PC Repair & Service

Things to Check	Acer Warranty Repairs	JunkWare	Where are we?	Links	Contact us

Providing Computer
Service to the Sunshine Coast
Since 1989

PC Repair & Service

PC Repairs and Service to all makes and models of Notebooks and Desktop computers. We are an Acer Warranty centre based in Buderim. Our business hours are from 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday. We offer free quotes on all makes and models of computer equipment as well as on-site service and/or setup to computer and internet/network gear.

Notebooks Desktops and Monitors

18 Clearview Ct Buderim Ph 5445 3615

Qualified Computer Service Technicians

No obligation Free Quotes

Labour guarantee

Prompt friendly service.

All Makes and Models

Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, LG, Toshiba, Compaq & Optima

Express Same Day Service Available

Desktop and Notebook / Laptop Repairs

Notebook Screen Replacements

Custom Built Systems

LCD and CRT Monitor Repairs

Virus and Malware Removal

Power Supply Repairs

No Signal, No Power, Not Booting, Beeping, Blue Screen

Router & Network Setup

Broadband Setup

Wireless Setup

Open 8AM to 6PM Monday to Friday

Pick-Up and Delivery Available

On-site Call Outs

ACER Warranty Centre

Data Recovery from faulty Hard Drive, Memory stick or dead computer

Data Backup

Windows 7:-
  Memory Upgrades

  Hard Drive Upgrades

Vista:-

  VISTA Removal:-

  Replace Vista with XP

  Upgrade Vista to Windows 7

We cover the entire Sunshine Coast from Beerwah to Noosa including Maroochydore and Nambour

ACER Warranty Agent Ph 5445 3615

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PC Repair & Service
18 Clearview Ct Buderim Qld
(07) 5445 3615

Things to Check Acer Warranty Repairs JunkWare Links Contact us PCRS Main page

Can we Help?

All Information Including Email Addresses and Personal Details are Treated in the Strictest Confidence. No Personal Details Including Email Addresses, Phone Numbers and Contact Details are Collected.

PC Repair & Service
18 Clearview Ct Buderim Qld
(07) 5445 3615

Things to Check Acer Warranty Repairs JunkWare Links Contact us PCRS Main page

Acer Notebooks and Desktops Repaired under Warranty

Many people don't like having to send their computer away if there is a problem during the warranty period. For one thing, there is the risk of loss or damage in transit. If you have a warranty fault with your Acer Notebook or Desktop consider requesting a local repair when you phone Acer.
We respect your privacy. We make every effort to protect your Personal files and photos. If your hard drive is replaced, we will endeavour to back-up, then restore your Personal Files and Photos - all for NO CHARGE.
NB: If you send it away it is Acer's automatic policy to run the recovery process which deletes all your files and any programmes that you've installed.

Acer Notebooks and Desktops Repaired under Warranty
Many people don't like having to send their computer away if there is a problem during the warranty period. For one thing, there is the risk of loss or damage in transit. If you have a warranty fault with your Acer Notebook or Desktop consider requesting a local repair when you phone Acer. We respect your privacy. We make every effort to protect your Personal files and photos. If your hard drive is replaced, we will endeavour to back-up, then restore your Personal Files and Photos - all for NO CHARGE. NB: If you send it away it is Acer's automatic policy to run the recovery process which deletes all your files and any programmes that you've installed.

Things to Check Acer Warranty Repairs JunkWare Links Contact us PCRS Main page

A few simple tips to keep your PC your own

We see many personal computers both desktops and notebooks that have been severely compromised by "junk" ware. By that we mean a whole collection of malware, adware and viruses as well as some fairly well-meaning software that together with the others virtually grind the operating system to a halt. Also, Windows Automatic updates are now causing fairly severe problems too.
Boot Viruses
The most obvious Junkware is the computer virus, first seen in the late 80s. These were often placed into the boot sectors of floppy disks so that if the disk was left in the drive when the PC was switched on, the system would boot from it. In the process instead of loading the normal boot loader program an infected version would be loaded and executed. The virus would then wait in memory for the user to insert another disk which it would then infect. This type of virus is still very much in use today. The fix today is the same as then, don't boot from unknown disks. Never leave the system set to boot from floppy disks, CDs and DVDs.

Autorun Viruses
A similar kind of junkware or virus exploits the windows "Autorun" feature. This is a far more dangerous exploit because you don't actually have to boot from a disk, just insert it into the drive and Windows runs the "autorun" program which is often included to automatically start a setup program. What Autorun automatically starts is often some kind of virus or junkware. This applies to CDs, DVDs, external HDDs and memory sticks. Some memory sticks are pre-infected with a virus when you buy them - as soon as you un-wrap it and insert it you're infected. Also, many external hard drives install a lot of junkware. The fix for this kind of attack is to disable the Autorun "feature" on ALL drives including external Hard drives and memory sticks then delete the autorun files from the device if possible.
Scan First!
An all to common way that PCs become infected is by downloading and running software without first scanning it with some king of anti-virus program. ANY software can be infected. The rule is - Always Scan Unknown Programs Before Running Them no matter whether they were downloaded or came from a disk or a trusted source. Remember - is is not the source that should be doubted but the software.

Avoid the Free Junk
Then there is software that comes from very dubious sources. There is a clear distinction between free open-source software like Firefox for instance and free junkware which is never open source. Often people notice that their PC is running a bit sluggishly so they search for solutions and are often offered a "Free-Scan" to fix their "Registry Problems" or "Driver Issues" etc, or to "Download a Free Computer Doctor" or other miracle fix - DONT DO IT! Sometimes a window pops up advising you that "Your PC Is Infected" and to "Click Here Now to Fix the Problem" - DONT. These programs often infect the computer and then demand a "Ransom" in the form of your credit card details to fix it. Sometimes they even blatantly lock-up your photos and then demand a ransom.
The Trojan Horse
Any computer junkware can install what is known as a trojan horse program. These you should be very worried about because what they do is to download other malware programs which can do anything at all - send off your personal information like banking details for instance. In the worst case senario they open a portal to let people access your PC remotely without you knowing.

Too Much of a Good Thing
When one's computer has accumulated enough of this kind of junk it begins to run sluggishly because they are all competing for resources like CPU time, memory and access to the internet. Even fairly benign programs like the programs installed by your printer manufacturer, ipod or mobile phone contribute because they are always wanting to check for, download and install updates.
Automatic Updates
What are updates? If software you use is not working correctly, might have a bug, or if it lacks a feature you need you might want to check if it has any updates that may address the problem. Or you may hear about a security issue. On NO account should you let ANY software automatically check for, download and install updates. The only exception being your Anti-Virus software which should be updated every day. Quite often the "Update" introduces new problems, like "Windows Automatic Updates" which quite often installs "Updated" hardware drivers which are not compatible with your actual hardware. Quite apart from this is the general drain on resources because they are all competing for resources like CPU time, memory and access to the internet. They often try and frighten the user into allowing automatic updating because of "security" concerns. Often, whenever they connect for their updates they send data back to their makers about your usage.

Toolbars
Never install Toolbars. When you install software, you are often asked if you also want to install a toolbar for your web browser. Many toolbars are active downloaders of junkware and should be avoided unless you specifically need the features offered by them. Toolbars are installed as an extension to the web browser which gives them extra privileges.
Trust Open-Source
Avoid using "Microsoft Internet Explorer", instead use a good open-source software like Mozilla Firefox for instance. Internet Explorer uses ActiveX controls which allows any web page to install and run software on your PC. This Is A Definite No-No! The most infected systems that we see are systems where Internet Explorer is used to browse the web. Open Source software is always safer. At any one time thousands of people around the world are looking at its source code. Problems are quickly spotted they may never otherwise be noticed.
From Wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_Explorer):- "Internet Explorer has been subjected to many security vulnerabilities and concerns: Much of the spyware, adware, and computer viruses across the Internet are made possible by exploitable bugs and flaws in the security architecture of Internet Explorer, sometimes requiring nothing more than viewing of a malicious web page in order to install themselves. This is known as a "drive-by install". There are also attempts to trick the user into installing malicious software by misrepresenting the software's true purpose in the description section of an ActiveX security alert." Compare Browser Security

Un-install software you don't use
Un-install software you don't use. If you download and install something but it's not what you expected then un-install again. Often programs set themselves to start when the computer boots so they can go online and check for updates etc.
Anti-Virus Malware
The least obvious malware can be your anti-virus program itself. Some of these are just as bad as the junkiest junkware and do all the same things as well as pop up bogus messages about non-existant threats to encourage you to subscribe or renew your subscription. Some are very well known and long trusted names. Some anti-virus programs are becomming very aggressive and treating the users themselves as threats. These systems run painfully slow and the user may loose access to devices like DVD drives, network and USB ports. Contact us for recomendations regarding anti-virus products.

A few simple tips to keep your PC your own
We see many personal computers both desktops and notebooks that have been severely compromised by "junk" ware. By that we mean a whole collection of malware, adware and viruses as well as some fairly well-meaning software that together with the others virtually grind the operating system to a halt. Also, Windows Automatic updates are now causing fairly severe problems too.	Boot Viruses The most obvious Junkware is the computer virus, first seen in the late 80s. These were often placed into the boot sectors of floppy disks so that if the disk was left in the drive when the PC was switched on, the system would boot from it. In the process instead of loading the normal boot loader program an infected version would be loaded and executed. The virus would then wait in memory for the user to insert another disk which it would then infect. This type of virus is still very much in use today. The fix today is the same as then, don't boot from unknown disks. Never leave the system set to boot from floppy disks, CDs and DVDs.
Autorun Viruses A similar kind of junkware or virus exploits the windows "Autorun" feature. This is a far more dangerous exploit because you don't actually have to boot from a disk, just insert it into the drive and Windows runs the "autorun" program which is often included to automatically start a setup program. What Autorun automatically starts is often some kind of virus or junkware. This applies to CDs, DVDs, external HDDs and memory sticks. Some memory sticks are pre-infected with a virus when you buy them - as soon as you un-wrap it and insert it you're infected. Also, many external hard drives install a lot of junkware. The fix for this kind of attack is to disable the Autorun "feature" on ALL drives including external Hard drives and memory sticks then delete the autorun files from the device if possible.	Scan First! An all to common way that PCs become infected is by downloading and running software without first scanning it with some king of anti-virus program. ANY software can be infected. The rule is - *Always Scan Unknown Programs Before Running Them* no matter whether they were downloaded or came from a disk or a trusted source. Remember - is is not the source that should be doubted but the software.
Avoid the Free Junk Then there is software that comes from very dubious sources. There is a clear distinction between free open-source software like Firefox for instance and free junkware which is never open source. Often people notice that their PC is running a bit sluggishly so they search for solutions and are often offered a "Free-Scan" to fix their "Registry Problems" or "Driver Issues" etc, or to "Download a Free Computer Doctor" or other miracle fix - DONT DO IT! Sometimes a window pops up advising you that "Your PC Is Infected" and to "Click Here Now to Fix the Problem" - DONT. These programs often infect the computer and then demand a "Ransom" in the form of your credit card details to fix it. Sometimes they even blatantly lock-up your photos and then demand a ransom.	The Trojan Horse Any computer junkware can install what is known as a trojan horse program. These you should be very worried about because what they do is to download other malware programs which can do anything at all - send off your personal information like banking details for instance. In the worst case senario they open a portal to let people access your PC remotely without you knowing.
Too Much of a Good Thing When one's computer has accumulated enough of this kind of junk it begins to run sluggishly because they are all competing for resources like CPU time, memory and access to the internet. Even fairly benign programs like the programs installed by your printer manufacturer, ipod or mobile phone contribute because they are always wanting to check for, download and install updates.	Automatic Updates What are updates? If software you use is not working correctly, might have a bug, or if it lacks a feature you need you might want to check if it has any updates that may address the problem. Or you may hear about a security issue. On NO account should you let ANY software automatically check for, download and install updates. The only exception being your Anti-Virus software which should be updated every day. Quite often the "Update" introduces new problems, like "Windows Automatic Updates" which quite often installs "Updated" hardware drivers which are not compatible with your actual hardware. Quite apart from this is the general drain on resources because they are all competing for resources like CPU time, memory and access to the internet. They often try and frighten the user into allowing automatic updating because of "security" concerns. Often, whenever they connect for their updates they send data back to their makers about your usage.
Toolbars Never install Toolbars. When you install software, you are often asked if you also want to install a toolbar for your web browser. Many toolbars are active downloaders of junkware and should be avoided unless you specifically need the features offered by them. Toolbars are installed as an extension to the web browser which gives them extra privileges.	Trust Open-Source Avoid using "Microsoft Internet Explorer", instead use a good open-source software like Mozilla Firefox for instance. Internet Explorer uses ActiveX controls which allows any web page to install and run software on your PC. This Is A Definite No-No! The most infected systems that we see are systems where Internet Explorer is used to browse the web. Open Source software is always safer. At any one time thousands of people around the world are looking at its source code. Problems are quickly spotted they may never otherwise be noticed. From Wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_Explorer):- "Internet Explorer has been subjected to many security vulnerabilities and concerns: Much of the spyware, adware, and computer viruses across the Internet are made possible by exploitable bugs and flaws in the security architecture of Internet Explorer, sometimes requiring nothing more than viewing of a malicious web page in order to install themselves. This is known as a "drive-by install". There are also attempts to trick the user into installing malicious software by misrepresenting the software's true purpose in the description section of an ActiveX security alert." Compare Browser Security
Un-install software you don't use Un-install software you don't use. If you download and install something but it's not what you expected then un-install again. Often programs set themselves to start when the computer boots so they can go online and check for updates etc.	Anti-Virus Malware The least obvious malware can be your anti-virus program itself. Some of these are just as bad as the junkiest junkware and do all the same things as well as pop up bogus messages about non-existant threats to encourage you to subscribe or renew your subscription. Some are very well known and long trusted names. Some anti-virus programs are becomming very aggressive and treating the users themselves as threats. These systems run painfully slow and the user may loose access to devices like DVD drives, network and USB ports. Contact us for recomendations regarding anti-virus products.

Things to Check Acer Warranty Repairs JunkWare Contact us Links PCRS Main page

Things to Check

A few things to check beforehand.

No Power

The monitor appears completely dead, ie, no power lights are on and the computer is on. Check the power cable.

Check that the power lead that plugs into the monitor at the rear right hand side is firmly fitted.
Monitor Power Plug

Computer IEC Power Connectors
If the monitor gets its power from the computer then check that the power leads at the back of the computer are firm.

No Display

The power light may be on or Amber only or flashing or both. Or the monitor may appear dead but it may just be sleeping because is it not getting a signal from the computer.

Check the video cable where it plugs into the computer
VGA Plug

Monitor VGA Connector
Also check the video cable where it plugs into the back of the monitor (if applicable).

If the monitor is on but there is no display and the computer seems to have booted up OK (judging by the sounds and winking lights etc), the computer may still possibly be at fault. If possible connect another monitor or bring the monitor to us and we will test it on the spot free of charge.

Things to Check
A few things to check beforehand.

No Power The monitor appears completely dead, ie, no power lights are on and the computer is on. Check the power cable.
Check that the power lead that plugs into the monitor at the rear right hand side is firmly fitted.
	If the monitor gets its power from the computer then check that the power leads at the back of the computer are firm.

No Display The power light may be on or Amber only or flashing or both. Or the monitor may appear dead but it may just be sleeping because is it not getting a signal from the computer.
Check the video cable where it plugs into the computer
	Also check the video cable where it plugs into the back of the monitor (if applicable).

If the monitor is on but there is no display and the computer seems to have booted up OK (judging by the sounds and winking lights etc), the computer may still possibly be at fault. If possible connect another monitor or bring the monitor to us and we will test it on the spot free of charge.