Question 1

Sometimes I get a screen that says I'm infected and my system locks up. What is this?  Is it dangerous?

Accepted Answer

These are "phishing attempts". Typically these have a warning that you are infected and you cannot do anything with your PC. Also they may say that if you call a number listed on the screen, they can help you. 
 
DON'T call them. They want you to either give them money to fix it which they won't do or want you to give them access to your computer. DON'T do either. If you have a virus or other malware, contact me and I'll help you fix it.
 
Most of these times you must quickly push and hold the power off button on your PC for 5 seconds, then wait about 30 seconds and power it back up. Usually the problem is fixed. If your browser wants to reload pages, say no to that.

Question 2

I need an antivirus product. What do you recommend?

Accepted Answer

If you use Windows 7, you can download Security Essentials or if you use Windows 10, you already have Windows Defender on your machine. Both are free. For more info check out my blog. One other is Malwarebytes, either a free version or a paid version.

Question 3

How can I speed up my system?

Accepted Answer

There are several methods to speed it up.
You can delete your browsing history. That usually slows your computer down quite a bit. 
You can delete files you don't need anymore. You will also need to clean out your trash bin once you have deleted the files. 
Your system might need more memory and I can help you with that.
A physical cleaning of your fan and power supply ports eliminating the dust may help. Do not blow the dust into the PC though. If you have a laptop, you can blow the dust from an angle that will usually loosen it. For a desktop, you will need to take a panel off and if you are not comfortable with that, let me help you.

Question 4

How do I know if I need more memory?

Accepted Answer

Usually your system will slow down when you are loading pictures or music or while browsing the web where there is a lot of graphics. If it used to be speedy but is not anymore, it's likely that you might need to increase memory but not always. Sometimes it's just that your computer is an older model and likely the best solution would be to get a new one.

Question 5

I deleted some files and I find that I need them back. Is there a way to get them back?

Accepted Answer

If you have not emptied your trash bin, you can go to the trash bin and restore them. But if the trash bin is empty, the only way to get them back is to find them on one of your backups and restore from there.
 
Oh, you didn't back them up?  Geez, looks like they are gone. But it might be a good time to set a backup to eliminate this for next time..

Question 6

I can't turn my PC on. What could be wrong?

Accepted Answer

Well, you might not have power. Try plugging it into a different wall socket. Or maybe the plug came out? Check to see if you have lights or electricity at another receptacle.
 
If it made a noise when trying to start snd then stopped, then you may have power but the power supply could be dead. Call me.    
 
If it starts up partway but hangs then you likely have something corrupted in the windows files and it will need serivicing or the hard drive is or has failed. Call me.
 
If it's not any of these, call me.

Question 7

My PC is more than 5 years old. Is that too old? Should I get a new one?

Accepted Answer

5 years is like 20 in car years. It is old and some of the newer software uses more memory and needs more processing power so it might be time to buy a new one, But don't be too hasty to spend money. If it is working and you don't mind the sometimes slowness of it, then it's perfectly fine to run it for a few more years. Like a good car, mechanically it can break down but it usually can be fixed and until you get tired of it, it will continue to serve you.

Question 8

I've decided I want a new PC. What should I get? Laptop, desktop, tablet?"

Accepted Answer

This is a tough question but here goes.  If you are traveling and would like to take your computer with you, then either a laptop or tablet would be a good idea. If you will only use it at home, then a desktop would be best and a little cheaper than a laptop usually.  If you would like to take with you when you shop, then a tablet is probably better than a laptop but it all depends on what you want to do with it.    Bottom line, if you have the money buy a desktop for home since it is a liitle easier to use and a good laptop or tablet to take with you.

Question 9

How do I know if a phone call from a company is legitimate?

Accepted Answer

If they say they are with Microsoft or one of ther partner companies, it is likely a scam call. Do not give out any info until you are convinced that they are real. Get a phone number to return their call and then check out the number on the web for that company to see if it is legit. If you don't know of any specific reason why they called you and no reason why they are asking for your info or credit card number, don't give it to them. Too many people are taken in by these scams. Don't be one of them. For more info check out Scam Calls on my Blog.

ERWAYTEK PC

Frequently asked questions

Sometimes I get a screen that says I'm infected and my system locks up. What is this? Is it dangerous?