How to Tell if Your Computer Has a Virus
Is my computer infected with a virus? It’s a scary kinda question! Over the last few years, it feels like the threat from viruses has…
Is my computer infected with a virus? It’s a scary kinda question! Over the last few years, it feels like the threat from viruses has…
Finally, you’ve found it, the perfect Star Wars-themed cocktail recipe. But it’s complex. Far too complex for mortal mind to handle without a trusty printed…
You notice it one morning when you realize you’ve downed half your morning coffee waiting for your laptop to boot. Then you notice those annoying…
If only! This is the two-word refrain of anyone who lost hard drive data without having a solid backup waiting in the wings. Learning how…
Cost to repair a laptop screen? Laptop screens are remarkably fragile! While most modern laptops are equipped with an impressive array of design features to…
While we can probably all collectively resolve not to respond to those incessant extended auto warranty calls, identity theft and phishing scams grow ever more…
When it comes to malware, prevention is definitely better than cure. In this article, we’ll explain what malware is, and give you a handful of…
App-based payment services like CashApp, Venmo, PayPal, Apple Pay and Google Pay are super common these days. In fact, many service businesses like barbers, nail…
This guide, we think, is long overdue! In our fifteen plus years of repairing computers, we’ve noticed there’s a lot of uncertainty about what you…
We would always prefer to see our loved ones face to face everyday. That’s not always possible. Especially if we are under a shelter-in-place order.…
Working from home is awesome. Probably the easiest commute to work you are ever going to take. You can wear sweats pants all day and…
Whether the upcoming school year will be homeschool, distance learning, hybrid or onsite, there’s no question that it is going to be unique. We recently…
Studies continue to show that what we see and interact with directly influences our well-being. With so many of us still working from home that…
These days most of the stuff online to be just draining and heavy. Here are several FREE online enrichment content for you to better yourself.
Whether you’re looking to show some love to a friend or family member that loves gadgets and electronic toys, or seeking inspiration for that hard-to-shop-for…
We love giving subscription boxes as holiday gifts for two key reasons: there are about a million different ones, so you’re sure to find a…
In a house where everything is connected, from your auto-dimming lights to your auto-adjusting thermostat, there are ways to make parenting “smarter” too. We recently…
As the holidays are upon us, it’s hard to imagine being more excited to see a year come to a close. 2020 has created a…
Looking for the secret to the perfect last minute gift for every “hard to buy for” person on your list? Subscription Boxes!While the fact that…
What are the best online games to play with friends? We are social creatures; being deprived of time with friends & family can be hard.…
Going from dropping your children off at school to semi (or fully!) taking over their education is not easy. Not only do you have to…
If you’ve ever spent any serious time on an epic adventure computer role-playing game (or even if you’ve dabbled a little in the princely nerd…
A true nerd among nerds, Robert Heinlein said, “there is no such thing as luck. There is only adequate or inadequate preparation to cope with…
When you look at the sheer variety of subscription boxes available this Christmas, it’s easy to forget that these delightful gifts that keep on giving…
Best Buy Fix My Laptop: Yes or No? Most folks with a computer or smartphone will have set foot in a Best Buy at least…
Smart technology is everywhere. Just spend a few minutes browsing through any home appliance brochure, and you’ll likely come across many smart technologies. But there’s…
Teaching is not an easy job, and we’re fully on board with anything that can make a teacher’s day a bit more manageable! With many…
If the weird and turbulent journey of social media this last decade has taught us anything, it’s that we probably shouldn’t believe everything we see…
Remember the days when traveling without a car required either an encyclopedic knowledge of local public transport or sufficient intestinal fortitude to endure that…
It’s the siren call all technocentric nerds long to hear, whispered on the wind: “New gadgets!” Yep, that’s right. As we gear up for yet…
Best Sites for Job Hunting: What to resources to use? Job hunting is something almost all of us will do at some stage in our…
Living a life of nerdish excellence at home is a wondrous thing. But let’s be honest. It’s also easy. Modern home life encases us in…
We often hear the joke that people these days couldn’t live without their smartphones. While that’s an exaggeration most of the time, sometimes having a…
Smart home upgrades are kind of a big deal these days. There’s just so many ways to add a dash of convenience and coolness to…
Written by: Mark Lambert Like leaving a bumper assortment bag of candy bars just lying around, leaving young kids unattended with an iPhone is kind…
Finding WiFi: Getting internet access on that road trip Back in ancient times (OK, the ‘80s and ’90s), all you needed for sensible road travel…
Whether for a business trip or for a vacation, the process of travel can be fun. But it can also be … well … a…
Written by: Mark Lambert Cell Phone Alternatives: Power Of A Phone That Not A Phone Recent studies have shown that 112% of American kids and…
Weddings are a kind of odd cultural phenomenon. On the one hand, they’re meant to be romantic — and to be fair, more often than…
While our modern, technology-filled lives are certainly more convenient, they can also be deeply stressful. The stress hits the whole family, too. Work life seems…
Computer Parts Explained: What Is Inside Your Device If you’re new to computers, (or even if you’re not and you just don’t have much interest…
The march of progress can’t be stopped! This is as true of your computer’s operating system (OS) as it is of trouser fashion trends. Things…
If you suffer from a chronic lack of sleep, you’re not alone. According to the National Institute of Health, a full one-third of adults suffer…
Our culture is an odd place when it comes to “finding a romantic connection” (I always wanted to use that phrase). On the one hand,…
Valentines Day Gift Ideas For That Nerdy Woman In Your Life There’s a delicate balance to finding a romantic tech gift. It’s all very well…
The overwhelming majority of guy-nerds seem to have a fascination with tech toys. If it requires batteries, goes beep or has one of those tiny…
Ultimate Fitness Tracker Showdown: What Is The Best? Once upon a time, fitness for the average home athlete involved a fair bit of guesswork. Sure,…
Well, we’re getting close to the end of January. If one of your New Year’s resolutions was to get fit in 2019 and you’ve stuck…
Technology is great for broadening kids’ minds. All this enrichment comes with a downside though. Kids can easily get overstimulated. Temper tantrums, distraction, irritability—these may…
From Fortnite to the latest Call of Duty, there’s a ton of video game options out there, all vying for the attention, time and (of…
Smartphones are designed to be small, useful and convenient—and it seems like they can help with almost any daily task. It’s probably not that surprising…
Written by: Mark Lambert When you think about gifts for nerds, it’s easy to kind of drift into the $100 and above price point. Technology…
Gadget gifts under $100? There’s an art to purchasing the perfect nerd gift. A geek gift is easy. Anything with a blue telephone box on…
What if I told you that there is a gift that you can get last minute, which is perfect for anyone on your list, and…
Ready for Alexa? Smart home assistants are one of the fastest growing corners of the tech consumer market. In quarter 1 of 2018 alone, over…
Chances are, you’ve heard the word “influencer” being bandied about recently. If you’re a bit puzzled why this perfectly harmless verb has suddenly become a…
Black Friday is one of those days a lot of folks equally love and hate. On the good side, it’s a day where, with just…
Sacramento just leveled up its cellular data service in a big way. Partnering with Verizon, Sacramento is in the process of launching Verizon 5G service…
When WiFi works, it’s quasi-miraculous. You just connect the Internetty box to the WiFi makery thing and bam! Your home is magically surrounded in a…
I recently read an article titled “Why you should never EVER connect to public WiFi,” but come on, really? I mean, we all know there…
Clean Up your Twitter History: What You Can Do Can you clean up your Twitter history? Love it or hate it, Twitter is a lot…
How Populous is Sacramento? We’ve been involved in computer repair in Sacramento for quite some time (ahem, since 2004 if we’re going to get down…
Ever get lost in a place you thought you knew like the back of your hand? Computer repair in Sacramento is a travel-intensive business. Our crew…
Windows 10 Updates: What Happened? Computing is getting faster and I’m not just talking about the processors and graphics cards churning away in your computer’s…
Photography is a wonderful hobby, and it needn’t be just for the adults! Our 6-year-old is obsessed with taking photos and videos. She’ll fill up…
How much screen time we give our kids has become a hotly contested topic in recent years. In this article, we’ll walk you through some…
New PC: What Is The Ideal Price? New PC? Let’s be honest here. Buying a new PC is exciting. Absolutely, it’s a decision best made…
For the shopper-types, there are a bunch of apps designed to “pay you back” for money you’re already spending or about to spend. We all…
Written by: Mark Lambert Going out for a night on the town is cool. Well, it can be. Is it just me or can it…
Recently, the news has been aswarm with pictures of devastating fires in Northern California. The stories from survivors and firefighters were scary and moving. Now…
Well, Summer vacation is just about over. Time to jump start our kids’ brains back into learning mode! But before you gear yourself up to…
Shutdown Your Computer or Leave It On: The Great Debate You may have heard around the water cooler that it’s better for your computer to…
Back in the day, getting a kid ready for school involved purchasing exercise books and assorted stationery. The hardest decision was deciding on an A-Team…
Before your ship your kid off to college, it’s a good idea to kit them out with a few technological essentials. Of course, they’re going…
What is the best way to sell your electronics online? When you find yourself purging the house of older or no longer useful gadgets, the…
Best Time to Buy New Electronics: How To Know When Is Good Bargain hunters everywhere swear by shopping seasonally. Buy when demand is lowest or…
After several weeks of Summer vacation, you may have noticed your couch has developed permanent child-sized indentations. Let’s face it – kids love their console…
IOS 12 has arrived, and with it, a bunch of new snazzy features that you may not be aware of. Many people, including myself, have…
Is Living In Sacramento Expensive…Maybe? Since Nerds On Call began doing computer repair in Sacramento way back in 1994, we’ve had a lot of customers,…
Dreading that long flight or car trip with your kids? All that crankiness from being cooped-up can drive even the most patient parent insane. Sure,…
Left vs. Right Click: Know the Difference The standard mouse has two buttons, plus a scroll wheel in the middle which sometimes is a button.…
Does it feel like you can make a pot of coffee and clean the kitchen all in the time it takes for your computer system…
Remove Stalkerware: What To Look For? It’s bad enough that your online activities are being tracked by your ISP, Google, Facebook and various websites for…
Summer always sneaks up on me. It feels like I just make it through Spring Break and suddenly I have to figure out what to…
The words “home theater” can evoke a lot of emotions. The excitement of enjoying a movie theater-like experience in your own living room. The calm…
When it comes time to plan a getaway, most of us turn to the Internet to research, plan, dream and – eventually – book reservations.…
Do video games encourage violence? The answer may surprise you. Video games get a lot of bad rep in the media. When it comes to…
Personal Safety Apps & Gadgets: Using tech to be save yourself There are situations in our day to day life that can make you feel…
Valentines Gadgets Gadgets get a bit of a bad rap when it comes to Valentine’s Day, and we at Nerds HQ think this is kind…
Another New Year, another chance to resolve to make some changes. Leading a healthy life and losing weight are goals millions of Americans set every…
Have you ever Googled yourself? If the results are cringe-worthy, it’s time to take control of the situation. You need to manage your online reputation.…
Were you the lucky recipient of an awesome tech toy this holiday? I’m sure you couldn’t wait to get it up and running. But…
On December 14th, the FCC officially overturned net neutrality protections. In spite of persistent outcry from those in the media, those in the tech industry,…
Smart gadgets can make cooking and clean up in the kitchen a lot easier. From having recipes and cooking videos at your beck and call…
These days, there’s an app for (just about) everything. And with Thanksgiving around the corner, you’d best believe there are apps that will help you…
Any parent of young children can attest that the Internet is both wondrous and scary. Google makes you the master of knowledge, able to answer…
In the era of streaming media, you can watch just about anything you want, whenever you want. This is nothing short of amazing! But when…
Cyber-security team Cisco Talos reports today that recently installed and updated versions of CCleaner (a computer performance optimization tool used to remove temporary internet files…
Ready to save money and eat healthier? Ditch your takeout habit and put your kitchen to use with some good ol’ home cooking. Who knew…
As the summer draws to a close, college students are preparing to head back to campus. Before they leave, consider stocking them with some nifty…
Keeping your home and family organized can be stressful. From school activities and assignments to sports, appointments and play-dates, adding kids to an already busy…
In the past half-decade, media consumption has undergone a drastic change. YouTube and Netflix have changed how, when, and where we watch television shows and…
Fitness Apps: What Are The Best? Need some motivation to get moving? You know it’s important to get moving for health and wellness. Heck, maybe…
After a summer of downloading questionable content, streaming from who-knows-where, and social media heavy lifting, your family computer has probably seen better days. If it’s…
As another school year approaches, the thought of buying a smartphone for your child crosses the mind of every parent. Smartphones come packed with benefits…
Want free access to the sites you love? Then you MUST care about Net Neutrality in 2017. Net Neutrality is under attack yet again. The…
You know it’s summertime when the house gets loud. The kids are at home creating a ruckus and your furniture is becoming permanently marked with…
Dream Job? Using Social Media? Facebook and Instagram are good for more than just trolling your old high school crush and laughing at silly memes.…
Ryan Eldridge stopped by KQMS Radio in Redding, CA to chat with Steve Gibson and Clark Schopflin (on Mornings with Schopflin and Gibson) about the…
Ready to see the world? Before you set off on your journey, you should familiarize yourself with some truly great apps that’ll make your international…
Xbox One X Formerly referred to as Scorpio or Project Scorpio, the latest generation of Xbox is “the most powerful gaming console on the market.…
These days it seems everyone’s got a side gig. Whether it’s selling your handmade soaps at your local farmers market or spinning tunes as a…
Ready to channel your inner James Corden? Whether you’re a secret shower singer or a belting out the tunes singalong star, everyone loves carpool karaoke.…
Ryan Eldridge stopped by KQMS Radio in Redding, CA on Mornings with Schopflin and Gibson to talk about Ransomware viruses and how to avoid any…
Water and electronics usually don’t mix. Just in time for summer, we have some cool waterproof gadgets that will let you bring your handheld electronics along…
Are lack of time and money holding you back from seeing the world? 23-year-old travel blogger “Elona the Explorer” travels the world on…
How do you spring clean tech properly? Ahh Spring. It’s that time of year again. The sun has returned after months of gloomy and grey…
GoFundMe Scams: What Should You Know We’ve all heard the tragic story of 72 year of Grandpa Robert Godwin Sr who was shot in cold…
Ryan and Andrea stopped by KQMS in Redding, CA to talk about the new Star Wars and Thor Trailers, the Note s7’s battery problem, Windows…
Facebook Feed and Unwanted Content If Facebook’s constant political posts have you fatigued and frustrated, we are here with some tips for filtering the politics…
Local Channels: How To Keep Them Without Cable If you’re itching to ditch your cable or satellite commitment, we are here to explain how to…
Facebook recently rolled out a new set of SnapChat-like features, including “Stories.” We are here to show everyone why this vanishing daily video feature will…
Electronics Explode! What To Be Aware of It’s not just Galaxy 7 batteries that are exploding. Earlier this year a California teen was charging his…
Ryan and Andrea stopped by KQMS in Redding, CA to talk about the Dark Web. They covered how to get on the Dark Web, what’s…
One of the most anticipated consoles in recent history, the hybrid handheld/console Nintendo Switch was released on Friday March 3rd at midnight. This is the…
Filter Politics: Getting Them Out Of Your Social Feed Believe it or not, Facebook was once a place where you could connect with family and…
DIY Computer Upgrades: Everyone Can Do These These days, everything about computers is getting smaller, lighter and more portable. People are migrating from desktops to…
We all know we should be putting money aside for emergencies, retirement and your next vacation, but saving money when you don’t have a lot…
Cell phone wars heated up earlier this month with each major carrier releasing new pricing plans. Is it worth making a switch? Here’s our guide…
Earlier this month, Vizio agreed to pay $2.2 million in penalties to settle a lawsuit brought by the FTC for tracking its customer’s viewing habits…
Are you ready to make your home smarter? We have some tips for getting started with smart home gadgets. Let’s break it down into three…
Digital car insurance company The Zebra spent a month ridesharing to compare Uber and Lyft. What they found might surprise you. We were inspired by…
In recent years, there’s been a wave of apps, games and brain activity tracking modules that claim to improve cognitive function. Yet critics call it…
Great! So your child now has a tablet or smartphone. We have put together a list of things you need to do immediately. These are…
If you were the lucky recipient of a lightly used, new-to-you laptop this holiday season, we have some easy, inexpensive ways to improve an older…
Microsoft have now completely dropped their support for Windows Essentials 2012, this includes the popular Windows Live Mail 2012 program. The DeltaSync protocol was discontinued…
Are you already struggling to keep those New Year’s resolutions? According to The Sun, “Get Organized” and “Spend Less/Save More” are the 2nd & 3rd…
Losing weight/getting fit is the #1 resolution of Americans year over year. Yet research shows that only 8% of people actually achieve their New Year’s…
When everything from your Smartphone to your toaster is needs an Internet signal to function, WiFi deadspots can grind your smart home to a halt.…
Americans spend an average of 290 hours each year in their car. So how about some cool gadgets and tech tools to improve your commute?…
Best Deal Amazon Has For You With holiday shopping knocking on your door, any tools to help you save some money are a welcome gift.…
WE GUARANTEE OUR WORK If ANYTHING goes wrong with a repair we’ve done, we’ll happily fix it. We may not be tall, but we stand…
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How to Use PayPal, Venmo, Cash App and other App-based Payment Services App-based payment services like CashApp, Venmo, PayPal, Apple Pay and Google Pay are super common these days. In fact, many service businesses like barbers, nail… Read article Is Living in Sacramento Expensive? Since Nerds On Call began doing computer repair in Sacramento way…
Anonymous Apps: Why You Should Be Careful Apps that allow you to send self-destructing texts or photos are a great tool for adults that want…
We know you’re itching to upgrade to that new iPhone or Google Pixel. But before you toss your old smartphone in the trash, we have…
If you’re the proud new owner of a new iPhone 7 or Galaxy S7, chances are you’re ready to get some cash back by selling…
Cyber safety these days is about more than ensuring your child doesn’t stumble upon an inappropriate site or stay online too long. Today we talk…
You can’t leave the house these days without your smartphone, but there can be some frustrations – limited space, insufficient battery life, fragile screens. The…
Credit card skimmers are nothing new, but we all need regular reminding that criminals are always looking at ways of capturing your private credit card…
iPhone Storage Space Full? What To Do? Running out of space on your iPhone is a common problem. Everyone knows at least one person who…
College can make AND break you – financially, that is. Managing your money when you’re juggling student loans, limited work time, and shared expenses with…
Just three years after the release of the Xbox One, Microsoft has released a new console – the XBox One S. So what’s new I…
If your kids have spent just a bit too much of this summer zoning out to TV or video games, we are here with some…
As our kids get more and more “connected,” sending little Jane off to college can feel like the first step toward bankruptcy. Don’t despair! We…
You may not think of Nerds as particularly outdoorsy folks, but there are so many cool gadgets and games these days that could get you,…
UPDATE 2016: We’ve updated this blog post from 2012 – Tablets and gadgets change constantly! While this article has a student-focused angle, including the benefits…
Keeping up with technology can be overwhelming, particularly when it comes to protecting yourself from viruses, hackers and online criminals. Although you can carry out…
Ahh Disneyland. The quintessential summer vacation destination. Even the regular visitor will learn something new each visit, give yourself a head start with a bit…
From user-installed alarm systems to motion-sensor video cameras, is a do-it-yourself alarm system right for you? Let’s talk about the pros and cons, as well…
You may love the sun, sand and surf of summer, but your electronics most certainly do not. Ryan Eldridge, Nerds on Call is here to…
Nothing quite screams summer like, “Road Trip!!” and these days, gadgets and apps can make your voyage far more enjoyable than they once were when…
Spring has sprung, and if you’re just now gearing up to tackle your spring cleaning to-do list, Nerds on Call is here to make sure…
Wait! Before you post another blurry, duck face, bathroom mirror picture of yourself, we here at Nerds On Call would like to show you how…
Do you have a love-hate relationship with your snooze button? Everybody loves 5 or 10 more minutes of sleep, but sometimes the consequences are dire.…
For those of you asking yourself: “What does a Nerds know about taxes?” the fact of the matter is, many IRS scams involve criminals using…
Online Quizzes: What You Should Know Although it may be tempting to find out which Disney princess you are, online quizzes are often just pages…
Even the most savvy of internet users might have trouble defining what exactly ransomware is. Ransomware is very similar to malware in the sense that…
Most people reading this will probably think to themselves, “What do Nerds know about relationships?” The answer is: more than we should. Nerds are known…
For many of us, pets are like family. If you’ve ever wondered what Mittens is up to while you’re stuck at the office all…
As a result of the mass shooting in Southern California late last year. the Federal Bureau of Investigation has requested that Apple assist law enforcement…
Apps To Spice Up Your Love Life: Download For A Good Time With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, there is no better time to…
January is usually the month of change, as the new year dawns many people set goals for themselves for the coming year and call them…
Safely Dispose Old Tech When old tech is thrown out, it is known as eWaste. E-waste, or electronic waste, can be extremely harmful to the…
As Nerds, we know the importance of internet security all too well. When you use the internet for personal or important tasks such as online…
For those dedicated PC users that have stuck with a Windows OS throughout the evolution of computers, Windows 8 was probably a bit of challenge…
Online dating sites such as Match.com and eHarmony find that January and February are the busiest months of the year. According to a study published…
How do you safely meet someone online? Connecting with strangers over the internet has become a common practice in this day and age. Whether it…
Holiday Greeting Card Apps To Use Around the holidays, it is a tradition to send greeting cards to friends and family updating them on what…
LEGO Education WeDo 2.0 The LEGO Education WeDo 2.0 is a robotics kit that teaches elementary school students the basics of coding. Children use bricks to build…
PicoBrew Pico The PicoBrew Pico is the Keurig of homebrewing. You can simply load a ready-to-brew ingredient kit, attach a keg of water, and start brewing your…
Paying Extra For Internet Speeds: Why Fast Internet Is Needed Everybody enjoys a good cliff-hanger at the end of a TV series. Since Netflix has…
If you have ever looked something up online or visited a few similar websites only to be plagued by ads related to what you were…
Over 205 billion emails are sent every day around the world. These messages include hellos from friends, updates from work, advertisements, spam, viruses, or sophisticated…
Cyber Monday, the internet’s answer to Black Friday, is here. The Nerds from Nerds on Call have a few tricks up their sleeves for getting…
The day of Thanksgiving now marks the start of a shopping frenzy that is known as Black Friday. For the truly dedicated Black Friday deal…
Online Venting: Why It Can Cause More Problems Whether it involves a terrible day at work, an argument with a spouse, or just a day…
How do you give back online? With the holidays fast approaching, it is indeed the season for giving. The fact that there are so many…
Laptop vs desktop: Which is worth more to own? When it comes to computers, everything is becoming smaller and lighter in order to increase portability.…
With thousands of TV shows and movies available for online streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon just to name a few, it is…
With Black Friday quickly approaching some people have already mapped out their shopping battle plan, and packed their tents to camp out in front of…
Everybody loves a good road trip. The worst part about a road trip is the hours of sitting idly in the car with nothing more…
No matter what type of shopper you are – the early bird who has everything wrapped up before Thanksgiving, or the mad-dasher that goes to…
Apple released its own music streaming service in mid-summer of 2015. Apple Music joined the ranks of entrenched competitors such as Pandora, Spotify, and Google…
The digital age favors the last-minute holiday shopper. Be it getting Mom and Dad that new movie streaming account or setting up your children with…
Many Apple users have taken their Mac virus protection too lightly since there is a rumor that Macs cannot get a virus. With the continual…
Personal Safety App: What Should You Download Ladies: have you ever feared for your personal safety when you are walking to your car in a…
Ah, the good old days… when the only uncomfortable sex talk you had to have with your kid was about the birds and the bees.…
The home of the future is available today; they are energy efficient, they protect you and your family, keep you updated when you are away,…
Facebook has become the world’s largest social media network with nearly one and a half billion users around the world. Just because Facebook is popular,…
A viral story is fake!?! If you have been on Facebook in the past month, chances are you have seen the viral story about Facebook…
Pretty much everyone these days has a cell phone, including some people who probably shouldn’t. With the popularity and commonality of cell phones ever increasing,…
Everybody who owns a printer and prints color documents at home can confirm the fact that over the period of one year, your printer ink…
We have all experienced that frustrating moment when Netflix suddenly stops loading and the room goes silent. For some reason, the WiFi signal dropped again,…
The modern criminal is not necessarily after physical items, but rather credit card numbers and personal information. This private data is worth big money to…
We all know that the Internet is a treasure trove of information… and cat videos. Well, we say it’s SO. Much. More. There is a…
There have always been camps and summer programs for kids who are interested in sports or recreation, but what about those who have a passion…
No matter the scale or magnitude of the trip being planned, travel is without a doubt easier in the digital age. Our resident nerds have…
Gadgets Are Causing A Slow Death? Today the Nerds are here to share some tips that might just save your life. The way that we…
It is no secret that Americans are more distracted by their smart phones than ever before. The amount of time we spend interacting with our…
Wifi is a valuable commodity these days; with people living closer to one another than ever before, it is no surprise that any wifi network…
From Target and Home Depot, to Apple’s iCloud, Google and DropBox, it seems there’s a new security breach announced every month. Keeping yourself safe online…
New PC Setup: What To Do The feeling of powering up a brand new PC for the first time is quite satisfying. All the new…
On September 9th, attendees of the Apple event saw the unboxing of the new line of Phones, along with a new, larger iPad, and an…
You certainly do not have to be a nerd in order to own and use your tech gadgets like a boss. The Nerds from Nerds…
What originated as a way for college students to connect with one another has become an international sensation that set off a firestorm of social…
The internet is a wondrous place. With virtually unlimited amounts of information flowing around the world, it is no wonder that the internet is also…
It is that time of year again; the weather is starting to cool off, the leaves are beginning to change colors, and the kids are…
With technology becoming such a huge part of American culture, it is no surprise that cell phones, tablets, and computers are changing the lives of…
Modern companies know that almost everybody has an email address that they use regularly. Be it for online shopping, registering for your favorite services, or…
Digital photography has given us the ability to take a lot of photos. Sometimes we post shots that look like they came direct from a…
The internet outcry against Minnesota dentist Walter Palmer after his involvement in the killing of Cecil the Lion in Zimbabwe was fast and furious. As…
For today’s college go-ers, technology is all about mobility. Whether you’ve outfitted your co-ed with a laptop, smartphone, tablet, MP3 player, or all of the…
Windows 10, Microsoft’s highly anticipated operating system update, is finally set to roll out to the public on July 29th, and for most people currently…
Organize Your Digital Photo Collection in a Weekend The problem: You have about a gazillion digital photos, and they’re everywhere. How do you find the…
Some of the greatest minds in technology – Stephen Hawking, Bill Gates and Elon Musk, among others – have recently issued public warnings about advancements…
Mobile devices like Smartphones and tablets are made infinitely better – or worse – by the apps you install on them. With well over a…
When you pay by the megabyte for data through your cell service provider, the free WiFi offered at your local Starbucks or McDonalds provides a…
At our computer repair company, Nerds on Call, we frequently get calls from customers concerned that they’ve been “hacked.” It’s a term all over the…
On Thursday, February 26th, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted 3-2 in favor of a proposal by FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler to reclassify broadband Internet…
On November 12, 2014, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida signed temporary restraining orders filed by the Federal Trade Commission and…
If you’re in the market for a new router, you probably already realize it’s one of the most important hardware components of your wireless connection…
We all remember the days-long-past when calling home to Mom or Dad meant you had to find the nearest payphone, and hope that you had…
Online Review: What Can Be Trust Worthing? Online reviews can be a lifesaver. When I recently needed to get my car fixed while out of…
Every year the IRS releases its “Dirty Dozen” list of the most prevalent tax scams, many of which use technology to take advantage of victims.…
Would it surprise you to learn that the top-grossing mobile apps are “free” games? While games like Clash of Clans, Candy Crush and Kim Kardashian:…
You may have never heard of SnapChat, but if you have teenagers in your household, then you can bet they have.You may have already spotted…
Smart home technology offers ways to make your home more state-of-the-art than the Jetsons’ abode. They can offer better energy efficiency, innovative security systems and…
Our handy smartphones improve our lives in so many ways, from providing a source of entertainment to keeping us conveniently connected with loved ones and…
Amazon Kindle Unlimited: What You Need To Know As a reader of three or four novels a month, purchased primarily through my Kindle Fire, I…
You probably already know how important it is to have virus and malware protection on any computer that gets on the Internet, but with so…
Whether your reliable old PC was finally beaten down by the kids this summer, or you are springing for a new laptop for your back-to-schooler,…
Despite my “Nerd Chick” credentials, I’ve had to call technical support many times in my life, and I can’t say that it’s always been a…
In their book, “Toddlers on Technology,” Patti Wollman Summers (early childhood educator and Head of the Parenting Program at the Mandell School), neuropsychologist Ann DeSollar-Hale,…
He’s always there to help you out of a jam, be it a flat tire or first date advice. There’s one day a year dedicated…
What does Desktop Mean? What is your computer desktop? The answer can be confusing because there are three different desktops involved with a computer. Here’s…
URL Explained: What Does That Link Mean? URL Explained: You’ve seen hundreds or thousands of URLs in your life, but they might still seem like…
What does “Open” mean? You’ve probably heard the term “Open” in reference to a lot of things on the Internet. Just like any word with…
So what IS a 404 page? Whether you were linked here from a missing page on our website, or you just want to know what…
Since you’re on a computer right now, you’ve doubtless heard the terms “app,” “program,” and “software.” But do you know what the difference is? The…
If you’ve been using a computer for a while, you’ve probably heard talk of “defragmentation.” Maybe you’ve even run a defragmentation utility. But what does…
Everything on your computer that’s not hardware is software, and in the same way that you can measure hardware in ounces, you can measure software…
The Windows key is that key with the Windows logo that always makes your computer act weird when you press it. It’s the one usually…
Difference Between Memory and Storage: Confusion Between The Two One of the most confusing sets of terms in everyday computer usage is “‘Memory’ & ‘Storage’.”…
Before the Internet was a part of everyone’s lives, people used their computers in a very different way. Instead of connecting to a “service” in…
You may have heard of cookies, and know that people get upset about having cookies they don’t want. But why wouldn’t you want a cookie?…
“The Cloud” is a popular term in the tech world and much like a cloud it doesn’t have a clear definition. People have personal clouds,…
Recovery Vs Reset: What is the difference? Recovery and Reset are both techniques used to fix a broken computer, but they are vastly different. They…
What is WiFi? It seems to be everywhere, but it’s invisible so that makes it hard to define. Many people think of WiFi as a…
Even if you aren’t ready to accept that summer vacation has arrived, it’s here. Before your kid has way too many free hours to surf…
When I bought a Kindle Fire, I went from my book-a-month habit to about a book-a-week, practically overnight. This could be a costly endeavor, and…
Sirs/Madams: Excellent Work Over the past two weeks, your staff spent many hours helping Patricia and me get our PC’s Email working after I had…
Amazon Fire TV is just the latest debut in a number of streaming devices on the market allowing you to stream content from video applications…
Remembering a unique login and password for every website you frequent on the internet requires either a genius-level photographic memory or a really cool trick.…
Researchers today discovered a serious flaw in the security software that keeps two-thirds of the web private. The bug, called “heartbleed,” has been a part…
Note: I have updated this article with reader feedback at the end. Please read it and my response Are there apps for children with special…
Secret is the latest social media site to garner buzz. It’s different from Facebook or Twitter because you post anonymously to a pool of people…
On February 19th, the IRS released its annual list of the top tax scams for 2014. As more taxpayers prepare, file, and store their data…
While Social Networking sites like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn have been shown to increase a user’s feeling of connectedness with friends, family and their community,…
Last night I was startled awake with a bad dream. I found myself staring at the ceiling at 4 AM, unable to get back to…
California, (January, 2014) – Have you ever had this happen to you: Often you receive emails from people who haven’t contacted you in years, with…
I often receive emails from people who haven’t contacted me in years, with a subject line such as “check this out!” I open the email…
RE: Mr. Jeff Jackson We are writing this letter to commend the exceptional work and customer service we have received from Mr. Jeff Jackson. We…
California, (January, 2014) – In April 2012, Microsoft announced that it would stop supporting Windows XP in April 2014. After April 8, 2014, Microsoft will…
In April 2012, Microsoft announced that it would stop supporting Windows XP in April 2014. After April 8, 2014, Microsoft will no longer write software…
There’s nothing I hate more than wasting money. Yet it seems as though every time I need to return something at Target or Macys they…
I play World of Warcraft – a massive, multiplayer online role-playing game. My husband and I have friends that we enjoy playing with regularly, and…
If you were one of the thousands packing Target stores on Black Friday or if you’ve shopped there since, you may be the victim of…
Now that the deadline to have something shipped and arrive before Christmas has officially passed and the truly desperate are combing the malls, you may…
The Internet provides a wealth of resources to find information, but sometimes you need a little one-on-one assistance for a specific question. Launched in November,…
When I was a kid, Santa visited our neighbor’s house every Christmas Eve, at midnight, to deliver presents. He hopped down off the roof with…
California, (December, 2013) -The Internet provides a wealth of resources to find information, but sometimes you need a little one-on-one assistance for a specific question. Launched…
Fix or Replace Your Old Computer: What Should You Do? When I talk to customers about the work needed to fix their ailing computer they…
California, (November, 2013) – There’s a new and nasty “ransomware” virus called CryptoLocker sweeping the web, taking computers hostage and demanding that users pay an exorbitant “ransom”…
There’s a new and nasty “ransomware” virus called CryptoLocker sweeping the web, taking computers hostage and demanding that users pay an exorbitant “ransom” to get…
A new digital currency called “legitimate” by SEC – but what is it? The Securities Exchange Commission and the Department of Justice declared bitcoins a…
As the holiday shopping season gains momentum, those looking to swindle online shoppers get creative in their attempts to lure victims. I consulted with Scambook…
During the holiday shopping season California, (November, 2013) – As the holiday shopping season gains momentum, those looking to swindle online shoppers get creative in their attempts…
I’m a mom who lives a life surrounded by technology. I struggle every day with the desire to do the best for my kids (Crafting!…
Tim, Please accept this as a token of our thanks for your awesome crew. It took 3 days of 6+ hours each day to figure…
California, (November, 2013) –We all struggle every day with the desire to do the best for our kids (Crafting! Healthy meals! Limited TV!) juxtaposed against…
Smartphone Fingerprint Security: What To Know? Apple’s iPhone 5S includes fingerprint scanning technology called Touch ID to unlock the phone and make purchases in iTunes.…
Sirs/Madams: EXCELLENCE! Once again, the expertise and performance of your staff has provided superb resolution of four computer concerns. GARRETT L. Corrected and revised four…
California, (October, 2013) –It’s nearly impossible to impress on children the permanence of things they share online through social media, emails or via text. Once…
How do you spot fake online reviews? Online reviews can be a great tool to help find a hotel for your next trip, a reputable…
California, (October, 2013) –Have you noticed a curious phenomenon on Facebook? Suddenly it seems like your friends are posting ads for companies like Starbucks, Walmart…
Samsung’s commercials for their new Galaxy Gear “Smart Watch” (www.samsung.com/global/microsite/galaxynote3-gear/, $299) tell us that the future is here. After growing up watching Captain Kirk and…
From promoting your small business to getting yourself noticed by a potential employer, having your own website can allow you to better control the information,…
It’s nearly impossible to impress on children the permanence of things they share online through social media, emails or via text. Once they click “send,”…
There are bevy of devices on the market aimed to allow you to stream content from the Internet to your TV, most notably Roku and…
A Top Contender in Video Streaming California, (October, 2013) –There are bevy of devices on the market aimed to allow you to stream content from…
Google added to its collection of “Chromebooks” yesterday, with their announcement of the HP Chromebook 11. If you haven’t been following the search engine giant’s…
A Nerds-Eye Review California, (October, 2013) –Apple released iOS 7, an update that CEO Tim Cook called the biggest change to the platform since the…
California, (October, 2013) –Many of us established an email account many years ago. In those days, email was something to look forward to, usually a…
Clean Up Email: How To Clean Your Inbox I established my Yahoo email account many years ago. In those days, email was something to look…
California, (September, 2013) – Most kids this time of year have a serious case of the “gimmes.” From every toy friends have to things on the…
The other day I was sitting in the Starbucks drive-through line. I pulled up to the window to pay and I was informed that the…
While I’ve consistently proclaimed that no student needs a tablet or Smartphone to succeed, handheld internet-enabled gadgets can serve a purpose. From downloading textbooks to…
California, (September, 2013) – Not all tablets are created equal, but there are some great options available that will give you the functionality that you’re…
Tablets are growing in popularity. Lightweight, ultra-portable and with a user-friendly and immersive touch-screen, it’s no wonder that more and more people are wondering if…
Last week, Christina P. sent me a great question about how to choose a tablet and what they do, an inquiry I receive regularly so…
If you live in a Nerdy Neighborhood, you might want to check out the newest web service that’s making a buzz. It’s called “Nextdoor,” and…
California, (August, 2013) –If there’s one thing we Nerds learn early it’s that technology doesn’t come cheap. Even after you shell out the dough for…
Hard drive failure can be devastating, particularly if it’s been a while since you backed up your data. It can lead to costly data retrieval…
The debate over which PC platform is best, Mac or Windows, has waged for years with both sides equally passionate about which OS reigns supreme.…
When I was in high school, the subject I struggled with most was Biology. There was a mysterious step between how atoms became cells and…
California, (August, 2013) – The debate over which PC platform is best, Mac or Windows, has waged for years with both sides equally passionate about which…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:Media ContactShawna Bell1-800-919-6373 marketing@callnerds.com NERDS ON CALL: REPAIR YOUR ONLINE REPUTATION With a Few Simple Tips California, (July, 2013) – When you enter…
When you enter your name into Google (or the search engine of your choice), are the results flattering, or at least accurate? Even if you…
This week our very own Ryan Eldridge appeared on the Brandmeier show to talk about phones and electrocution. Read about the iPhone electrocution. Listen to…
Increase Laptop Lifespan: What You Can Do In today’s technology landscape, computers and gadgets are becoming more and more disposable. In fact, laptops have an…
California, (July, 2013) – The compact, mobile excellence that is a laptop brings with it a shorter lifespan than a typical desktop PC. On average,…
Android is the most popular mobile operating system in the world, installed on three quarter of a billion devices. Having a master key to all…
Can Facebook Give Me A Virus: Things To Look Out For One of the questions I get asked a lot is, “can Facebook give me…
The FTC estimates that as many as 9 million Americans have their identities stolen each year. According to data compiled by Zone Alarm, maker of…
California, (July, 2013) – According to a study commissioned by Internet Technology specialist McAfee, “The Digital Divide: How the Online Behavior of Teens is Getting…
HD Antenna: What You Need To Know One of the home theater questions I get asked most often is how to get rid of cable…
Hiding Online: How To Found Out What You Child Is Doing According to a study commissioned by Internet Technology specialist McAfee, “The Digital Divide: How…
A 2012 Teen Internet Behavior study commissioned by the security technology company, McAfee, reveals a surprising chasm between the number of teens hiding what they…
UPDATE: The Zeus Trojan has been neutralized by the U.S. Department of Justice. A nasty Trojan virus nicknamed Zeus has been spreading quickly through social…
Father’s Day, aka “Dad Appreciation Day,” is rapidly approaching and there are some great online resources that can help you to show dad (or help…
Once your proud graduate has grown up too quickly and has left the podium with her diploma, she’s probably ready to jump into the “real…
A lot of online services have announced recently that they’re introducing two-step or two-factor verification for their users. It all started when Google implemented the…
California, (June, 2013) – Summer is the season for computer mayhem. The kids are home from school, often unsupervised, and boredom does not bode well…
When it comes to searching the net, Google is the far and away market leader. In the U.S., Google captures an average of 67% of…
No one likes getting complaints, but it’s what you do about them that matters. What we want to do is be totally honest. Here at…
Hey there. I’m Andrea Eldridge, Owner and Founder of Nerds On Call Computer Repair. If you type “Nerds On Call Computer Repair Reviews” into Google right now,…
California, (May, 2013) – On May 21, 2013, Microsoft revealed details of their highly anticipated new game console, the Xbox One, scheduled to be available…
Hi, I’m Andrea the owner and founder of Nerds On Call Computer Repair. We want to hear your complaints. We’ll make them disappear into wholehearted…
Note: How to use a monitor to watch TV is one of the most popular posts I’ve written – and I’ve written a LOT of…
Hopefully you’ve set aside time this summer for a nice vacation in between summer school and the kids’ band camp. Many of us have already…
Remember watching Star Trek, where the crew members could just speak to their computer and it would instantly know what they were referring to and…
We’ve covered cyberbullying in a previous article, but it can be difficult to slog through technical talk on the subject. Here are some numbers and…
Nerds On Call Computer Repair Redding began in February 2004, although its exact location has changed over the years. When we started the company near…
The best Mother’s Day gifts are often those that don’t come wrapped with a pretty bow. It’s great when you’re able to buy Mom the…
California, (May, 2013) – The best Mother’s Day gifts are often those that don’t come wrapped with a pretty bow. It’s great when you’re able…
Facebook recently released a new kind of app called Facebook Home, and the reviews are lackluster so far. But if the tech giant’s history proves…
California, (April, 2013) – Your computer’s monitor can make or break your ability to work comfortably, enjoy high quality media and efficiently manage multiple processes…
Anyone stuck in line at the grocery store with a cranky toddler can’t deny the sweet nirvana to be had by simply handing over your…
You certainly shouldn’t ever use your phone to text while you’re driving, and making calls is possible with Bluetooth but risky. However, there’s no reason…
California, (April, 2013) – Anyone who’s received a message from a friend’s Facebook account urging them to click a link or “like” a page to…
If I tell you that you can make money using the Internet without leaving your PJs, you’d probably expect me to continue with a sob…
There’s nothing Nerds love more than fast internet access everywhere, so that’s why we’ve been excited to follow Google Fiber. They’ve just announced they’ll be…
If you use Facebook to keep tabs on what your kids are doing, you may need to resort to more traditional methods…like talking. A report…
Facebook Account: What Should You Do Facebook account hacked!?! Anyone who’s received a message from a friend’s Facebook account urging them to click a link…
Facebook bullying and cyberbullying is a topic on the minds of most parents with Internet-using youngsters. That’s just about all parents, by the way –…
One of the most common questions I get from customers, family and friends alike is how to improve system start up time. When your system…
There’s a new kind of video game platform coming out, and you guessed it – we Nerds are excited about it. This isn’t just any…
Last year, I completely forgot about April Fool’s Day until I was listening to a news story on the radio and thought, “That’s odd. Is…
In its carefully-plotted quest to take over the entire internet, Google yesterday released their “Keep” service. It had been previously rumored and “accidentally leaked” a…
After last week’s article about how to boost your WiFi network, I’m sure you headed straight out to buy a Wireless-N, dual-band router and removed…
Headlines have been shouting out, that the FBI recently investigated a website which had obtained personal information of high-profile people, and posted it online. Their…
Wi-Fi makes connecting to the Internet seem like magic. There’s a wonderful signal passing through the air that makes my phone work faster and unplugs…
Computers For Seniors: What Are The Options? When you think “cutting edge technology,” you probably don’t think “senior citizens,” but recent advances in technology are…
My system takes FOREVER to start up. Is there any way to make it boot up faster? Fully powering off your computer when you’re done…
Common Computer Questions And Answers Every week I receive questions from readers – anything from what wireless mouse I would recommend to how to edit…
Many looking for a partner this Valentine’s Day will turn to social media or dating websites to make a potential love connection. If you’re wary…
The BlackBerry used to be the undisputed queen of mobile computing. In the days when “smartphone” wasn’t even in the culture’s lexicon, a little company…
There were many exciting product announcements and prototypes demoed at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show, but few so plentiful as next generation gaming innovations. Whether…
Bits vs Bytes? What’s the difference? If you’ve ever shopped for internet packages or tried to buy storage, you’ve run into the bit/byte issue before…
You may have experienced this situation before: out of nowhere, a friend messages you on Facebook or via email with a link. You instinctively click…
Andrea has been busy writing content for our blog and Ryan’s TV appearances. Here are a few examples of her work: CBS 13 News Good…
Nerdy Women In Media Most people think of goofy looking guys in horn rimmed glasses when they think of geeks, bloggers, or businesspeople, like the…
Funny Websites: Where To Find The LOLs When I was working in an office, the latest joke email circulating was always there to give me…
Hidden Files Virus Hits Victims Hard Imagine starting up your system one fine morning only to discover that everything appears to be missing – your…
“My computer is so blazingly fast I can hardly keep up with it!” – said no one, ever. The complaint I hear voiced most often…
Whether you’ve dreamed of making delicious meals like a professional chef or would like to become fluent in French, this is the year you’ve resolved…
What is Siri? Apple made headlines in December when it introduced Siri with the latest iteration of their iPhone, the 4S. Siri has been billed…
Antivirus Problems? Whether you’re a Nerd who’s adept at surfing the web, or an amateur who has yet to learn the ins and outs of…
Whether you’re in the market for the latest hit movie, coffee, electronics, or even a drum set, Amazon.com has just about anything you can imagine…
What is Twitter? Well, when I think of Twitter, the first thing I think is: too much information. Do we really need to share the…
If you’ve ever had a virus that kept your system from booting at all, you know how infuriating it is. One mistake and your computer…
Whether you read them on an e-reader, tablet, smartphone or your computer, e-books are growing increasingly popular, and with good reason. Instant download capability lets…
I refuse to replace my old, ailing printer because I believe it’s a dying technology, like landline phones and fax machines. Yet just as a…
California, (December, 2012) – Whether you’re one of the millions of Americans that already owns a mobile handheld device (like a Smartphone, tablet or iPod…
Having wireless internet access is awesome, especially with how many devices these days use the technology. And with proper network security, we can be sure…
You’ve probably heard the terms “virus,” “malware,” “spyware,” and others all used interchangeably. However, these are actually all different types of bad software. The blanket…
“My computer is running so slow!” – said everyone who’s ever owned a computer. It’s true: your computer never quite runs as fast as the…
It’s hard to find an unbiased comparison of various internet service providers. If you’re one of those fortunate enough to have a number of choices…
While most of us have less than fond memories of dial-up Internet – gritting teeth through the high-pitched squeal while your computer connected, heading to…
California, (December, 2012) – Now that almost half of all Americans own a Smartphone and roughly a quarter of all Americans own a tablet computer,…
Ours is a video generation. We grew up with parents shooting camcorder footage of every birthday and graduation, and most of us have hours of…
Video Chat With Family & Friends The holidays are all about connecting with loved ones, but it can be a challenge when you’re separated by…
California, (December, 2012) – As children we were taught that there are a few cornerstones to polite social interactions: don’t interrupt someone when they’re speaking,…
Despite my best intentions to give personalized gifts to everyone on my holiday list, at least one or two people always end up with a…
Gift cards are a ubiquitous staple of the holiday season. Whether you’re looking to show some appreciation to someone you don’t know very well (like…
California, (NOVEMBER, 2012) – For the truly dedicated Black Friday deal hunters, Thanksgiving marks the start of a shopper’s frenzy. With sales starting earlier and…
California, (NOVEMBER, 2012) –The holidays are usually everyone’s favorite time of year – gathering with friends and family over special meals, showing you care with…
California, (NOVEMBER, 2012) –November seems to sneak up on us every year. You’re minding your own business, working out costume details and sugar coating trick-or-treaters…
Dear Kiel, Yesterday you helped me sort out a few things on my Apple computer, and you helped me in a very friendly and professional…
California, (NOVEMBER, 2012) –The ZeroAccess Rootkit Trojan is the latest rootkit virus to gain widespread infiltration into a huge number of computers. While traditional viruses…
ZeroAccess Rootkit Trojan: What Should You Know The ZeroAccess Rootkit Trojan is the latest rootkit virus to gain widespread infiltration into a huge number of…
I never thought I’d look back fondly on the days when malware just caused annoying pop-ups. The newest bug crawling the Web is called “ransomware,”…
Seventeen percent of Americans have been the victim of card fraud, whether credit or debit. Worldwide, card fraud costs people almost six billion dollars annually.…
Dear General Manager: This letter is intended to express our appreciation for the service Peter gave us on August 6, 2012. Peter was professional and…
California, (October, 2012) –In just a few days, Microsoft will release the newest version of its flagship product: the Windows operating system. Named Windows 8,…
A laptop is stolen every 53 seconds. This means that one tenth of laptops ever bought are either stolen are lost, usually along with all…
California, (October, 2012) –Most of us utilize a Windows PC regularly enough that we navigate through our go-to functions with little exploration or modification. Yet…