Latest News

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:38:00 +0000

Are you having problems with the web store link? It appears that earlier versions of Internet Explorer are having trouble displaying the image. Chrome 16, Firefox 9, IE8 and IE9 are displaying the icon link fine here in the office, if you are having a problem with any of these browsers please let us know.

As a work around there are links at the top and bottom of the a-bit homepage and the catalog can be accessed directly at http://www.a-bit4u.com/catalog/

Thank You for your orders!

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 21:16:00 +0000

We participated in the Internet blackout yesterday by taking the a-bit website down to protest SOPA/PIPA. I encourage you to continue to pressure your legislators to abandon the flawed legislation. This country doesn't need yet another law, in fact laws are already in place to protect copyright they only need to be utilized. Anyone who would differ with this statement needs only to google RIAA lawsuits and read all about the children and their parents who paid dearly for their acts of piracy.

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 16:53:00 +0000

Merry Christmas!

Lots of things have been happening here at a-bit Computer but we have finally got our web store on line and ready for orders. Inventory items are being added as time permits and eventually the site will have all the items we have available for sale. For now if you need something you don't see just email and we will get back to you and add the item to the catalog for others to see as well.

Andi has been doing house calls, Mac repairs and web design work but still has hours to fill on her schedule so please call and take away her idle time.

Dean has been busy with bench repairs and virus removals but has been keeping up with demand and starting most projects the next business day.

As for me I've been cracking the whip in the shop and running commercial service agreements. On the side I have been working with my friend Santa and looking forward to the restful New Year.

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff) — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 13:29:00 +0000

Currently we have some used computers available. A few are ready to go and a a few will be available in the near future.

Right now we have a couple Windows XP desktops, they are old and slow but are ideal as minor web surfing and email machines. They are also good for single purpose use like CNC control boxes or to run old software not compatible with Windows 7. They are freshly reloaded with windows, drivers, antivirus and updates. We are selling the ones we have ready for $60 each and have sent several out the door this week. No monitors, keyboards, mice or speakers included.

Also ready we have a MacBook in white freshly loaded with Snow Leopard for $450.

For more information stop in the office.

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff) — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 18:58:00 +0000

What would you pay monthly for a maintenance contract on your computer that covered parts & labor? What if it included anti-virus/anti-malware software and infection removal? Data backup? Spam filtering? What would you consider a reasonable contract length? Which features do you see as important enough to include in a contract? These are serious questions and I'd like some feedback.

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff) — Wed, 04 May 2011 19:15:00 +0000

Beware of virus infected files, programs and images with Osama's name included to entice you to open them. This is a legitimate warning issued by the FBI. You can read the warning here on the FBI website. http://www.fbi.gov/news/pressrel/press-releases/malicious-software-features-usama-bin-laden-links-to-ensnare-unsuspecting-computer-users

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff) — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 20:07:00 +0000

I'm constantly being asked to recommend computers so I thought I'd just post my current thoughts for everyone.

By far the best laptop money can buy is made by Panasonic, if you have to ask how much it isn't for you. Dell is probably the best value, if you consider quality and price. Avoid the top and bottom price models you get what you pay for low price means low quality and high price means larger profit margins on stuff you probably will never use. Apple is okay, I like the OS but lately they have been using Seagate hard drives which are junk and seem to fail just as soon as the warranty expires. Also they are still using that slot in optical design that just doesn't hold up. I like the keyboards and the magnetic A/C jack but overall I think the price is a little high and the hardware quality has slipped a little. I like Toshiba but they seem a little fragile, I haven't actually seen any of them broken but thy lack the solid feel of the indestructible, heavy old Satellites.

Stay away from HP. I'm seeing new out of the box computers and printers that don't work. Furthermore their handling of the NVIDIA chip set problem proves they are not the company they once were and that quality isn't even a consideration anymore. Also Gateway, E-Machines and Acer are all the same company and their products are horrible. Components are sourced from the lowest bidder and seem to last almost until the warranty expires but your issue never seems to be covered. Acer the parent company seems to have the best quality and reputation of the three but is still low end.

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff) — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 15:35:00 +0000

A friend and fellow business owner has just pronounced me "King of Main Street" and wants to take me to lunch. Who am I to argue?

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff) — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 13:39:00 +0000

I was notified yesterday by two wholesale distributors that there is a shortage of optical drives. It is expected that the condition will last about six months. This combined with the huge increase in CPU prices and fuel costs are expected to drive computer prices substantially higher while shrinking already small vendor profit margins. Already prices have increased to the point that a complete high end computer I sold last month would cost $100 more to build now. On lower end systems the price increase is $40 - $70 which is still a lot of money. My advice, delay buying a new system if you can. In most cases we can service what you have and get you another year. Then hopefully prices will have come back down.

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff) — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 15:51:00 +0000

I was just having a discussion about the things people post on Facebook that they really shouldn't. I would suggest you not post your vacation plans and the fact your friend will be stopping by occasionally to feed the fish but the dog is with your parents. Unless of course you want to come home to an empty house.

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff) — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 18:59:00 +0000

This week we have been experiencing issues with one of our internet server providers resulting in email problems for the a-bit4u.com domain. Client domains were not effected as they were already hosted on more fault tolerant equipment. We are working to change to our backup servers and should have everything back to normal by tomorrow morning.

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff) — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 18:07:00 +0000

This week I have quoted six new business workstations. All powerful with the highest quality components for under $900. Remember when buying a computer you get exactly what you pay for. Low price means low performance and either low quality or outdated technology. When you buy one of my systems not only do you get quality goods but you get local support from a really nice guy who cares about your satisfaction.

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff) — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 15:31:00 +0000

Are you a creative thinker? Do you have a good head for business? I am looking for a super cool Christmas special idea. The requirements are simple; It cannot be a loss leader or giveaway and it must not be illegal or immoral. Ideas must be emailed by Black Friday and if I choose your idea you will win a 16G flash drive.

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff) — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 20:51:00 +0000

If you have a laptop with an NVIDIA GPU working or not you should check out this Website http://www.nvidiasettlement.com/ models made by Dell, HP, Compaq and Apple are involved in this litigation. Even if your laptop has been fixed before or is out of warranty you need to follow this action. The claim period should begin after a hearing on December 20th, the anticipated result will include repair of Dell and Apple laptops and replacement of HP/Compaq units. Many of these units have been thrown away but if you kept yours you may get some satisfaction yet.

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff) — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 14:11:00 +0000

Virus Alert! - Viruses are being spread via bogus Linkedin messages, if you get an email announcing that one of your contacts has sent you a message do not click on any link in the email message. Instead delete the email then open your browser and go to the linkedin website to log in and check for messages.

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff) — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 16:30:00 +0000

Have you visited our yelp page? Check it out and give us a review. http://www.yelp.com/biz/a-bit-computer-services-plymouth

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff) — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 13:34:00 +0000

In an effort to make things easier for everyone in these tough times we will now offer payment plans for everyone and parental billing for students. We have always offered business clients terms but these days everyone has to budget. Students are always looking for a way to stretch their cash, sending the repair bill home should be a popular option.

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff) — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 15:42:00 +0000

Toshiba is recalling a large number of laptops, contact us if you would like help determining if your laptop is part the recall.

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff) — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 13:30:00 +0000

A recent survey found that of all the security threats encountered by small and medium businesses, viruses and malware accounted for 68%. I would take that a step further and say that at least two thirds of all the computer problems I see here in the shop are caused by viruses and malware and that 95% of the systems I work on for any reason have some sort of malware infection. Nothing can prevent you from getting a virus or malware, but the right software and regular system maintenance will help.

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff) — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 19:42:00 +0000

The Amazon order scam is making the rounds again. If you get an email about an Amazon order you didn't make, delete it. Don't click on any links in the message and don't waste your time calling Amazon, there is nothing they can do.

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff) — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 14:32:00 +0000

Lately more and more computers with good antivirus are becoming infected with Malware that is not detected as a virus. The reasons for this are complex but the short answer is they aren't viruses, they are complete programs. There is software out there that will protect you and remove these programs if you become infected. I personally like Malwarebytes, the full version cost $25 and it runs all the time like antivirus. You can purchase the software or download the free version which is not proactive but can help clean up the mess after the fact (if what you have isn't really nasty) from www.malwarebytes.org .

The printer is no longer available as it has been claimed and will be enjoying a new life selling Tupperware.

I'm curious how much interest there would be in Managed Services at the home or small office level. Essentially managed services is a yearly maintenance contract that includes system monitoring, antivirus and remote assistance software. The fee is per device/system and paid monthly. The total cost is comparable to a yearly system cleaning and a good retail antivirus subscription, aprox. $20 month. Parts, remote assistance and on site service would be additional or could be included in the agreement either limited or unlimited at additional cost. Managed services are becoming more common among mid size businesses who are trying to manage IT support costs by eliminating in house personnel. I'm wondering if co-oping the concept to multiple small clients has enough interest to make the investment worthwhile, if it sounds like something you might be interested in let me know, no obligation I'm just looking for feedback.

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff) — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 15:25:00 +0000

HP Color Laserjet 2500n Free to a good home. This printer has one empty toner that needs replaced to work. The drum has been re-chipped and should be replaced at some point but it isn't required to get the printer running. This network printer has been with us since new and has much more life left in it. We have not been using it as we acquired another color laser that will print on thicker stock. The required toner will cost about $100 at staples and may be available cheaper online.

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff) — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 23:45:00 +0000

I do not recommend any registry cleaning programs. Even the best of these powerful tools can completely destroy your system if used incorrectly. It is impossible in most cases to recover from a damaged registry. The only option is data recovery and a fresh install, kiss all that downloaded software goodbye because without a key and install files your going to have to buy the new version. If your having a problem bring it in, it ALWAYS costs more if you try to fix it first and botch the job. For the record I seldom use a registry cleaner myself. I rely on my experience and edit the registry manually where required.

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff) — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 15:18:00 +0000

Facebook is a wonderful thing, except when its not. Be careful what you share, anything you post on your wall could be shared with everyone, friends of friends or least likely just your friends. You control this in your settings but you can't control your friends settings. Suppose you post on your friends page that your boss is a jerk, their book club buddy who happens to be married to your bosses brother gets to see your post. If your lucky your boss doesn't find out and fire you. Worse yet your friend lets everyone see their wall and by Monday their son has shared a post on your wall about that sweet hookup or your newly posted party pictures, with all their middle school friends. Sound far fetched? These are true local stories from just the past six months. Don't put anything on Facebook or the internet for that matter that you would be ashamed of if the whole world found out.

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff) — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:56:00 +0000

If you're still using Windows XP you need to be sure your on Service Pack 3. Microsoft is discontinuing support for SP2 soon. Just a word of caution be sure your system is clean of viruses and malware before you start the install of SP3, also it is best to install SP3 in Safe Mode. If you need help determining what SP you have or with upgrading give a call we can do this upgrade remotely without you even bringing the system in.