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Frequently Asked Questions
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How
is San Francisco Computer Repair different from other repair facilities?
- What
kinds of machines do you repair?
-
What
other kinds of equipment do you service?
-
What
kinds of businesses do you service?
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Why
should I bring my computer to you and not to a manufacturer's warranty
service center?
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Do
you fix Dells and Gateways, or do I need to deal with those companies
directly?
- What
kinds of networks do you build?
-
What
kinds of computer systems do you build?
- Are your
prices competitive?
-
At
what point should a company network their computers? Should two be
networked? How is it done?
-
I
own three computers, and may get more, but work by myself. The machines are
spread out in two locations. Should I network them or use some other
technology? Can you network them for me? What else do you recommend?
-
My
hard drive ground to a halt. It's dead. Can you retrieve the data? I've
backed it up - is it worth retrieving ?
-
No
one wants to fix my old CPM machine, and it worked fine until last week. Can
you fix it? Is it worth fixing beyond obvious sentimental value?
This is a two-part answer:
First, we repair equipment that other companies will not touch, such as obsolete
and off-brand models. We are able to do this because we have a
dedicated research department that will find any part that has ever been
designed for any machine. Our expertise and experience in building and
repairing electronic products spans decades. Individuals and companies
nationwide rely on us to provide solutions and expert advice in instances when local providers
cannot be of assistance.
Second, we provide complete solutions. We repair computer
equipment, as well as build and install networks,
recover data, and perform disaster recovery (for example, fire or water-damaged equipment, or software sabotaged by a disgruntled employee). San Francisco Computer Repair Solutions is also one of only a select number of companies that handle
insurance claims. Select staff members often act as expert witnesses for
insurance companies and manufacturers' representatives. We offer
Internet-based data storage through alliances with our
strategic partners, and provide Citrix, a software type known as "thin
client." Citrix lets any computer (PC or Mac) access to software on a
particular server, from anywhere in the world, in the same capacity as if that software were
running on the user's computer. We build the Citrix server, install the
software, and train staff in its use.
We repair all types and brands of office machines,
computers, and machines (except for telephones, copiers, and typewriters).
This includes many obsolete machines, in addition to laptops, scanners, line
printers, and point-of-sale equipment such as electronic terminals.
We work on major and minor electronic equipment.
Most other firms handle only popular consumer products. We service industrial
electronic equipment, including monitors, LCD projectors, and even
electrical-mechanical devices that control the garment folding equipment found
in laundries.
Our focus is on the small to mid-size market.
Generally, that means firms in any industry with four to fifty computers.
San Francisco Computer Repair is a warranty service center for most
brands. If we do not service your brand of equipment, we will refer you to a
center certified by the manufacturer.
Yes, we fix these brands and install
the required warranty parts shipped by the manufacturer. Often, it is smart
to deal with a third party such as San Francisco Computer Repair. We can verify
and solve problems that manufacturers ignore or refuse to cover under
warranty.
The purpose of a network is to let numerous
computers in distant locations talk with one-another and share software from
a central source called a server. We build and maintain reliable, high quality
networks using such leading edge technologies as Citrix "Thin Client,"
Windows 2000, Novell, and "Wide Band."
We build custom PC's often referred to as
"white boxes," using the best quality parts that are also the most
reliable. Our low volume production of custom-made PC's ensures the ability to
upgrade and reliability. Although Dell, Gateway and Compaq garner the most press for
their impressive unit sales and household penetration, nationwide it's white
boxes that are the most popular computer systems, selling more than twice over
that of the PC leaders. Consistency and ease of customization make these systems
the most popular.
Our prices are competitive with companies offering
the same products and services. Lower priced systems and services are available from other
companies, but too often they deliver irregular, service, quality and
reliability. Our certifications guarantee fast repairs at a slightly higher
cost than the popular vendors, but overall the result is often a lower cost
and reduced downtime.
Any company that uses the Internet (and most
companies would be wise to do so), should use a network to share
both the Internet and common files. Networking is an essential part of a
solution to common problems like sharing files and printers, sending and
receiving email, as well as making offices more productive and efficient.
Networking solutions are possible with as few as two PC's, and can easily be
setup without a dedicated server or hub, thus reducing costs. In addition,
simple peer to peer software using Microsoft Windows 98 will reduce the high
cost of networking using Windows 2000 or Novell.
It depends on the situation. If only a few files
are being shared without a common program, simple e-mail may be enough.
Common files that are used all the time such as forms and documents can be
shared using a web site for all computers, if one or more users need to access
them in the future. With larger files and programs including databases, software
such as PC Anywhere or Citrix can be used to access a centralized server. We
can get you setup and running on any of these systems.
Backups can fail and can be performed incorrectly.
If the backup cannot be retrieved, or it is not really a backup, we can often
retrieve data from a dead drive. We do the work in phases, which reduces the
high cost of data recovery. Of course, it is better to be safe than sorry when
it comes to protecting your valuable data. We understand that accidents
happen, and are sympathetic and understanding when it comes to data recovery.
We analyze the backups made before proceeding with doing a data recovery. If
the last good backup does not contain critical data, then data recovery may be appropriate and cost effective.
Some machines are just too old for most repair
companies to work on. We have been around a long time and know much about old
machines, we even have a few in our stock room. Much of the work with old
machines involves recovering archived data. We recently recovered data from an
old CPM machine for the County of Alameda on an old Radio Shack TRS-80
that contained combined rain data for the last 10 years. Not only were we able
to repair the machine, but we were able also to transfer the CPM database to
Microsoft Access. This is something that most repair/computer companies would
never be able to do. We will consult with you to determine your needs and
whether it is a better option to fix or replace the older equipment. In some
cases an intermediate "quick fix" may be enough to satisfy your needs.
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