FAQs

Answers to our most-asked questions

My internet isn’t working – how can I get back online?

This is a common problem with computers. More often than not, a simple reset of the modem and router will straighten things up and get you back online.

Here are the easy steps to follow:

  1. Turn off or pull the power cord from both modem and router.
  2. Wait 30 seconds…..wait…..wait.
  3. Plug in the modem first and wait till all the lights stabilize.
    (May take up to 2 minutes, again…..wait…..)
  4. Turn on or plug in the router and wait till the lights stabilize.
    (Usually the lights turn green or blue when ready.)

Bingo! You should be back online. Modems and routers are minicomputers and can lock up just like your regular computer.

How do I back up my files?
  1. Plug in your external or thumb drive
  2. Verify the drive letter (E:, F:, G:, etc.)
  3. Open the Documents folder (or wherever your file/folder is saved)
  4. Right-click on the file, select “Send to” on the menu, then select the drive you’re sending it to.

The procedure is the same whether you want to back up individual files or an entire folder.
Remember to back up your files at least once a week!

Is there a quick way to tune up my computer?

FCS recommends using CCleaner, which can be downloaded here for free from their website. Once you have downloaded and installed the program on your PC, running the cleaner is simple! Just launch the program, then click on the “Run Cleaner” button. It really is that easy!

If someone calls me saying there’s a virus on my computer that they need to fix, should I let them?

No, absolutely do not let them. These phone calls from “Windows” or “Microsoft” or “Tech Support” are totally bogus! Microsoft does not call computer users like this at all. The scammers will usually say they have detected a problem with your computer and need to connect to perform “repairs” when in fact they will install malicious software on your computer and then hold you ransom to remove the “errors” or “problems” and charge you much money to do it. They are thieves and liars preying on unsuspecting computer users. NEVER let them connect to your computer or give them any payment. ALWAYS immediately hangup and give them no information.

Does it hurt to leave my computer on all the time?

Here are 3 of my top reasons why you should shut your computer off at night:

  1. You’re wasting electricity. Even with power saving turned on, the computer is still running and using electricity.
  2. Wear and tear: There are several cooling fans running as well as the hard disk drive. The more they run, the sooner they wear out, costing you money! You are also exposing your computer to lightning and voltage surges from storms.
  3. Virus and spyware infection: The big one! And the main reason I believe turning it off is best. While you’re sleeping, European and Middle Eastern countries are 7, 8, or 9 hours ahead of the U.S., and hackers and organized crime rings, and even some governments, are actively trying to attack U.S. computers with viruses and spyware bots. They will try to infect or possibly take over your computer to snag personal info, or use yours to attack business or government computers. This is all while you’re sleeping.

Many experts believe that 90% of all computers have some sort of infection on them. Shut it off at night and stop the attacks cold!