Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: How do I pick the right computer?
A: First list what you want to do with the computer, second make a
priority list: Speed, Price, Functionality, Appearance, Warranty,
Reputation, Upgradability, and Life Expectancy. If price is the
number one priority and speed is the number 8 then bargain shopping
is the way to go and expect a 3 year life expectancy. If price is a
concern but functionality is more of a concern and upgradability is
near the bottom of your list then I recommend a Dell Dimension
computer with a 3 year warranty. If speed, upgradability, or life
expectancy is your number one concern then I recommend a Dell
Optiplex or Precision computer. Do not be fooled by a list of specs
on a sell sheet. Comparison shop, research and speak with our
technicians. We are not salesmen, we are technicians so we know what
works and what doesn't.
Q: How do I dispose of my old
computer?
A: Take it to the store where you bought the new one. That is the
cheapest and safest method for disposing of potentially hazardous
materials. Besides the store collected Environmental Impact Fees
from you for the disposal of your old unit. The next question
usually is How do I get all my data off my old computer and
prevent anyone from retrieving it? This requires either some
sophisticated software or a little labor to physically destroy the
hard drive. Software such as WipeDrive from WhiteCanyon Software
promises to use DOD level technology to erase the contents of a
drive and it is HIPAA compliant for erasing medical data.
Q: How do I know who to trust with my
computer?
A: This is an age old question and I do not have one answer;
however, I do know who not to trust: First and foremost do not trust
any popup ad. If a software designer is using popup ads to sell
their product it is most likely a scam just to get your money, this
goes double for free downloads. These downloads lead you to other
problems that result in solutions that can only be resolved by
purchasing something else! Go to our
Solutions page and
there you will find software solutions that we have tried and tested
with positive results.
Q: Where can I find a good
backup solution?
A: Backup solutions come in various forms. There are several
considerations: price, user intervention, security. I list price
here because Microsoft has built into Windows backup solutions that
are absolutely free. In order to use this free software the user is
only required to provide a medium to backup to such as a flash or
external drive. I personally like Symantec Ghost because it makes a
complete backup of my drive including the operating system and all
installed programs. When security is of the most concern the
combining Ghost with a offsite backup is the most secure, that way
if the entire computer is a loss then the data is secure at an
offsite location.
Q: Why doesn't my computer
operate as fast as it did when it was new?
A: This question doesn't have just one answer. Computers slow down
for various reasons. Hardware failures while uncommon do occur in a
manner that allows the computer to still function but at a limited
state. Hard drive corruption is the most common hardware failure
that causes slow downs. The most common reason computers slow down
is viruses, malware, and adware. These malicious bits of software
get on a computer and cause the most frustrating havoc. Yes it is
true that Antivirus software does slowdown a computer; however, on a
decent computer the antivirus process will hardly be noticeable
except during an actual scan.
Q: [FWho is DAG]
A: DAG'S Computers was originally founded by Dianne and
Greg Heimann and thus the acronym DAG. When Darrel and his
wife Maria Guadalupe purchased DAG'S in 2005 they kept the acronym
DAG because it not only fit their names but is very familiar in the
San Diego community. Currently Darrel refers to DAG'S as Darrel and
Grandson's. See photo at right.
Q: What is Wireless N?
A: First the Wikipeda definition: 802.11n is a proposed amendment
which improves upon the previous 802.11 standards by adding
multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) and many other newer
features. Though there are already many products on the market based
on Draft 2.0 of this proposal, the TGn workgroup is not expected to
finalize the amendment until November 2008. I know that really
didn't answer the question. So in English, Wireless N technology
enables wireless devices to transmit and receive data much faster
than Wireless b or Wireless g. Wireless b is limited to 11mbps, g
goes up to 54mbps, and n claims speeds up to 300mbps. I personally
have only seen speeds up to 80mbps and that was with the transmitter
and receiver in the same room. Deciding on upgrading your system
should fist depend upon why you are considering it. If it is a new
purchase I would definitely recommend getting Wireless N over
Wireless G. However, if you are currently have issues with a
Wireless G device I would suggest diagnosing what the problem is
prior to upgrading; the upgrade may suffer from the same problem.
Examples include large mirrors and ceramic or stone tile on the
walls, electronic noise, and multiple users.
Q: [FAQ Question]
A: [FAQ Answer]
