Plugging in...
Unplugging (shutting off) still goes a long way toward fixing some confounding, but more simple computer problems. Before spending oodles of time or waving the white flag of surrender, shut off the computer (laptop OR desktop) using the power button if you cannot shut it down the normal way using your mouse or track pad.
You WILL have to hold that button down about 10-20 seconds, much longer than when you turn it on. Make sure ALL the lights go off on the computer. Give the computer 10-20 seconds of OFF before pressing the power button to turn it on again. If it comes back on, put away that surrender flag and go about your computing. If it does NOT behave as usual, then make a call to your favorite Tutor.
ALWAYS REMEMBER: before calling for help - is it plugged in, and is it turned on?
Unplugged
Monday, December 31, 2018
Friday, March 23, 2018
Be Aware of Phone and Internet SCAMS
Plugging in...
NO ONE from MICROSOFT will ever call you or POP UP on your computer screen with a legitimate problem and phone number to call. These are very good scammers. If it is a phone call, hang up, no need to be polite. If it is a pop up, CLOSE your internet browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome), but if you cannot close the browser the normal way, shut off the computer. The pop up should disappear from your browser when you turn the computer back on and go onto the internet.
The scammers are excellent at what they do. They may have your computer make noises at you, or put pop ups on the screen that claim you have hundreds of viruses, etc. ALL FAKE NEWS. And they make it near impossible to remove the screen unless you shutdown your computer. Go ahead, shutdown, you won't cause any harm, even if you have to hold down the power button for 10-15 seconds to get the computer to shutdown.
You wouldn't invite a stranger into your home, would you, if they knocked on the door and told you that your house had a problem? (Please tell me you wouldn't, your protective radar would be in full force, right?)
DON'T invite anyone into your computer that CONTACTS you. It's a different scenario if you have initiated the technical support phone call. Then, they may ask if they can remotely look at your computer to diagnose and potentially fix your issues. At that point, you may allow the connection because YOU made the phone call, and hopefully... you called a legitimate technical support number. Be aware of numbers that are associated with "Microsoft certified technicians" (substitute other company names here for Microsoft). THIS IS NOT MICROSOFT, and they hope you didn't read their description closely so that you would contact them, thinking it was Microsoft.
ALWAYS REMEMBER: before calling for help - is it plugged in, and is it turned on?
Unplugged
NO ONE from MICROSOFT will ever call you or POP UP on your computer screen with a legitimate problem and phone number to call. These are very good scammers. If it is a phone call, hang up, no need to be polite. If it is a pop up, CLOSE your internet browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome), but if you cannot close the browser the normal way, shut off the computer. The pop up should disappear from your browser when you turn the computer back on and go onto the internet.
The scammers are excellent at what they do. They may have your computer make noises at you, or put pop ups on the screen that claim you have hundreds of viruses, etc. ALL FAKE NEWS. And they make it near impossible to remove the screen unless you shutdown your computer. Go ahead, shutdown, you won't cause any harm, even if you have to hold down the power button for 10-15 seconds to get the computer to shutdown.
You wouldn't invite a stranger into your home, would you, if they knocked on the door and told you that your house had a problem? (Please tell me you wouldn't, your protective radar would be in full force, right?)
DON'T invite anyone into your computer that CONTACTS you. It's a different scenario if you have initiated the technical support phone call. Then, they may ask if they can remotely look at your computer to diagnose and potentially fix your issues. At that point, you may allow the connection because YOU made the phone call, and hopefully... you called a legitimate technical support number. Be aware of numbers that are associated with "Microsoft certified technicians" (substitute other company names here for Microsoft). THIS IS NOT MICROSOFT, and they hope you didn't read their description closely so that you would contact them, thinking it was Microsoft.
ALWAYS REMEMBER: before calling for help - is it plugged in, and is it turned on?
Unplugged
Monday, February 5, 2018
The Apple Battery Debacle
Plugging in...
Apple admits there is a battery problem.
They finally went public and have offered, through December, 2018, to replace the faulty, quick draininig batteries for $29 instead of the usual $79.
Apple's Battery Replacement Options
One tiny detail: if you want to bring it to an Apple store for replacing, you may be waiting awhile for an available appointment. And for some iPhone owners, they were not able to get anyone to answer the phone at the store(s) when they called, forcing an online attempt to schedule an appointment.
Some stores are busier than others, so depending on your ability to wait, you may be driving to a store a little further away, than usual. And if you don't want to drive further, your patience will eventually be rewarded with a new battery, but Apple cannot determine when.
Yes, there are THAT many batteries to replace. Keep trying... or do what a Tutor client did: they bought a newer iPhone. A bit pricey to solve the battery problem, but they got instant gratification!
ALWAYS REMEMBER: before calling for help - is it plugged in, and is it turned on?
Unplugged
Apple admits there is a battery problem.
They finally went public and have offered, through December, 2018, to replace the faulty, quick draininig batteries for $29 instead of the usual $79.
Apple's Battery Replacement Options
One tiny detail: if you want to bring it to an Apple store for replacing, you may be waiting awhile for an available appointment. And for some iPhone owners, they were not able to get anyone to answer the phone at the store(s) when they called, forcing an online attempt to schedule an appointment.
Some stores are busier than others, so depending on your ability to wait, you may be driving to a store a little further away, than usual. And if you don't want to drive further, your patience will eventually be rewarded with a new battery, but Apple cannot determine when.
Yes, there are THAT many batteries to replace. Keep trying... or do what a Tutor client did: they bought a newer iPhone. A bit pricey to solve the battery problem, but they got instant gratification!
ALWAYS REMEMBER: before calling for help - is it plugged in, and is it turned on?
Unplugged
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