Whenever we post a reader’s story of Geek Squad or other computer repair woe, readers immediately jump in to recommend taking ailing computers to an IT-savvy friend or to a locally-owned computer repair shop. For people who lack friends with tech skills, the latter is apparently the only option. The problem is that a locally-owned business can be just as shady as the least qualified member of the Nerd Herd, only answering to no corporate overlords. [More]
Locally-Owned Computer Shop Sells Me A Self-Destructing Computer
By September 28, 2012
Most Computers Now Use Something Other Than Windows XP
By August 2, 2011
Windows XP, Microsoft’s ridiculously popular operating system, is about to turn 10 years old. While it’s still the most popular OS out there, as of the end of July it’s no longer installed on the majority of active systems. [More]
Should You Abandon McAfee Or Take Their Free 2-Year Extension?
By April 27, 2010
If you use McAfee’s anti-virus program and have Windows XP with SP 3, you may have noticed last week that your PC was shutting down every 60 seconds. That was because McAfee pushed out an update that it now admits wasn’t properly tested. To apologize, the company says it will reimburse you for repairs (although it hasn’t provided details on this yet), and it’s offering everyone who was affected a free 2-year extension of the service. Should you take the offer and call it even? Seth Rosenblatt at Cnet says you shouldn’t bother. [More]
Dell Doesn't Care Where You Live, Keeps Delivering Packages To The Wrong Address
By September 7, 2008
Elizabeth went out and bought a Mac after Dell twice sent Windows XP replacement CDs to her old address. After each failed delivery attempt, Elizabeth called Dell, which repeatedly promised that they’d get it right next time. One CSR even claimed that he personally called DHL to change the shipping address. (He didn’t.)
Windows XP Now Calls You A Pirate
By May 29, 2006
If you’re using Windows XP with a product key of dubious origin, you may have noticed that your computer just got a lot more obnoxious.
