What is the Best Method to Backup Your Computer Data?

Technology is always changing and making life easier for us, at the same time it makes us lazier. Backing up your computer data has never been easier, but majority of people don’t take the time to do it. We put our entire lives on our computers, everything from our photos, to work documents, and entertainment, we should want to put effort in creating extra copies of these things.

Computers are unpredictable, one minute they are working well, the next they have a virus and corrupts your hard drive. Especially if you have PC computers such as Dell, Acer, HP, any computer that aren’t MACs which are more prone to malware and viruses. One minute your computer is nice and dry, the next your coffee spills all over it. These unpredictable situations can happen any moment that is why backing up your files is something worth taking your time.

Most Computer Repair centers in Los Angeles offer data backup services; if you know you won’t get around to doing it, it’s a good idea to get the service. Number one rule when backing up data, your copy of your data should physically be separated from your computer. The options are either on an external second hard drive or in the cloud- online service.

External hard drive can cost from $50 to $100 and are easy enough for the home user to do themselves. All you do is connect the external drive using a USB cord to your computer and follow the prompts to start copying your files, documents, etc. to the new drive.

The best method for backing up data for the average computer user is Mozy Home, it’s a cloud backup system for only five dollars a month. You sign up and the rest is done for you. The plan will backup all the data that is stored on one computer and you won’t have to remember to update because it automatically does it for you.  There are a slew of other cloud based data backups, and some are even free if you have only one or two gigabytes of data to backup.

If you don’t have the time to backup your files or need guidance on which method to use, Heroes and Geeks offers onsite data backup and data recovery services in the comfort of your home or office. Protect and save your important data before it’s too late and you lose it. A $50 investment to prevent losing your important documents is a lot cheaper than going to a computer repair store to recover your data, where prices start in the hundreds.

Stay tech savvy, my friends.

How to Care for Your Computer and Tips to Keep Your Computers Running Well

When it comes to housecleaning, the last thing we consider to clean are our useful computers. We usually neglect cleaning our computers, even though we see and use them regularly, this could be due to the fact we don’t know how. At Heroes and Geeks computer repair in Los Angeles, when someone drops off their computer for repair, 9 out of 10 times the computer is in dirty conditions. We’ve seen it all, laptop screens with fingerprint marks, accumulated dust clinging to fans, food particles in between keyboard keys, and scratched and scuffed up computers. Computers are fragile and expensive equipment and we should take better care of them.

To get started on your computer cleaning, you can purchase a computer cleaning kit at any computer goods store or online. The tools you should look for are a pressurized duster, a computer brush, an lcd cleaning spray or wipes, and a microfiber cloth. The pressurized duster is good for blowing away dust from the fan and even your keyboards. The brush will be useful for sweeping away dust and crumbs from the keyboard. Wipe away fingerprint smudges from your monitors with an LCD cleaning spray or wipes. The microfiber cloth will be useful for regular dusting and wiping off your computers LCD and surfaces.

The following are tips to keep in mind to care for your computer and prevent unnecessary damages:

1. To prevent overheating your computer or laptop, use your devices in a well ventilated space. Make sure your computers exhaust fan is not being blocked by anything so the air can flow freely and keep your computers cool. Also, the fan and the insides of a computer can collect a bunch of dust after a period of time, so it’s best to get it cleaned and dusted by a computer repair professionalsome offer onsite services. Once or twice yearly, internal cleaning will help keep the computer cool and dust free.

2. Avoid eating and drinking next to your computer. Food particles can get trapped underneath your keyboards keys and can block a key from functioning. A small paint brush can be used to sweep in between your keys to remove dust and food particles from your keyboard. Liquids and electronics don’t mix, if liquid comes into contact with your computer, you can damage the motherboard, short circuit the electrical wiring, and it can cause permanent damage to some computer parts. If you must have a drink next to your computer, put your beverage in a container that can be sealed and also place your beverage a few feet away from your computer. Prevention is key to avoid food and liquid damage to your computer.

3. Keep dust and dirt away by regularly wiping down all surfaces of your computer with a microfiber towel. Remove finger print marks from your LCD monitors by using a computer cleaning spray and a towel. Combat germs and bacteria from spreading by using disinfectant wipes on your keyboard, mouse and even your cell phones and also by washing your hands before touching your computer.

4. Don’t yank on the power cord when unplugging from the power supply that can damage the plug by bending the prongs. Pull from the plugs base and not the cord. Protect your power cord from stepping or rolling on it, have the cord behind the desk and away from walking space or chairs

5. Protect your computers from scratches and stains by being careful and being aware of your surroundings. Don’t leave sharp and heavy objects near or on your computers. Prevent stains by washing your hands before using your computer as well as avoiding eating near your computer.

Follow the above mentioned tips to keep your computers running well and looking brand new. Regular upkeep of your computer will prevent unnecessary computer repairs. Prevention is the best method of combating computer damage.

Stay tech savvy, my friends.

How to Find Affordable Computer Repair Services in Los Angeles?

Computer repairs are thought to be an expensive service, but that is not the case. It all depends on the type of damage and how much the parts cost to replace, and which company you choose to deal with. There are cheap repair shops like mom and pop and then you have your pricey national stores like Best Buy. They both fix your computer problem, but the cost is very different, most of the time you’re paying for is labor cost. The truth is if you shop around and ask for a quote from different repair shops you will get varying costs, from costly to inexpensive. Fixing your PC by a skilled technician can be less expensive if you shop around.

There are a few ways to find affordable computer repair services. First, is by online research, and second, you can ask around and seek referrals.

If your budget is tight, the best thing to do is ask your friends, family, and coworkers if they know of a computer tech. Someone will know someone who knows someone that knows how to repair computers. This is a small world we live in and it is high possibility for you to have 6 degrees of separation to a computer tech. This in turn can result in a discount for the services you seek. You can also ask your peers if they know of cheap computer repairs, this way you can compare prices and ensure you are charged fairly.

When searching for computer repairs, first search in your locality, if you are searching in google, you would search, “computer repair in Los Angeles”. If you want the repair to be convenient, you should search for a service shop near your home or business. The next thing to consider is search for a computer repair that has many different services available. Since most of the time you won’t know what the computer problem is, you want a repair shop that is knowledgeable in many aspects of repairs from hardware to software problems, this way you can also bundle up different repairs which can then result in an affordable package deal.

When searching online, you can also view social networking sites for different computer repair shops and compare prices and reviews from previous customers. The smaller the computer company business is, usually the cost is more affordable. The big computer business such ad Best Buy and Staples usually have higher pricing, due to the fact they have higher labor costs and overhead. So if you want to save some money go with the small shops.

Some Computer Repair services offer monthly maintenance plans that can be necessary if you have a business to run and you are constantly using your PC. These monthly maintenance plans include remote and onsite computer repair, which is beneficial for busy businesses. The average home user usually won’t need a maintenance plan unless there are lots of PCs in the household. Monthly maintenance plans is more beneficial for businesses both small and large.

If you want to find an affordable computer repair in Los Angeles call around for pricing. Ask your friends and family for a referral, someone is bound to know a computer tech and this will save you some money and your computer problems will be less miserable.

Stay tech savvy, my friends.

What is a Computer Monitor?

When most people think of computers, the first image that comes to mind is the monitor. When in actuality the computer is the rectangular box that underneath the desk. Since humans are such visual creatures, we instantly associate the monitor to the whole of the computer because it is what we are always looking at when we use a computer. While the CPU is the brain of the whole computer system, the Monitor is the computers better half that displays the content of the computer.

Computer monitors are similar to televisions, in fact the first PCs used TVs as monitors. Computer monitors today have a much higher resolution with the ability to display more detailed pixels. The monitor is a very important component to the computer system, without it we wouldn’t have a display to view the graphics and video information the computers video card gathers. Other names for the monitor include- screen, video screen and video display.

There are three different types of ports available which a monitor can connect to the computer’s video card, they are VGA, HDMI, or DVI ports. When purchasing a new monitor it’s important that both your monitor and your computer support the same port in order to connect.

LCD monitors are the best available monitors out on the market and they provide the best graphics display. LCD stands for Liquid Crystal Display, these monitors are less bulky and are more energy efficient than the second option of monitors which is CRTs.  Cathode ray tubes (CRT) monitors are bigger in size and more similar to old school TVs. These types of monitors are outdated and almost off the market due to the affordability and quality of LCD monitors.

A monitor’s size is determined by the diagonal length and can range from 17 inches to 26 inches or more.  Monitors can be tricky to repair on your own and it is best to have a computer tech repair them. If there are minor problems with your monitor, there are troubleshooting techniques you can follow to fix the problem.

Heroes and Geeks offers onsite computer repair services in the greater Los Angeles area. We deal with replacing broken screens, soldering fried capacitors and also replacing the backlight.  Computer monitors are important tools that need to be working properly for a better viewing experience. Nowadays monitors are becoming less expensive, so if you don’t want to deal with repairs, you can simply shop around for a 20 inch monitor for under 100 dollars, sometimes it’s cheaper to just buy a new one than to repair it.

The most common computer monitor problems we’ve seen at our repair shop in Los Angeles are broken screens, these are due to simple accidents. Other monitor problems can be -no image/display, lines and patterns appearing on the monitor, etc. These problems can easily be fixed.

Stay tech savvy, my friends.

What is SEO and Why it is Important for Any Online Business?

SEO is an acronym for Search Engine Optimization. SEO is a process used to generate organic traffic on search engines for different websites that want top ranking on the first page and visibility to the consumer. Search engines are websites such as Google, Bing, and Yahoo, which are the most popular.

A websites top ranking is determined by what the search engines deem as valuable and relevant to the user. The search engine determines this by quality of content on the different websites and by how popular a website is by how many searches and clicks that are directed to that particular website. A website can become popular to users by the content it contains, on the site, the different social networking web pages it shares its message and information to, as well as blogging. SEO professionals can help a website with those services to gain visibility.

There are paid search ads and “organic”- not paid results, both do the trick of creating traffic to the website. The paid search ads are located in a highlighted menu on the very top box and the sidebar on the right side. The organic or natural results are following underneath and they are at the top because search engines scanned the content of those websites and considered them to be the most relatable and best match to the searched subject. 30% of clicks on search engine result pages are directed towards the paid search results while an overwhelming 70% of the clicks go for the organic search results. To improve your ranking on search engines, it helps to start your optimizing by your locality. So if your website/business is based in Los Angeles, you will need to optimize that word. You can read our last blog post to know how to find the best SEO Company in Los Angeles.

It is a fact that 75% of search engine users don’t bother to click on the 2nd page of the search results, I know I don’t. This is either due to laziness and/or search engines are good at what they do and list the results in a way that people find the most relevant information they were seeking. Another fact is every hour there are more than 1.4 billion searches conducted. These facts prove why search engine optimization is important in this day in age. If you have a website and want more visibility and traffic to your site it is important you seek SEO services. Organic SEO is a daily maintenance job to keep high ranking on first pages and is not a onetime promotion.

There are billions of websites on the internet, and a good way to stand out and have traffic to your website is through the benefits of SEO. SEO helps your business’ website small or large stand out from your competition. Organic SEO can result in free traffic to your website for a long time with regular and proper optimizing. Gain trust from consumers by being on the top results on Google which owns 70% of the search engine market share. SEO will help users find your website easier without knowing your website name, thus resulting in a wider reach of consumers. These are just a few of the many benefits of SEO.

There are two methods of SEO services and both must be accomplished to be number one on google search results. These methods are On Page SEO and Off Page SEO.

On page SEO is optimizing web content such as key phrases and words that are on your website to show google you have relevant and searchable content for users.

On Page Optimization Processes are:

  • Content Optimization
  • Title Tag Optimization
  • Meta Description Optimization
  • URL optimization
  • Alt tag Optimization
  • Link Optimization and etc…

Off page SEO is asking other websites to tell Google or other search engines that your website is legit and trustworthy. It’s a technical process accomplished by acquiring back links from other websites.

Off Page optimization processes are:

  • Blogging
  • Social Bookmarking
  • Directory Submission
  • Guset Post
  • Infographics submission and etc…

This brief summary should give you a quick glimpse to what SEO is and why it’s important in our browsing experience. If you have any questions write it in the comment box, and we will answer you ASAP.

Stay tech savvy, my friends.

How a Web Design Company can help you to Grow Your Business Online

We live in a digital world whether we like it or not. All the businesses, shops, companies, stores that you used to shop to physically are now shoppable in the comfort of your own home through a magical port called the World Wide Web. Consumers nowadays shop online for just about everything under the sky, and before going out to shop they will first research online where to find the product or service they need. This makes having a website for your business a crucial business decision and investment.

When you have a business to run, you want to be visible and market yourself to the masses, but if you don’t have a website, you are losing out on a huge market. Having a website is a great tool to market and expand your business.

The way you present your business online is very important, customers have a lot more options for buying products/goods/services when shopping online because the world market is at their fingertips. If you want your business to stand out from your competition, you need to make your website visually appealing as well as easy navigation. Web design experts have enough experience to know what looks good and how to easily navigate a website, so they know what a consumer likes about website designs.

Heroes & Geeks in Los Angeles specializes in all shapes and forms of web design. Creative Eye, the department solely in charge of web and graphic design does a lot more than make a website work well and look great. We also offer complete web development capabilities, from creating a simple static single page of plain text to complex web-based internet applications, electronic businesses and social network services. So whether you have an idea for an online business, plan to grow an existing business online or just want to update your own website, a web design company can help you to grow your business online.

Website Development services include the following:

  • E-commerce-a website capable for online shopping
  • Web design-creating an eye appealing storefront online
  • Database driven website design-a website focused on showcasing images and description of products
  • Custom blog design
  • Client-side/server-side coding
  • Bulk emailing solutions

Security and authentication for user protected web sites is a MUST, especially with hackers on a prowl through-out the web. Heroes and Geeks is up to speed with the latest web technologies including PHP, AJAX, Python, Django, DHTML, MySQL, Apache and Linux. Which if you don’t know too much about web development, it’s code for ‘pretty much everything you’d expect.

A web design company can help you to grow your business by creating a user friendly website. When you have a well functioning website, consumers will want to revisit your site if you are providing a product or service they are looking for. This creates more awareness for your business and potential customers through the web.

Stay tech savvy, my friends.

Where to Find Affordable Apple Computer Repairs in Los Angeles

Apple computers are the Ferraris of computers and the cost is equivalent. Just because they cost so much and are the best quality, doesn’t mean they won’t break down on you. The high cost does not include invincibility. Apple computers are capable of breaking down the same way as other PCs. They are susceptible to broken screens, to corrupt hard drives and even viruses and malware–they’re less likely to get a virus, but it does happen.

We all know how expensive it is to go to the apple store and replace a broken part for your computer. It’s ridiculous how much Apple charges to replace parts, it’s made in China to begin with so why do they have to rob you? You’re already willing to pay for their expensive computers and products, and then they thank you by charging you an arm and a leg to repair it, that’s just rude.

Anyways, Apple computer repairs does not have to be an expensive experience. Next time you have to fix your computer, don’t take it to an Apple store to fix it, there are many other affordable apple computer repair shops in Los Angeles. Heroes & Geeks Computer repair service in Los Angeles makes apple computer repairs a walk-in-the-park. They offer fast results with fair pricing. They provide the following Apple computer repairs:

Apple computer Repair services:

  • Data Recovery & Backup Solutions
  • Low-cost Screen Replacements
  • Genuine Apple Replacement Parts
  • RAM, HD, and Optical Drive Upgrades
  • Mac OS Upgrades and User Migration
  • Mac Maintenance and Tune-up
  • Third party Software Upgrades and Data Integration
  • Remote Mac Tech Support

Heroes & Geeks has their own Mac Geniuses to repair and assist you with all your needs regarding your precious computers. The techs are certified Apple technicians and are capable of fixing all things hardware to all things software. If you want to salvage your broken apple computer and keep all your limbs, call Heroes and Geeks for an affordable and quality computer repair.

Stay tech savvy, my friends.

Best Computer Repair Store in Los Angeles

What makes a computer repair store the best? Heroes and Geeks computer repair store in Los Angeles, lists the top five qualities that a computer repair store should provide for the best service.

Integrity:

Probably the most important quality that results in having the best computer repair store is the business’ integrity. When you drop off your computer to a stranger you want to trust them, not only to fix the problem but also to protect your privacy. We put our lives on our computers with pictures, work projects, and important documents, thats why it’s important to find a computer repair store that has high moral values. Heroes and Geeks computer repair store values each and everyone of their customers and sticks to a strict moral code to protect the privacy of the customer.

24/7 Availability:

Computer problems can occur any time without any notice. Most computer repair stores don’t offer open doors 24/7, which can hinder your service needs if you need service instantly. If your computer has a time sensitive problem such as water damage or your work hours are graveyard hours, it’s important to find a computer repair service that’s always available around the clock. Heroes and Geeks is open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day for all your technology needs and unpredictable computer problems.

Remote service capability:

Heroes and Geeks also provides Online Remote Service for your convenience. Most software related problems can be fixed remotely. No need to take your computer to a shop or schedule an on-site technician visit. Since we can work on more than one computer at a time when we are working remotely, we pass the cost savings on to you, which saves you time and money. You can watch while we service your computer. Lots of clients say they learn a lot from watching us. They enjoy it. Maybe you will too.

Service Delivery:

Sometimes it can be inconvenient to go out of the house and drop off your computer to get it repaired. That’s why we offer onsite service. Most upgrades, repairs, maintenance, and some troubleshooting can be performed on-site. This delivery of services can be either at home or your office. Heroes and Geeks offers an affordable cost of just $35 to come to your location in Los Angeles and neighboring cities.

Wide range of services:

Just like having a handyman for all of your household needs is a blessing, so is having a go to computer repair service shop. Finding a computer repair service that provides you with a wide range of computer services is a life saver. Every time you have a new computer problem or a technology need, you won’t have to research to find a new computer service shop that specializes in that service. Heroes and Geeks in Los Angeles provides the following services and more.

  • Computer Repairs
  • Laptop Repairs
  • Apple & Mac Repairs
  • Onsite Computer Repair
  • Computer Training
  • Wireless Networking
  • Technology Consultation
  • Printer Setup
  • Computer Setup
  • Install Software
  • Home Network Setup
  • Virus Removal
  • Setup Email
  • Install OS
  • Backup and Restore
  • Clean Your Computer
  • Make Computer Faster
  • Transfer Files to New Computer
  • Install Computer Hardware
  • Cellphone Repairs
  • Web design services
  • Ecommerce setup
  • Graphics design
  • SEO promotion
  • Recycle old/used computers/parts
  • Security Camera installation

These five qualities of a computer repair store make for the best service possible.  If you want peace of mind next time your computer malfunctions, then call Heroes and Geeks to get a worry free, affordable and convenient computer repair.

Stay tech savvy, my friends.

Cool New Features you may not Know about Samsung Galaxy S4

Don’t you just hate it when you buy the latest gadget and you don’t know how to use it. Well you’re not alone, you will be surprised to learn that there are many out there who can relate.  When you get a new cellphone and it  has so many features it can be intimidating.  Now stay on top of the trend, and learn new cool features today about your expensive Samsung Galaxy S4.

Slow and Fast Motion
Capture every moment with Slow Motion video recording-no video editing tools necessary. Slow down or speed up all the action using the Galaxy S 4 Slow Motion and Fast Motion camera modes. Simply choose your mode, select your speed and start recording.

Shoot like a Pro
Capture moments with the 13MP autofocus camera. Take simultaneous front and back photos with Dual Camera, edit them right on your phone with Eraser Shot and relive the memories in brilliant clarity with Story Album.

Touch Free
Experience a whole new way to interact with your Smartphone. Wave your hand at the screen to accept calls with Air Gesture, read content by tilting your head or phone with Smart Scroll and preview content by barely touching the screen with Air View. Enhance videos with Smart Pause, which pauses any video that’s playing when you look away from your phone. When you look back at the screen, the video resumes playing right where you left off.

Group Play
It’s easy to connect, work or play with the Galaxy S4. With Group Play, you can connect up to 8 phones wirelessly to play games and share your favorite tunes, photos, and documents – no Wi-Fi necessary.

Hardware Excellence
View all your content on a stunning 5-inch Full HD Super AMOLED display that’s powered by a robust 1.9GHz quad-core processor – all in a light 0.29LB Smartphone.

We will continuously bring you information about your cool smart gadgets. Make sure to keep checking so you learn how you can fully utilize the different functions of your smart phone. These phones are beyond smart, they are miniature computers. Most people who use them hardly know 35% of the functions they are capable of doing. So keeping checking our blog and stay ahead of your peers.

Stay tech savvy, my friends.


Where to Find Affordable iPhone Repair Services in Los Angeles

Smartphones are constantly being redesigned to be slick, thin and lighter. While some phone companies do consider the durability factor, others prefer to go with the style factor leaving the phones more prone to casualties. When looking to buy a cell phone you should consider the durability factor if you want to save yourself from the trouble of repairing a broken LCD or other damages or else you will need to find an affordable iPhone repair shop.

A survey taken by Squaretrade, the consumer electronics protection plan provider, surveyed more than 2000 iPhone users in regards to the cause of their phone damages and what actions they took to repair it and the cost. The numbers showed that people are willing to shell out their hard earned money to fix their costly phones. Squaretrade has established that since the 6 years iPhones have been around the American iPhone users have spent about 6 billion dollars in repairing their iPhones.

Also the main causes of the accidents were: slipping from the hands, falling off tables, dropping in toilet or a pool of water, and liquid spills.  All avoidable accidents, but people like to take their phones with them everywhere they go, even the toilet. To avoid damaging your phone, best thing to do is take preventative measures such as keeping phones in a sturdy and protective cell phone case, keeping phone away from pets and small kids, placing phone in a safe place when near liquids and toilets.

iPhones have been around since 2007 and they continue to be sleek and fragile with their big glass screens. iPhones might be the most popular and stylish phones on the market, but they are the least durable. If your are still under your phone warranty or have insurance for your phones hardware then going to an apple store to get it fixed won’t be an issue. For those that don’t have those benefits, the best thing to do is to find an affordable iPhone repair shop. iPhone repair in Los Angeles can be pricey, especially at an apple store, this is due to the fact that apple products and parts are expensive and also the labor involved in fixing it is much more complex than the other smartphones on the market.

Heroes & Geeks offers really affordable iPhone repair services in Los Angeles. The cell phone technicians are fast and know how to fix all the different smartphone brands from Apple to Galaxy, Nokia and Blackberry. Cell phone repair cost is not more than $150, repair your iPhone with Heroes and Geeks and save yourself some time and money.

Stay tech savvy, my friends.