Software problems complicate computer repair and service

Computer service has changed. We’ve gone from hardware based issues to mostly software problems. Basically we went from “something broke” to “how do I do this”. And, the industry has changed too. Plug and play has removed most configuration issues and the cost of computers for the masses has come way down. How does this affect us all? Let’s start with the software.

Today’s programs have become huge and complicated. They are becoming so difficult that it is getting beyond the average user to figure out. Add to this that it is almost impossible to get good support from the vendors users turn to the next person they know, the local repair shop. We are getting everything from “I can’t sync my iPod” to “I can’t log in to my AOL email.”

Because we fix computers we are expected to know every piece of software out there.
This is not possible. We can figure it out but time cost money. And to make it worse the vendors know this, so the larger ones charge a per incident fee knowing you will go to someone less expensive and avoid the phone support run-a-round. It is their way of controlling support cost.

That is the next point, the cost of providing that service. To be able to stay up on everything requires constant training and upgrading and all that cost money. Include the rising cost of running vehicles, insurance (what if I fry your machine), the general costs of doing business and it all adds up. This is what separates the $20/hr technician from the $100 technician, training and experience.

That leads to the final point, the cost of the repair or service. Computers have become so inexpensive that once the machine is a year or two old, many times, the cost of the repair is more than the system is worth. Or in the case of software, a few hours of service can cost as much as the program itself. So what can I do as a service company? I can’t afford not to charge what I need to charge. That leaves few choices. I can absorb some costs thought I couldn’t do that for long. Or, we can cut back on the service we offer which is not good for you.

Your choice is to fix it yourself, deal with the vendor’s support or pay your local tech. It is a true “Catch 22” situation for me the technician and you the customer. No matter which way we go it will cost us both. This is the new face of computer service.

Lone Bird Studio web design is based in Asheville, NC. CEO and head web designer Chris Kaminski built his first website in 1996. He has a passion for computer technology, web design and development and loves to share his knowledge and empower other internet businesses with tips and advice. Feel free to contact Lone Bird Studio with any questions, business or to link up with us!!

Wireless broadband needed in USA

Since 2001, the U.S. has fallen from 3rd to 16th in worldwide broadband adoption, an alarming trend that seriously threatens American competitiveness in the digital age. Wireless broadband is the most promising way to extend affordable, ubiquitous, high-speed Internet connections to all Americans, particularly in under-served rural and low-income areas (Wireless Innovation Alliance). Roughly 15 million households cannot get broadband from their phone or cable provider because the companies have been slow to expand their high-speed networks in areas where there are not enough customers to generate what they regard as an adequate profit.
“If you don’t have a broadband connection, you’ll be left in a backwater and won’t be able to take part in the economy,” said David J. Leonard, WildBlue’s chief executive. “There’s a growing unmet demand in these markets.”
Wild Blue is a fast growing satellite based technology designed to bring DSL comparable speeds to rural areas that can not receive DSL, cable service.
What are your choices if you live in one of these un-serviced areas? Well there is dialup (eech) which is the whole reason for switching to broadband. Now if all you do is email and the occasional browsing then dialup is fine. But, if you are like the rest of us you would like to take full advantage of what the Internet has to offer. And, if, you are in business you need high speed.
So what are your choices in this new wireless realm? Well wireless is a broad term and covers everything from your home laptop to huge wide area networks. We are talking about wide area. This comes in several flavors, mesh, multipoint, and satellite.
In areas where mountains are not a problem mesh and multipoint work fine. Mesh and multipoint use ‘line-of-sight’ antennas. In areas where terrain is an issue then you will need satellite.
Now all of these have their strong and weak points, like I said terrain is a factor, weather can be a factor and of course cost. You will need to do your homework to see what is available in your area and which service is best for you.

Lone Bird Studio web design is based in Asheville, NC. CEO and head web designer Chris Kaminski built his first website in 1996. He has a passion for computer technology, web design and development and loves to share his knowledge and empower other internet businesses with tips and advice. Feel free to contact Lone Bird Studio with any questions, business or to link up with us!!