Frequently Asked Questions:
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How much do we charge?   Our hourly rate is $75.00 per hour whether on-site, in-home or pick-up & delivery. Our rates are less than other computer service providers such as the Geek Squad and firedog.    A benefit of becoming our client is - we will answer support questions by email and phone free of charge.   Our slogan is "Professional service, Neighbor friendly"

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What if the job takes less than an hour to repair?    The remaining time can be used to address other issues and questions. Any office or home visit will cost no less than $75.00.

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How can I learn more about my new PC?    Use the "Help and Support" center for help topics, tutorials, troubleshooting and other support services.    On your computer select "Start, Help and Support"

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How can I stop pop-up ads?   Google offers a free browser toolbar that includes a pop-up ad blocker. Visit Google Toolbar.

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Do we work on older PCs such as 486s or Pentiums?   Yes.  These systems are usually out of warranty and in need of an upgrade.

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How do I dispose of my old computer?   To properly dispose of old computer equipment please visit County of Los Angeles Computer and Equipment Recycling Collection Page.

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Do we make house calls?   Yes.  This is the basis for our service.  We will come to your location saving you the time and trouble of taking your PC in for repair.

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Do we offer remote administration and support?   Yes.  We can access your UNIX or Windows based system remotely to perform the fix.

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How do I know if my computer has a valid Windows key?   You can easily check your Windows key here validate.    If you suspect or learn your key is invalid we can come out or guide you to get validated.

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How do I know if my computer has been infected?   Some symtoms your computer is infected are: 1.Getting a lot of pop-up ads. 2.Computer is running slower than it did last month. 3.The search engine page has changed to another search site. 4.Computer freezes frequently. 5.New program icons on screen that you did not download.

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I think I haves viruses. What should I do?   Computer viruses are more rampant than ever.   Viruses can make your system behave sluggish and even delete critical files on your hard drive.  You can purchase virus protection at this web site.   Just click on the McAfee Virus Scan Online icon on the right hand side under Affiliated Links.   Once the software is installed be sure to perform a complete system scan.   I recently applied this same procedure and detected and cleaned 42,342 virues on a single system runnning Windows XP!   If you already have virus protection software be sure to update your protection files monthly and perform a complete system scan.

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Do we offer gift certificates?   Yes.  A gift certificate is an excellant gift.   There are many computer users who don't know who to turn to for help.    Let them know you care by sending some help.  

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Do we offer referral credit?   Yes.  For each referral with no overdue invoices and in good standing we will give you a 30-minute credit toward your next support call or visit. You must notify us of an impending referral.  Refer this site now and claim your referral credit.

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Appreciate our services?  

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Do we offer training?   Yes.  We can explain and train you on the use of software and hardware and its role with other software and hardware.

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How can I find out of my PC is XP ready?   Test your PC online by visiting this link XP Readiness Test

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How can I find out of my PC is Vista ready?   Test your PC online by visiting this link Vista Readiness Test.  If your PC fails any portion of the readiness test our support team can get your PC ready and upgrade to Vista.

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Software no longer works after upgrade to XP   Try using Windows program compatibility mode in Windows XP click here

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Problems synchronizing Palm organizer with Outlook?   You may have to upgrade your synchronization software Microsoft Technote Q290841

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What can I do to improve performance?   You can improve your system performance with these simple steps. Uninstall unneeded software, Prevent background programs from loading (these are the systray bar icons in the lower-right corner, next to the time), Close all programs not being used, delete .tmp files or perform a Disk Cleanup, clear browser cache, clear browser history, lessen browser history days, check the Startup group for programs you don't need, delete some of your e-mail Sent folder files, empty recycle bin, run scandisk, run disk defragmenter, do not use the "smooth edge" feature of your display settings. If all this does not get you the performance you are seeking consider adding more memory.

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How do I clear my IE browser cache?   IE's built-in browser temporarily stores images and text from World Wide Web pages on your hard drive in a storage area called a cache. When the cache fills up, performance can slow down, and your hard drive may run out of space. To clear the IE browser cache follow these steps: 1. On the Tools menu on the IE toolbar, click Internet Options. 2. In the Temporary Internet files section, click Delete Files button. 3. In the Delete Files windows check to select "Delete all offline content". 4. Click the OK button on the Delete files window. 5. Click the OK button on the Internet Options windows.

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How do I clear my AOL browser cache?   AOL's built-in browser temporarily stores images and text from World Wide Web pages on your hard drive in a storage area called a cache. When the cache fills up, performance can slow down, and your hard drive may run out of space. To clear the AOL browser cache follow these steps: 1. On the Settings menu on the AOL toolbar, click Preferences. 2. In the Organization section of the Preferences window, click Internet Properties (WWW). 3. In the Temporary Internet Files section, click Delete Files. 4. Click OK.

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How do I run scandisk in Windows XP?   The scandisk command is not available in XP. You will need to follow these steps: 1. Double-click My Computer, and then right-click the hard disk drive that you want to check. 2. Click Properties, and then click Tools. 3. Under Error-checking, click Check Now. 4. Click Start.

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How do I run disk defrag in Windows XP?   To run Defrag: 1. Open My Computer. 2. Right-click the local disk volume that you want to defragment, and then click Properties. 3. On the Tools tab, click Defragment Now. 4. Click Defragment.

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How do I run a backup in Windows XP?   Visit this link for running a backup in Windows XP Microsoft XP Backup Made Easy

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How can I test my internet connection speed?   Visit this link to test your internet connection speed. Test your Broadband speed

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Why the affiliate links?   Home Office Computer Services is an authorized affiliate approved by each company to share their special online prices.

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I would like to submit a testimonial.   Please submit your testimonial using the Testimonial Form.

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What if I didn't see my problem listed?   Listed or not, please contact us.  Chances are we have the solution. (626) 330-5056.

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I would like a question answered on this page.   Please submit your question using the Request Form.

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