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Computer Nightmares? There's no need to lose sleep!
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Welcome to Ashford Computer Solutions
We’re here to help we provide : impartial, friendly, expert advice and support. We can help with any computer, home technology or multimedia issue – fast, local, on-site and cost effective.
- Computer Advice
- Home User and Network
- Business Networks
- Backup Solutions
- Network Security
- Data Recovery
- Password Recovery
- Virus and Spyware Removal
- Wireless Security
- PC/Laptop Upgrades and Repairs
Guaranteed Jargon Free (unless you want it!)
Our Jargon Free Guarantee is not just an empty marketing slogan; it is the expression of our very real commitment to providing computer services to you, our customers, in easy to understand language. Our aim is to help you make informed decisions about your computer and technology needs and requirements.
In much the same way as you do not need to be a mechanic to drive a car we feel that you should not have to be a computer specialist in order to make the best use of what computer technology has to offer. We realise how important technology is in people’s everyday lives at home and in the workplace, and the inconvenience it causes when your computer systems let you down. We want to make the process of resolving an issue as quick, pain-free and cost effective as possible for you.
We are trained and qualified IT Professionals with years of real world experience who pride ourselves on our ability to describe often complex technical issues in simple terms. However our aim is not to patronise you but to communicate in terms that you will understand. So if you want a technical explanation we’ll happily give you that too.
We will never:
X Blind you with science
X Tell you that it is too technical for you to understand
X Take advantage of your lack of knowledge to sell you products or services you do not need
We will always:
- Give clear and concise explanations of the problems as we see them
- Be patient and explain the issues to you as many times as you need
- Wherever possible use plain English to explain our proposed solutions
- Give you options to suit your needs and budget
- Give you an idea of the costs up front and keep you informed if they are likely to change
- Respect the privacy of your documents and data
- Look after your equipment while it is in our care
- Respect the way that you prefer to configure and use your computer
- Seek to complete any work as quickly as possible without compromising quality
- Return computer parts and components that have been replaced unless you ask us to dispose of them for you
- Give you an opportunity to provide confidential feedback to an impartial 3rd party on all aspects of our service
Steve Newman
Ashford Computer Solutions
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Navigating the Maze of Computer Support Companies
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Q. There’s a niggling problem with your computer; it has been bothering you for a while: maybe you’re getting strange error messages or Internet Explorer keeps closing down. What do you tend to do about it?
A. Put up with it or find a work around? Google the symptoms? Ask a teenager to look at it for you? Or find some professional computer support?
Although the first three answers are common, you may have found through bitter experience that ignoring it or attempting a DIY fix can end up time-consuming and leave you worse off.
We all know that you don’t have to be a mechanic to drive a car. But who in their right minds would tinker under the bonnet or ask a relative to take a look, rather than going to a garage? Only someone who is, or who knows a mechanic!
Like a reputable garage, a professional computer support company will offer you qualified, knowledgeable experts who can efficiently solve your computer problems for you. The big computer stores often have technical teams, and there is an array of companies that advertise locally. So how do you navigate your way through this maze?
Here are some guidelines that you might find helpful:
- Any reputable company should be willing to give you free advice and a free estimate or fixed price to fix it.
- There are many incompetent “computer technicians” out there. But, anyone worth their salt will be willing to tell you about their experience and provide evidence of their qualifications.
- If you’re inviting a stranger into your home or business, it’s sensible to know that they don’t have a criminal record, as you will be entrusting them with your valuable equipment and confidential data. So always ask to see proof of a clean “CRB” check!
- Often the best way to ensure that they’re good at what they do, is to see customer reviews, references or feedback. These will often highlight whether in reality they end up as cost effective and helpful as their marketing promises.
- Whether they are insured is another good indicator of a professional set-up, and will give you peace of mind.
- Ideally they will be members of a trade body and affiliated with one or more major hardware/software companies, as these will have their own vetting procedures.
We hope you find these pointers useful, but don’t forget that your gut instinct can also be a good judge. When you speak to them on the phone only proceed if you feel comfortable with their answers.
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Keeping you and your family safe online
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I’m often asked for advice on online computer safety so here are some common sense guidelines to keep you and your loved ones out of harm’s way when you next go online.
Supervise young children while they are on the internet and set ground rules for internet usage for the older ones. Keeping the family computer