several telltale signs that your PC and technology might be struggling.

These include application or system freezes where the system temporarily becomes unresponsive, and crashes where the system or application completely stops responding, requiring a restart. Unexpected computer reboots, persistent error messages, and the 'Blue Screen of Death' (STOP Error) are more severe symptoms. Or even more allusive your Internet access is intermittent or unacceptably slow.

Connectivity issues that cannot be rectified by adjusting network settings, problems with software installations, slow performance, frequent buffering, excessive pop-ups, and abnormal noises from your hardware are also indicative of potential problems that require attention.

Did You Know

As a technology owner you should know basic troubleshooting methods to fix common issues that plague all owners. Often however when all else fails, it seems it may be time to consider a new computer or to call for outside help. Rebooting is often the first thing one tries if there is an issue. However, many do not know how to do this task correctly. Perhaps next you check for available software and hardware updates. For example, if your Bluetooth headphones are not connecting, you could potentially correct it with a firmware update to your hardware.

Perhaps it is a speed or performance matter. These troubleshooting techniques are simple ways to potentially fix speed issues. Over several years, you may have loaded many programs you never use anymore. All those programs can start to slow down your computer over time. To avoid periodic speed issues, comb your computer at least a few times per year to clean up any programs you do not use. You can close them out, remove the download, or delete them to free up space. If you use Windows, you can find icons for programs running in the background by going to your System Tray.

Do you know how to check your free drive space? For example, if you have an excessive number of downloaded photographs or videos saved on your computer, you can back up everything to the cloud or memory stick. Often large downloads are no longer needed. Another culprit for a slow computer could be a virus or malware. Every owner should have some form of antivirus software even if it is Microsoft free Defender. It’s all I use.

Questions we ask is to think about what happened around the time the problem started and ask yourself some questions:

• Did you download anything?
• Did you install a new program?
• Did the power go out in your home?
• Have you made any changes to the hardware?

Did you know that often when you download a new program, the default settings sometimes allow it to start when the computer boots. This can significantly slow down your system. We check for applications that start up automatically and per your guidance we turn them to manual start.

Network connectivity issues are some of the most frustrating problems people face with their computers. Often the solution is simple. However, sometimes the source of the issue stems from the provider, and there is little you can do to improve it other than file a report.

Your computer cache is a great feature. It allows your computer to recognize the website you visited and remember the hostname to improve your experience on the page by speeding up the reloading process. However, issues can arise when certain websites do not load properly, or the DNS cache is out of date or corrupted. In that case, it can stop you from visiting certain websites. The fix here seems relatively simple, but it is now. We cover this with you to be self-supporting.

Like computer rebooting, resetting your internet is typically the easiest fix for connectivity problems. When this does not work, you typically need outside assistance. With wireless, you may have a router and modem separately or in one box. Either way, you can reset your internet by unplugging its power source for at least 30 seconds. Then plug it back in and wait for the internet to reconnect. If an internet reset does not work, your next best option is to call your provider. Service could be down in your area, or your provider may need to fix something on their end, such as by conducting an update. When nothing works, they will likely send a technician to your home.

Let's Talk About Our Prices

Let's first talk about remote support. Bring your computer or equipment for service, have an engineer visit your location or opt for remote access. Each onsite visit costs $40 however in some cases, support for your systems can be performed over the internet remotely with your direct involvement even if it is behind a firewall. This is better suited for speed and other performance matters. Meaning if the computer is working and requires merely a tune-up or you need help recognizing devices like printers and other peripherals. This remote assistance is billed at $35 per hour. Hillier Foundation Remote Support works in many cases and saves you time and money by not having to bring the computer equipment to our office.

Free Diagnostics

Get Help Now with Free Diagnostics. Some fixes are simple, and we have been known to fix a minor matter during the diagnosis phase at no cost! And if we can't figure out the issue right away, we'll do advanced troubleshooting on your devices for $25.00 per your approval. When we are not precisely sure what's wrong with your device, our engineers perform a deeper diagnostic assessment. Know that your diagnostics fee will be applied towards your repair if you choose to move forward.

Advanced Diagnostics and Why

If required at the beginning why would there be a possible $25.00 fee for advance diagnostics? When our engineers must resort to performing advanced troubleshooting, we’ll need to carefully take your device apart and test different ways to fix the problem. This typically involves having the computer at the office. It's a more in-depth and intensive analysis beyond our free diagnostic. Per your call and only if required we don't have to provide this service. We always let you know beforehand if your issue can't be diagnosed for free. And there's no obligation.

"We Can't Fix It - You Don't Pay"