Happy Christmas and fantastic new year

Thank you to all my customers new and old that have continued to support myself over the past year. A massive amount of recommendations have been passed on so I hope that I am getting it right most of the time.

If you are having a new computer over the Christmas and are concerned over the security package then please give me a call in the new year and I will be happy to advise.


So, to round the Year off here are some interesting fact's about my company and lots of things you may not realise.

• I deal with as many as 24 appointment's out every week
• I have on average 6 - 18 pc's and laptops dropped off every week
• The average repair ( Service time ) for a pc or laptop is approx. 5 hours
• Every computer runs for at least 3 hours after the repair to ensure it is correct
• Your data is backed up before anything is done on your computer ( Where possible )
• Your data is then double backed up and checked for virus's
• You are on 6 cctv camera's and 2 audio points when you come to my office
• All phone call's are recorded for your protection and mine
• 99% of all emails and voice mails are responded to on the same day
• I often work until 2am in the morning to complete work for the next day
• I have people drop off computers as late as midnight and often have early collections
• The oldest pc I have had in this year was from 1996 and it worked
• I am a collector of computers and video consoles and it is still one of my passions
• 50% of all broken laptops that come here have been stood on ( usually by teenagers ). 30% has had a liquid spilt in the machine and the rest has overheated due to being used on a bed or sofa etc.
• Virus's are usually caused by the following and in order of % - Adult web sites, illegal film downloads, illegal music downloads, opening of email's, letting a friend on your pc, borrowing a friends flash drive with illegal content on it and finally only about 1% of virus's actually come into your machine with no real invitation.
• I use the same virus programme as I recommend ( MSE )
• I use the windows firewall as standard
• I do not use anything different to what I recommend in anyway
• The most machines and laptops I have had running and repairing at any one time this year was in September and it was a staggering number of 5 desktops and 6 laptops ( It's only me remember !)
• I have found 2 dead mice in pc's this year
• I have to wear a mask when cleaning the inside of pc towers due to dead skin and hair
• And finally there is rarely such a thing as a 5 minute job in the world of computers.

Thank you for reading and I hope this gives you a slightly better insight into the workings of my company.

Merry Christmas !!

Is your computer offering you a free Windows 8.1 upgrade ?

You may be offered this free upgrade or indeed been offered it already. My advice at present is to hold back for a few months as there are a few error messages that can appear after the installation.

The error message reported does not affect your machine in anyway and 8.1 will work without any issues, but the error message will continue to stay for a time period that I cannot yet answer as it is unique to each machine.

The great thing is that you are not missing out by not having 8.1.
This is my advice only but please make your own judgments on the upgrade.



Regards

Neil

Bing chosen over Google in a blind search test.

If you still have Bing as your search engine or front page ( If I have looked after your P.C there is a good chance you will ) then I am glad to say that finally some of the fact's have come to light!

The amount of people who say they ' prefer ' Google has always baffled me. If you did not know what you were searching with would you really know ?

With Google taking on the world it has been nice to see Bing grow over the years and I swear by using it over Google.

If you are lucky enough to have Windows 7 or indeed Windows 8 then you are also treated to moving front screens which are all lovely.

Bing has been growing in popularity over the years and it seems that it is now getting the recognition its deserved. If you have moved from Bing, come back and try it again, you may prefer it.


Neil

New updates on 2nd user and new pc systems will be updated this week.

More Windows 8 Pc's now in stock. Come and try Windows 8 in my office for FREE !!

I now have more Windows 8 Pc's in stock and ready to go. You can now come and try and brand new Windows 8 Pc and be amazed at the clarity, the speed and easy and simply way it works all complete with a windows Xp / Vista or Windows 7 start menu.

There is no obligation to buy, all I ask is that you book in so we have a one to one so I can highlight the system to you.

I have devised lot's of options for you to suit everyone's needs. For the absolute novice you can choose my full red carpet service where everything is done for you and all set up in your home ( this is most people's choice ), or you can drop your old system off or I can collect it, let me transfer all your data and you can collect your new box ready to go.

You can use your existing keyboard, monitor, mouse and speakers etc with the new system so it does cut costs down.

Give me a call and you may be surprised how easy it is to change.


Neil

07815 795662
01473 829552

 

Another customer received poor service and ' sub standard goods '

I was called out this week to look at a computer system which had started to stop loading windows and it would ' freeze ' at various times when it was running.

The pc had been ordered ' new ' from a local company without a budget set.
The system was only two years old but the hard drive seemed like it did not belong in the system and I put this down as the cause of the problem. After opening the box up I discovered they had fitted a 2nd hand hard drive made in 2003. I pointed this out to my customer who was shocked as they had asked for a complete new build.

So they have paid for a new system but one of the critical part's was not supplied new.

The hard drive is now being replaced with a new drive which will speed everything along and match the system.

How many other examples of poor work will I come across in the world of I.T. ?

Before you opt for a new system or laptop with another company, please give me a call, you will be surprised.

Neil Bevis

End of August review

Thank you to everyone who believed me when I said that Windows 8 is fast and fantastic and would be an easy move to make if it was all done by myself. With lots of old and new customers now moved to Windows 8 and all of them very happy there really is not a better time to change. I am almost booked up for Feb and March 2014 for the end of Windows XP so please keep this in mind if you are thinking ahead.


Virus updates

Virus issues this month have dropped by nearly 50% making it one of the cleanest months in the last two years. This is due to a number of factors.

1 : People are becoming more aware of the dangers of opening email's.
2 : MSE security has had a recent upgrade making it better than ever.
3 : Windows 8 with IE 10 tightens up the internet browsing window.

Broadband issues

This month has become the worst month for slow broadband speeds in and around Hadleigh. I have had more calls than ever with people changing providers and it not going smoothly, please make sure you keep every email that you are sent from both parties so you have a record.

 There is also a number of problems where the customer is receiving broadband and the hub show's all the lights correctly but the broadband is slow. in 99% of cases the problem has been at the exchange and your provider needs to attend to this asap.



Thank you for reading and I hope my updates are of some interest.

Neil

August & Windows 8 and a strange review in Hadleigh Community News.

It's time to lay to rest some of the myth's of Windows 8. In response to what I believe is a unfair write up in our local Hadleigh Community News August 2013 by a local computer company.

I have used Windows since the day of release and experienced no problems at all. The new tile menu is tricky to use at first but if you don't like it, I can simply put back in the traditional start menu at the bottom left of the screen. I can take away everything about windows 8 and look and make it feel like windows Xp, windows Vista or Windows 7. I have been supplying windows 8 system's with no problems at all. All my customers have said how easy the transition period has been.

It would now be a mistake to have a new system with windows 7 and windows 8 is better!

The programme which was described as a ' Spork ' is simply untrue and the package of windows 8 is fantastic, it starts in under 10 seconds and is ready to use, turns off in under 5 seconds and the response times between task's is superb.

Windows 8 has yet to crash on me since it's release and I have had very few windows 8 machines in with any kind of virus's etc.

If you are looking to upgrade ( and you should if you have XP ), please give me a call and I will be happy to discuss the process with you, and it really is easy.

Update's for microsoft security essentials

In the past week an update has been released the Microsoft security essentials. If you are asked to perform this update the answer is ' Yes ' - It will update the security against virus's etc and be ready for any future updates.

If you are having any problems doing this then please get in touch.

Neil

A hot July that can have an effect on your computers and laptops.

Now is the time to make the change and make sure your home pc and laptop is switched off when
not in use. I have had various Pc's in and various Pc's blown up in the last week. If your pc is in a small space it will be struggling to keep cool and with the heat of late it can cause damage.

Turn them off when not in use and when the thunderstorms arrive make sure they are all turned off as well.

More new windows 8 laptops and computers installed in the last few weeks and all are happy customers!

Thanks again to everyone that has recommended my services it is appreciated.

Neil

Do you repair Mobile phones / games consoles / Mac books and Mac's etc ?

I get asked a great deal the above and the short answer is no. I put all my effort into the home PC market and this is what I love doing. I have worked on a few Apple mac's and found my way around them very easily, but with them working on such limited market against pc's and the cost of a half decent mac out of most peoples reach it seems hard to want to put the time in to them. If this changes I will of course update things with my details.

Regards

Neil

Remote access work and why I do not offer it.

Remote access is where I can take over your pc from my work station. Allowing me to possibly repair problems with your pc. I am often asked if I offer this service and my answer is a simple 'no', but with good reasons.

• My business has been built on face to face work offering a personal service.
• Most of the time your computer will have to many errors to repair.
• It will need various amount of ' restarts ' for the problem to be resolved.
• I believe that if you are paying for a service then you should be able to be with the person that is doing the work for you and ask any questions you may have.
• The charge would be the same if I was working remotely or in your house.

If you are offered remote support by a company you should ask yourself, can they really repair the problem in this way.

Thank you reading.

Neil Bevis

Early June update

If you are lucky enough to have already upgraded to Windows 8, you will be treated to a FREE upgrade to Windows 8.1 towards the end of the year. There will be many new upgrades and changes for which Microsoft have responded to some of the negativity surrounding Windows 8. However, if I had supplied your pc or laptop you will not be seeing any of these problems as all the work is done by me at the beginning.

Virus's are still heavy at present and please ignore all adverts saying you have a slow pc or error's. These are simply adverts and want to  you to buy there products.

More people have also fallen for the phone call trick from a company claiming you have a issue with your pc, Please do not GIVE THEM ANY DETAILS, no matter how genuine it may sound. It is a con to take money from you. If in any doubt, please give me a call.

Neil

Start of the week.

It's been a great start to the week with many people being helped in person and by email by myself. Yet more people today with older computers and laptops have taken the sensible plunge to have a new laptop or desktop with windows 8 running on it. The advantages are not only in speed and the stability of the system but in security, updates and the simplicity of the new system's that I can build and set up just for you. With thanks to all of the recommendations that I have received over the weekend, it really is appreciated.

Thank you

Laptops. Desktops & Tablets.

With the world going crazy on tablets it's a good time to have a stop and think if you are thinking of buying a tablet. I have owned various tablets over the years and I always come to the same conclusion. That they should of kept these picture albums !!. It maybe a little harsh but 18 months ago I had so many people selling me there old laptops to make space for a new tablet only to see them back in my office three months later. So limited in there use and so different to what you are familiar with. There is a turn back to the traditional desktop in the last year with people knowing that you get more for your money and easier to repair than a laptop. My sales are 60% desktops and 40% laptops.
If you can afford a tablet and a laptop / desktop then you have the best of both worlds, but do not think the tablet is a substitute for a desktop or laptop in anyway. In reality, most people I visit now have a tablet but it sit's on there table not doing much at all.

If you want more information or would like to order a new desktop or laptop without all of the hassle and have it set up in your home then please give me a call.

07815795662

It's been another great week of people converting over from Windows Xp to windows 7 and windows 8. Again, I have encountered no problems at all in offering this service to customers. Have your new computer built by myself, all your information transferred and all set up in your home. I will even offer you a trade in for your old machine! It really is simple and making windows 8 look and feel like windows Xp is also easy for my to achieve.

Email or call me for further details.

Neil Bevis

A  great big thank you to everyone for a massive amount of views of my Blog.  Details of my services etc are available on the top right hand corner - Please can I ask you all to leave feedback for any work I have done for you over the past years. I really appreciate it.

Neil

With windows xp running out of time you maybe a little worried about moving to a new system with windows 8. However, although there are changes I offer a complete change over service including building the new pc and transferring your information. Above all of that I can make windows 8 look and feel like xp so there is no need to worry. I have built lots of systems for people in the local area and they are more than happy with the service and the systems. I also offer the same on laptops.

Email me for more information and thank you for looking.

Neil

Thank you for visiting and please tell others!

Thank you for visiting my web blog and I hope you have found information of some use. The amount of ' hits' is now starting to rise and I will be updating with details on a weekly basis.

Thank you for visiting.

Neil

Feedback

To all my old and new customers. Thank you so much for all the recommendations, it really is appreciated and I am overwhelmed at the support shown.

All comments here are genuine and not amended in any way. Only first names and the location are used.

10/06/2013
'I have known you for several years and you have updated my computer at least three times. I have had excellent service and you always seem to be able to sort out queries with me over the email. Thank you very much hope this continues. '
Jo, Norwich

10/06/2013
'We have found you to give a friendly very efficient service, you respond and reply quickly to requests, give good competitive prices and you have a wealth of knowledge to help with problems.  Thank you for the wonderful service you have provided us with.'
Caroyln, Hadleigh 

10/06/2013
'Thank you for your recent help with my computer problem. I am thoroughly satisfied with the work you did for me and will be recommending you to my contacts.'
Graham, Hadleigh 

10/06/2013
'Super service and a really fast turnaround'
Pete, Sudbury

10/06/2013
'Thank you, Neil, for saving a damsel  in distress - I now have  a lovely new computer which works!  You were kind and courteous and it is good to know you are only a telephone call away.'
Angela, Hadleigh
 
11/06/2013
'Neil has taken care of my IT needs these past two years. His service is outstanding. I cannot say enough good about him and his service. Simply the best ...'
Brice, Hadleigh

12/06/2013
'I have sought the advice and services of Neil Bevis of Home Computer Services now for some two to three years, any problems with my computer during this period he has given me honest and first class advice. If you leave a message for him he returns your call promptly, I have recommended him to several people and everyone has been very pleased with his promptness and reliability and all have high regard for the services that he gives to his clients.'
Derick, Lindsey

23/06/2013
I am over 70 and I can't recommend Neil high enough, he has time for me and explains things on my terms and always does whatever work needs to be done in no time at all
Thank you Neil FOR EXCELLENT SERVICE
Paulette, Hadleigh    

23/06/2013
I would  not hesitate in recommending Neil, first class service, very prompt, and always returns telephone calls!!! 
Jan, Layham
 
25/07/2013
Neil thank you for your excellent, prompt and knowledgeable service in building and installing my new PC and printer.  Thank you also for setting up a new laptop in our house.  Your response times and courtesy can be highly recommended.
Mervyn, Hadleigh

 

 

Services offered & guide prices

PC Service & Upgrade



To service p.c and fully update is £40.00 providing it is dropped off and collected by yourself.

•  If your p.c needs collecting within a 6 mile radius of Hadleigh a further £10.00 charge will apply.
• A call out in the local area is charged at a minimum of £30.00 and includes up to 1 hour's service.
• A call out beyond Hadleigh is charged at £30.00 plus £0.50p per mile to and from the destination, making a call out  to Sudbury just £42.00.
• If your p.c is beyond economical repair you will be contacted and provided with the relevant  information and possible solutions.
• If your p.c requires any hardware you will be contacted with a price before any work is carried out.
• Your p.c will always be diagnosed for free.
• I offer a full no fix - no fee
• Hard drive data destruction is graded to government level and is at a charge of £10.00 per drive.

Upgrading can be discussed after looking at the computer but often no upgrading is needed, simply the computer to be set up correctly.

 

PC & Laptop Repair

Taking your computer in for repair can become a costly business. But not with home computer services.

 However bad a state you think your pc or laptop maybe in, you can simply bring it into my office and leave it with me for a free of charge inspection.

 After I am sure of the problem(s), I will phone you with an exact price for the work to be completed.

 If it is not economically viable I will also let you know and offer you an alternative either from stock or a newly made machine.

 At this point your computer or laptop can be disposed of, data destroyed or any valuable information extracted where possible and burnt onto a DVD for you.

If you choose to have nothing done, there is simply no charge and you are welcome to collect your machine or I will dispose of it for you.

 It really is that simple.

You have nothing to lose having it checked.

 

New Systems

Here at home computer services building your new system is just the start of your easy P.C life. Not only do I build the system to a specification that is suitable for you, but it is always available to upgrade in the not to distant future.

 I can offer fancy lights, temp control units and water cooled systems but for 95% of all users you would be wasting your money. I build good quality systems that will keep on working. All of the work is prepared in my office and any transfer on data from the old machine is also transferred here. After I am happy with the system I will come to your home and set the entire system up including any broadband connections etc. My new system builds and combined set up service are well known in the Hadleigh and will come highly recommended.

 Prices are competitive and you don't have the hassle of loads of boxes and all of the other issues that you do get when buying a of the shelf system.

 For more details simply call me or email me with any questions.

Refurbished Systems




Data Back up & retrieval

Retrieval

Losing data can me a real issue - with more people putting their trust into the computer to store their details on, when it does go wrong it really does go wrong!I have a fantastic record of retrieving 99% of all information from broken computers and laptops. Prices are fixed and nothing like what you expect to pay.

I offer a zero cost if no data is able to be extracted - What have you got to lose ?

Contact myself for more information, and usually by phone is better as there are various questions I would need to ask you.

Back up

Backing up all your photo's, videos, music and documents can be a real headache. If you can get up to date then its an easy task - I can get you up to date and then set up a easy way for you to do this on a weekly or monthly basis - It was worth learning how to do this and putting your trust in a external hard drive or data pen is not always  the way to go as these often go wrong.

Security & Disposal



Email Support

A little about me

Born in Hadleigh and living in Hadleigh all my life has created a fantastic start to my company. My parents are well known and had a shop in the High street until the late 90's when they retired. I met a lot of people through working in their shop when I was young and I call on some of those people now with computer problems. I live in Hadleigh and operate within Hadleigh from a office showroom which people are more than welcome to visit on an appointment system.
My love for Computers
My passion for computers started at a very early age. I remember my first ZX81 with a ram-pak that allowed me to play 3D monster maize, from that moment I was hooked with the wonderful world of computers and consoles. As the computers moved forward, I did  too. Being a proud owner of a Vic 20, Commodore 64, Spectrum 48 & a plus 2, CPC 464 and many others of the early machines gave me a real heads up in the way computers work.
Moving into the 16 bit market in the mid 80's with Atari St's and Commodore Amiga's allowed for faster frame rates, brighter colours, stereo sounds and massive wave of the demo scene. However, catching up quickly was the humble P.C, known for its business use to most people the Pc had become the Dark horse of the computer world. The early 90's kicked off the P.C revolution when Doom by I.D software released a version as shareware, the nation was hooked. It was at that point we would say goodbye to computer as we knew them.
With massive strides in processor power, added memory, separate graphics cards including the 3dfx voodoo range, the Pc became the power house of games. Consoles kept appearing but the Pc just laughed in the face of the competition. Late 90's saw the massive use of multiplayer gaming on levels that still cannot be matched on consoles today. Quake 3 became the Frag fest it deserved to be and the Pc just got better.
But all of this needed money, and a lot of it to keep up. So people like me had to look at ways to increase power at no extra cost. lots of books, idea sharing and research taught me to harness the power of the Pc while keeping it running stable. All of my early days of computing paid off, and still do today.
I look at every Pc or laptop I repair, configure or build as a mission to gain the best possible speed and reliability from it. I don't cut corners and don't take no for an answer from a computer. I have a passion for computer's as I hope you can tell, and I hope it shines through when you meet me and see the results I can offer you.
I deal with the home domestic market only and most of my trade is within a 10 mile radius of Hadleigh. With 100's of recommendations I am very proud to present my company and I trust you will be more than happy with my totally unique services.

Blog instead of a Website ? How strange ? Or is it ?

First off, thanks for popping along to my Blog / Website. After being without a site for over 4 years and running a small I.T. company always seemed a little strange, but I was never really convinced with a website that I could not up date at the drop of a hat. So this is my solution and I trust you will like it.

 A price list is available on the right hand side under services offered & Price guide, simply click and the details appear.
That's the boring part though!

The idea of this blog is so I can update on any broadband issues, new virus problems, scams and simply day to day ways to keep you computer going wrong.

Another great reason for my blog is for my customers to leave FEEDBACK for work that I have done for them. I truly believe the best form of recommendation is from a customer and especially those within the local area that you will know. Simply by leaving your first name and a comment new customers are able to see how happy my customers really are.

Look to the right hand side and you will see a page called ' Feedback '

Simply open the page and please leave feedback.

Thank you once again.