• About a decade ago there was talk about a new type of data storage device that utilized -- are you ready for this? -- laser beams intersecting inside a crystal (Groovy baby!).  It had few moving parts and a huge capacity.  Yet 10 years later, we're still using the hard disk drive -- which, by comparison, is Model-T technology -- and whatever device will replace it is still years away.
   
• Your next computer might have 4 or even 8 main processors instead of just one.  But it's basically the same silicon chip and it's still based on the transistor. No quantum leaps there. 

Companies are squeezing all they can out of current technology but genuinely new ideas are harder to find.  Amazingly enough, for the average PC user, progress has slowed to a walk.

More proof?  Look through any of the computer or office supply store circulars in your Sunday paper.  You'll find flat-panel displays, external hard drives, printers, scanners, cameras, MP3 players -- the very same things they were advertising a year ago.  Prices are lower, but if you ran across an Office Depot or BestBuy ad from last January, it would look just like the one from last week.

Don't misunderstand; there's a lot of really cool stuff out there.  But new technologies are not coming to market with the speed you'd expect of the 21st century. Think about it, where are the hover cars?  And what about personal jetpacks?  Hey, it's 2008 already!!!
 
But I digress.
 
There is some good news in all of this.  Two years ago, the running joke was that your new computer would be out of date before you got it home from the store.  At that time, we began telling folks that the pace of obsolescence would soon ebb and that, before long, new PCs wouldn't get old for at least... oh, three days, maybe four. ;-)  We predicted that the only people who would need the super-fast machines would be high-end gamers and that, for most of us, the quick-time march of technology would slow down considerably.  We don't want to be overly self-congratulatory (then again, why not?), but that's exactly what's happened.  The PC you buy today should remain useful for several years (instead of several days).

...But I still want a jetpack!

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Make your computer run faster and last longer

True or false:
1.) Left to themselves, most computer problems will go from bad to worse. 
2.) Prevention is faster, easier and less costly than repair.
3.) Your computer always runs smoother and faster after an MCS service call.

All three statements are, of course, true.  That's why MCS now offers Scheduled Maintenance Service.  To ensure that you get the longest life and best use from your PC, we'll set up a schedule of visits -- once a month, once a quarter or once a year -- to perform the following vital services to your computer(s):
 
Hardware:

   • Complete cleaning and dust removal, inside & out
Dust can insulate electronic parts, trapping heat and causing those parts to fail prematurely.
   • Cooling fan checkup and cleaning (all internal fans)
When properly cooled, the temperature of a computer processor can be more than 125 degrees F.  Without cooling, it can burn up in a matter of seconds.
   • Keyboard, mouse and monitor cleaning (external)
 
Software and Security:
 
   • Apply all available updates & patches
   • Check antivirus and firewall operations and update as needed
   • Check existing data backups
   • Check for and remove adware and spyware
   • Delete temporary files and cookies

We're so sure that our regular service can extend the useful life of your computer that we're offering a Hardware Maintenance Guaranty.

Sign up for one-year of monthly or quarterly PC maintenance and we’ll warranty your computer against hardware failure during that period.  Simply put, if any part inside your computer fails while it’s covered by MCS, we'll replace it free of charge!*

Call us or visit http://MosaicPC.com/Maintenance.htm and sign up today.


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Re-Zoom your surfing speed

In terms of fast smooth operation, your computer is only half the equation.  Your Internet connection (either cable or DSL) controls the speed at which web pages load and e-mail zips in and out.  Although broadband is supposed to be one of the fastest ways to connect, your modem or your router (if you have one) can actually choke the speed at which you work on the Internet.  But a little tweaking can make a BIG difference.

If things seem to be running slower than they used to, give us a call.  We'll run some diagnostics, make adjustments and test it thoroughly to be sure you're getting the fastest possible speed from your service provider.

Call us today for "speedy" service!


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XP or VISTA -- The choice is still yours

According to a number of recent magazine and journal articles (and much to Bill Gates' embarrassment), quite a few owners of new computers are swapping out Windows Vista for good old Windows XP.  The reason most often mentioned is, they simply hate Vista!  It's big, it's slow and they don't want to take the time and trouble to learn where Microsoft has hidden the functions they were used to finding with ease.
 
But the biggest problem with Vista is that it doesn't play nice with older devices.  After spending a lot of money on that new computer (which, by the way, has a higher price tag because of the operating system's increased hardware requirements), a lot of folks are discovering that they have to replace their printer, scanner or other device because it won't work with Vista.  This doesn't apply to all components -- and it will probably get better over time as companies write new drivers for older hardware -- but that doesn't help if you have to print something today.

Interestingly, those who return to Windows XP aren't likely to be left out in the cold.  Some manufacturers (Dell, for one) still offer XP as an option on new computers (if you're planning to buy a new PC, call us and we'll show you where to find it) and there are whispers from Microsoft that they may soon issue a third update, or Service Pack, for Windows XP.  That means that support for the operating system is not going away anytime soon.

Switching from Vista to Windows XP is not a simple task and not one for the do-it-yourselfer.  It requires an in-depth knowledge of device drivers and a world of patience.  But we've done it several times and we'll be glad to do for you.  Give us a call and we'll tell you more.

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As always, if you have questions about any of the above information, we're here for you.  Telephone support is always free, so give us a call. 

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*Scheduled Maintenance Service is available only in Brentwood, Franklin and Spring Hill, TN and in limited areas of Nashville, TN.  Call us for specifics.  We will gladly service monitors, hard disk drives and laptop computers but they are excluded from the hardware guaranty as they cannot be opened for cleaning.