How to Maintain Your Computer (Without Lifting a Finger!) – Lethbridge, AB and Remotely across Canada

March 27, 2018 by Tony Whitney

How to Maintain Your Computer (Without Lifting a Finger!)

For a device that’s supposed to make life easier, computers sure do involve a lot of work! There’s so much to keep track of that it’s no wonder most people push ahead and forget the routine maintenance until something breaks. Of course, the problem with being reactive is the damage is already done. Photos and files get lost forever in a crash, and information gets stolen in a hack…by then it’s far too late. It’s a bit like closing the gate after the horses have already fled. This is where proactive people come out on top. Thousands upon thousands of homes around the world are using managed services to put computer problems firmly behind them. It’s a done-for-you maintenance program we offer, and here’s why it’s the best choice. [Read more…]

5 Signs Your Computer is Crying Out for Repair | Y-Not Tech Services – Lethbridge, AB

March 22, 2018 by Tony Whitney

5 Signs Your Computer is Crying Out for Repair

It’s pretty obvious when your computer is already broken, but how do you know when it’s about to break? Even before it falls into a heap and refuses to turn on, or flashes big messages about how your files are now encrypted, you’ll be given multiple hints that something is wrong. Here are the common signs your computer needs repair, sooner rather than later. [Read more…]

Does your internet work? Try our remote support for computer problems | Y-Not Tech Services

October 17, 2017 by Tony Whitney

Seriously, why unplug all your cords and drag your computer to a shop when we can more than likely fix your problem with remoting in via your internet? Did you know that 90% of computer problems are software and not hardware? [Read more…]

Computer Services for Your Farm – Lethbridge, AB and area

September 19, 2017 by Tony Whitney

Farming has become increasingly reliant on computer systems, just like the rest of the world’s industries.

Recently I heard a few horror stories from technicians I talk with in the US about the devastation caused to farms when their systems went down. With this in mind, I want to offer my services to all the farms in the Lethbridge, AB area and beyond using remote support.

Your computer probably has field maps, accounting data, business files, inventory reports and so much more on it! What happens if you get hit with Ransomware like Wannacry? What happens if a destructive virus gets into your system and deletes all your files? I want to work for you to keep your business safe!

Computer protection and data backups are of the utmost importance and you probably don’t have time to deal with that yourself! That’s where I come in.

If you are serious about keeping your computer systems running smoothly, I recommend Y-Not Tech Service’s Platinum Plan. Here’s what you get:

Monitoring Program to ensure we know of problems before they get out of control
Windows Updates managed so you are safe from exploits that can be used to damage your data, hold your files for ransom, access your banking information and anything else on your computer
Third-Party Application patching to protect you against similar exploits found in other software like Flash Player or Java
Emsisoft Antimalware software – Prevent malicious viruses, worms, Trojans and more from affecting your system. All updates are handled by Y-Not Tech Services so you don’t need to worry about them.
Unlimited Free Virus and Malware removals (in the event that Emsisoft doesn’t stop them) as long as you are subscribed to the plan.
Managed Off-Site Cloud backup. Your files are important! We’ll store them off-site so that they are always safe, even if disaster hits.
2 hours of Tech Labour is included each month. This can be used to create additional local backups (recommended), repair issues with your computer systems or networks, do Technology training and education and more. Just ask!

ONLY $65/Month/PC

My on-site rate is currently $50/hour so the 2 hours of labour the Platinum Plan includes would run you $100! This deal is incredible and won’t be around for long. It’s so good that I am currently limiting it to 10 active subscribers to ensure I can fit them all in. This price won’t last act fast. You can save even more by paying annually for just $700 instead of monthly payments. For more information about our Managed Services click here.

Y-Not Tech Services can also help solve your technology problems even if you choose not to take advantage of our Managed Services. Visit our Services and Pricing page for more information!

Contact Y-Not Tech Services to set up an appointment today!

Do You Own Your Own Business in Lethbridge?

August 15, 2017 by Tony Whitney

Most big companies have an IT department. Someone to call when things don’t go the way they should. If you run a small business, do you have an IT budget? Time is money. If the systems you use in your business go down, you’ll be losing money while you work on getting them back up and running. Why not have preventative measures in place and an IT professional ready to tackle any problems that arise.

Business Owners in Lethbridge, Alberta | Y-Not Tech Services

For a Business Owner Time is Money

Y-Not Tech Services can be your IT Department. We can help you with your Computers, printers, Smart Phones, and tablets. Everything you need to run your business efficiently. In addition to helping you with keeping your devices running smoothly, I can help you manage your business contacts, get email marketing setup and even show you how to advertise on Google or Facebook (Please Note that Y-Not Tech Services isn’t an advertising agency and makes no claims to know the ins and outs of advertising – but we have experience with Facebook advertising and Google Adwords Express that we are happy to pass on to you).

Do you have a backup of your business files?

What measures do you have in place to protect against RansomWare attacks?

Are you confident in your Antivirus software?

Does your Antivirus software also protect you against Malware? What about unwanted programs? Spyware?

Contact Y-Not Tech Services today and see how we can help your business.

Announcement: Changes to Y-Not Tech Services’ Manages Plans

July 4, 2017 by Tony Whitney

I was evaluating my Managed Plans the other day and realized that no one had signed up for the Silver Plan which has Application Patching, Windows updates, and Remote Monitoring, but doesn’t include Managed Antivirus. It occurred to me that this wasn’t really good value for the security-conscious client. So I am changing my Silver Plan to provide more value!

Instead of the Monitoring and Patching, Y-Not Tech Services’ Silver Plan will now include Managed Antivirus/Antimalware. The price will remain at $14/month. This provides a lower cost to get into antivirus which is the best value protection for your PC. Monitoring/Patching can be added by choosing the Gold Plan.

Here’s an overview of our Plans:

Bronze Plan:

Free

-Quick and Easy Contact Form
-Health Warning Pop Up Alerts
-10% off Tech Services

Silver Plan:

$14/month

-Quick and Easy Contact Form
-Health Warning Pop Up Alerts
-Add-On Monitoring
-25% off Tech Services

ADDITIONAL ANTI-MALWARE PROTECTION

–Anti-Malware Software
-Unlimited Malware Removals

Gold Plan

$19/Month

-Quick and Easy Contact Form
-Health Warning Pop Up Alerts
-Add-On Monitoring
-25% off Tech Services

ADDITIONAL ANTI-MALWARE PROTECTION

–Anti-Malware Software
-Unlimited Malware Removals

ADDITIONAL MONITORING:

-Anti-Virus Health
-Windows Crash
-Low Hard Drive Space
-Application Crashing
-Hardware Health
-Hard Drive Fragmentation
-Hard Drive Health
-Firewall Health
-Application Patching
-Windows Updates

It is our hopes that this change will provide extra value to our clients, and make it simpler for new clients to get into a managed Antivirus so that they never need to worry about when their subscription ends, whether the antivirus is updating or what infections are being stopped – we deal with it all, while you simply enjoy your PC.

If you are on the Gold Plan, you can expect to be contacted to see if switching the Silver Plan is a good option for you. For the next week or so, some of the graphics and information throughout the site will still reflect the old Plans, but I will be updating those as I have time. Don’t forget – The Gold Plan is still the best overall protection for your PC. Book an appointment to sign up today!

Out of Date Software – Security Risk! | Y-Not Tech Services – Lethbridge, AB

June 27, 2017 by Tony Whitney

I’m sure you’ve shared this experience. You turn your computer on, it makes its way through the boot sequence and you’re met with your desktop. Then Adobe Reader pops up and says it needs to be updated. Then Java comes up asking for an update. iTunes needs an update too and with it iCloud and QuickTime. But, you’re in a hurry and since you don’t need to use any of those right now, you just hit the X and close out of those updates so you can get to work. Or you DO need to use one of those and don’t have time to wait for the update. How important can the update be? It can wait until you need it, right? Not really. Usually, when an application is updated it is to patch a security risk that was discovered. Often times these patches are accompanied by bug fixes and new features, but we’re not too worried about that today. We want to focus on keeping your computer and your data safe. Web exploits often search for outdated software with known security flaws and use those to take control of your computer and install software that steals your personal data. This can include passwords to e-mail and bank accounts!

So what can you do to keep your system safe? Update whenever an application asks you too. Try not to hit the ‘Remind Me Later’ button, as appealing as it can be. Remember that these updates are important. They can keep your photo’s, documents and other files safe from cybercriminals who hope to exploit you. Once you update an application, you may be asked to restart your computer to finish the update process. Y-Not Tech Services recommends you do so right away. Again, you might be given the option to put it off until later, but it’s best to do it immediately.

Keeping track of what applications are up to date and which ones aren’t can be daunting. Don’t Worry. We’re here to help. My Gold and Platinum managed service packages include Application patching. With these services, I’m able to keep track of the most popular (and most exploited) programs to make sure you are running the latest version number. Contact me today to keep your computer safe.

Why not let Tony protect your PC from exploits caused by out of date software?

For more content, including exclusive articles and offers, Click Here to sign up for my newsletter.

Y-Not’s Strategy to Avoid Data Disaster in Lethbridge, AB and Canada

June 20, 2017 by Tony Whitney

My clients often tell me that their Data is the most important thing on their Computers. And I can see why it would be! With precious family photos and videos, important documents and so much more stored on our computers, a loss of data can be a disaster. This is why I talk about how important back-ups are so often on the site and to my clients. I want to focus on a service I offer that I feel gives everything needed to avert Data Disaster.

Y-Not Tech Services’ Gold Plus Package

For $44/month you get Virus and Malware protection as well as an off-site back-up.

The virus protection often saves you from needing to use the back-up at all. My Virus and Malware protection has been proven to provide protection for most of the recent attacks that either hold your data for ransom or just deletes it outright. However, new methods are always being developed and some might slip through. This is where the back-up comes in. If a virus or malicious program sneaks past our protection and affect your data, our back-up will ensure that you can get back up and running as soon as possible.

For less than the cost of a coffee a day, you can have peace of mind knowing your important data is safe and secure against threats like Viruses, Malware and Ransomware.

VIRUS AND MALWARE PROTECTION + OFF-SITE BACKUP = DATA DISASTER AVOIDANCE

Special Offer: Mention ‘Data Disaster’ and receive $5 off each month for the first year.

To start protecting your data today book an appointment:

PS For more special offers, tips and advice Click Here to get updates emailed to you.

Free Tune-Up Giveaway!

June 12, 2017 by Tony Whitney

Y-Not Not Tech Services has launched a new newsletter with exclusive content you won’t find here on our website. To celebrate, we’re giving away A free Computer Tune-up. Visit our Facebook page to learn how to enter.

Rules and Conditions: Prize has no cash value. The prize is available to anyone in Canada. If the winner is from the Lethbridge area the Tune-up can either be performed in Y-Not’s office or remotely. If the winning entrant is from outside my travel area, the tune-Up will be done remotely. The winner and Y-Not Tech Services will schedule a time for the Tune-up to be performed. Contest Ends June 26, 2017.

A Special Word for Windows 7 Users

June 7, 2017 by Tony Whitney

Y-Not Tech Services would like to issue a word of warning to users of Microsoft’s Windows 7 operating system. The recent WannaCry ransomware exploited a bug in Windows allowing it to spread like wildfire. What is interesting about this is that the particular bug that was exploited was actually patched back in March. Anyone who had their systems up to date with Windows Updates was safe from the spread of the malicious program.

Reports show that 97% of systems infected with the WannaCry program were running Windows 7. This isn’t surprising to me. I’ve run across many Windows 7 devices that take FOREVER to find and install new updates. I’m talking weeks before they are installed. And if you turn off your device or restart it, the process starts over. This results in many Windows 7 PCs stuck at ‘Checking for updates…’ and never getting up to date. This is a major problem as it leaves the system open to many vulnerabilities.

It turns out there are a handful of Microsoft updates that essential hang the update service when it tries to download and install them. Y-Not Tech Services has a solution and can get your Windows 7 PC up to date and secure against attacks like WannaCry and other copycat software.

Book an appointment with Y-Not Tech Services today to check on the status of your Windows Update. We can help get it up and running smoothly.

Additionally, it’s important for all systems to have a good Antivirus program and Backup Strategy in place.

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