The Tech Angels of New Rochelle Blog

Back to School -Technology Tip to Better Schools

2010-09-04T01:54:00.000-04:00

It is that time of year again. Whether you are jumping for joy as you will now have a few moments peace in the day, or you are sad because the work load just increased, either way... schools are (will be) back in session.

In these financial times, our school children can use our support more than ever. Waste needs to stop of course. But why waste the freebies provided by big business. Look around on the web. Many of the places you already shop offer rewards points that can be applied to your local school. Food stores, general merchandise, and more can help your schools fundraise without much effort. Perhaps a few clicks of the mouse, an application there. Wouldn't this be worth the investment in our future?

It would be lovely if everyone had the power to write a large check to donate to education. But we know this isn't realistic. Yet, everyone does have the power to choose to make their purchases even more beneficial.

Not sure where to begin. Here are a few samples:

Stop and Shop A+ School Rewards, (http://www.stopandshop.com/our_stores/bonus_bucks/index.htm)

ShopRite and Campbells Elabels program, (http://www.elabelsforeducation.com/Sites/Campbells_eLabels/Page/HomePage)

Target Take Charge of Education,
(https://sites.target.com/site/en/corporate/page.jsp?contentId=PRD03-005174)

Boxtops4education [earn by shopping online for items you normally order], (http://www.boxtops4education.com/)

There are many more programs. A quick google search may find a program that you would like to use to support your local schools. As always, The Tech Angels of New Rochelle would like to encourage you to put technology to work for you.

Frustrated in a Flash

2010-08-27T17:52:00.002-04:00

Today's user demands portability. Today's consumer may have several methods of portability. How many of us at one time in our lives have needed that all important file only to find it missing? Live through this heart-wrenching situation once and you will probably find yourself backing up important documents in multiple places.

As prices fall and software advances backing up of such materials becomes all the easier to accomplish. Small devices that plug into your system can hold so much more information today then yesterday. Modern technology puts so much accessibility and portability at our fingertips. But unfortunately nothing is perfect.

Recently, we purchased two flash drives for use to save information. However, they are designed to be easier to use. Plug in, a software program runs, and now your files are easy to access. However, this software program is unknown by several computer security programs. Your antivirus or malware scanner may flag the program as an issue. After repeated scans of the drive with the appropriate scanner software the conclusion finally came to us... the software on the drive is being picked up as an issue.

Now on the other hand... whenever something good is created someone comes along to try to exploit it. If only these people would channel their energy for good we could end war and stop world hunger. But instead people decide to utilize their time in a different manner. Some are now beginning to create viruses and malware programs that will attach themselves to your flashdrives. Infact a recent report from Panda Security shows a marked increase of such infections taking place.

Suggestions:

Purchase fresh:

Back to School season is here. Many sales are being hosted or will be hosted in the next few weeks. Consider purchasing new flash memory. Remember flash memory is also used in your cameras and phones. Why not upgrade and start with a clean slate.

Scan what you have:

Take the time now to check what you currently have before you no longer have it. There is nothing worse then finding out the hard way during crunch-time that your portable media has been compromised. If you need help doing this feel free to contact The Tech Angels of New Rochelle Computer Repair Services, http://TheTechAngels.com.

Are you being frustrated by the malware warnings your computer is generated?

Have you experienced an actual malware infection?

We would love to receive your feedback.

Let Summer Sizzle... Just Not Your Computer

2009-05-27T19:51:00.003-04:00

The Tech Angels of New Rochelle would like to remind its customers to be mindful of the warming temperatures. The summer sun feels wonderful to us after the long winter cold. But heat is not as healthy for the life of your computer system. Has your computer begun to freeze up? Does it surprisingly shut down with no obvious cause? Do you find that the colors change while mid-video game? Is your laptop beginning to produce unusual excess heat under itself?

These problems can have other causes but sometimes it is just a lack of airflow either inside the machine or around the machine. People say “location, location, location” about many things. The same concept applies for the location of your computer in your home, office, or home-office.

These days many attractive computer desks are available in many stores. But is there enough room for air circulation within this small space? There should be space on all sides of the computer. This especially includes the back of the machine where most fan air vents are found.

It is suggested to leave your computer a slight distance from the exact far wall of any such desks if you use one. Better computer desks have a purposefully designed air hole in the back to allow some air to escape as the air naturally heats. When a computer is on please make sure the door to any such desks is left open so that electrical heat and natural heat can continue to flow. Doors can usually be shut when the computer is safely powered down and no longer being used.

Airflow is still a consideration when using a desktop next to a desk. Rugs under computers can help airflow to be constricted. Dust collection can hinder the performance of your computer. Similarly to computer desk use mentioned above, computer placement should be considered. Avoid placing computers flush against walls. Yes, it saves space. But that lack of space may be just the cause of some computer malfunctions as there is a lack of airflow as well.

Summer storms may include lightning, blackouts, or brownouts. Consider plugging your computer into Surge Protectors. These will not stop all lightning strikes from wrecking havoc on your computer. But it might stop the smaller power fluctuations from hitting your system. Also Universal Power Supplies which in the event of a blackout or other power malfunction allow your computer to run for a small while so you safely shut them down. They also may serve as a slight filter between these natural occurrences and your relied upon technology equipment.

As the beautiful summer weather approaches we begin preparing. We dig out window air conditioners; we purchase additional fans for our living spaces; we open windows to let the fresh air in. Perhaps it would be a good idea to spend a few minutes of summer preparation for your computers as well. Inspect the amount of airflow and dust accumulation around your machines. Invest or relocate fans to cool the area around your computers.

Things always happen beyond our control. There is no solution for the “oops moment”. But a few preventative measures can limit their intrusion in your life.

Now on behalf of The Tech Angels of New Rochelle, please enjoy your summer ahead. Remember technology is becoming more and more portable for a reason. Get out and enjoy the beautiful weather. If you need any assistance in going wireless, we will be glad to assist you. Remember, you can have faith in The Tech Angels of New Rochelle!

Geographics

2009-04-27T22:10:00.002-04:00

Are you aware The Tech Angels of New Rochelle service area stretches beyond New Rochelle? The company is based in New Rochelle but being a technology based company, we can reach a greater audience. We have been servicing systems throughout Westchester County, of course, but also Duchess County, the Bronx, and Connecticut. And of course phone support can be provided to people further away. Strategically placed staff and advances in technology make this possible in a more cost effective manner. The Tech Angels of New Rochelle are always looking for ways to save our customers money. In this fast past, ever changing world of computers, today’s advances become yesterday’s antiquated technologies. Let The Tech Angels of New Rochelle assist you with all your computer needs.

Speaking of Geographical regions… Have you tried the directions feature of Google Maps? You can now choose which type of directions you would prefer to view. By car, by public transportation, or by walking are all options which may be chosen now. As with using any map, perhaps you won’t be directed perfectly, but you will be directed perfectly enough. If you need to familiarize yourself with a location this is a great tool. Recently it has been used by The Tech Angels of New Rochelle to find vendors and customers. We thought we would highlight this website for our customers to benefit from as well.

You can have faith in The Tech Angels of New Rochelle beyond the immediate area surrounding New Rochelle. Our staff will be happy to work with you sharing our years of experience and expertise in getting you back online as soon as possible.

What Your Webmail Choice Reveals About You

2009-04-12T18:20:00.002-04:00

What Your Webmail Choice Reveals About You

Posted using ShareThis

Here is an interesting article we found on the web:
"Almost everyone has a personal e-mail account today, and which provider you choose says a lot about who you are and what you stand for. Here's a guide to the personalities reflected in the choice of Webmail service."

We'd love to hear which email provider you prefer. We don't necessarily subscribe to the theory behind the relevance of the various email providers. In fact we have several of them. But the idea is interesting behind which email provider do you gravitate to personally?

The Tech Angels Keeping Up With the Times... with a new website design

2009-03-24T20:45:00.004-04:00

If you have visited our main website (http://TheTechAngels.com) recently, you may have noticed a new look and feel. We are the same company that you can put your faith in for the service you need. However, we look a little sleeker, a little more eye-appealing, and the website is easier to navigate through. We still list our green policies, our gratitude page (thanks to all those that have helped in one way or another with the company), and our Easter Seals Autism Awareness campaign page. But now we have a more clear explanation of our services. If you are looking for experienced, knowledgeable support for your computer issues, we are willing to help. The same work ethic of keep costs down for the customer, but make a modest profit for our time and expertise apply. We firmly stand behind our slogan "You can have faith in The Tech Angels of New Rochelle!".

Coming Soon

2009-03-19T23:35:00.002-04:00

The Tech Angels of New Rochelle website (http://TheTechAngels.com) will have a new look shortly. After serious deliberation as to background, color scheme, content and a host of other choices we are almost ready to launch. There will be a testimonial section devoted to showcasing our relationships with out partners and clients. If you would like to be included on the testimonial page, please feel free to send an email to thetechangels@yahoo.com with your comments. Need additional incentive? All emails received will be entered into a drawing to win a grab bag full of interesting business and technology related items. Quite a lovely assortment. We are sure our clients and partners are grateful for our services and will having wonderful statements to make. But as we are grateful for your support we have put together a little thank you as well as a token of our gratitude.

So check back soon to see the new face of The Tech Angels of New Rochelle!

Affordable Technology Solutions Do Still Exist

2009-03-07T17:35:00.001-05:00

Think that supporting your business will carry to heavy a price tag in this charged (no pun intended) economy.This doesn’t have to be the way. The Tech Angels of New Rochelle are always discovering new, interesting, and as cost effective as possible solutions for getting the job done. Whether that’s for home users (creating a blog about their favorite hobby, publishing a family newsletter, need productivity tools but don’t want to spend for the latest and greatest from Microsoft or other expensive title), small and large businesses (organizational software, web tools for management, producing company blogs or newsletters, productivity tools but don’t want to spend for the latest and greatest from Microsoft or other expensive title). Hmmm, I think I see a pattern here.

Contact The Tech Angels of New Rochelle if you need service setting up a framework for cost effective success for your projects and/or business. Here’s an example, looking for an effective calendar that will keep all (family members or employees) informed of important upcoming dates? Try Google Calendar. http://google.com/calendar.

After setting up a free account, you can create multiple calendars to organize all important dates. Be those dates: birthdays in a family or business project deadlines or travel dates for your business ventures. Google Calendar can help.

Remember that part above about The Tech Angels of New Rochelle always discovering new, interesting, and as cost effective as possible solutions for getting the job done? Well we don’t think you can get more cost effective than free. Certainly sounds better to us after exploring Google Calendar (and using the site ourselves for sometime now) compared to other pricier products we have explored.

The Tech Angels of New Rochelle can always be counted on when you have a broken piece of equipment. But the company is so much more. Computer repair and services is a much better description of the company than “those fix-it people”. Although, of course we pride ourselves on a job well done, when a call comes in “for those fix-it people”. We are happy to be of service providing expert support from a company you can have faith in.

Free Isn't Always Foul

2009-02-13T20:16:00.004-05:00

Just because something is free doesn’t mean it isn’t valuable. Sometimes you get what you pay for. But sometimes you get something wonderful without having to pay. In this economy everyone is tightening their belts and looking for cost effective solutions. Before downloading and installing a free application check with a computer expert such as The Tech Angels of New Rochelle or search for reviews. But there are many wonderfully helpful tools out there just a click away.

Optimum Online, yes the cable and Internet provider, offers some very useful free tools. Network Health Advisor from Pure Networks will test your Internet Security for you with an easy and quick download. If you have an Optimum email you can use this tool. http://scan.networkmagic.com. We recently ran this tool with a client who was seeking an affordable solution to ensure they had setup their wireless network properly. They had Internet capabilities but wanted to make sure they were not providing Internet capabilities to all their neighbors.

Also there is a complete Internet Security package available for all Optimum Online users. The product of the moment offered is called CA Internet Security. We hadn’t heard of this product but an Internet search found an interesting review at http://internet-security-suite-review.toptenreviews.com/ca-review.html. Someone recently discussed their success with this program. So we pulled up reviews. Looks positive.

And of course there is always the old stand by House Call by Trend Microsystems. http://housecall.trendmicro.com/. Upon visiting the page they will ask you to download some software. But these kernels then allow your computer to scan for malware, viruses, worms and more. Since it is web based it uses the most current scan technology of the moment for this particular program.

Free can equal Fabulous not necessarily Foul or Fraud.

Backup Plans

2009-01-27T23:24:00.004-05:00

Recently the news (ex: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/26/AR2009012602087.html) discussed how the White House experienced an email slowdown/stop. The mail server which funnels incoming and outgoing emails was temporarily down. Now perhaps the White House may have more sensitive information to convey and therefore needs more security than we do. But hearing about this reminded us about the importance of alternative communication tools. At times we all experience internet tool sluggishness to say the very least. Today there are so many options for free web-based email accounts with large storage capabilities.

The Tech Angels of New Rochelle would like to recommend setting up one or more backup email accounts to facilitate your business/personal communications. Sometimes when one email system is unable to allow you to login your flow of communication is still functioning you just are unfortunately blocked from accessing it. If you setup a mail forwarding (a standard where every email one email account receives sends a second copy to another email address), you may still receive new messages and not be left out of the loop while your main email provider repairs it's login page. So many options abound: gmail.com, hotmail.com, mail.yahoo.com, aim.com, mail-us.gmx.com, inbox.com, and more.

Why not setup more than one? Then you have more chances of locating and maintaining the ability to send emails. There is also an excellent tool: http://www.e-mailanywhere.com.
This website allows you to login to your other web-based pop3 emails. At times one of my accounts will have difficulty with it's main page for logging in. But my actual email account is still flowing email in and out. If I use e-mailanywhere (don't forget the hyphen and the www), then I can still read my recent emails that I otherwise would have missed.

If the White House experiences the occasional slowdown/stopage, you know we will experience it from time to time. Be prepared. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Having a backup plan might mean the difference between completing an essential task and not following through on someone's communication. May your email experiences be smooth. But for those moments when they aren't, have a backup!

Start the New Year Out Fresh

2009-01-01T20:34:00.000-05:00

The Tech Angels of New Rochelle would like to take a moment to wish everyone a fabulous New Year.

We hope the holiday season has found you in good health and cheer. It's that time for a New Year.

People talk about "Spring Cleaning", a valuable activity to limit clutter from all aspects of our lives. But why not take a few moments to clean out the junk on our computers. If it's been a while since you ran your spyware detectors, now would be a great time. Don't forget to run your virus scans. My how they can slow down a computer! Start the New Year off right! With better functioning equipment so that you can do more, easier.

If you don't know how to perform these tasks yourself, feel free to contact The Tech Angels of New Rochelle for assistance. We would be glad to help you cleanout your system to start the New Year right.

Resolution

2008-12-29T12:27:00.000-05:00

This is the time everyone begins thinking about New Year's Resolutions. The Tech Angels of New Rochelle decided this might be a good time to discuss a different type of resolution. Have you ever heard the term "screen resolution"? What is screen resolution?

Netlingo, a fabulous Internet term dictionary, defines resolution as:
A common computing term, it refers to several things. On a computer monitor, it is the number of pixels (horizontally) and lines (vertically) on the screen. For printers, resolution is a measurement expressed in dpi that describes the sharpness of a printed image. With sound boards, it is the number of bits used to encode sounds. And in business, it describes some for of mutual agreement."

The following screen resolutions are commonly available on most computers:
600 x 800
1024 x 768
1280 x 800
1440 x 900

The further down the list you go the clearer (sharper) everything gets. However, everything displayed also begins to appear smaller. You will need to way clarity versus size.

This is something to keep in mind when designing websites. You hope for visitors to have a pleasing experience while on your site. It is important to keep all of these screen resolutions in mind. The Tech Angels of New Rochelle have found an interesting site that we use. It allows you to see what your site would look like on various screen resolutions. You may want to see how your page appears to others using: http://www.screen-resolution.com/browser.php#

As the New Year fast approaches, The Tech Angels of New Rochelle hope that many joys and smooth computing await you during the coming year.

http://geocities.com/thetechangels/holidays.html

Reputation

2008-12-07T20:08:00.000-05:00

The main core of The Tech Angels of New Rochelle visited a local computer show recently. What a fun afternoon. It's interesting seeing what's new out there. As well as pricing items where we see that we have some contacts with a better reputation and price point than what was available. Many call us asking for the cheapest solution possible. Which we are willing to assist with finding. But sometimes the cheapest is not necessarily the best solution. For example one customer was asking for assistance in purchasing a new printer. Well although one model is cheaper there is a reason for that. The parts are not made as well and the ink is not as readily available. It might be more worth the customer's while to pay a fraction more and have a printer that they can find ink refills more available to them. Just because one company has a great reputation in general does not mean we should jump at a "sale" on their equipment over another model by the same company or exploring another company.

Additionally, I was so surprised at something else we witnessed. Wouldn't it be a great idea for us to have an extra legal copy of Microsoft Windows XP fo those that have lost their CD, which is so common? We were excited to see a disk available at low cost. But on closer inspection we noticed flags that went up for The Tech Angels of New Rochelle. It didn't have the usual wrapper that Windows XP arrives in (instead a beautiful jewel case with a sticker on the front). As I picked up one copy and started to hand one to another member of the administrative team I noticed they both had the same CD key. I picked up a third CD; same CD key. Hmmm. We put all three down and moved on to another vendor. This seems rather suspicious to us. The Tech Angels of New Rochelle is a reputable business that puts great pride in our reputation. A client recently remembered our service provided in 2004 and contacted us to provide service again. http://www.microsoft.com/resources/howtotell/content.aspx?pg=coa&displaylang=en

Just a reminder to the community, please remember to always look for the COA (Certificate of Authenticity) when purchasing/receiving a software CD.

Computer Repairs Needed; You aren't alone

2008-12-03T00:01:00.000-05:00

Think your computer is giving you a hard time? Are your computer parts past their prime?
In possession of an expensive paperweight at this point, a broken computer. Trust us, you are not alone. Even NASA is finding itself with outdated equipment. The Tech Angels of New Rochelle just came across this article: http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/air_space/4288705.html
The article from NASA http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/hubble/servicing/SM4/news/status_update_20081015.html confirms that the Hubble Telescope Team recently repaired a 486 computer. A 486 computer processor was more popular in 1988 not 2008. And we think we have problems!?

However, you aren't stranded in space. Well, okay, maybe you are stranded in cyberspace, unable to access your much needed files and emails. If this is the case, have faith that The Tech Angels of New Rochelle will be able to provide you with the level of computer repair or service you need.

Contact The Tech Angels of New Rochelle:
(914) 482-8633
service@thetechangels.com
http://TheTechAngels.com

How Far Technology Has Come

2008-12-01T02:23:00.000-05:00

Reflecting back to the old days of the PET or the Commodore 64 or the Apple IIe. My how far we have come. Today the ability to login to a shared database hosted on a webserver in some remote location was not even thought of in those earlier days.

Using specialized printing papers, readily available, and relatively inexpensive, one can create wondrous items. Tonight we updated business cards as we have a new phone number. We created large 8 1/2 x 11 inch magnets with the company logo on them. Now that I am observing our creations the knowledge of how far we have come has been driven home.

So many amazing things await with the power of the Internet and a functioning computer. If you need help creating such items or bring your computer back on-line don't hesitate to contact The Tech Angels of New Rochelle.

Caveat Emptor (Buyer Beware) with Popup Ads

2008-11-28T21:04:00.000-05:00

The Tech Angels of New Rochelle recently received a call from a distraught computer user seeking computer repair. They at first complained that their computer was broken. But then they further explained what happened. While surfing the net, they clicked on a "harmless", or so they thought, video link and suddenly the havoc began. Now they have popups galore and lots of frustration. When a popup ad appeared for assistance cleaning their machine of spyware and antivirus they thought they were doing the right thing and decided to purchase a better online protection system. Well roughly $130 later they realize that the pop up offer was probably not legit and their computer is not any better then before they made the transaction.

Please hear, well okay read, the tech advice of The Tech Angels of New Rochelle. Do not agree to purchase software from a popup ad you receive while in the midst of computer issues. At least have a second set of professional eyes view the popup before agreeing to make a purchase.

Thanks giving on Thanksgiving

2008-11-28T00:28:00.000-05:00

The Tech Angels of New Rochelle have a great deal to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. The company began as a merger of two technology minded individuals. A marriage took place this summer. Tech Angel Services (the wife) merged with the expertise and certifications (the husband) to create a more complete online presence. The Tech Angels of New Rochelle was officially formed earlier in November.

Grateful for:

Optimum Online, high-speed internet is outstanding
Webmistress skills (wife)
Expertise (husband)
Custom enterprise quad-core computer with 64 bit operating system (built by husband)
Open source applications, bringing inexpensive productivity to the masses (tested by the team)
Craigslist.com, Olx.com and merchantcircle.com for our beginnings with publicity
Networked multifunction printer, the whole team can print from one high-speed printer
The irobot, saves us time keeping the workspace clean while busy working
Customers, remembering their past relationship with Tech Angel Services and continuing a relationship with The Tech Angels of New Rochelle.
Thankful for each other as the company grows.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!