Issue: # 8

February.2008

Computer Tech Tips

Repair, Replace or Recycle? 

Many of our customers are faced with the "3R" choice at one time or another when their desktop or laptop is acting up. So how can you determine the best path to take? As a rule of thumb, desktops generally last longer than laptops for the simple fact that they aren't carried around and subjected to many different environments. You can expect your desktop to last between 4-5 years. Of course, this varies depending on your speed and software requirements. Laptops tend to operate at higher temperatures and contain smaller components causing them to degrade faster than desktops. Generally, a laptop should last between 2-4 years (barring any mishaps with liquids or airport security personnel!) The #1 hardware problem with PC's is failure of the hard drive which contains all of your data. If your desktop or laptop falls into the range above, we HIGHLY recommend that you keep good backups of your data on a regular basis. Determining costs to repair your PC depends on the brand. Parts from name-brands such as HP, Dell and Gateway are expensive because they are proprietary to your model. Custom-built PC's are much less to repair because old parts are interchangeable with new ones. If you need help determining if your computer's worth repair, stop in or give one of our techs a call. And, if you're considering a replacement, please recycle your old equipment using our free recycling program.

Surveillance Technology

Is Wireless Surveillance worth it? 

If you already have a surveillance system, then you know that a huge part of the cost was for the labor and the special cabling that was required. Traditionally, surveillance systems have had optional wireless transmitters, BUT a huge downfall was the interference and lack of privacy they offered. With more people having wireless cameras installed in their homes and businesses, it's not unusual for them to receive video transmissions from neighboring surveillance systems. There's no easy way to eliminate this interference and most people don't like the idea that a neighbor can easily watch the cameras on your property. The newest wireless cameras are IP-based. IP-based cameras use WiFi technology and the video is converted to data that can be secured just like your laptop computer. In addition to enhanced security, IP cameras allow you to have more than 4 cameras on the same system which was the limitation of the old-style analog wireless systems. IP cameras cost more than standard CCTV cameras, but the additional costs usually balance with the reduced labor and cable costs. Stop into our retail store or logon to our demonstration website to see wireless cameras live.

FREE E-Recycling

Computer Sights helps you "go green"..... 

Many homes and businesses are "going green." Going green is an global effort to reduce waste in our landfills and is a great way for you to help protect our Earth. In an effort to do our part, Computer Sights is now accepting e-waste at our retail store. If you have an old computer, laptop, hard drive, keyboard or misc part taking up space at your house or business, bring it into us! We'll reuse or recycle the parts thereby reducing waste when you upgrade or replace your PC's. We've teamed with ARC Broward to help properly recycle e-junk. If you have personal data on your hard drive, we'll be happy to destroy it to Department of Defense standards before recycling it. Give us a call or stop in for more details.

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