How To Bring a Dead Computer Back To Life

No response!

Your laptop or desktop computer will not turn on, now what?  Most repair shops want over $120 deposit just to diagnose the problem.  This is non-refundable unless you agree to the repair.  Sometimes, the actual cost is more than the initial estimate.  If you decide the total amount is too much and want to take your dead computer home, they keep your deposit.

So, before you take it in to a repair shop try these simple tricks.

The dead desktop computer.  When a computer builds up too much static electricity, it will not start up.  To discharge excess static electricity do this.  Unplug the desktop computer from the wall outlet.  Press and continue to hold in the power button for about two minutes.  Release the power button and plug the computer back into the outlet.  Cross your fingers, press the power button and hope it turns on.  Sometimes, this is all it takes to get you back up and running.

If this little trick does not work, and your desktop computer seems lifeless, no lights or the whir of a fan, then it can be your power supply.  The power supply is not hard to replace.  Google it to find out how or watch the you tube video “How To Replace Your Power Supply” at the bottom of this blog.  To eliminate the obvious, verify the outlet is working by plugging another appliance into it.

On a laptop, unplug it from its electrical source and remove the battery then follow the above procedure.  If your laptop still seems lifeless, no lights on the keyboard or the whir from a fan, then the external power adaptor or the plug may be faulty.  I replaced mine at Amazon.com but you can buy a more expensive ‘universal adaptor,’ at any computer store.  If this does not solve your laptop problem then it is an internal issue.  Seek out a trained professional to fix your laptop.  I never recommend you or a ‘tech friend’ to access your laptop from the top unless you are ready to throw away your unit.

The next time your computer seems ‘dead’ try these simple tips to bring it back to life.  It may save you grief, time and money!

Here’s a reminder, continue to back-up your important files before it becomes a retrieval issue.

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The definition of a chump:

a gullible person, a sucker; someone easily taken advantage of, the target of a scam.

Learn from a former salesperson and trainer how salespeople drive sales. Learn how to keep more money in your pocket where it belongs! There are two ends of every sales stick!  One end cries 'chump.'  The other end boasts 'champ.'  I know which end of the stick I want to be.  How about you?

What Is Included In An Accidental Plan?

Why did I get a plan?

Did you buy an Accidental Plan with your laptop purchase?  Tell us about it!  Was there pressure?  Did the salesperson deliver convincing arguments?  Did you insist on it?  Share your experience so we can learn by it.

Will I ever recommend an Accidental Plan?  Sure, when a person insists he or she is accident-prone.  If the laptop is susceptible to drops, spills or irresponsible handling in the first year then it is worth considering.  If it is worth the peace of mind to pay over one third of the retail price then a plan is good for you.

Retailers depend on it!

We discussed the onetime replacement battery feature that comes with an Accidental Plan.  What else comes with it?  Some people may need 24-hour, 7-day a week tech support.  To add value to this plan we told customers that computer companies provide complementary tech support for 30 to 45 days then the tech support costs $50 to $100 an hour!  We convinced the customer the plan pays for itself after three calls!  It worked!  Many people bought the plan based on this premise alone.

However, is tech support necessary and what does it cover?  We often convinced customers of the convenience; 

   “A service tech can remote into your computer and fix it over the Internet.  This will save about three weeks in down-time alone!”  This is misleading because the tech support in these plans does not provide software support.  In addition, if a virus or malware infects your computer tech support cannot help you.  You have to pay for removal.

Do you really need a tech support person to tell you your computer is not working?

Here is a hint!  The Internet is a wonderful resource for all kinds of information, that includes tech support.  Whenever I run up against a technical challenge that needs professional help, I Google it.  I just type in my question in the search bar and like `magic, the resolution is a few clicks away.  Whether I venture into a blog, a chat group, You Tube or a professional site my answer is always there.

Some people like to talk to an individual about their tech problem.  If you enjoy going through the prompts, being on hold until you finally get to banter back and forth with a live person then this plan may be for you.  And if you are not accident-prone or condition your battery properly than a Regular Plan, which is a lot cheaper, may be something to consider.

Whatever works for you, make sure it is your choice.  That is all this blog is about, helping you make a choice.

To see a computer desktop from the inside, check out the You Tube video, "What's Inside A Computer" on the bottom right of this blog!

Thanks for sharing this post with your Facebook, Twitter, or e-mail friends!

The definition of a chump:

a gullible person, a sucker; someone easily taken advantage of, the target of a scam.

Learn from a former salesperson and trainer how salespeople drive sales. Learn how to keep more money in your pocket where it belongs! There are two ends of every sales stick!  One end cries 'chump.'  The other end boasts 'champ.'  I know which end of the stick I want to be.  How about you?

How To Make Your Laptop Battery Last

Chinese Longevity Symbol 

The goal of your new battery is to last the life of your laptop.  However, instructions to keep your battery alive and healthy do not come with your new laptop.  Here is the secret to ensure long life in your new battery.

When you set up your new laptop do not install the battery.  Use the AC adaptor only.  Use your computer for as long as your want then shut it down, unplug it and install your battery.  Keep your computer off, plug in the power and allow the battery to charge fully.  This may take a couple of hours.

The first time you charge your battery it must be with exclusive power.  In other words, do not use your computer while charging the first time.

The next time you use your computer, do not plug it in, run it on battery until you exhaust the supply.  Then plug it in and allow the battery to charge fully.  This time, you can use your computer if you like.

Repeat the sequence one more time and your battery will receive the proper conditioning to help it last the life of your laptop.

After conditioning, I recommend a full discharge and recharge once a month to keep your battery in ideal shape.  During the month if it sits on your desk most of the time, take out the battery.  If you continually use battery power, resist recharging until the 50% or below mark.

The next time you are buying a laptop and your salesperson tries to scare you into an Accidental Plan because of the onetime replacement battery feature, ask them this question.  “Are there ways to keep a new battery healthy so a replacement will not be necessary?”  If he or she reveals how to condition a new battery then continue listening to the pitch because you have an honest salesperson.  If he or she says something like “all batteries fail,” I recommend you buy only your laptop and leave.

There is no reason to encourage the disrespectful behavior of a dishonest salesperson.

Thanks for sharing this post with your Facebook, Twitter, or e-mail friends!

The definition of a chump:

a gullible person, a sucker; someone easily taken advantage of, the target of a scam.

Learn from a former salesperson and trainer how salespeople drive sales. Learn how to keep more money in your pocket where it belongs! There are two ends of every sales stick!  One end cries 'chump.'  The other end boasts 'champ.'  I know which end of the stick I want to be.  How about you?

When Store Manager's Lie

Outrageous!

Yesterday, we discussed how the outrageous claim of a salesperson could have been a lie or ignorance.  To try to convince a laptop customer the replacement battery could cost as much as $400 is still over the top.  Here's another take on this issue.

Because the pressure to sell Accidental Plans is so intense, the features may get exaggerated along the way. The job of the salesperson is to create enough value in the plan to get you to buy it.  A sales manager may have convinced this salesperson the $400 price of a replacement battery is a realistic price.  Many people may not research what their boss tells them.

 At the store manager’s insistence, I made people believe that a battery replacement could cost as much as $150.   We were in need of something to help justify the high cost of this plan.  This little lie sold many plans.  There may have been a 12-cell battery listing for over $100 but the average price of a 6-cell was $59 to $79.  No customer ever asked me how much the battery for their particular laptop model currently cost.

Whenever a salesperson makes an outrageous claim, after you have said no, be suspicious.

What did I recommend my daughter say to the salesperson from yesterday's post?  Make a request!  "Let's look it up on the Internet!”  A retailer that sells computers has Internet.  Go and Google it right in the store.  Type in the brand, model number and battery.  And just like magic, a series of sellers eagerly await your attention.  She found a battery for $38

So, because your salesperson can lie, exaggerate, speak from ignorance, or believe a lie, it is best to ask for verification or just say no!  In this case it is best to just say ‘no!’

Tomorrow: learn how to extend the life of a new battery.

Thanks for sharing this post with your Facebook, Twitter, or e-mail friends!

The definition of a chump:

a gullible person, a sucker; someone easily taken advantage of, the target of a scam.

Learn from a former salesperson and trainer how salespeople drive sales. Learn how to keep more money in your pocket where it belongs! There are two ends of every sales stick!  One end cries 'chump.'  The other end boasts 'champ.'  I know which end of the stick I want to be.  How about you?

Is It a Lie or Ignorance? Either Way, Beware

When shopping for high-ticket tech items I continue to stress Do Not rely on the information from the retailer or salesperson.  In general, retail has little or no respect for the consumer.  To exaggerate and lie is part of the sales job.  What is that sales job?  To get you to say Yes!

My daughter, Joy, called me when she was shopping for a laptop.  The salesperson, where you don’t always get the best buy, was laying on the pressure to get all the extra services and an accidental replacement plan.  All she wanted was a laptop and did not go into the store expecting a barrage of exaggerated claims of services one ‘must’ buy with the laptop

The salesperson tried to make her believe that since the manufacture does not supply the recovery disc in the box her only choice was to have the store make them for her.  I set her straight on that one.  We then discussed the antivirus/optimization service and how that was unnecessary.  This pressure is tense, especially at this particular retailer where she spotted such a great deal on the laptop.

Then came the pitch to buy an Accidental Replacement Plan.  The price of this plan is outrageous.  It is over one third of the retail price of the laptop.  However, the plan includes a onetime battery replacement.  To help justify the high cost of this plan a salesperson must use any means available to get you to say Yes!  My instruction was to convince my customer into believing a battery replacement could cost $100 or $150.

My daughter’s salesperson made the ridiculous claim that her replacement battery will cost $200 - $300 and possibly $400!  I felt embarrassed for the guy!

Then I thought about it.  It could be ignorance.  In retail, people reluctantly have to fill in whether they are cross-trained or not.  Her ‘salesperson’ could have just come from the Receiving Department.  The Technology Department can be daunting.  I do remember Joy using the word incompetent.

I am glad Joy called.  She knew enough to feel his sales pitch was questionable.  However, how many people buy into this stuff?  How many people do not ask an independent person for advice?  How many people indiscriminately believe the lie from the sales guy or the ignorance from Receiving.  Either way, beware!

When you walk into the sales arena unprepared, be prepared to be taken advantage of.

Thanks for sharing this post with your Facebook, Twitter, or e-mail friends!

The definition of a chump:

a gullible person, a sucker; someone easily taken advantage of, the target of a scam.

Learn from a former salesperson and trainer how salespeople drive sales. Learn how to keep more money in your pocket where it belongs! There are two ends of every sales stick!  One end cries 'chump.'  The other end boasts 'champ.'  I know which end of the stick I want to be.  How about you?

The Secret To Computer Services Continued: Optimization

Optimize for Free!

Let’s continue with our Computer Services discussion.  We are dissecting the service bundle that includes a predetermined antivirus and optimization.

To help sell software programs, today’s new PC’s come with trial software you may not want or will never use.  The scare is, these programs make your computer run slow.  If you do not show much interest in the antivirus your salesperson may exaggerate the need to optimize your new computer.  What does it mean to optimize your computer?

This is where I had to get creative.  I had to use words like ‘bog down your computer’ or ‘it makes your system crawl’ or after optimizing ‘your computer experience will be enhanced!’

It is the job of the salesperson to sell these services no matter what.  This includes strategic exaggeration!

The need to optimize a new PC is a minor issue.  It is more of a nuisance than a necessity.  You may not even notice the difference in speed after the optimization.  What is this ‘pressing’ service that your salesperson insists your must pay money for?

To optimize your new PC the automated tech removes all trialware that comes with the operating system.

You can do this yourself!  If you just want to clear the clutter off your desktop, right click on the icon and delete the shortcut.  This does not remove the program.  To remove the program you must find it on your Programs List when you click on the start menu or search for it on your C drive in your Program Files.  Even then some software vendors make it difficult to find by changing the name.  It can be a hassle for the average PC user.

Here’s a simple way to remove trialware.

Go to  http://www.pcdecrapifier.com/download and use the free service.  It is easy.  This program identifies the trialware and allows you to choose which program to remove.

When your salesperson presses you on this issue ask these questions.  “Can I just do it myself?”  When he replies that it is complicated ask if there are any downloads available that will do this for free?  This is where the squirming begins because most salespeople know this to be true.  Also ask, "With your service can I choose the trialware to be removed?"  Don’t believe the answer.  The removal of all trialware is automated.

For fun ask to see the performance of an optimized computer.  Chances are there is no such demo.  Then say, “If it is that big of a deal why don’t you show your customers the benefit of optimization?”

The key to shutting down a pushy salesperson is to ask knowledgeable questions, questions that make his pitch look ridiculous.  This is called ‘passing the porcupine.’

Come back tomorrow for more good computer service stuff.

Thanks for sharing this post with your Facebook, Twitter, or e-mail friends!

The definition of a chump:

a gullible person, a sucker; someone easily taken advantage of, the target of a scam.

Learn from a former salesperson and trainer how salespeople drive sales. Learn how to keep more money in your pocket where it belongs! There are two ends of every sales stick!  One end cries 'chump.'  The other end boasts 'champ.'  I know which end of the stick I want to be.  How about you?

The Secret To Computer Services Continued: AntiVirus

Free Download from CNet.com

To continue our Computer Services series let’s discuss a service that usually comes in a bundle.  For a fee from $69.99 and up a remote technician will remove trialware, help set up automatic updates, and install antivirus protection.  Here’s the problem, currently you do not get to choose the antivirus program.  It is like the dealership choosing the automobile you lease.

I had to talk customers into buying a one-year subscription to McAfee.  Once again, concealing information helped me make the sale.  2010 McAfee AntiVirus Plus may get good reviews but when you scroll down and read the comments by users the reviews are not as flattering.  Remember you are buying a one-year subscription.  After the retailer installs the antivirus program and you realize it bogs down your computer, it is too late.

What to do!  Do a little research before buying into a year subscription.  When you get home, or back to your business, install the trial version that comes with your laptop.  Then do a little Google search by putting in the brand of virus protection followed by review.  Make sure it is an independent review.

If you do not want to install Norton or McAfee even for a short time (I do not blame you) then go the free route.  Go to http://download.cnet.com scroll down on the right and choose AVG AntiVirus Free Edition 2010 or Avast Free Antivirus.  This is just temporary protection until you get your brand of choice, just make sure it is Internet Security or higher.

Caution: The free version does not come with a firewall.  It is best not to depend on the firewall that comes with your PC computer.  Download the newest free version of ZoneAlarm from Cnet.com.  Just type in ZoneAlarm in the search bar.

Some people are content to use the free virus protection and firewall programs.  It is your call.  If all of this seems a little overwhelming you may want to ask a friend to help or buy this service from the retailer or online.

The salesperson cannot make you aware of these do-it-yourself options, they must try to sell the overpriced, underperforming computer services.  Again, they are just doing their job.

Are you beginning to see the light?  You must not rely on the retailer’s biased information.  To save and keep more of your money you must do your own research and keep reading this blog of course!

Tomorrow: how you can get rid of trialware – free!

Thanks for sharing this post with your Facebook, Twitter, or e-mail friends!

The definition of a chump:

a gullible person, a sucker; someone easily taken advantage of, the target of a scam.

Learn from a former salesperson and trainer how salespeople drive sales. Learn how to keep more money in your pocket where it belongs! There are two ends of every sales stick!  One end cries 'chump.'  The other end boasts 'champ.'  I know which end of the stick I want to be.  How about you?

The Secret To Computer Services

Do I Need The Services?

So it is time to replace your laptop.  Now what?  First, consider why you want a new one and second do not buy into the rough and fluff.

If you are using your laptop for Internet, word documents and some multimedia I recommend a minimum of a dual core processor, 3 GB of ram and 320 hard drive.  Anything more is fluff.

Your salesperson may want to talk you into something more substantial for ‘the future’ but with computers so cheap more people replace their old computer for a newer, up-to-date version.  If you use your laptop for graphics or heavy-duty programs like AutoCAD, Dreamweaver or enhanced gaming then a little research at C-Net.com will help define what you need.

The hard part for you may be deciding what laptop to get.  Once you decide the fun begins.  Here is where the hard core pressure begins.  As stated in earlier posts, retailers ‘do not’ make money on the laptop itself.  They make money on accessories and the services.  Big, big money on the services.

The question is; do you need all these services?  The answer is ‘No!’

The next few posts will discuss these services and why you do not need them.

The first service available is to make the Recovery Disc.  Currently retailers are charging $29.99 to make these for you.  A salesperson may tell you these discs do not come with a computer anymore which is true; you will not find the hard discs in the box anymore.  However, this information may not come from your salesperson.  Recovery Discs are available from the manufacturer or you can make recovery discs yourself.  I didn’t lie when assisting my customers; I just stated that most people don’t make them because it is a long process.  So, if you are a procrastinator this service may benefit you.

You also may not realize a ‘recovery partition’ comes with most computers.  When you click on Computer you will see a D drive labeled Recover.  All the programs that come with your computer are stored here.  For example, when you want to recover your HP computer, tapping on F11 on restart will begin this process.  However, if your computer crashes and cannot access the hard drive these hard discs are essential to get your computer back up and running.

To make your own you will need about four DVD-R discs.  In my experience the most reliable are TDK.  I own an HP laptop so to make my recovery discs I access my programs by clicking on the Microsoft icon in the left corner and typing ‘Recovery Disc’ in the ‘Search Programs and Files’ search bar.  I click on Recovery Disc Creation and follow the prompts.  It is easy because the computer does all the work for you.

So, when a salesperson tries to scare you into buying this service, ask them about the Recovery Partition or the ability to make your own or how the discs are available from the manufacturer.

We hope he or she will tell you the truth.  Don’t hold it against your salesperson for not telling the truth up front.  It is their job to ‘sell’ these services.  It is your job to be wise.

Thanks for sharing this post with your Facebook, Twitter, or e-mail friends!

The definition of a chump:

a gullible person, a sucker; someone easily taken advantage of, the target of a scam.

Learn from a former salesperson and trainer how salespeople drive sales. Learn how to keep more money in your pocket where it belongs! There are two ends of every sales stick!  One end cries 'chump.'  The other end boasts 'champ.'  I know which end of the stick I want to be.  How about you?

A Secret To Reveal The Truth

The first one that speaks loses!

A salesperson must discriminate the truth.  In other words not reveal the whole truth, just the parts that promote the sale.  Here are two positive customer conversations I used to sell extended warranty plans.

While I did some backup cashiering a woman came to the register with a $249 printer in her shopping cart.  She did not hesitate telling me about the $299.99 merchandise card she would be using to pay for her prize.  The merchandise card came from the Extended Warranty Plan service she bought with her printer three years prior.  She told me, “I’m so glad the salesperson talked me into it!”  What did she do with the remaining $50?  Of course, she bought another plan.

Another customer experienced the same result, only it involved a digital camera.  Same amount, same decision to buy another plan.  At that time, both of these customers could replace their equipment with a better printer/camera at a lower price because technology continues to improve while prices continue to decline.  Also, they could buy a three-year plan that started after the manufacturer warranty expired.

When trying to sell plans to current customers I stressed the result of both stories to get a ‘yes.’  Here is what I left out.  Printers tend to fail after three years.  The current plans only cover two years.  I also left out the negative customer experiences with these plans like getting their claim denied, not registering the plan or made to wait a long time before a claim gets resolved.

So here’s a secret.  The next time you’re getting a sales pitch ask for the downside or negative aspect.  Be confident in your delivery.  When the salesperson gives you his or her canned response, do not reply.  Just, stand there and stare as if to say, “Tell me more.”  It is important not to say another word until he or she starts up again.  What you get after the canned speech may be the truth.

This technique leaves the porcupine in the lap of the salesperson and believe me, it is uncomfortable.  In the sales business, in this case ‘the first one that speaks loses.’  If you speak too soon, you may miss out on the truth.

This technique also works during a job interview.  It is amazing the good stuff that follows after the canned speech.

When you want the truth, ask your question, receive the first answer, and then stare.  Watch the squirming begin.  Remember, the first one that speaks loses.  What a valuable lifetime lesson to learn.

Thanks for sharing this post with your Facebook, Twitter, or e-mail friends!

The definition of a chump:

a gullible person, a sucker; someone easily taken advantage of, the target of a scam.

Learn from a former salesperson and trainer how salespeople drive sales. Learn how to keep more money in your pocket where it belongs! There are two ends of every sales stick!  One end cries 'chump.'  The other end boasts 'champ.'  I know which end of the stick I want to be.  How about you?

Should I Get a Plan on a Printer?

A Plan on a Printer?

We've discussed three printer attachments, cable, ink and paper the source to big money.  Now let’s discuss the extended warranty plan.  To retailers, this is the source to bigger money.

Is buying the extended warranty plan on a printer smart?  Currently, when you buy a plan with any printer under $300, and it fails in the first two years you will get a merchandise card for the full amount you paid.  So the question is, what are the chances of failure in two years?  Very slim!  It's like a gamble in Las Vegas, the odds are stacked in the houses favor.  Here's how!

In the past, coverage began after the shortest time of the manufacturer’s warranty expired (labor) and available for three years to five years.  Currently, along with increase prices, they now begin (check your retailer) day of purchase and are available for only two years.  Why?  Money!  Not enough profit while spending too much on claims.  Solution?  Raise prices and cut the benefit timeframe.

Today, I do not recommend spending money on a printer extended warranty plan unless you are a high volume user.  The chance of a printer failure in two years is slim. However, I've had customers say they always buy extended warranty plans and they use them up.  So, if this is you, keep it up.

If you are a high-volume business owner and your printer purchase is over $300 you may want to check into a plan that repairs on the spot.

Thanks for sharing this post with your Facebook, Twitter, or e-mail friends!

The definition of a chump:

a gullible person, a sucker; someone easily taken advantage of, the target of a scam.

Learn from a former salesperson and trainer how salespeople drive sales. Learn how to keep more money in your pocket where it belongs! There are two ends of every sales stick!  One end cries 'chump.'  The other end boasts 'champ.'  I know which end of the stick I want to be.  How about you?