Misconception #1: My computer network doesn’t need regular
monitoring and maintenance.
This is probably one of the biggest and most costly misconceptions that business owners have.
Usually this is because they’ve been fortunate enough to never have encountered a major disaster; but
that’s similar to someone thinking they don’t need to wear a seat belt when driving a car because
they’ve never had an accident.
Computer networks are complex and dynamic systems that need regular updates and maintenance
to stay up, running fast and problem free. In fact, it’s surprising how fast a brand-new PC will slow
down after a few weeks of use without proper updates and maintenance. Here are just a FEW of the
critical updates that need to be done on a weekly – if not daily – basis:
· Security patches applied – with NEW viruses and hacker attacks cropping up DAILY,
this is a CRITICAL part of maintaining your network.
· Antivirus updates and monitoring
· Firewall updates and monitoring
· Backup monitoring and test restores
· Spam filter installation and updates
· Spyware detection and removal
· Monitoring disk space on workstations and servers
· Monitoring hardware for signs of failure
· Optimizing systems for maximum speed
Just like a car, if you don’t change the oil, replace the filter, rotate the tires, flush the transmission,
and perform other regular maintenance on your car, it will eventually break down and cost you FAR
MORE to repair than the cost of the basic maintenance – and cars are far simpler than a computer
network!
If your computer support tech does not insist on some type of regular, automated monitoring
or maintenance of your network, then DO NOT HIRE THEM. Lack of system maintenance is the
NUMBER ONE reason most people end up losing valuable files and incurring heavy computer repair
bills. If your technician isn’t offering you these services, you need to find someone else to support
your computer or network for two reasons:
1. Either they don’t know enough to make this recommendation, which is a sure sign
they are horribly inexperienced, OR
2. They recognize that they are profiting from your computer problems and don’t want
to recommend steps towards preventing you from needing their help on an ongoing
basis. After all, they’ll get paid MORE to remove a virus than to make sure your
system is patched, updated and secured (which can be done quickly and
inexpensively with good monitoring).
Either reason is a good one to get as far away from that person as possible!
Misconception #2: My nephew/neighbor’s kid/brother-in-law/office
manager knows this computer stuff and can take care of our computers.
Most people look for a part time “guru” for one reason: to save a few bucks; but this often comes
back to haunt them. We frequently get calls from business owners who desperately need our help to
get them back up and running or to clean up a mess that was caused by an inexperienced neighbor,
friend, or relative who was just trying to help.
If the person you have working on your machine does not do computer repair and support for a
living, there is a good chance they won’t have the knowledge or experience to truly help you – they
are a hobbyist at best. And do you really want a part-time, inexperienced person responsible for
handling something as important as your data and computer network? As with everything in life, you
get what you pay for. That’s not to say you need to go broke to find a great technician, but you
shouldn’t be choosing someone on price alone.
Misconception #3: All computer technicians are created equal. Your
best option will be the one who offers the lowest price.
As we stated a moment ago, you get what you pay for. A cheap price usually means a cheap job.
Really good technicians do NOT work cheap because they are in high demand just like every other
professional service category. The only technicians that will work cheap are those that are just starting
and they are grossly inexperienced.
And some shops will hire college kids or newbie technicians because they will work for next to
nothing to gain experience, OR they allow interns to support your network because they don’t have to
pay them at all – but what you don’t realize is than an inexperienced technician like this can end up
costing more because:
1. They improperly diagnose problems, which mean you’re paying them to fix the
WRONG thing and STILL won’t resolve your problem. Case in point: A few years ago
a TV reporter went undercover to 8 computer repair shops in LA with a perfectly
working PC, but simply disconnect a cable in the back (a fix that the AVERAGE
computer tech would have caught in minutes with a visual inspection). Several shops
improperly diagnosed the problem and wanted to charge them anywhere from $59 to
over $275 to fix it!
2. They could take 3 to 5 times as long to do the same repair an experienced technician
could fix quickly. Again, you’re paying for those extra hours.
3. They could do MORE damage, costing you more money and downtime.
With your client data, accounting records, e-mail and other critical data at stake, do you REALLY
want the lowest-priced shop working on your machine?
We take the view that most people want value for money and simply want the job done right. You
will find that we are not the cheapest, but we don’t apologize for that. As the owner, I decided a long
time ago that I would rather explain our higher rates ONE TIME than to make excuses for POOR
SERVICE forever. That said, weren’t not the most expensive either. We simply feel that we should
offer a good service at a fair price. That’s why we have been able to stay in business for over 10 years.
elitebuyer.com
135 e.9th street, long beach ca 90813 562-366-4177
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