Well, all the talk today is about Troy Lafferty with Techmedics and the serious problems he has caused himself.
I am completely appalled at the actions of Mr. Lafferty, we at Raptor PCS are disgusted every day at the lengths we see criminals go to steal from innocent people using virus’ and spyware, but this takes the cake.
A wolf in sheeps clothing, I don’t think anyone saw that coming.
However, it seems that there may be a little misconception on the actions of Mr. Lafferty due to the fact that he Owned and Operated Techmedics (a computer repair shop), that I would like to comment on…
First and foremost is the crime he is charged, Identity Theft, specifically using other people’s information to apply for credit cards. In order to apply for a credit card there are three (3) things you need:
1. Full Name
2. Birth Date
3. Social Security Number
Now ask yourself, do you have all three (3) of these pieces of information stored on your PC? Remember, there is no magic way of getting this information off of your computer, if you did not put them there, then they are not there. Of these pieces of information, SSN is going to be the hardest to get and I think most people would agree that they have not saved their SSN on their computer (if you have, you really should not do that).
So how did he get this information? I really do not believe he got this information through customers personal computers, I suspect he got this information through other means. Again, ask yourself, to whom do you give your social security number too?
Here is the link to Mr. Lafferty’s linkedin information, he has a very short work history, however I can’t help but think I see something I would definitely like a reassuring answer too, how about you?
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
How to remove a Virus or Spyware
Ok, here it is, I have been asked this question so many times I thought I would finally write a blog about it.
For starters let’s get this out of the way first. Raptor PCS in no way recommends anyone actually use the below stated techniques at any time. This information is simply being decimated for those that may be interested. Using the below technique can easily cause your computer to become unusable or worse yet loose all your data that may be very dear to you. Raptor PCS is in no way responsible for your actions in the event that you disregard our strong objection to using this information yourself.
Lastly, Raptor PCS does not use this technique to remove viruses, it is far too unreliable for the enormous volume of computers that we service.
What you will need:
-CD Burner
-Windows XP (Actual Retail CD, if you use another cd you may be in violation of Microsofts Licence agreement)
-Ultimate Boot CD for Windows (UBCD4Win)
-CD Image burning software
-Years of experience (I have 20 years under my belt)
Getting Started:
If you have any questions about installation or configuring UBCD4Win there are support forums and lots of information out there, please don't ask us.
-First, find and download Ultimate Boot CD for Windows aka. UBCD4Win
-Install UBCD4Win
-Run UBCD4WinBuilder
-Click on the Plugins button and configure the applications that you would like to include on the CD
-When you are done with the plugins, make sure your windows cd is in the cdrom and click build
-After you click build, an ISO image will be created where you specified
-Use your burning software and burn the ISO to a CD
Next:
-Put your newly created cd in the computer you wish to repair and boot from the cd. If you do not know how to boot from a cd, there are many resources on line that can help you, however every machine is different so there is no one answer to this question.
-Once the cd is booted you will be able to run the programs that you chose, such as virus or spyware cleaning programs. Remote registry is very handy (and dangerous), along with EZPCFix ( yea right :), don't let the name fool you).
Finally:
-In the hands of the right person, this (and many hours of work) is all you need to fix your computer.
Please do not call, email or use our forums for clarification or questions on this blog, again this is simply information for you and there are many resources online that address every question that you may have.
Thanks,
John Sistad
Raptor PCS
Grand Cities Mall
Grand Forks, ND
For starters let’s get this out of the way first. Raptor PCS in no way recommends anyone actually use the below stated techniques at any time. This information is simply being decimated for those that may be interested. Using the below technique can easily cause your computer to become unusable or worse yet loose all your data that may be very dear to you. Raptor PCS is in no way responsible for your actions in the event that you disregard our strong objection to using this information yourself.
Lastly, Raptor PCS does not use this technique to remove viruses, it is far too unreliable for the enormous volume of computers that we service.
What you will need:
-CD Burner
-Windows XP (Actual Retail CD, if you use another cd you may be in violation of Microsofts Licence agreement)
-Ultimate Boot CD for Windows (UBCD4Win)
-CD Image burning software
-Years of experience (I have 20 years under my belt)
Getting Started:
If you have any questions about installation or configuring UBCD4Win there are support forums and lots of information out there, please don't ask us.
-First, find and download Ultimate Boot CD for Windows aka. UBCD4Win
-Install UBCD4Win
-Run UBCD4WinBuilder
-Click on the Plugins button and configure the applications that you would like to include on the CD
-When you are done with the plugins, make sure your windows cd is in the cdrom and click build
-After you click build, an ISO image will be created where you specified
-Use your burning software and burn the ISO to a CD
Next:
-Put your newly created cd in the computer you wish to repair and boot from the cd. If you do not know how to boot from a cd, there are many resources on line that can help you, however every machine is different so there is no one answer to this question.
-Once the cd is booted you will be able to run the programs that you chose, such as virus or spyware cleaning programs. Remote registry is very handy (and dangerous), along with EZPCFix ( yea right :), don't let the name fool you).
Finally:
-In the hands of the right person, this (and many hours of work) is all you need to fix your computer.
Please do not call, email or use our forums for clarification or questions on this blog, again this is simply information for you and there are many resources online that address every question that you may have.
Thanks,
John Sistad
Raptor PCS
Grand Cities Mall
Grand Forks, ND
Friday, February 19, 2010
Virus/Spyware and Protection
Well, this is one hot topic if I don't say so myself! Just to clarify, I am writting about computer and peripheral viruses and not illnesses. However, the computer virus can be thought of much like an illness virus. They spread fast and some are more malicious than others. Below you will find the most common questions and answers.
What is a virus?
Defintion of a computer virus: "A computer virus is defined as a program that is designed to replicate and copy itself into other computer programs of which it may be benign or have an adverse effect of which the programs will respond in a negative manner or can cause the memory to have corrupted data are such examples". (The Heritage Dictionary of the English Language copyright 2000 Houghton Mifflin Co. Update 2009, freedictionary.com, Febuary 19, 2010.
How am I getting viruses?
Originally, John and I had estimated that 1:100 websites had a virus. Interestingly enough, we had received an email from BitDefender on quite a surprising update (naturally, there was an offer to repurchase BitDefender (we do use BitDefender and CA Antivirus on our business and personal machines). Anyhow, here it is: "Did you know that everytime you visit a website, open an email or download files from the Internet, your computer is exposed to more than 3,300,000 PC viruses that exist today!
Yes, Facebook and those social networking websites, in addition to peer to peer sites i.e. Limewire have viruses as well.
As a matter of fact, it was reported in the Grand Forks Herald of parking tickets with the web address horribleparking.com (dont go there heh) that were distributed at UND and Hugos to name a few. The most interesting thing about this is the crossing from the virtual world to the physical world. If you missed the article here is the second part of it that was in the news. www.allbusiness.com/technology/software-services-applications-online/12026351-1.html
Cybercrime is an exploding and lucrative business, if you will, because a person collecting the information can be anywhere in the world and might I remind you we really have no "internet police" nor any solid laws pertaining to cybercrime.
What is the best antivirus/I have antivirus?
First Part: This is a very arbituary question. In the nearly 4 years of operating Raptor PCS, we have learned two main things. The first one is that the people's choice on antivirus is a very perferential thing. One person may just love one program to death, while another client will hate it and the reasons vary greatly. It can be simple as how pretty the UI (user interface) looks and feels to one client and the client may feel it does an awesome job, while another client may be feeling that the program is not performing well.
Second Part: I have a Jinx shirt that reads "Not Even Norton Can Protect You". Anything software based can be comprimised. We estimated that antivirus catches about 70% of the viruses, but is not 100%.
Tips on purchasing antivirus?
When I get this question the only 100% way not to get a virus would be to unplug from the internet! Otherwise, here are some tips:
Definition of Spyware aka Malware: is defined as a program of which installs itself on an unsuspecting person's computer without the person's knowledge and then transmits information on the person's internet activities without the person's consent. (meriam-webster.com/dictionary/spyware, Febuary 20, 2010
Our personal story:
One day 4 years ago or so we had noticed a charge on our bank card and after much discussion we concluded that neither one of us had made the purchase. John had called the number next to the charge to find out who they were (they were a legitimate company) and what was purchased as well as what the email address was and the mailing address and we said that we had not made the purchase. So, we went to the bank and explained to them what had happened and gave them all of the information. In the end we were told that the credit card company had said that the CVV2 had made used and since that is the "security" for the card (another words nobody could ever get that number) that we would not be covered. At the time we knew that was the biggest crock, but what could we do. We did get new cards. While I do not know whether our information was compromised by a virus or not, the moral is that identity theft is Huge and there are more and more cases of it occurring in our communities.
In short, viruses should not be taken lightly. It is reported that there are keylogger viruses (logs login information), viruses that turn on webcams and streams the video, steals data to name a few.
Just for fun I have linked a website for a virus timeline www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0872842.html Interestly enough, if the timeline is accurate, some of the first viruses were developed for the Apple II. Just some humor since I recently viewed a uTube video by Apple vs PC and it was about the Apples not having virus'. Moreover, it is noted that in 2005 was the time when a virus first appeared on a cell phone. hmmm
Sincerely,
Misty Sistad
Raptor PCS
What is a virus?
Defintion of a computer virus: "A computer virus is defined as a program that is designed to replicate and copy itself into other computer programs of which it may be benign or have an adverse effect of which the programs will respond in a negative manner or can cause the memory to have corrupted data are such examples". (The Heritage Dictionary of the English Language copyright 2000 Houghton Mifflin Co. Update 2009, freedictionary.com, Febuary 19, 2010.
How am I getting viruses?
Originally, John and I had estimated that 1:100 websites had a virus. Interestingly enough, we had received an email from BitDefender on quite a surprising update (naturally, there was an offer to repurchase BitDefender (we do use BitDefender and CA Antivirus on our business and personal machines). Anyhow, here it is: "Did you know that everytime you visit a website, open an email or download files from the Internet, your computer is exposed to more than 3,300,000 PC viruses that exist today!
- A victim of identity theft can spend an average of 165 hours recovering losses
- 1:10 websites could infect your PC
- Cybercrime has surpassed illegal drug trafficking as a criminal money maker
- The average cost to repair identity theft is over $1800.00
Yes, Facebook and those social networking websites, in addition to peer to peer sites i.e. Limewire have viruses as well.
As a matter of fact, it was reported in the Grand Forks Herald of parking tickets with the web address horribleparking.com (dont go there heh) that were distributed at UND and Hugos to name a few. The most interesting thing about this is the crossing from the virtual world to the physical world. If you missed the article here is the second part of it that was in the news. www.allbusiness.com/technology/software-services-applications-online/12026351-1.html
Cybercrime is an exploding and lucrative business, if you will, because a person collecting the information can be anywhere in the world and might I remind you we really have no "internet police" nor any solid laws pertaining to cybercrime.
What is the best antivirus/I have antivirus?
First Part: This is a very arbituary question. In the nearly 4 years of operating Raptor PCS, we have learned two main things. The first one is that the people's choice on antivirus is a very perferential thing. One person may just love one program to death, while another client will hate it and the reasons vary greatly. It can be simple as how pretty the UI (user interface) looks and feels to one client and the client may feel it does an awesome job, while another client may be feeling that the program is not performing well.
Second Part: I have a Jinx shirt that reads "Not Even Norton Can Protect You". Anything software based can be comprimised. We estimated that antivirus catches about 70% of the viruses, but is not 100%.
Tips on purchasing antivirus?
- When I buy a program I look at the Perferred Hardware Req. and then I usually add more resources so that when I am using my machine and the antivirus program kicks on to scan email or what have you and I am doing 10 other things on my machine (which I often am), I can keep working and my machine and it is still reponding nicely to everything that I am doing. Don't forget to uninstall the old expired program
- Antivirus is licensed software, I buy so I have a tangible product. Getting your software via a download and an email containing your code is very riskey
- Purchased antivirus has more security features than Free
How do I get rid of a virus?
John and I have discussed this and we have decided to take the time at some point and post the "old school way" of getting rid of viruses. when we do I will not be accepting any responsiblity, I will not not accept phones calls on what does this mean, how do I do that, where do I get this. All of that and more will be reiterated at that time. It is by no means "just pushing buttons" as one guy put it. Our method for virus cleaning was conceived and developed by John over several years. We call it SOVAC (State of the Art Virus Cleaning).
How can I not get viruses?When I get this question the only 100% way not to get a virus would be to unplug from the internet! Otherwise, here are some tips:
- Use a router (see FAQ What is a router?)
- Keep an active copy of an antivirus on your machines
- Do the antivirus updates
- Do Windows updates
- Stay off of peer to peer sites (not to mention peer to peer sites are often regarded as places to get pirated music, movies and software... piracy is illegal cause it is stealing
- When you Google a query before you start clicking on the list that was populated you should look at where it is going to take you (look at the URL)
- NEVER enter your bank number in one of those antivirus popups (it is phishing for you money) On Febuary 18, 2010 I had a really good client of mine call up and say that he made a terrible mistake and had entered his cc in one of those popups. He goes to the bank and they agree to have his back and give him his money back. But the funny part is this: the bank asks him if he acn get the number so they can call them and so they can get their money back!!
Definition of Spyware aka Malware: is defined as a program of which installs itself on an unsuspecting person's computer without the person's knowledge and then transmits information on the person's internet activities without the person's consent. (meriam-webster.com/dictionary/spyware, Febuary 20, 2010
Our personal story:
One day 4 years ago or so we had noticed a charge on our bank card and after much discussion we concluded that neither one of us had made the purchase. John had called the number next to the charge to find out who they were (they were a legitimate company) and what was purchased as well as what the email address was and the mailing address and we said that we had not made the purchase. So, we went to the bank and explained to them what had happened and gave them all of the information. In the end we were told that the credit card company had said that the CVV2 had made used and since that is the "security" for the card (another words nobody could ever get that number) that we would not be covered. At the time we knew that was the biggest crock, but what could we do. We did get new cards. While I do not know whether our information was compromised by a virus or not, the moral is that identity theft is Huge and there are more and more cases of it occurring in our communities.
In short, viruses should not be taken lightly. It is reported that there are keylogger viruses (logs login information), viruses that turn on webcams and streams the video, steals data to name a few.
Just for fun I have linked a website for a virus timeline www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0872842.html Interestly enough, if the timeline is accurate, some of the first viruses were developed for the Apple II. Just some humor since I recently viewed a uTube video by Apple vs PC and it was about the Apples not having virus'. Moreover, it is noted that in 2005 was the time when a virus first appeared on a cell phone. hmmm
Sincerely,
Misty Sistad
Raptor PCS
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Laptops
On a daily basis we get asked a lot of questions about laptops. Therefore, below I have compiled the most common questions or insight and my typical answers:
Overview: Sometimes, because we are in a position to identify laptops that show abnormal problems that can range anywhere from: motherboards, mobile video cards; wireless nic cards to name a few of the most common that fail prematurely due to a manufacture design flaw. However, we do not consult on the problems that may or may not exist with other manufacture's laptops.
1. What is the best laptop to buy?
Heh. Sometimes when a client asks this question they will request our assistance in choosing the "best" from our competitor : ) Sorry, we do not engage in this type of conversation, we may however, drop you a few hints ; )
Currently, we only sell one brand of laptop and that is ASUS. They are exremely seasoned in what they do and they offer alot! Most, not all, of ASUS laptops come with a 2 year parts and labor global and 1 year accidental (must register to get the 1 year accidental). All warranty shipping is paid for by ASUS. On another note, not all ASUS laptops sold by other retailers carry the same warranty. More importantly is they back up their warranty! Lastly, the starting price for the current models on the market range anywhere from $800 on up.
The next one is not really a question, but rather a huge problem in how people are using their laptops.
I would estimate that as many as 99% of the laptops are used in this manner. The number one is people "smother" their machines and by that I mean they are using them on their beds, laps, furniture and carpet are the places that I can think of off the top of my head. If you use your machine on carpet you risk shocking the machine with electricity. If you use your machine in this manner you risk seriously damaging harddrives (that is where all your data is stored), motherboards, processors, video cards to the point of buying a new machine.
Intel processors have a fail safe built in them that if they reach 90 C (really hot) the machine will automatically shut down and this is to protect itself, not annoy you. Lol. However, I find many clients continue to push the power button.
When a machine is shut down improperly (even if you are not doing anything with it at the moment, bad data is written to the harddrive and many people will experience a boot cycle where it will ask you to start windows normally and then the process starts over.
In addition, laptops collect alot of lint and dust of which needs to be cleaned out periodically. This is a heating problem and can restrict your cooling fans from functioning properly. I have actually seen enough debris accumulate in a laptop that it looked like mouse bedding!
Sometimes the fans themselves stop functioning and need to be replaced.
Lastly, as a result of people using their laptops on their legs, bedding and so on, they often rub off the Licensed Code for their operating system and well, if you can not provide a code than you have to repurchase it of which will set you back anywhere from $120.00 to $400.00! If you purchase a laptop than I recommend purchasing a laptop cooler as well, they are a really good investment!
Furthermore, when purchasing a laptop here are some things that an owner or potential owner should consider:
I have yet to see a laptop battery that just blew me away and actually lasted a long time. I have not really kept tracked, but if a I had to venture to guess on the lifespan on a laptop battery I would probably guess 6 months.
It is extremely common for the lcd screens to have to be replaced either because it has expired, dropped or what have you. They currently start at $170.00 for new and $75.00 for used.
Inverters are also very common to have to be replaced. If you have ever had a dim screen that is not the result of dimming it yourself, alot of times the inverter needs to be replaced. New start at $80.00 and used $40.00.
Keyboards run anywhere from $35.00 to $100.00 and that could be new or used.
Laptop DC pins cost $150.00
Hardware such as harddrives and ram will cost you more for a laptop over a desktop.
Lastly, all of the goods that we sell are from reputable distributors. I don't do ebay or fly by night places.
Best Regards,
Misty Sistad
Manager
Raptor PCS
1726 S. Washington St.
Grand Forks, ND 58201
Overview: Sometimes, because we are in a position to identify laptops that show abnormal problems that can range anywhere from: motherboards, mobile video cards; wireless nic cards to name a few of the most common that fail prematurely due to a manufacture design flaw. However, we do not consult on the problems that may or may not exist with other manufacture's laptops.
1. What is the best laptop to buy?
Heh. Sometimes when a client asks this question they will request our assistance in choosing the "best" from our competitor : ) Sorry, we do not engage in this type of conversation, we may however, drop you a few hints ; )
Currently, we only sell one brand of laptop and that is ASUS. They are exremely seasoned in what they do and they offer alot! Most, not all, of ASUS laptops come with a 2 year parts and labor global and 1 year accidental (must register to get the 1 year accidental). All warranty shipping is paid for by ASUS. On another note, not all ASUS laptops sold by other retailers carry the same warranty. More importantly is they back up their warranty! Lastly, the starting price for the current models on the market range anywhere from $800 on up.
The next one is not really a question, but rather a huge problem in how people are using their laptops.
I would estimate that as many as 99% of the laptops are used in this manner. The number one is people "smother" their machines and by that I mean they are using them on their beds, laps, furniture and carpet are the places that I can think of off the top of my head. If you use your machine on carpet you risk shocking the machine with electricity. If you use your machine in this manner you risk seriously damaging harddrives (that is where all your data is stored), motherboards, processors, video cards to the point of buying a new machine.
Intel processors have a fail safe built in them that if they reach 90 C (really hot) the machine will automatically shut down and this is to protect itself, not annoy you. Lol. However, I find many clients continue to push the power button.
When a machine is shut down improperly (even if you are not doing anything with it at the moment, bad data is written to the harddrive and many people will experience a boot cycle where it will ask you to start windows normally and then the process starts over.
In addition, laptops collect alot of lint and dust of which needs to be cleaned out periodically. This is a heating problem and can restrict your cooling fans from functioning properly. I have actually seen enough debris accumulate in a laptop that it looked like mouse bedding!
Sometimes the fans themselves stop functioning and need to be replaced.
Lastly, as a result of people using their laptops on their legs, bedding and so on, they often rub off the Licensed Code for their operating system and well, if you can not provide a code than you have to repurchase it of which will set you back anywhere from $120.00 to $400.00! If you purchase a laptop than I recommend purchasing a laptop cooler as well, they are a really good investment!
Furthermore, when purchasing a laptop here are some things that an owner or potential owner should consider:
I have yet to see a laptop battery that just blew me away and actually lasted a long time. I have not really kept tracked, but if a I had to venture to guess on the lifespan on a laptop battery I would probably guess 6 months.
It is extremely common for the lcd screens to have to be replaced either because it has expired, dropped or what have you. They currently start at $170.00 for new and $75.00 for used.
Inverters are also very common to have to be replaced. If you have ever had a dim screen that is not the result of dimming it yourself, alot of times the inverter needs to be replaced. New start at $80.00 and used $40.00.
Keyboards run anywhere from $35.00 to $100.00 and that could be new or used.
Laptop DC pins cost $150.00
Hardware such as harddrives and ram will cost you more for a laptop over a desktop.
Lastly, all of the goods that we sell are from reputable distributors. I don't do ebay or fly by night places.
Best Regards,
Misty Sistad
Manager
Raptor PCS
1726 S. Washington St.
Grand Forks, ND 58201
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Verizon Authorized Retailer
History:
Another service that Raptor PCS offers is sales and service as a Verizon Wireless Authorized Retailer. In July of 2007 Raptor PCS acquired an existing business that was a Verizon Authorized Retailer and merged it with Raptor PCS.
What is a Verizon Authorized Retailer:
Some businesses such as Raptor PCS maintain their identity by having the business name prominate either through signage or other means and on a smaller scale to their signage have Verizon Wireless Authorized Retailer signage. While other businesses do the opposite and have Verizon Wireless Authorized Premuim Retailer as their prominate signage and their business name is then noted on a smaller scale. Being a Verizon Wireless Authorized Retailer or Premium Retailer enables an establishment to conduct business on behalf of Verizon and in most cases offer the same or more service to their clients.
* The difference between an Authorized Retailer is that there is only one location, while a Premium Retailer has two or more locations. We perfer to be Raptor PCS and that we are a Verizon Wireless Authorized Retailer.
* The difference between an Authorized Retailer is that there is only one location, while a Premium Retailer has two or more locations. We perfer to be Raptor PCS and that we are a Verizon Wireless Authorized Retailer.
Sales:
Businesses can set their own prices on the phones and accessories.
Verizon Wireless Corp. Online vs. Brick and Mortor: Contrary to what some people may believe that purchasing your phone online vs. a Brick and Mortor store is cheaper. The fact is that is an illusion. There is two advantages, one of which is that you do not have to deal with an online mail-in rebate in most cases because the online store offers it as an instant rebate and lastly, nothing needs to signed. In fact, Verizon Wireless Online as well as their brick and mortor stores do charge a $20.00 upgrade fee and charge $10.00 for contact transfer and $20.00 data transfer i.e. pictures and will waive that fee for various reasons which may include a promotion to upgrade a phone. Alot of Authorized Retailers do not charge these fees, however they may charge a contact/data and/or service fees if you did not purchase your equipment from them. The fact of the matter is that the equipment we use does cost us money, however we choose not to pass that on to the client. Raptor PCS is working to bring our phone prices online in the very near future so that you may have the ease to price shop from the convenience of your home.
Verizon Wireless Corp. Online vs. Brick and Mortor: Contrary to what some people may believe that purchasing your phone online vs. a Brick and Mortor store is cheaper. The fact is that is an illusion. There is two advantages, one of which is that you do not have to deal with an online mail-in rebate in most cases because the online store offers it as an instant rebate and lastly, nothing needs to signed. In fact, Verizon Wireless Online as well as their brick and mortor stores do charge a $20.00 upgrade fee and charge $10.00 for contact transfer and $20.00 data transfer i.e. pictures and will waive that fee for various reasons which may include a promotion to upgrade a phone. Alot of Authorized Retailers do not charge these fees, however they may charge a contact/data and/or service fees if you did not purchase your equipment from them. The fact of the matter is that the equipment we use does cost us money, however we choose not to pass that on to the client. Raptor PCS is working to bring our phone prices online in the very near future so that you may have the ease to price shop from the convenience of your home.
Primary Lines and Secondary Lines (Add-A-Lines):
Primary lines is the main line on the account and there is only one Primary line. The Primary line is subsidized (cheaper) than those of the Add-A-Lines. Moreover, when the line (s) are being upgraded or new service is activated the Primary account holder must be present to sign. This is because the primary person is responsible for the account.
Service:
Everybody handles this in a different manner. The manner in which we offer the service aspect of it is that I operate with integrity, honesty and a matter of fact demeanor. If you happen to stop in the store, you will find that we do not have the walls lined with the 75 different makes/models that are at that time on the market. We try to weed out the under performing phones and that could be that a particular model is of substandard quality or that some phones are duplicated if you will, but just look different. We do have access to all makes and models and can order it in unless if there is a shortage. Sometimes if you walk in a store that you did not purchase your equipment from for phone problems/billing you may or may not be helped and instructed that you need to go back to where you bought that equipment from, some may charge you for the service. The reason is because the person that made the money is responsible for all your needs. Now, when you are upgrade elgible or looking for new service you are free to go to whatever Authorized Retailer or Corporate store that you wish.
Insurance:
Lastly, I do recommend insurance on the phones, this industry with the manufactures is so aggressive that they can be buggy or some materials used sometimes are not the greatest. The reality of the phones is that while you may get a phone for free or free after mail-in-rebate or the end cost of a phone for the client is a hundred dollars after mail-in-rebate, the phones are very expensive. Take the Motorola Droid for example: right now that phone is $199.00 after mail-in-rebate, but the phone is somewhere between $500.00-$600.00 (I can not remember the amount). I, on occassion, do get someone who purchased a phone at another store and they did not get insurance nor was it explained to them how expensive the phones are. The person dropped the phone cracked the screen and then they walk in the store to request to buy another phone. If you are not a new service or an upgrade the phones are full price, so in that particular case the cost was $250.00 and she about fell over and told me she bought for $50.00 after mail-in-rebate.
In short, we are very competeive in pricing and service. We do not charge our clients for contact/data or service fees.
Misty Sistad
Manager
Raptor PCS
"No Lubrication Needed"
Misty Sistad
Manager
Raptor PCS
"No Lubrication Needed"
Saturday, August 29, 2009
No Lubrication Needed
Many people ask us how we came up with our slogan and what does it mean?
How we came up with our slogan:
Here is what we were looking for: Something catchy, would stick in peoples mind, would sum up our company in a few words and a slight "wow" factor ("Did he just say what I thought he said?").
It actually took over a year of exchanging ideas back and forth between my wife and I. One day a customer came into our store, he had just taken his computer to someone else and was not happy with the work they preformed and wanted to try a different company. Here is a summary of that conversation.
Customer: I am getting a blue screen and was just passing by your store and I was just wondering how much it would cost to repair?
Raptor PCS: 40 dollars
Customer: Per hour?
Raptor PCS: No, just 40 bucks, we just charge one flat fee for virtually every problem.
Customer: 40 bucks!? I just paid someone else $199 bucks and I still have the problem!
Raptor PCS: Not only do we only charge $40 dollars, we also guarantee our work, so if you are unhappy with our work simply bring it back and we will work on it for no additional charge.
Customer: "I got screwed!"
And he brought his computer in for service, we fixed it and he was very happy and has referred many others to us.
So, later that day we went out to eat and once again started talking more about our slogan. After we finished eating and were driving home I was a little frustrated that we just could not come up with a slogan we both liked. In my frustration, I thought about the customer that had come in earlier and just started throwing out really off the wall (funny) slogans. As soon as I said "Raptor PCS, No Lubrication Required", my wife looked at me and said "Oh, that’s good". "Really?" I said, "You don't think it’s to over the top?". "No, its edgy, it sums up our company philosophy and its very unique" my wife replied. After another hour or so, we had our new slogan.
What does it mean?
I think most people ask us this question just because they want to confirm what they already know it means. "No Lubrication Needed" means exactly that, at Raptor PCS you can be assured that you will not "get screwed".
John
President
Raptor PCS
How we came up with our slogan:
Here is what we were looking for: Something catchy, would stick in peoples mind, would sum up our company in a few words and a slight "wow" factor ("Did he just say what I thought he said?").
It actually took over a year of exchanging ideas back and forth between my wife and I. One day a customer came into our store, he had just taken his computer to someone else and was not happy with the work they preformed and wanted to try a different company. Here is a summary of that conversation.
Customer: I am getting a blue screen and was just passing by your store and I was just wondering how much it would cost to repair?
Raptor PCS: 40 dollars
Customer: Per hour?
Raptor PCS: No, just 40 bucks, we just charge one flat fee for virtually every problem.
Customer: 40 bucks!? I just paid someone else $199 bucks and I still have the problem!
Raptor PCS: Not only do we only charge $40 dollars, we also guarantee our work, so if you are unhappy with our work simply bring it back and we will work on it for no additional charge.
Customer: "I got screwed!"
And he brought his computer in for service, we fixed it and he was very happy and has referred many others to us.
So, later that day we went out to eat and once again started talking more about our slogan. After we finished eating and were driving home I was a little frustrated that we just could not come up with a slogan we both liked. In my frustration, I thought about the customer that had come in earlier and just started throwing out really off the wall (funny) slogans. As soon as I said "Raptor PCS, No Lubrication Required", my wife looked at me and said "Oh, that’s good". "Really?" I said, "You don't think it’s to over the top?". "No, its edgy, it sums up our company philosophy and its very unique" my wife replied. After another hour or so, we had our new slogan.
What does it mean?
I think most people ask us this question just because they want to confirm what they already know it means. "No Lubrication Needed" means exactly that, at Raptor PCS you can be assured that you will not "get screwed".
John
President
Raptor PCS
Friday, August 28, 2009
System Reinstall Process
What is a system reinstall?
After we have exhausted all avenues of repair we may need to reinstall the operating system. At Raptor PCS a system reinstall is an absolute last resort, not because we don’t like doing them, on the contrary a system reinstall is much easier than trying to find and correct software issues or repairing badly infected machines. We will literally spend days repairing a system before we are forced to reinstall while other companies will reinstall a system after a very short time, sometimes as low as one hour. This is how other companies can have very quick turn around times and be able to guarantee that a PC is ready at a specific time.
Pros of a reinstall:
1. Quick turn around, a reinstall can be completed in an hour or two
2. Removal of all “Bloatware/Crapware”, these are the programs that are preinstalled at the factory and are useless and only serve to slow your machine
3. All virus’ and software problems will be corrected
4. Hard drive space will be freed from programs that are no longer used
Cons of a reinstall:
1. Loss of all customizations
2. Loss of all programs preinstalled at the factory
3. Loss of all programs installed by the user
4. Loss of local email accounts
5. Loss of local email
6. Loss of data (Pictures, Music, Documents and more)
Every machine that we service, we treat as if were our own and your data is absolutely critical.
No matter how cautious a service company may be, the more system reinstalls they do, the more likely they will loose your precious data.
And that my friends is why we only do a system reinstall as a last resort.
John
President
Raptor PCS
After we have exhausted all avenues of repair we may need to reinstall the operating system. At Raptor PCS a system reinstall is an absolute last resort, not because we don’t like doing them, on the contrary a system reinstall is much easier than trying to find and correct software issues or repairing badly infected machines. We will literally spend days repairing a system before we are forced to reinstall while other companies will reinstall a system after a very short time, sometimes as low as one hour. This is how other companies can have very quick turn around times and be able to guarantee that a PC is ready at a specific time.
Pros of a reinstall:
1. Quick turn around, a reinstall can be completed in an hour or two
2. Removal of all “Bloatware/Crapware”, these are the programs that are preinstalled at the factory and are useless and only serve to slow your machine
3. All virus’ and software problems will be corrected
4. Hard drive space will be freed from programs that are no longer used
Cons of a reinstall:
1. Loss of all customizations
2. Loss of all programs preinstalled at the factory
3. Loss of all programs installed by the user
4. Loss of local email accounts
5. Loss of local email
6. Loss of data (Pictures, Music, Documents and more)
Every machine that we service, we treat as if were our own and your data is absolutely critical.
No matter how cautious a service company may be, the more system reinstalls they do, the more likely they will loose your precious data.
And that my friends is why we only do a system reinstall as a last resort.
John
President
Raptor PCS
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