Computer Tune-up

What is a computer tune-up?
Value Added Service

If your computer is running slow, before replacing it, consider giving it a tune-up.

Computer tune-ups are one of the most common services performed on computers. A tune-up can help extend the life and usefulness of your computer.

Computer-tune ups can be performed online, in our shop, or on-site.

The average computer tune-up requires 1 to 2 hours. If your computer is several years old and you have never had a computer tune-up, the process could take longer. Confidential Solutions charges a flat rate of $35 / hour $10.00 for online and in-shop tune-ups.

Limitations
If on initial inspection or during the course of the tune-up, we believe the tune-up will take longer than 2 hours, we will notify you before proceeding. Also, please note that a remote tune-up does not include a physical inspection or offline anti-virus scans.

The operating system tune-up includes:

• Defragmenting the hard drive & check for errors.
• Updating the operating system & drivers.
• Scanning the hard drive for viruses and spyware.
• Perform a security assessment of your computer and make recommendations.
• Optimize your system.
• Virus, malware, & spyware removal

Best Practices

We also recommend that you perform a backup of all critical data before the tune-up. A backup is not built into the cost of the tune-up as each computer is different. The cost for a backup is charged at flat rate of $50 / hour off-site & remote and $65.00 / hour on-site, plus the cost of the storage device or service you choose to use. Confidential Solutions can recommend free backup services.

Computers will occasionally fail during the tune-up. It is important to understand this risk before you allow anyone to perform a tune-up of your computer.

What is a computer tune-up?

If your computers takes a long time to start up or runs slow when multiple applications are open, it is probably time for a tune-up. The fact is that all computers begin to run slower over time. This is caused by physical factors such as heat and dust and by operating system inefficiencies.

Physical Factors

All electronic devices run better when the components are able to remain cool. Computers cool themselves by passing cool air through the chassis or the ‘box’. As air passes through, so does dust and debris. Consider what your desk would look like if it was never dusted.

As the dust builds up, computers are not able to cool themselves efficiently. As computers begin to run hotter, they can actually slow down. Heat can eventually cause hardware failures resulting in lost time, money, & data.

When choosing a location to place a computer, you should always try to set it off the floor at least a few inches. Even in the ideal location, a good physical cleaning of the chassis and the individual components should be performed regularly. Doing so can help extend the life of your computer.

Non-physical Factors

From the first minute you begin using your computer it begins to suffer from the inefficiencies of the operating system. The operating system is the software that allows you to interact with the hardware and the applications you install.

As you create and delete files, the hard drive in your computer begins to store files in fragmented sections of the hard drive. The more fragmented the files become the longer it takes for your computer to start & load applications, and open files.

Regular maintenance of the operating system is vital to maintain a fast, responsive computer and the integrity of the data stored on your computer.

Other Factors

Other factors such as viruses, malware, and spyware can also affect the speed of your computer. Generally, it is a matter of when, not if, your computer will become a target of a virus. It is possible to have the top of the line anti-virus running on your computer and still become infected, all the while; your anti-virus software indicates your computer is virus free.

The ability of certain types of viruses to hide themselves is improving every day. Keeping your operating system and other software updated, running a good anti-virus, and using due diligence when opening email attachments and visiting websites, is critical to the health of your computer.

Having a professional scan your computer while it is ‘offline’ is something you should also schedule at least once a year. Offline scans can detect the root-kits and other types of malware that you may not be able to detect on your own.