Computer Tuneup
You might need a nerd if…
- Something is wrong with your computer but you’re not sure what’s causing it
- You have data on an old computer you need transferred to a new one
- Your computer is constantly popping up annoying messages
- You receive threatening messages or emails on your computer demanding money
- You want to make your computer safe from malicious software
- Files are going missing or becoming corrupt
- You just need a computer that WORKS
Common Terms
Startup Items
Every time your computer starts, the biggest piece of software it turns on is the operating system. However, the operating system loads a lot of other programs that it thinks you will use. These are called startup items and run every time you turn your computer on
Fragmentation
Files are stored on your disk in sections. Your hard drive does this to save space and speed, but over time gaps can appear and your hard drive takes longer to find the data on it. Disk fragmentation is an issue on older systems, but new computers automatically defragment themselves
Windows Registry
The system registry is where Windows stores all of the computer's settings. Not just the settings you choose, but other things like the color of window shadows and the location of certain files.
We’ll diagnose what’s wrong with your computer
We’ll get your old data onto your new computer
Buying a new computer is exciting, but the moment you get it home there’s a big challenge waiting for you: getting all the data (files, contacts, pictures, settings etc) from your old computer to your new one. It’s not always easy. It can also take hours, not to mention that frustrating moment when you realize you forgot to transfer that one file you need.We’ll seek and destroy any malicious software
It’s a sad fact of computing life, but there’s a ton of malicious software out there. Malware (short for malicious software) can corrupt your data, steal information about you and generally spoil your computing experience. It can even cause lasting damage to your computer. We are experts in finding and dealing with malware. Here are the malware-busting services we provide. Clicking on these links will also give you helpful tips and information to get you started:We can get rid of those annoying pop-ups
We’ve all come across those nasty little windows that pop-up on your screen demanding immediate attention. They can be an incredibly annoying interruption, like a fly buzzing in your face at the beach. They can also be a red flag that something more serious is going on, such as the presence of adware or spyware on your computer system. We have an arsenal of tips and tools we can use to put an end to your pop-up apocalypse.We can make sure you aren’t being spied on
Spyware is software which hides on your computer, capturing your data and sending it to a third-party without your permission. Anything from your browsing habits to your passwords and financial data can end up in the hands of people you don’t know. Spyware can be hard to detect, only making its presence known when it’s too late.We can clean out any viruses and make sure they don’t come back
Viruses are incredibly common. Some estimates say that up to 40% of US household computers are infected with a virus. The good news is that there are great tools you can use to protect your computer from virus infection and the damage they cause. We at Nerds On Call can get your computer armor plated against computer viruses. We’ll install powerful anti-virus software on your computer and give you some easy-to-follow advice on how to safely surf the Internet and use social media.We can deal with the seriously scary and hard-to-beat malware
Rootkits are a particularly nasty kind of malicious software. They sit beneath your operating system making them unusually powerful, hard to detect and extremely difficult to destroy. Some kinds can even survive a complete reinstall of your operating system! If you’re experiencing constant crashes or if you’re anti-malware software mysteriously stops working, a rootkit may be to blame. Dealing with these blighters requires some serious nerd-fu. We can protect your data and run specialist rootkit detection and removal software to get your computer running properly again.We can set you up with a complete malware protection solution
Malware (a shortening of ‘malicious software’) comes in all shapes and sizes. They can be little more than a nuisance or they can pose a serious threat to your data, privacy and computer hardware. There a few red flags that malware might be installed on your system. Perhaps your computer is running slower than it should. Maybe it takes forever to boot up. It could be that settings change for no reason or you notice that files are becoming corrupt. If any of these are happening to you, we can run a complete scan of your computer, safely getting rid of any malware. We’ll also make sure you’re protected from future infections.Need a computer tuneup? We’re on it!
Super Secret!
Nerds Price List
Now you too can get the answer to our most frequently asked question, “How much do you charge?” Just enter your email address and we’ll send you our Nerds on Call Price Chart.
Questions nerds often hear about Computer Tuneup
I’ve had virus alerts for a while now but nothing bad seems to be happening. Can I just ignore it?
We don’t advise it. It is true that some viruses can be relatively harmless, but it’s equally true that a lot of malware is active in ways that may not be immediately obvious. It’s smart to get rid of them before they become a problem.
Is it going to cost me a lot of money to get my computer issue fixed?
Every computer problem is different so we can’t offer a flat rate. We offer extremely competitive rates AND we will give you a free estimate so you can get a good idea of exactly what you need and how much it will cost.
I installed anti-virus software. Doesn’t that mean I’m completely safe from malware?
Sadly, these days it’s not quite that easy. Malware is becoming increasingly sophisticated and occasionally you may become infected even if you have active malware protection software. If you notice something odd and can’t get rid of the problem, it’s best to talk to an expert.