Save Time and Money, Protect Tech Investments with a Tune Up when the Clock Moves Ahead
Needham, Mass. February 29, 2008 — With an uncertain economic outlook, many consumers are even more focused on maintaining the health of their home technology devices, rather than replacing them. As Americans prepare to move their clocks ahead one hour on March 9, HiWired reminds them to also take a few minutes for a quick tech tune–up that can extend the life of home computers and address performance issues – like viruses, spyware and other maintenance issues &ndsh; that can slow PCs down and affect performance.
Just as fire departments nationwide remind consumers to test smoke detector batteries twice a year when the clocks change to ensure family safety, preventative maintenance for digital devices can help ensure a longer life for PCs and other digital devices.
Using the time change as a bi-annual reminder to clean and update their computers and other digital devices helps consumers extend the life of technology investments by avoiding larger problems. This includes:
-
Cleaning keyboards, screens, the mouse and peripherals;
-
Updating anti–virus, anti–spyware and other software programs;
-
Backing–up files, music, photos to guard against loss;
-
Running diagnostics that can let you know how much disk space remains, whether your computer has any performance issues and whether your wireless network is truly secure.
“Having a regular reminder, linked to the time change in the spring and fall, is a good way to remember to update and maintain your computer, laptop or other digital devices,” said Michael Wexler, co-founder and president of HiWired, a technology services and support company. “Performance issues are most often caused by viruses and spyware, yet many consumers assume they need to replace a slow–running computer. Regular maintenance can extend the life and performance of PCs and save the average household money on fixes and new devices.”
The costs of not performing regular maintenance are more than monetary. In a survey conducted by HiWired last year, the company found that some of their customers reported spending more than 80 hours a year, or the equivalent of a two week vacation from work, dealing with technology problems. Running diagnostics and regular updates to virus definitions can help avoid the problems that take up valuable time.
HiWired recommends the following actions to keep PCs and laptops running smoothly:
- —
Software Updates – be sure that your computer accepts and installs new software updates regularly so you have the latest security patches and plug any vulnerabilities that spyware may cause. Many operating systems and anti–virus packages include automatic updates that consumers should accept.
- —
Back–up Your Data – consumers should ensure that their music, photos and files are backed-up on a regular basis. HiWired has found that one in four computer users face data loss every year through theft or losing their PC, viruses, or other problems.
- —
PC Check & Connect – run diagnostics. HiWired offers its members a free analysis of their desktop or laptop that evaluates the operation of the system, telling you where current or potential problems lie.
How HiWired Can Help
For those consumers who are looking for expert assistance in performing this bi–annual tune–up, HiWired offers 24/7 assistance from US–based technicians either over the phone at 888–MY–HIWIRED (888–694–4947) or via online chat at www.hiwired.com
Services offered include:
-
PC Check & Connect — performance and vulnerability scan to diagnose overall PC Health
-
PC Restoration — complete virus scan, security patch updates, software installation and configuration service to get computers running like new
-
PC Guardian — PC Restoration & Unlimited Data Backup to keep your data and precious files safe and secure
-
Unlimited Data Back–up — Regular, scheduled back-up of photos, music, important files, etc.
About HiWired
Founded in 2004 by IBM services veterans Singu Srinivas and Michael Wexler, HiWired provides retailers, broadband providers, small businesses and consumers with immediate, expert support for the PC and any technology that integrates with the PC including wireless networks, iPods, digital cameras, and smartphones.
Through its remote technology management services HiWired makes it simple for consumers and small businesses to utilize, enjoy and integrate their technology. HiWired offers incident–based and ongoing remote technical support for customers struggling with technology tasks ranging from setup of new computers and digital devices to problem solving with more complicated technology and networking configurations. For more information visit www.hiwired.com
HiWired Media Contacts:
Cheryl Delgreco
Media Strategies
617.723.4004
cdelgreco@msipr.com
Liora Bram
Media Strategies
617.864.3931
lbram@msipr.com