Flood Computing Solutions - Blog , PreventionFlood Computing Solutions - Blog , Preventionhttps://www.floodcomputingsolutions.com/blogs/preventionTue, 07 Apr 2026 07:29:43 -0700http://zoho.com/sites/<![CDATA[Say Goodbye to Overpriced Preventative Maintenance]]>https://www.floodcomputingsolutions.com/blogs/post/say-goodbye-to-overpriced-preventative-maintenanceHey There, Frustrated Computer Owner! Are you tired of forking over big bucks for preventive maintenance and repair services? Well, you're not alone. W ]]>

Tips on Getting Affordable Computer Services


Hey There, Frustrated Computer Owner!


Are you tired of forking over big bucks for preventive maintenance and repair services? Well, you're not alone. With the ever-increasing demand for technology in our daily lives, the cost of maintaining and fixing our devices has skyrocketed. But fear not, there are ways to get affordable computer services without compromising on quality. Whether you're a student or a busy professional, keep reading for tips on how to save money while keeping your tech running smoothly.

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Why Pay Exorbitant Prices for Computer Maintenance? 


It's no secret that computer maintenance can be incredibly pricey. Some places charge up to 3000% markup just for simple tasks such as virus removal or software updates. It's frustrating for consumers who simply want their devices to run properly without breaking the bank.

But why do prices vary so drastically? One reason is that some companies take advantage of consumers' lack of knowledge about technology. They throw around technical jargon and make the problem sound more complex than it really is. They also may recommend unnecessary upgrades or services to drive up the cost.

Another reason for overpriced maintenance is the location. Places like big-box retailers or franchises typically have high overhead costs such as rent, employee salaries, and advertising expenses. These costs are often passed down to the consumer.

It's essential to do your research and compare prices between different providers before agreeing to any services. Don't be afraid to negotiate or ask for discounts. Many places offer promotions or bundle deals that can save you money in the long run.

Ultimately, it's crucial to find a reputable and trustworthy provider. Ask for referrals from friends and family or read online reviews. Make sure the company is transparent about their pricing and services. With a little bit of effort, you can find affordable and high-quality computer maintenance without sacrificing your wallet.



    Avoid Falling into the Geek Squad Trap: Do You Really Need a New Computer?

Have you ever taken your computer to the Geek Squad only to be told that you need to buy a brand new device? It's a common trap that many people fall into. The Geek Squad may convince you that your computer is beyond repair or that the cost of fixing it is not worth it.

Before rushing out to buy a new computer, it's important to understand that the Geek Squad has a vested interest in selling new devices. They are incentivized to make sales and may not have your best interest in mind. It's important to get a second opinion and consider alternative solutions before making a purchase.

In some cases, a simple repair or upgrade may be all that your computer needs to function properly again. Upgrading the RAM or hard drive can significantly improve performance at a fraction of the cost of a new computer. Additionally, software updates and virus removal can also improve speed and functionality.

If your computer is truly beyond repair, consider purchasing a refurbished device instead of a brand new one. Refurbished computers are often just as reliable as new devices but come at a significantly lower cost. Plus, purchasing a refurbished device is much more environmentally friendly than contributing to electronic waste by buying a new computer unnecessarily.

In summary, don't be fooled by the Geek Squad's sales tactics. Before purchasing a new computer, explore all of your options and consider alternative solutions. With a little research and effort, you can save money and prolong the life of your current device.

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 Finding Honest and Affordable Computer Services 

When it comes to finding affordable and reliable computer services, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Here are some tips that can help you find the right provider:

    Look for reviews and referrals: One of the best ways to find a good computer service provider is by asking     for referrals from friends and family. You can also check online reviews on platforms like Google to get an idea of a company's reputation.

    Compare pricing: Don't settle for the first quote you receive from a computer service provider. Take the     time to compare pricing for services like repairs, upgrades, and virus removal. Keep in mind that the     cheapest option may not always be the best choice, so also consider the provider's experience and reputation.
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   Ask about warranties and guarantees: A reputable computer service provider should stand behind their work with a warranty or guarantee. This can give you peace of mind and protect you against additional expenses if the same issue occurs again.

By following these tips, you can find an honest and affordable computer service provider that will meet your needs and help you keep your computer running smoothly.

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Don't Sacrifice Quality for Affordability


While it is important to find affordable computer services, it is equally important not to sacrifice quality to save a few dollars. Low-priced service providers may cut corners to reduce costs, leading to incomplete or poorly executed repairs.

Instead of solely focusing on price, consider the value and quality of the services provided. Look for service providers who offer a range of services, including preventative maintenance, virus removal, software upgrades, and data backup. A comprehensive service package may seem more expensive upfront, but it can save you more money in the long run by preventing costly repairs down the road.

In conclusion, while affordability is an essential factor to consider when searching for computer services, it should not be the only factor. Prioritize quality and value to ensure your computer is properly serviced and maintained.

Flood Computing Solutions will be speaking at a live networking event June 29th 12:00 PST giving further information on these subjects and more. Please join us for this free event with a great product Giveaway for all that attend. 
Registration: https://zurl.co/0peD
Zoom Meeting ID: 976 506 800


Get Started Now
]]>Wed, 28 Jun 2023 10:24:51 -0700<![CDATA[Tech support scammers may try to trick you with a pop-up window that appears on your computer screen]]>https://www.floodcomputingsolutions.com/blogs/post/Pop-upscamHow to spot a pop-up scam.]]>

Beware Of Tech Support Scammers Who Try To Trick You With A Pop-Up Window

If you're like most people, you've probably seen a pop-up window appear on your computer screen at some point that looked like it came from Microsoft or Google. The message in the pop-up might have said that your computer was infected with a virus and you needed to call a number to get help removing it.


 This is a scam known as a tech support scam, and it's designed to trick you into giving scammers remote access to your computer so they can steal your personal information or install malicious software on your device.



What to do if you see a pop-up window on your computer


If you see a pop-up window on your computer screen that is advising of a breach with a tech support number to contact, its likely a scam.

Tech support scammers often use pop-up windows that look like they’re from Microsoft or another well-known company to trick you into giving them remote access to your computer. They might say they’ve detected a virus or other problems and offer to help you fix them. Or they might say you need to buy new software or pay for a service to protect your computer.

If you see a pop-up window like this, don’t click on it. Don’t give the person who opens it remote access to your computer. And don’t buy anything from them.

Large computer and software companies will never send unsolicited email messages or make unsolicited phone calls to charge you for computer security or software fixes. Microsoft also will never ask you to provide your credit card or bank account information to them. 

Example of Microsoft Scammer Pop-Up
Example of a SCAM Pop-up


How to tell if the pop-up is from a tech support scammer


It can be difficult to tell if a pop-up window is from a tech support scammer. Here are some signs to look out for:

- The pop-up window claims to be from Microsoft or a well-known company.
- It claims that a virus or other problem has been detected on your computer.
- It requests that you give the person who opened the pop-up window remote access to your computer.
- It requests that you buy a product or pay for a service to protect your computer.

If you’re unsure whether the pop-up window is from a tech support scammer, don’t click on it. Don’t give the person who opened it remote access to your computer. And don’t buy anything from them.

scammer page example


What to do if you've been scammed


If you think you may have been scammed, there are a few steps you should take:

1. Don’t panic - take a breath and try to remain calm.
2. Contact your bank or credit card provider to check if any suspicious charges were made.
3. If you gave the scammer remote access to your computer, change the passwords for all your online accounts.
4. Contact your IT professional so they can run anti-malware software to remove any malicious software the scammer may have installed. Check for new vulnerabilities created or crawlers left behind to catch your data. 
5. Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
6. Let other people know about your experience.

Remember, you never have to pay to talk to tech support representatives. If you receive any calls or pop-up windows that tell you there is something wrong with your computer and you must pay to repair it, it is likely a scam.

]]>Fri, 14 Apr 2023 12:40:02 -0700<![CDATA[Why All Your Data Is Gone ]]>https://www.floodcomputingsolutions.com/blogs/post/ransomwareAs ransomware becomes more common, businesses must take steps to protect themselves. One of the most effective ways to do this is by maintaining regular backups of all data.]]>

Ransomware VS Backups 

Ransomware is a growing concern not just for individuals, but businesses as well. This malicious software infects computers, servers, emails, and other places with the intent to extort money from the victim. It does this by encrypting all of the data, presenting the victim of the attack with a demand for payment in order to have their files returned. Unfortunately, the criminals behind ransomware attacks often have no intention of actually providing the decryption keys, even if the ransom is paid.


 The best way to protect against ransomware is to take preventive measures. This means regularly backing up data so that if the system fails, it can be recovered. Backups should include all of the important documents and files so that even if a major parts of your systems become compromised, you are still able to access the backed up files. Keeping up to date with system updates and antivirus software also is a good line of protection against this type of attack.


 Businesses should be especially attentive to ransomware attacks, as the threat is quite real for them. Not only does the loss of data have a direct financial cost, there are other complications that could arise from an attack. For instance, the cost of the resulting downtime could significantly impact a business’s bottom line, and it could also result in the loss of clients and customer loyalty if confidential information was among the stolen data.


 By acting quickly and taking the necessary steps to prevent ransomware attacks, businesses can greatly reduce the risk of being exposed to one of these damaging events. Taking proactive measures such as backing up data regularly and having an updated antivirus program can make a huge impact. It may seem like a bother, but the effort is worth it when it comes to preventing a data breach.

]]>Tue, 11 Apr 2023 15:53:04 -0700<![CDATA[Essential Office Practices]]>https://www.floodcomputingsolutions.com/blogs/post/essentialofficepracticesWhere did the file go? Accidentally deleting important files is one of the most common issues that occur in the workplace. Luckily, it is also one of t ]]>

September 22, 2022

Essential Office Practices

Where did the file go?

Accidentally deleting important files is one of the most common issues that occur in the workplace. Luckily, it is also one of the easiest to correct.


The best practice is to have all files backed up automatically to a cloud backup. There are many different types, from daily, to hourly versioning. The more frequent, the more secure.


Having this simple security measure put in place reduces productivity loss, provides easy file sharing between workstations, and greatly increases security against more sinister attacks, like ransomware. Considering the low cost of a cloud backup, it is a no-brainer for businesses both big a small.


Sluggish System

A slow computer can be trying on anyone’s patience. A machine impaired by errors, outdated software, and low RAM can weigh down any system.


Reducing useless programs running in the background can free up much-needed RAM.

Your hard drive provides loads of space to store data. Yet, even a large hard drive will slow down your computer if too much clutter builds up.

Clearing out files that are no longer needed can make a difference.


Lastly, too many start-up programs are often to blame for sluggish computers and extra slow start-ups. Startup programs are programs that load once you power on the computer. While it can be a useful feature, having too many running at once greatly impacts the computer's performance.


Too Hot To Handle

Ever had a system in the office randomly shut down? Did a ghost do it? Unlikely, but a dust bunny or down fan might be to blame. Computers can handle quite a bit of heat. However, just like any system, a clogged-up system can cause critical failure. With a little dusting and the replacement of burnt-out fans, you can greatly extend the life of workstations and servers. Don’t let a five-minute fix turn into several hundred-dollar replacements.

]]>Fri, 14 Oct 2022 11:12:00 -0700<![CDATA[Employee Security Awareness ]]>https://www.floodcomputingsolutions.com/blogs/post/Employee-Security-AwarenessEducating employees in security awareness is an important part of ensuring your business runs smoothly.  Many network complications can be prevent ]]>

Employee Security Awareness 

Educating employees in security awareness is an important part of ensuring your business runs smoothly. Many network complications can be prevented by regularly reviewing and enforcing security protocols. Connecting personal devices to the company Wi-Fi allows uncontrolled and unmanaged devices direct access to the network. Creating Guest access for personal/public use limits access to the private network.


Require employees to use unique passwords and change passwords every three months. Any information captured from data leaks is often available on the dark web. By changing passwords frequently and keeping them complex, you significantly reduce your business's data risk.

Example password Coldwater can be c0!dW@73r Get creative; it can save your business!


Sharing profiles and passwords take away individual accountability for business security. Making shared folders for file access eliminates any need for shared profiles. Every employee should have an individual secure profile.


Sensitive information, like banking passwords, should never be saved to your browser or desktop or posted on the monitor. Stay abreast of your individual business banking security requirements. Emails are the most common way that security intrusions occur. Emails with attachments should be opened with caution if you were not expecting them. Take steps to train and educate “click-happy employees.”


Restarting computers at least once a week to allow updates and patches will assist with keeping your security up to date. It is a simple but often overlooked step. Restarting at the end of the day can prevent downtime while the updates are applied.

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