Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What's the difference between spyware and a virus?
A Virus is a string of commands with the intent of causing a direct reaction. Spyware is a program that runs on your system that has the potential to send data to a source responsible for the software on your PC. Viruses can carry payloads of spyware and spyware can open ports for viruses to enter. The two are different in many ways and in the case of protection software, Anti-virus software is not adequate to prevent spyware; the inverse is also true. Anti-spyware software does not provide adequate protection against viruses.
Q. Why do I need to scan for viruses?
Though the big push has recently been for anti-spyware software it is also still important to protect against viruses because they are still a major threat. Each year there is exponential growth in the count of viruses spotted by major software companies such as Symantec (makers of Norton). Currently one of the main functions of viruses are to get spyware past your computer's defenses. If your updates are not maintained for your antivirus software and if you are not running regular scans you will not be protected against this two-pronged attack to your system.
Q. Should Windows "Auto Updates" be turned on?
Automatic updates for anti-virus and anti-spyware software should always be on. But it is also important to check on these updates at least once a week. If there are any spyware of virus incursions on your PC the automatic updates process can be halted. If you are not checking on the updates and making sure that they are happening, then you won’t know that they aren’t happening until it is too late. As for Windows updates MPC recommends that Windows updates should be set to notify of new updates but not install automatically. Many times Microsoft will push out updates for programs that are part of your Windows installation, such as Internet Explorer. These updates may cause usage issues with your PC. If there is ever a question of the relevance or need for an update, please feel free to call or email us.
Q. What's the difference between Antivirus updates and Windows updates?
Antivirus updates are specifically related to your antivirus software (e.g. Norton, Mc Affee, AVG). Windows updates are updates to the products in your PC created by the Microsoft Corporation. This could be, but is not limited to Office software and your Windows operating system.
Q. How often should I update antivirus definitions and Windows?
Windows updates should be done as needed. If the update is listed as critical or related to security it should be done right away. If it is related to software that is auxiliary to the OS, like Media Player, it may be something to look up or ask about before adding it. Antivirus definitions and antispyware updates should be done at least weekly if not more often.
Q. I have a used computer for sale. Does MPC buy used computers?
MPC does not take in used PCs. We suggest listing your pc for sale with The Nickel or on Craigslist.
Q. Does MPC repair inkjet printers?
Although we have the capability to get many of the top name brand LaserJet printers, we’ve found that if there is something wrong beyond an empty cartridge it will cost you more to fix the printer than to simply buy a new model. What we do suggest, is that in order to insure that you get your money’s worth when you first buy your printer, make sure that you find a model with at least a 1 year manufacturers defect warranty, if not longer.
Q. My wireless device isn't working. What do I do?
Before you waste hours trying to get a hold of your service provider, there are a couple of things you can try. The most common issue is the wireless device just needs to be power cycled. If the reset doesn’t seem to work, you can try to connect via a hard line connection, (just like you do a desktop PC) to test if there is even a connection available. If neither of these work, the best solution is to schedule an appointment for one of our service technicians to come onsite to assess and diagnose the issue in its home environment. If you bring the device and/or the laptop in question into a repair center, the most that can be done is to test the hardware of the device rather than to see if there is anything in your home that might be causing interference with the signal.
Q. Why is it necessary to bring my computer into the shop to have memory installed?
Due to the many different types, speeds, and sizes of RAM it is best that you bring the PC into our showroom for one of our sales representative to verify the exact type that you need. This ensures that you buy the correct type of RAM the first time and also, if we have the RAM you need in stock we can install it right there on the spot free of charge.
Q. I misplaced my system restore disks. How can I get replacements?
Due to strict software licensing and information laws, we are required to see the original Certificate of Authenticity, or “CoA”. This is typically a 16-digit key included with the product at time of purchase. It can be found on the outside of the case. Without this key it isn’t possible to install the operating system. If you have this key all we need to do is see it to verify that you own a legitimate copy of Windows, and then we can burn you a new disk for a nominal $5 charge.
Q. What should I bring with me when I need my PC worked on?
All we suggest you bring is the desktop without any cables attached, and any software that came with the PC or that you would like installed, and any passwords that we would need to boot into the system.
Q. What should I bring with me when I need my laptop worked on?
The same as a PC, but be sure to bring the charger and power cord in case we have to work on the laptop for longer than the normal battery life would allow.
Q. What antivirus program do you recommend?
We recommend Norton antivirus software. Many of our business clients trust Norton and so our technicians also have the most experience with this software. We also understand that some customers prefer a free version of antivirus software. The best rated free antivirus is Avast!, with AVG a close second. You can visit our Downloads page to download these free applications. In any case, before installing ANY new antivirus program please remove the old antivirus program. Never have more than one antivirus program on your PC. Go to the website of the manufacturer of the antivirus program you’re removing and get the uninstall program and run it. Just deleting the program through the add/remove program tool in Windows may not remove the entire program and could damage your operating system or other programs.
Q. What antispyware program do you recommend?
Malwarebytes or Spybot Search & Destroy are both good antispyware programs. You can get free or paid versions of Malwarebytes, and Spybot Search & Destroy is free but asks for donations to the site to help with costs to maintain the site and improve services. Anti-spyware programs are different than antivirus programs. You can have more than one antispyware program on your PC and we recommend that you do keep them updated and run scans periodically. Please visit our Downloads page to download these free applications.
Q. What's the average cost for a new PC?
The average cost for tower PCs has remained close to the same for the last few years while the cost for laptop PCs has recently dropped. A good tower PC that will serve an average user’s needs and still be upgradeable will cost about $700 to $1,000 depending on what you want. You can use the product section of the MPC website and make changes to the PC and see how these changes affect price. This past year laptop PCs actually surpassed desktop PCs in sales. As more laptops are being produced the rule of supply and demand applies and the cost has dropped. A good laptop varies in cost because of the variety of features now available, mostly depending on the screen size and the type and size of storage drive. A simple netbook runs about $400 or more. It is smaller and lightweight but with fewer features than a laptop. A more traditional laptop with features for an average user can cost from $500 to $1,000. Pleaase visit our Products page to customize and price PCs, laptop, and more.
Q. Do I need an appointment to bring my PC in for repair?
No. No appointment is necessary. It is to the benefit of most clients to leave their PCs for repair as MPC serves customers on a first-come/first-serve basis. When one PC is done being repaired the next one in line (queue) gets onto the repair bench.
Q.What if I want to make an appointment to work on my PC?
If a computer is needing repair it is a bad idea to keep using it due to the possibility of causing more damage or losing data. If that’s not the case, for example your computer works but you want to upgrade a graphics card, then people or businesses may want to keep using their PC until an appointed date. If that better suits your needs please call MPC to make an appointment for an on-site or in-shop visit at a later date.
Q. How long will it take to repair my PC?
MPC serves customers on a first-come/first-serve basis. The usual turn-around time is 3 to 5 business days (excludes Saturday, Sunday). If the repair requires a part we do not have in stock then shipping time from the distributor will delay turn-around time.
Q. Can I pay a priority rate and have my PC repaired faster?
Yes. Priority Rate is there if you need to get your computer back up and running ASAP! To be fair to all customers we limit the number of priority tickets we accept. Priority Rate gets your computer on the bench right away. Unless a part needs to be special ordered most Priority work is completed within 24 hours.
