Computerware Blog

Technology is synonymous with advancement. We advance at a cost, with every new technology we get; it often replaces an older one. Technology comes and goes, and it takes a bit of insight to decipher which technologies will last and which ones will soon be replaced. We have been working with technology for a long time and can help you make sense of it.

We like to point our clients in the direction of upgrading to the latest technology; and we don't make these recommendations blindly, we have a laundry list of benefits that come with upgrading that can be quite convincing. Yet, there are many people who decline upgrades.

There is a big difference between someone who knows how to use a computer vs. someone who knows a computer. PCs have been designed to be used intuitively, but when it comes down to it, they are still complicated machinery that requires technical training, because of this, it's best to leave PC maintenance to the pros.

Somethings are built to last. The Colosseum, for example, far outlived those who created it. While they may not last thousands of years, electronic devices have a much greater lifespan than other mechanical techbologies. In fact, they have the potential to outlast their creators. This is because, unlike car engines and your body, most computer components do not have moving parts. This lack of friction means that PC hardware will last for many years, which sinks the excuse of somebody needing to buy a new PC because their old one has, "worn out."

The core idea behind social media is that it is a technology used to connect people. As people from all over the world embrace using social media, new and complex dynamics are added that turn social media into much more than a tool used to poke a friend. One of the most complex people groups is the modern family; and when entire families adopt social media, all the weird dynamics of family relationships are now posted for the world to see. We will attempt to analyze these new social media family dynamics, starting with the bad, and then the ugly, and eventually making our way to the good.

Performance has always been one drawback with tablet computers. With a tablet, you are not quite getting a PC, but you are getting more than a smartphone. Microsoft looks to break through the surface of this hardware barrier with the new Surface Pro, a tablet that can handle a full Windows 8 operating system.

Velocity Micro dared to ask the question, "How small can we make a fully operational and powerful desktop PC?" The result is the Edge Mini. Small enough to fit inside the pocket of your jacket, the Edge Mini is a square that is 4 inches on each side, and 1.6 inches thick. Velocity Micro is billing the Edge Mini as, "The world's smallest desktop."

Is your computer taking longer to boot up then you remember it taking back when it was new? One reason may be due to unneeded applications opening up automatically every time you power on your PC. These extra apps can also slow down the overall performance of your PC. We will show you how to disable these speed bumps.

A help desk that offers 24/7 remote support is a service that is easy to take for granted, primarily because most of the calls received are related to computer issues, and when PCs are properly maintained, issues are minimized. When computer problems do crop up, the help desk will be there for you and prove its value in your hour of greatest need.

Here are four of the most valuable features of Computerware's 24/7 remote help desk.

24/7, More than a Number
Our technicians are literally standing by around the clock, prepared to take your call. If it is the weekend and you are burning the midnight oil on a project, and your PC goes kaput, then you do not have to panic because you know that you have a team ready, willing, and capable to resolve your issue right then and there. We get these late night calls regularly and find it quite gratifying to play the role of hero by talking people through their late night IT crises.

Remote Support
There is a huge difference between a hotline that gives advice and a remote support service. When calling a help hotline you will have someone walk you through what to do, which can prove difficult if you are already frustrated due to a malfunctioning computer. With remote support, we have the ability to control your PC from our end, run diagnostics, and troubleshoot problems with best practices. This will leave you with the luxury of sitting back and relaxing while we do the heavy lifting.

Skilled Technicians
We have experienced level I & II technicians that are battle-tested and have likely dealt with your issue before. You might be at the end of your wits trying to fix your PC, but if you call one of our techs for help, then they will remotely take care of your issue from their end with a few clicks and restore both your PC and your sanity. In fact, our technicians are so good that 90% of non-break fix issues are resolved by the end of the call.

Friendly Technicians
It is also important to point out that our help desk technicians are based in America. We are intentional about this because we understand the value of communication. We understand that problems are resolved quicker and customer experience is improved if needs can be communicated on the first attempt. We also understand the value of talking with a real person. In fact, 90% of calls are answered by a flesh and blood human being within 180 seconds, this makes for a much more pleasant experience than having to navigate an endless maze of automated menus.

Making ourselves available 24/7 to take care of technology issues is just one example of how Computerware goes out of our way to provide you with outstanding customer service. To find out more about 24/7 remote help desk support service, call us at (703) 821-8200. We will take the time to learn about the unique needs of your business and set you up with a single, low-cost flat-rate per-user plan that won't change no matter how much you call for help.

In today's digital office, it seems odd that fax machines still have a home; yet there they sit, collecting dust and still churning out the occasional fax. One would assume that e-mail would have dethroned the fax machine a long time ago, and while e-mail is popular, fax machines still hold a place in the modern office.

(To the tune of: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year)

It's the most wonderful tech of the year
With smartphones a ringing
And music a streaming and caches are clear
It's the most wonderful tech of the year

2013 is looking to be another exciting year for the IT industry, starting off with the release of Microsoft Office 365 in the first quarter. On the heels of Windows 8, Office 365 looks like it will benefit from similar upgrades that will incorporate cloud services and touch screen capabilities. We will preview four of these features by looking at Excel 2013.

We are counting down to 2013, but before we close the books on 2012, let us take a painful-yet-entertaining look back at the top 5 technology fails from 2012. Hopefully, history will not repeat itself and the tech industry will learn from its 2012 flops and have less missteps in 2013--yeah right!

If you are enjoying the new Windows 8 OS, then you will appreciate the new features in Microsoft's Office 2013, which is scheduled for release during Q1 of 2013. Microsoft has redesigned each of its popular Office applications, and we will highlight a few of these new features by looking at OneNote 2013.