In Home or Office Computer Repairs - Computer Professionals Unlimited (CPU) Austin, Texas (512) 351-7841

With all the talk about “Green  Computing” and doing things on the cheap these days, wouldn’t it be great if everyone was on board with it? It might actually work, revive the economy, and save the planet in the process.  But sadly some of us still haven’t gotten the memo on affordable living or green pc repair.    I recently saw an ABC special “Earth 2100” which painted a rather bleak scenario of the ravages of Energy shortage, Global Warming, and the plague of locusts, etc.  It painted a picture reminiscent of the Classic Film “Mad Max:  The Road Warrior”.   Though it is challenging, we don’t have to go quietly into that post-apocalyptic wasteland.   To quote one of my favorite childhood shows: “Six Million Dollar Man”:   “We have the technology”.   We have it for sure.  In fact we have it in our own backyard.  Of all the garden spots in Texas (and there are a lot) Austin could be said to be the greenest of them all.  Some of the greatest minds of the 20^th century live and work within the Travis County Limits.  The question remains, do we have the motivation?  Since’ less is more’, we all have to come together to do ‘less’, but also produce ‘more’ with scarce resources, and at the same time increase ‘Return on Investments’, instead of just continuing to rely on the standard (and expensive) “In-Your-Face” Advertising that just leads to more wasteful consumption.  (Insert Ad here ->)  Which is why  CPU says:  “Don’t replace that old Laptop Computer, REPAIR IT, for a fraction of the cost! – Available 7 days a week – Evenings and Weekends!… (512) 351-7841!… Call Now!… .Don’t Delay! ….Our Prices are INSANE!!!”

We must say goodbye to the old business model, with Caffeine-Laden sales pitches (Apologies), and High-Tech gimmicks, and start using our resources and time more effectively.  This not only reduces costs for the customer, but reduces waste and increases overall productivity, in the workplace, and in the home.  Many individuals and families operate home-based businesses and need to be cost conscious to reduce their overhead, just like any office-based business.  Many families have home networks that rival some offices.  And their budgets, and efficient use of their resources, is just as important as it is in a traditional business environment.  It all comes from the same place.  Cost overages in the home ultimately reduce disposable income that should be finding its way into the business world as increased sales.  This is what consumer “confidence”  (which is the driving force behind the overall GDP, last I checked) is all about.   So “Green” and “Lean” is our salvation and I, for one, view  the present economic downturn as a much needed and welcome wakeup call , that will help us can turn things around in time, lest we become like the inhabitants of the “The Road Warrior” and Mel Gibson has to dust off his chaps, and do battle on the highway with the Lone Biker of the Apocalypse (I plan on being that mechanic guy that hung by rubber suspenders, only over a huge microchip,  or mobile network switching station or something).

I used to hear a saying when I was a kid: “What’s the World Coming To?” Today I might change that to, “What’s the onsite service industry coming to these days?”…  “Isn’t anything affordable and  honorable anymore?”

America was built on hard work, innovation, and fairness. Those of us who are old enough, remember the late 50’s and 60’s, when the industrial boom after WWII gave everyone an auto in their garage.  We remember a time when people took pride in their work.  The average working person, accountant, janitor, or manager didn’t have the time or skills to fix it himself, and they needed it in the worst way.  Enter the car mechanic of the 1960’s and 70’s, whose reputation was legendary at the time.  “Yeah, all ya need is a new transmission and an overhaul!..”  I remember seeing an ad where a woman’s car broke down and now she had to spent the whole day finding a reputable mechanic at a low-price. Her question was: “How do I know I won’t get taken?”…

Transpose all that to the late 90’s and early 21st century and you have the modern version of the legendary, disreputable car mechanic, now in the computer service business, with the same anguished cry from cautious customers “How do I know I won’t get taken?”…  As it is in any industry, horror stories of complete high-tech highway robbery abound (usually sprouting up in numerous internet searches) a few bad apples give the rest of us a bad name.  “Those guys are con artists and shysters”, etc.   How can anyone with an ounce of moral fiber look at someone with a straight face and charge $75, $85, $95, or $125 an hour, or more, to service a computer that can be replaced second hand, with a warranty, for less than $300.00.  (for the record, CPU doesn’t charge by the hour - we give the prices up front regardless of the time involved) . There’s also the bait and switch tactic “$30.00 flat rate to fix any problem” (This isn’t the case with onsite or in-home service) In this case there are multiple hidden costs, upsells, and extra hardware that add up to either a very high rate or nothing done.   Or the fix is only a temporary bandaid like “virus removal” that includes absolutely no education, its sure bet it won’t last, and the victim (er, customer) will be back in a month.  What planet are they from?  Do they think people are stupid?

Well, you don’t have to carry a license to run a computer business, but its best if you do right by your customers, if you want to have customers.  One of the mottos I live by is:  “I’d rather keep customers than milk customers”.  What ever happened to good, solid, honest service at a discount?  Why can’t pc repairs be affordable and something that a skilled computer technician also takes pride in?  And if you stand by your work, you should come back and fix the same machine at no charge, for at least 3 months on software, and 6 months for hardware.  Just like the old saying “What goes around, comes around”.   The customer that that just got charged $50.00/hour for a bait and switch disappearing act, will inevitably see someone else advertising $40.00/hr tomorrow for the exact same work (sometimes not even as good) and know they were taken.  This is  hi-tech robbery.  (CPU won’t rob you - you have a right to protest - see CPU Bill of Rights - up front after a free diagnostic session, we stay until the job is finished, and we don’t disappear on you).

The moral of the story in business and in life - “You know you won’t get taken, when you’re both on the same side of the street”

Did you ever hear the expression “Trust is the coin of the realm”?  In business and in Life, Trust is Everything.  If you don’t trust your computer person or  web solutions provider (and vice versa), you’re risking everything.  Establishing trust doesn’t mean going out of your way to find something wrong, because it becomes a self-fullfilling prophecy.  If you go into any project with an attitude of mistrust, a reason or obstacle to a good working relationship will manifest itself, regardless of your technical expertise.  That’s why I make sure I establish this relationship with my customers right off the bat.  I’m not interested in enriching myself at my customer’s expense,  or in giving them any reason to believe this about me.  I just heard a video presentation by a self-help guru where he tells an outstanding story about his visit to a local business, and the relationship he had with the manager, that brilliantly illustrates the concept “Little Things Mean Everything”.  I completely agree. 

“Little Things” that people do, without being asked, and without guarantee of return are the backbone of every business relationship, including computer and web services.  Without the small demonstrations of goodwill and the trust they engender, the world stops spinning.  I firmly believe that if there is even an ounce of good feeling between the parties involved in any transaction, then even the most challenging of obstacles can be overcome.  

This is particularly true of the pc repairs and web services industry because you have technicians and web designers who are supposedly “gurus” explaining certain new concepts to their customers that they are either not familiar with or not particularly interested in.  Their primary concern is to get or keep their systems up and websites running and producing for them, by generating commerce, profits, artistic or social for the common good.  So trust between the tech or web “guru” is more essential than ever, and that’s why it is paramount to me and to the mission of CPU.  I stand behind everything I’ve pledged on this site and guarantee my work without hesitation.  The statement of principals is outlined in the “Computer Repair Bill of Rights”,  Value is given with “Free Tech Tips”, and my committment to establishing trust and client satisfaction is demonstrated in my work.    Without trust between people, “It’s the end of the World as we know it”. 

When it comes to modern technology, the old axiom can be adapted: Knowledge Equals Freedom (I don’t know the Latin “Oligne Quale Fredume” or something).  One of the things I’ve been hearing these days more and more, is that we need change in our economy, our lives, and our world in general.  It’s a classic refrain I hear again and again, things aren’t right with the world and we need to just “Fix It” and move on to the greener pastures that we know are our birthright.  Well, Rome, Austin, and our recurring service issues weren’t created  in a day, and we can’t solve anything by inaction.  Rather than expecting something to come down the pike and fix our problems for us, we have to grab the bull by the horns, and do it for ourselves whenever we can.  So, in the spirit of self-reliance and bootstrap individualism, I’m going to offer something to everyone who feels that they are powerless over their technology issues and want to take the initiative today and do something about it, once and for all.  First of all, Its free - You can’t get a lower price than that (At least that’s what they tell me).  So, this is a CPU Holiday Season, one-time offer, for all those who want to break out of fear and ignorance and into the light of practical computer knowledge.  If you call or email me (techtips@cpuaustin.com) anytime during the month of December (or sign-up for Free Tech Tips, with your first name and email address - You Will Not Be Spammed)  and reference this article (Code: “Knowlege=Freedom”), you will get up to 15 minutes of free Tech Support from me personally at CPU.  If we can’t resolve the issue during the call, or you feel that I’m giving you too much information to handle all at once, and you need to step back, I can email you a detailed solution to the problem that you can study at your leisure, and refer to in the future.  I can’t guarantee that you will be completely adept at these new skills (follow-up, or onsite training, at special do-it-yourself rates, may be needed) as a result of our call, but you will be infinitely better informed than you were before, and will most certainly know what rational, common-sense steps to take to resolve the problem, and also how to prevent it in the future (this is particularly true of virus/spyware issues).  If you want to be free of the chains that bind you to expensive service solutions, start by calling Randy at CPU, and taking advantage of this special opportunity to free yourself.

It’s official. The days of high-priced home or onsite computer services are over.  The writing is on the…Wall,…..St. (See Video Below)  What goes up, must eventually come down,… “spinning wheel, got to go round,…talkin’ ’bout your troubles it’s a cryin’ sin…” (apologies to Blood, Sweat, & Tears - boomers will know what I’m talkin’ bout).

“Affordable” and “Honorable” is the Key to our salvation.  Those guys who come to your home or business with their coordinated shirt/car ensemble have systematically overinflated their value like an inner tube.  We don’t have affordable repair service exactly because we never had it.  (See “Austin, A Computer Paradise?”)  I won’t get into the macroeconomic theory and bore you to tears, but hey, we’ve lost our manufacturing base, dude…and the service/information sector is what drives our economy these days.  These  trade workers in turn rely on the the average person of modest means to be able buy their skilled labor.  Just like the stock market overvaluation, the chest of the high-end repair technician has generally been overinflated by perception, or what the Wall Streeters like to call irrational exuberance”.  I can’t put it better than one of the most famous Streeters of all:

“How much is Enough, Gordon?”  “It’s not a question of Enough, buddy…It’s a zero-sum game…somebody wins, somebody loses”…..”The Illusion, has become reality…The more real it becomes, the more desperate, they want it, Capitalism at its finest…”

Great Scene…(Can’t wait for the sequel)…OK…I’m back.  So, just as the stocks fell from the precipice, so will the fortunes of the Mighty Tech Geek, unless he learns to follow the path of the righteous. What am I talking about?  Well, as above, so below.  Too often I get these laments from my clients: “I’m computer Illiterate…”, “I wish I knew more about how to repair them…”, etc.   Without realizing it, they’re giving us pseudo gurus artificial power.  When we reach a critical mass of people who start to realize this…the floodgates will burst, and if the stock market is any indication, its already happening…The Iron Gates of Adam Smith  are coming down on this nation with a loud clang.  The waters are seeking their own level in the markets as well as in the overall economy. Over-priced mortgages, products, and services can’t be sustained (even in the self-sufficient country of Texas). The simple fact of the Law of Economy is that you can’t live beyond your means for very long without having to pay it back at some point.   Why am saying all this?  Why do I continually rage against the machine of the corporate IT business?  Simply because I care.  I care about the future of my industry and my nation, and I don’t want the greed driven, corporate mindset, that dominates so much of this business, to ruin it for hard-working, honorable, people and their families.   I believe that the servicing of our pc’s and high-tech machinery needs to evolve into a more consumer-friendly model that starts with fairness in pricing, and moves into showing users, and owners how to be more self-reliant, and include training and free technical support in their already discounted rate programs. (See “Bill of Rights”)  I believe this because the philosophy of “everyone for themselves” isn’t working in our culture, and our very survival may depend on learning to look out for one another instead of just competing for rapidly diminishing resources.  (All we are is dust in the Wind…)  How the mighty have fallen…I wonder what G. Gecko will say in WSII…

CPU, the affordable alternative for small business website and SEO mareketing in Austin and Central Texas, announces a free email list marketing service for all web customers.

Do you need a way to manage your contact lists that is efficient and also associated with your domain name? CPU Lists Service is one of the most cost-effective and innovative ways to manage your client or contact list and do mass mailings on the web, as well as being an outstanding website promotion tool. In addition to providing comprehensive, SEO friendly website design and services for our customers, CPU is now offering Free Lists Service when you sign up for any of the web design, or Organic SEO marketing services we offer. Just email us at techtips@cpuaustin.com to sign-up or go to cpuaustin.com and click on “Preferred Customer Discount Form” to enter your information. We will call/email you back within 24 hours with a proposal to best suit your needs.

The Presidential election season is heating up with this year’s historic campaign, so I’ve decided to get patriotic and dedicate this article to the proposition that all computer users are created equal and endowed by their creator with certain inalienable onsite computer repair rights:

Article I: All citizens of Central Texas are entitled to Call CPU at (512) 351-7841 for free phone consultations prior to setting an appointment with CPU. And they have a right to know what is wrong with their computer as understood in the English language without excessive tech-speak. Everyone should have the right to the same affordable, timely, straight-forward, computer repair services.

Article II: Each computer owner is entitled to know the entire cost for the repair job confronting them, prior to the job being started. If something new comes up in the course of the work or the client wants to add something, then they will be given a chance to decide, by knowing the additional cost before more work is done. At CPU discount computer service is a right, not a privilege.  It is the CPU solemn oath that all prices on laptop repair, in-home computer service, and website design must be cost-effective for the customer, and cannot exceed 60% of the cost of purchasing a comparable used machine, with a 1-year warranty.

Article III: Each CPU customer has the equal right to have their computer serviced Day or Night (Even After-Hours), 7 Days a Week. And if they have a scheduling difficulty, then they are entitled to Free Pickup and Delivery if their machine has to be repaired at the CPU workshop.

Article IV: Each CPU customer has the right to (at least) a 3-month warranty on all repairs and installations that CPU performs, including software related, in accordance with the CPU standard guidelines for safe computing. Also, every client (or user) has the right to be trained in the skill-set of their choice so that they can use their new skills to prevent the same thing from happening again, and save money down the line.

Article V: Every CPU repair technician or consultant shall respect every question that the customer asks no matter how small or non-technical. Service technicians should have the humility not to patronize or talk-down to their clients, but treat them as people with equal potential to learn technical skills and procedures.

Article VI: All citizens of central Texas have the right to sign free tech support by signing up for “Tech Tips” on the CPU website by putting in their email address to receive information, or by phone, by calling (512) 351-7841. (They also have the right not to be spammed after signing up, because they will have the right to confirm or not to confirm with the first email they receive for the “Tech Tips” membership).

Article VII: All CPU customers have the right to receive free tech support by phone after the first service has been performed. This right cannot be taken from them regardless of the amount they spend initially, or on future projects and service calls.

Article VIII: CPU customers also have the added bonus right of receiving credits toward future work performed by CPU when they refer friends, family, and/or colleagues to CPU, and recommend its service to those future customers.

Article IX: All consumers have the God-given right not to worship computer repair techs as “Gurus” or think of them as “Geeks” somehow endowed with some other-worldly DNA that give them special abilities that the computer owners can’t develop on their own.

Article X: CPU Customers are entitled to be trained at discount rates, in any computing or Web Site Development technique that they choose, so that CPU is more available to carry its message of computer repair enlightenment to others seeking to break the bonds of computer service disinformation that afflicts the good folk of our land. God Bless Austin, Texas, and God Bless America!

Announcing CPU’s most recent way to reduce the cost of computer repair and tech support in Austin Texas. All you do is go to cpuaustin.com and sign up to get access to “Tech Tips” - a reference library of online technical support. Also, for those who sign up for the “Preferred Customer” Program get a free phone, email, or online consultation with a CPU Tech, and a discount off CPU Onsite Service when they complete the consultation. “Tech Tips” is a convenient way to get after hours, late-night, or weekend, computer service. We also offer computer training at all levels. Call CPU at 512-351-7841, or email techtips@cpuaustin.com for inquiries into this new cost saving solution to the high-cost of onsite computer repair services in Austin.

If you’ve had the fortitude to read my previous rants, you’ve been introduced to my philosophy about Computer Repairs and Service. The “Don’t Replace it, Repair it,  Onsite Computer Services should be affordable, reliable, and effective” - message is by now, I’m sure, very clear to most.

This time I want to address the self-styled Do-It-Yourself Home PC Computer Techs out there who are fearless and resourceful and aren’t burdened by any apprehensive inhibitions when it comes to opening up their own desktop and laptop computers and diving in. First of all Austin, Texas is a high-tech city with major companies like Dell, IBM, and Samsung dotting its landscape. So the rational minded individual can naturally conclude that there are a lot of Home computer and small business network users who feel comfortable setting up their own computer systems and LANs (even wireless networks), cleaning out Viruses and Spyware, etc. This is a good thing because more people are becoming enlightened and educating themselves in the field of computer repair and contributing to overall productivity in the process, which in turn helps the local economy.

There are some pitfalls to the DIY mindset:

First, If you are a developer, or programmer, or other assorted guru, don’t assume you know what to do concerning computer hardware, just because you can work magic in the world of high-level code. You need to get familiar with the basic physical structure of the machine that produces the machine level code and proven diagnostic methods. For example, If you don’t want to call the likes of CPU or other full time onsite computer technician first, at least use “The Google”. You’d be surprised what kind of revelations you can get from a quick consultation with the oracle.

Allow me to dramatize - Case in Point - (aka “Don’t try this at home”):

I was once contacted by an individual who made the fatal mistake of underestimating his computer hardware and pulled the heat sink off his motherboard only (presumably to fix something - although the only reason to do this is to replace it, your CPU Fan, or your Main Processor) to find some strange looking pins on the bottom, “What are those things? Hmm…. looks like everything is ok with the heat sink, though , so I’ll just put it back…(just checking). Ummmh…there…..Funny, the clips are tighter than I thought they would be, I’ll just press the heat sink down a little more and see if that helps. Ahh,… there, its back in place, nice and tight. Wait a minute?!!!…whats that strange beeping sound coming from my motherboard, and why isn’t my monitor lighting up when I turn my computer on?!!! I put everything back, why isn’t it working?!!!”.

Rude Awakening #1 (Cue in Theme to 2001 space Odyssey…If only todays computers were, like Hal - “What are you doing, Dave?… Why are you forcing my main processor back into its socket 9000 without lining up the pins? I’ve concluded that you’ve gone mad, Dave, and I will have to take corrective action”…transmission over… I dream of the days when computers can help save us from our selves, with, of course, certain ethical protocol firmware hardwired into their CMOS least we end up with BSG Cylons or liquid metal Terminators). Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by HAL 9000 do not necessarily reflect the views of CPU or its management.

The moral of the story is this: Don’t assume you know what your doing in an area your not trained in, just because you work in an air conditioned office and have a title longer than your name on the personnel sign-in sheet. Breakdown and use “The Google” or call CPU today (512) 351-7841.

(Tech Tip: Thermal Creme often gums up with the intense heat of the processor, and often causes it to stick to the bottom of the heat sink when you pull it out - its not mean’t to be put back in while still adhered to the bottom of the heat sink - even if you realize what it is in time (I give credits) - try separating them and putting the processor back in first). Use Tech Tips at your own risk - CPU is not responsible for your inability to determine your own inability.

When you think of low-priced, full-service, onsite computer repairs, for residential and business in Austin, TX, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Nothing? That’s right! That’s because very few full-service computer repair shops in Austin, or anywhere else, have the courage to advertise their services that way and mean it. The general attitude is that if you put the words “inexpensive computer repairs”, “low cost computer service”, “low- priced computer repairs”, or even “affordable computer repairs” in ads or company slogans, that somehow the work will be devalued and diminish revenue to the point of no return. CPU doesn’t base it’s prices or services on this kind of business model. After 18 years in the computer business, we believe that computer support shouldn’t just be a luxury like a maid or a gardener (although some hobbyists like to do their own gardening as well as their own computer service). What some in-home computer service companies fail to understand, is when you provide affordable service, it increases the demand for those services, and ultimately, the value of their services increase as a percentage of total market share, which benefits everyone. That’s what democratic, free-market computer repair service is all about. Computer Professionals Unlimited models its mission after the creator of the Model A Ford, that is: in-home and small business, onsite computer service and support, for everyone, no matter what income level, occupation, creed, national origin, etc. In-Home, In-Office, Small Business, Residential, Mobile, Remote, Laptop Repairs, Free-Pickup and Delivery and more! No one is left out, all will share in the Bounty! Because this is America! It’s the democratic spirit of computer support inclusiveness upon which America and the great city of Austin, Texas was founded! And the greatness of the Founders Vision like Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and John Adams, Davy Crocket, Jim Bowie, Sam Houston, Steve Austin, etc. (Sorry, its a presidential election year and I can’t help getting patriotic - and nostalgic… you may say I’m a dreamer but I’m not the only one…The spirit of John Lennon’s Vision lives on in the mission of our company as well).