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Help! My Computer is Infected

You have no idea how many times I have heard that phrase while owning my computer repair business. I have removed thousands of viruses and have helped hundreds of people clean up their computers. The problem is I am only one person and I can only work on so many computers in my local area.

What I have done is create an easy step-by-step process to show you how to clean up your own computer. This process will include a printable manual along with videos that will walk you through the entire procedure.

So if you are having problems with virus, spyware or malware on your computer take a look at my new web site and purchase the guide I have created there.

The new web site is Help, My Computer is Infected.

June 7th, 2010 | Category: Uncategorized | 4 comments

Traverse Technology – Atlanta WordPress Designer

I have officially changed the name of my business to Traverse Technology. I am putting more of a focus on being the best Atlanta WordPress Designer that I can be. WordPress is a great platform for building web sites, not just blogs. You can read more about WordPress at their web site.

I will be adding more content on the new web site about the advantages of using WordPress as your web site platform. I will continue creating custom web sites such as database driven web sites and ecommerce web sites, but my new focus will be primarily on WordPress and how it can benefit your business.

So please visit my new web site from this point forward to see what’s going on in Chad’s world.

Thanks,

Chad Hardy

Traverse Technology

January 23rd, 2010 | Category: Business | 5 comments

HP HDX X18 – DC Jack Replacement

I wanted to put this out here in hopes that it would help someone replacing the DC Jack of a HP HDX X18 1180US DC Jack.

I ordered a replacement DC Jack (as I have many many times before), but this particular DC jack had a different pin-out than the original jack. I called the company I purchased it from thinking they sent me the wrong jack, but the ones they are selling just have are the proper replacements. There are 2 less pins so a couple of wires have to be combined. I used my multi-meter to find the proper placement of the wires and I have provided a quick diagram below. Hopefully this will save you some time.

hp-hdx18-dc-jack

October 30th, 2009 | Category: Computer Repair | 4 comments

Law Office – Practice Management Software

After conducting research on software to manage a law practice I have come to some interesting conclusions. I was completely focused on the tried and true software packages that have been around for years such as Time Matters, Abacus, Amicus, etc., but out of the blue I find that some very bright companies have developed SaaS applications that could fill the need of smaller firms.

Traditional Software Packages:

  1. Time Matters
  2. AbacusLaw
  3. Amicus
  4. Tabs

Web Based Software Packages:

  1. Clio
  2. Rocket Matters
  3. LawRD

Pros of traditional software:

  1. Located in house and you have control over it.
  2. More abilities to sync with iPhones, Blackberries, etc.
  3. Sharing of data with Outlook, Quickbooks, etc.

Pros of web based software:

  1. Interface much easier on the eyes.
  2. You don’t have to worry about data backup, network security, etc.
  3. Can interact with the data from any computer with an internet connection.
  4. No software installation, no limitations on operating systems.

Cons of traditional software:

  1. Interface is very complicated for new users and small firms.
  2. Cost
  3. Servers, network, software installation

Cons of web based software:

  1. No internet connection, no access to important data I just found out that Clio has offline access as well.
  2. What happens to your data if you don’t pay your bill?

The main two programs I have been comparing are Time Matters and Clio.

I like Time Matters because they have been around for a long time and I don’t foresee them going anywhere, but for my client I think their interface is cumbersome and there is a lot of setup needed to get it just right. There is a lot of room for customization, but I think it may be overwhelming for a small firm.

I love the idea of using an online solution like Clio (mainly because I am a geek), but without testing it first I’m not sure if the software is mature enough more me to promote. The company hasn’t been around long so who knows how long the software will be available and once again what happens to your data if they go under?

Here is a cost comparison of the two based on a law office with one attorney and two assistants:

Time Matters
Attorney $1,225 /year
1st Assistant $665 /year
2nd Assistant $335 /year
Total = $2,225 /year

Clio
Attorney $588 /year
1st Assistant $300/year
2nd Assistant $300 /year
Total = $1,284

After looking at all of the data I’m still not sure which way I would go if it were my business, so I will present my ideas to my client and let them make the decision. Whichever choice they make will be the right one, I will just do my best to support them. May the best software package win!

July 30th, 2009 | Category: Law Offices | 2 comments

Deep Roots Technology – What Does It Mean?

I haven’t officially made the change yet, but I am playing around with the idea of changing the business name. I have been 911 PC Repair, Inc. for quite a few years, but I have come to think that the name may be limiting. It sounds like all I do is repair computers, but I can and do so much more than that. I work with networks, servers, design web sites, consulting and training. So to me the name 911 PC Repair, Inc. doesn’t tell you what I am capable of.

The new name I am thinking about is Deep Roots Technology. Why, you ask? Here is one of my favorite scriptures and a big influence into the name:

For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters that spreads out its roots by the river; and it shall not see and fear when heat comes; but its leaf shall be green. It shall not be anxious and full of care in the year of drought, nor shall it cease yielding fruit. Jeremiah 17:8

The way I see it my “roots” are deep into several things.

  1. God. Without him in my life there is nothing.
  2. Family. I love my wife and sons.
  3. Country. God bless the USA!

And of course the “Technology” part of the name… Well what can I say? I am a geek!

Once again this isn’t final, but I am sure I will be making steady changes toward this new name and image. I just wanted to clarify the different name if you noticed :)

Have a nice day!

July 27th, 2009 | Category: Business | 6 comments

AT&T Netopia Wireless Router / DSL Modem

After working on a few of the newer AT&T Netopia Wireless Router / DSL Modems I noticed that the wireless portion comes with the security enabled (WPA Encryption), which is a good thing because before you had to go in and manually enable it. But there is a problem, the WPA passcode is the customer’s phone number which isn’t very secure. Once you know that (and if you know the home owner’s phone number) you can easily connect to the wireless router and have your way. So if you have one of these routers do yourself a favor and change that encryption code, or call someone who can help you.

July 26th, 2009 | Category: Fixes | 2 comments

Why Is My Computer Slow?

I hear that on an almost daily basis from new and existing customers. To help out my fellow computer users I have created a free guide that walks you through the most common issues that cause a slow computer. Comments of “computer too slow” will no longer be a part of your vocabulary after you read this guide.

You can download it at – Fix Your Slow Computer

February 26th, 2009 | Category: Fixes | 4 comments

Antivirus 2009

I do a lot of virus and spyware removal, but of the many different types of junk I have to uninstall I would say that Antivirus 2009 is by far the most common and sometimes the hardest!

The other day I came across something that actually impressed me about that software. (I say impressed in a geeky kind of way, because of the level of detail they went through to trick people.)

Windows has something called the “Windows Security Center” that shows you the current condition of your Firewall, Automatic Updates and Virus Protection. Normally under the Virus area it just says something like you don’t have virus protection installed or your virus software is out of date. Well look at the image below (click it to see a larger version) and you will see that the Antivirus 2009 people recreated the entire screen (as well as the icon in the taskbar). The only difference is that it tries to get you to purchase the Antivirus 2009 software. So be very careful and don’t get tricked into downloading (or paying for) their software!!!

Antivirus 2009 Fake Security Center

Antivirus 2009 Fake Security Center

February 7th, 2009 | Category: Virus & Spyware | 6 comments

Site Redesign – Finally!

There’s an old saying that cobbler’s children have no shoes, boy is that true! The main part of my business is computer repair, and I also design web sites for small businesses, but I have had a not so good online representation of my business lately. Lots of good intentions, but not good follow-through. Well I am finally making some headway. I have installed Wordpress and hacked a theme to finally get me up and running.

This is the first of many blog posts to come. I have some great topics to discuss with you and I am hoping that through this blog I will be able to help you with your computers plus maybe save you some money.

I am still working on the web site so if you come across a page and it doesn’t look completed – it probably isn’t :) Just bare with me a little while longer as I get all of my content into place. In the meantime you are more than welcome to email me at chardy@cdswebdesign.com.

Oh I almost forgot… I will be changing the name of the company to Computer & Design Solutions in the very near future. I am doing this because I want to make people more aware of the other services I offer such as web site design, search engine optimization, online marketing and more.

Make sure you come back every so often to check on my progress.

Until next time.

February 4th, 2009 | Category: Business | 8 comments