Let Summer Sizzle... Just Not Your Computer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.