A continuing series of Questions and Answers addressing technology and computer problems encountered by smaller and emerging companies answered by Ted Werth of PlumChoice, Inc., that appear with his permission in The Business Forum  Online^®.

Virus Update Alert:

          The PlumChoice team has noticed a significant increase in viruses sent via email, often appearing to come from people you know. In order to avoid the high cost of eradicating problems caused by viruses, we want to pass on advice to protect your computer.

 
Index of Questions answered by Ted Werth of PlumChoice, Inc:

   My computer just crashed. What's the first thing I should do? Then what?

   My computer is five years old and is going slower and slower. Should I upgrade it or move on?

   I know backing up my files is important but I'm not sure how important it really is.

   Crash Course: After years of faithful service, my printer is beginning to take more and more time to keep running. Any suggestions?

   I put antivirus software on my computer a year ago. Now a friend is telling me that I sent out a virus. hat else should I have done?

   We have a small office with several computers in adjacent rooms networked together. We have recently installed fluorescent lights (overhead). When any of the lights are turned off, there is a "thump" on some computers, but not others. We have even reconnected the "thumping" computers to the same surge protectors as the other computers, but the problem still persists. How can we eliminate the "thumping'"?

          Ted Werth is the founder and president of PlumChoice, Inc., a computer services company headquartered in Bedford, Massachusetts. He has worked for over 10 years in data communications, first as Director of Joint Development for Chipcom Corporation and then as Program Director for 3Com Corporation. He consulted with Lucent Corporation for two years, assisting Lucent with the acquisition and integration of several other communication companies. He worked as the VP of Engineering and Operations for two Internet companies, eLive Communications and Mercantec, Inc., before starting PlumChoice.

          PlumChoice, Inc. was founded to provide high quality, high value computer services to the small business and home markets. It's customers call one telephone number to resolve all their computer issues. PlumChoice will come to the computer location whether it is a business or home. It can also provide many of its standard services using an innovative remote support service.

          Services offered by PlumChoice, Inc. include:

             Computer repair and maintenance (PC and Apple)
             Virus detection and removal
             Application installation, support, and training
             Networking or Internet installation (wired or wireless)
             Data back-up and recovery
             Installation and support of peripherals including printers, scanners, etc.

Thomas A. Faulhaber, Editor Email: editor@businessforum.com Telephone: 617.232.6596 — FAX: 617.232.6674 227 Fuller Street Brookline, Massachusetts 02446.5757

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