After a customer returned his BFG graphics card to BFG Technologies Inc, claiming the lifetime warranty, BFG responded with the following:
BFG Technologies, Inc. is winding down and liquidating its business. Unfortunately our major supplier would not support our business. As a result we are returning your graphics card without being able to repair it. We apologize for the inconvenience.
In a recent statement, John Slevin, chairman of BFG Technologies said:
“…I’d like to stress that we will continue to provide RMA support for our current graphics card warranty holders, as well as for all of our other products such as power supplies, PCs and notebooks.”
However, this no longer appears to be the case. If you were thinking of upgrading your computer, you might be wise to avoid BFG products, or at least consider that the warranty might not be honored.
BienTek LLC is looking for more mobile computer repair techs. Apply for Computer Repair Technician Jobs. Skills needed include virus removal, onsite computer repair and troubleshooting, laptop repairs, and general computer repairs.
BienTek launched a website for a computer repair business in Methuen, MA – www.TechsMobile.com. What do you think? The previous website was located at uncrashmypc.com, so this is both a brand and website update for this business. TechsMobile still needs a logo, but they are hopefully on their way to becoming a big computer repair biz for the Massachusetts / New Hampshire area.
Update July 18, 2010: These monitors are still free.
BienTek is looking for a computer tech with the skills to repair non-functional LCD monitors. If that’s you, then we want you to have these monitors for free.
HP vs17e – Monitor displays image briefly on computer boot (approx 3 seconds), then displays “no signal”.
HP vs15 – Monitor does not power on.
To receive these monitors:
- You must currently repair computer or electronics.
- By responding, you assert that you are qualified to perform these repairs in a safe manner.
- You must be willing to pick up the monitors in Novi, Michigan.
Why are we given away broken monitors? Because we’re looking for a local computer repair technician.
Questions? Please post in the comments.
BienTek LLC is looking for Independent, Entrepreneurial Computer Technicians in Michigan to perform computer repairs at $50-$65/job (average) as independent contractors. The most-desired service areas include Troy, Royal Oak, Flint, Lansing, Waterford, and the surrounding areas (you should be willing to serve one of these cities plus a radius of at least 20 miles). You should already repair computers (you already have tools and experience as an independent). We’re looking to send out additional jobs to supplement your existing work.
Here are the nontechnical attributes that BienTek is looking for:
- communication skills (verbal and written)
- ability to recommend related services to the customer (memory upgrades, backup solutions, etc.)
- ability to answer the phone, speak with the customer about his needs, and recommend an on-site technology solution
- own transportation, laptop, software & hardware toolkit
Desirable technical skills (you should have mastery in three or more of the following):
- virus removal skills (can you bring a hosed Windows XP system back up and running without a wipe?)
- BSOD-fix skills (can you diagnose & repair a computer that has a Blue Screen of Death?)
- laptop repair skills (power jack repair/replacement, monitor repair/replacement)
- general hardware diagnostic & repair; general computer troubleshooting skills & experience
- small business computer networking
- data recovery
To apply: fill out the computer repair job application, and you will receive a phone call within a week if we are interested.
3 Basic Steps for Computer Virus Prevention
These steps are for computer virus prevention. Computer virus prevention is generally much easier than computer virus removal. There are three main rules to follow that will help prevent your computer from getting infected by viruses:
- Keep Antivirus Software Installed and Updated
- Keep Windows Patched
- Avoid Dangerous Sites and Software
1. Keep Antivirus Software Installed and Updated
Free antivirus software like MS Security Essentials is the simplest way to keep Windows computers virus-free. Old antivirus programs do not function as well as newer ones. Even if your antivirus program is “updating”, you still have to make sure that you have the latest software available. “Updating” might just mean “retrieving the latest virus signatures” – which is important – but not enough. Paid versions of antivirus software typically expire, leaving you unprotected if you fail to renew the subscription – but the advantage of paid antivirus software is usually a more thorough threat coverage. If you feel you need the highest level of security and are willing to pay for it, go with Kaspersky or NOD32.
2. Keep Windows Patched
If Windows Update is not running on your computer, then you need to turn it on. If you don’t even know what Windows update is, then get someone who understands it to help you – or, if you are confident with computers, then follow these steps to turn Windows Update on.
3. Avoid Dangerous Sites and Software
Most computers catch a computer virus from a dangerous website or dangerous file sharing program. It can be difficult to tell which websites are dangerous, and sometimes even safe websites suddenly become dangerous when they become infected with a virus. If steps 1 and 2 are followed, then dangerous sites will usually not be able to infect your computer. Don’t let your kids use dangerous filesharing programs Kazaa or Limewire.
Advanced Steps
Once the above steps are being followed, consider following these additional steps to further increase the security of your computer:
- Stop using Internet Explorer. Download Firefox, Opera, or another free browser.
- Use a router, enable the Windows Firewall, and/or Install a separate firewall (for the best security).
- Run a vulnerability scanner on your computer to check for insecure applications. Just as Windows needs to be updated, so do your programs like Adobe Reader and Java.
BienTek provides Virus Removal services to home computer owners and small businesses in Michigan.
