Extended Warranty / Accident Protection. Are you being smart with your investment?

A computer laptop is a important business and personal investment. It allows you the freedom to work wherever, and whenever you want.
If you are considering buying a laptop, or a new PC, look to add a extended warranty. It’s a purchase that pays for itself in the long run. Notebooks, (and PC’s) can be fragile creatures, vulnerable to experiencing problems.

Notebooks are prone to be dropped, and to get liquids spilled on them.
Let’s face it, all electrical appliances have electrical and mechanical breakdowns, and don’t forget theft.
A computer warranty is critical to cover your investment.

For students, business professionals, small business owners, and home users, a warranty can add to your computer's cost. However, one disaster a couple of years after your purchase may make the price of a warranty worth it. It can turn out to be a wise decision in the long run.

When buying a new computer, most are protected by the manufacturer’s warranty. But it will not last for the life of your system. Manufacturer warranties may cover a computer from as little as 90 days to as long as 2 years. When it expires, you are leaving your investment without a security blanket.
You may think your unit may function for years without failing, but the time will come when one or more components will fail. Then cost of replacement may be expensive.

Consider too, a problem can multiply on itself. For example, if you need a new motherboard, you may also need new software. A new motherboard may also require a new power supply and/or faster ram. Also consider the labor cost involved.

If the unthinkable happens, be sure to document everything carefully so you don’t forget, or leave anything out. When you call tech support, explain the problem as accurately as possible, including information on how it happened and when you first noticed the problem. Explain any attempts you made to fix the problem.
Some warranties will become void if you or anyone else performs any unauthorized service on the equipment, even something as insignificant as opening the case.

A computer extended warranty will give you additional years of safety and security. This means that you can still benefit from the coverage you had with your original warranty.

A extended warranty is a great money saving choice simply because you’re able save possibly thousands of dollars in component replacement costs or repairs.

If you use your computer for your business, or if you work online at home, shield your source of income. Protect your investment with a computer extended warranty. In the long run, you’ll end up saving money, which is the purpose of a warranty to begin with. Questions? Ask the experts at
IQ Computer Services

There are Viruses, after your computer. Protect your system with Norton

Norton Antivirus is one of the most effective antivirus programs available at protecting your computer. Norton AntiVirus takes that protection to the next degree.

Norton Antivirus gives you the speed, and protection your system needs. Norton delivers concrete performance and security. It uses new pioneering technology, that's also easy to use. The software is easy on your computers resources, and its specifically engineered for best possible defense. Norton, for AntiVirus offers a whole new methodology to online security.
Norton Antivirus adds some compelling features specifically engineered to catch the most lethal viruses out there. Antivirus is equipped to protect your computer from viruses, Trojans, worms, bots, spyware, rootkits, hackers, and other malware threats, whether they’re online, in emails, or IM messages.

Norton does a great job of proactively analyzing files to stop any suspicious virus. This proactive security doesn’t compromise your computer system performance. Several features have been updated in this release, including its Sonar technology. The new version is called Sonar 2.

This technology is based on a new concept called "reputation based" security. ‘‘Reputation scanning’’ checks files against a Norton database filled with data collected from Norton's user community.
Sonar 2 technology analyzes files and determines whether they should be trusted or not.

Reputation Scan provides information on the trust-worthiness of all programs and running processes on your computer. It helps you detect the files that are suspicious or at risk on your computer using the reputation-based threat detection. Norton Internet Security lets you run different types of Reputation Scans to detect suspicious programs on your computer.

Download Insight Protection helps determine the safety of downloads. Insight technology provides users with relevant information on files in their systems, and for more technical users, information about processes in Windows. Reputation Scan filters the files on the basis of certain filtering
criteria and performs a Computer Scan and an Insight Network Scan on the filtered files.

Protect your system with the best! IQ Computer Services can help you out with any computer problem you may have. Trojans, spy ware, or malware.  The specialists at IQ carry Norton and can answer all your questions too.

PROS AND CONS OF AN ALL-IN-ONE COMPUTER.

For individuals living in a small apartment, or someone who doesn’t have a lot of room to spare, an all-in-one computer can be the ideal answer.

When computer manufacturers started incorporating the computer cpu case and the monitor together, they created the all-in-one. they used the same features and functions as a desktop system.

All-in-ones have the monitor and the cpu case combined together as opposed to a regular desktop computer that has the cpu connected by cable to a separate monitor. This gives a all-in-one computer system a smaller overall silhouette than a desktop computer. Perfect if you need every inch of space.

A all-in-one doesn’t need cables running from the monitor to the cpu. This eliminates a lot of clutter caused by the cables. For an individual with a small work area, not having cables can be the space saving answer they’re looking for. Also, all-in-ones are designed more stylishly than a regular computer, perfect for the fashion conscious.

However, a regular Desktop computer may have a few advantages over the all-in-one PCs. Today, most all-in-one PCs feature notebook designed components. This helps make the all-in-one smaller but it takes away some of the overall performance of the system. Due to the smaller size there may be fewer components and less power.

Another issue that all-in-one computers have is their upgradeability. While most desktop computer cases can be easily opened to install replacements or upgrades, all-in-one systems tend to hamper access to their components due to their small nature. This typically confines the system to memory upgrades.

The one advantage a all-in-one computer has over a notebook computer is price. Because the all-in-one does not need to be transportable, the components do not have to be designed for movement like a laptop. This helps reduce the cost of building an all-in-one over a comparable notebook computer system.

All-in-one computers fill a niche needed by individuals looking for something cheaper in price than a laptop, that they don’t need to carry around. All-in-ones are perfect the users without a lot of space. Need more detailed information? Talk to IQ Computer Services, you'll be glad you did.

Is a NETBOOK (mini laptop) Right For You?

Netbooks are miniature laptop computers. They are thin, lightweight (3 lbs or less), ultra-portable, lean function laptops.  Most netbooks have a 10 inch or smaller screen. They have small keyboards, wireless capability, and don’t have DVD drives built in.

Netbook (sometimes called mini laptops), are best suited for basic computing (word-processing) and surfing the internet, and email. Netbooks are often advertised as companion devices, to be used in conjunction with a user's home desktop PC or full size laptop.
Netbooks may look like laptops, but they don't have the full capability of a laptop computer. Laptop’s have far more powerful microprocessors. A laptop contains more components and sport DVD burner drives. Laptops are larger in size.

A netbook fills the gap between smartphones and laptops. Netbooks, being more compact than laptops, have lower performance and power consumption. Video and sound chips are usually integrated. This tends to limit their use for gaming and entertainment. If you are a gamer, then a netbook is probably not for you.

Netbooks are not for everyone. They are were primarily created for two user groups.
If you travel and you want the ability create documents, check email, and browse the internet while on the road, then the netbook is designed for you. It’s a small device for people on the go that can be slipped into most glove compartments or purses. It’s designed for mobility, and with the ultra long battery life it’s an ideal laptop alternative.
Netbooks were also created for people who have a standard desktop computer, but don’t have a need for a regular laptop. The idea is that if you only plan on using the unit occasionally, the small keyboard and lack of a CD drive won’t matter, because you will use your desktop for all of your serious work.

Netbooks easily handle a lot of common computing tasks like Internet surfing, Email, Word Processing, and Spreadsheets, so if that's all you will use a laptop for, its not necessary to purchase one. A netbook will be a perfect fit, and you will spend a lot less money.


Those who need  extra portability , but don’t need all the laptop functions, choose netbooks appeal. They are more portable, compact, and less expensive, but still powerful enough to run regular every day applications. They provide most of the basic features you would need from a portable device, but are not made to become your primary computer. Got more questions? Talk to the experts at
IQ Computer Services

What is WLAN?

WLAN stands for Wireless LAN (wireless local area network) or Wi-Fi . This allows a computer to connect to the Internet wirelessly.

WLAN’s use radio or infrared signals instead of the traditional network cables. A wireless connection to the Internet is a more modern alternative than a wired network that relies on copper and/or fiber optic cables.
WLAN can link computers and different devices and provides a connection through an access point to the wider Internet. A access point is called a hotspot. This gives users the mobility to move around within a local coverage area and still be connected to the system.

A wireless network offers advantages and disadvantages when compared to a cable connection. The main advantage of a wireless network is mobility and the elimination of any cables. There is no limit to number of devices that can be supported. It depends on the bandwidth and physical layout.
A wireless network is not as expensive to install or expand. You can connect anywhere there is a signal. Set up is fast and easy. WiFi can be installed in an area where cables cannot be run, such as a outdoor area or in a historical building.

Disadvantages of wireless include the potential for radio interference due to weather or other wireless devices. Its possible a transmission can be slow, and security is harder to guarantee, so it should always be encripted.

Wireless is rapidly gaining in popularity for both home and business.
Wireless LANs have become popular in the home due to ease of installation and the increasing popularity of laptop computers. Your laptop can tap into the Internet anywhere in your house!

In addition to private use in homes and offices, Many public businesses such as coffee shops and malls have begun to offer wireless access to their customers, sometimes for free. You can now take your laptop down to the local coffee shop, and surf the net while sipping a cup of cappuccino.

Businesses such as airports, hotels and restaurants, often provide free-use hotspots to attract or assist customers. Some businesses use free Wi-FI access as a way to promote their business.

Thinking about upgrading your system to a wireless network? IQ Computer Services has the answers for you. Speak to one of their service specialists to decide if wireless internet is right for you. IQ can help you browse the web from anywhere in your home with IQ Computer Services Wireless Network Standard service. They are the wireless Internet pros..

Does your computer need to be backed up?

Computers can stop working. Your files can get destroyed, or your hardware can break down, which can cause you to lose all of your data. Always remember to backup your files. Deciding what to backup depends on your individual needs, and your business requirements. The rule of thumb is that anything that cannot be replaced easily or is very important for your business should have a backup.


Some files you should consider backing up:

• Bank and other financial information
• Digital photographs
• Software purchased from the internet
• Music
• Important internet bookmarks
• Videos and Emails
• Business documents
• School projects

External Back Up Hard Drive

What's on a Hard Drive?

Hard drives hold 3 main things. The operating system, applications or programs, and user data. The hard drive is a physical disk drive located inside of your computer. This is where all of your data and software is stored. All your files, games, software including your operating system is stored and accessed by the hard drive on your computer. If you take your hard drive out then your programs won’t run, and your computer will not start.


There are many different operating systems. The top three are,

Windows, Mac, and Linux

When a operating system tanks, not all is lost, because the operating system itself can be restored to the original default settings. You may lose your personal settings, but if you have the original software disk, you can restore it.  Software applications can be fixed too. Like the operating system, you may lose your personal unique settings, but the application can be reinstalled.

Data however, once lost is gone forever.
One common cause of data loss comes from malware or computer viruses. Sometimes you simply forget to back up your data. Remember, data back up isn't a one time event. It needs to be done on a regular basis.There are many automated software programs available to back up your computer.

Does your computer need to be backed up?

Consider this, if you kept all your financial papers in a file cabinet, and the cabinet caught on fire or was stolen, how would you recover the documents?  The costly downtime incurred while a computer is repaired, and applications are restored, can make the expense of prevention trivial by comparison. After a disaster, it is to late to explore preventive measures. To reduce the possibility of costly downtime have IQ scan for viruses, diagnose disc problems, remove viruses and create a working back up of your information.

Your business information is priceless. Without your data, your company can be literally out of business. In many cases, records cannot be replaced at any cost. If you can't afford to have even one day of down time, consider backing up your system. Having good data backup can guard against loss and more importantly, it can protect your business from disaster. IQ Computer Services offers solutions ranging from local backup (on an external hard drive), or media (DVD), also online backup too.

Protect your valuable, photos, music, videos and documents from loss by drive crash, virus infection with IQ Computer Services Backup PC service. They can even set up your PC to do it automatically!