Services

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

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

Connectivity issues that cannot be resolved by adjusting network settings, software installation problems, slow performance, frequent buffering, excessive pop-ups, and abnormal noises from your hardware are also indicative of potential issues 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 may be time to consider a new computer or 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. Next, you should check for available software and hardware updates. For example, if your Bluetooth headphones are not connecting, you could correct the issue with a firmware update on 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 installed many programs you no longer use. All those programs can start to slow down your computer over time. To avoid periodic speed issues, scan your computer at least a few times per year to remove 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 in 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 a 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's free Defender. It’s all I use.

Questions we ask are 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 issue stems from the provider, and there is little you can do to improve it other than filing a report.

Your computer cache is an excellent feature. It allows your computer to recognize the website you visited and remember the hostname, improving your experience on the page by speeding up page reloads. 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 not. We cover this with you so you can be self-supporting.

Like rebooting a computer, resetting your internet connection 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 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 provided remotely over the internet with your direct involvement, even if your systems are behind a security system. 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 eliminating the need 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 resolve a minor issue during the diagnostic phase at no cost! If we can't resolve the issue right away, we will perform advanced troubleshooting on your devices for $25.00, with your approval. When we are not entirely sure what is wrong with your device, our engineers perform a more thorough diagnostic assessment. Note that your diagnostic fee will be applied toward 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 advanced diagnostics? When our engineers must resort to performing advanced troubleshooting, we will 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 is a more in-depth and intensive analysis beyond our free diagnostic. Per your call, we do not have to provide this service unless required. We always let you know beforehand if your issue can't be diagnosed for free. And there is no obligation.

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