Tech Talk with Bob

Imagine this. The computer you bought from that big box store seven months ago no longer works. No problem, it’s still under warranty. You call the manufacturer and get a return authorization from them. You pack and ship your computer to them. Today, two months later, you are finally getting it back from the manufacturer and cannot wait to get it up and running. You hit the switch and it boots right up. Seems to be running as fast as it did when you bought it. Wow! This booting speed reminds you of why you bought the computer in the first place.

In almost no time your system is up and ready to go, however you notice that your desktop doesn’t quite look the same way you had it before you sent it for repair. Upon further investigation you realize that some of your newest programs are missing, you cannot access your printer, and most importantly, all your pictures, videos, music, and other data is nowhere to be found. Your computer works great, but all your personal stuff is gone. You call the manufacturer to ask about your missing pictures and documents and other data. Suddenly you find out that the only obligation the manufacturer had to you under the warranty was to repair or replace your computer to the way it was the day you brought it home from the store and took it out of the box. You learn the hard way that your missing programs, data, etc. are your problem. You were supposed to back all that stuff up before you sent your computer in for repair; but nobody tells you that. Many people find themselves in this predicament every day. Well, I’m telling you now, so after reading this, you’ll know what to do.

Computers are viewed by some people as being no different than any other electronic appliance, like an electronic coffee maker. Electronic coffee makers use a combination of hardware and software to make them function. However, the software that runs your coffee maker is not as sophisticated as the software that runs your computer. People typically do not differentiate between the hardware and software aspects of a computer system. The truth is, where the software in your coffee maker never changes, the software in your computer is constantly changing. Especially your data files as you add and delete your music, pictures and other personal documents.

All this information is stored on your computer’s hard disk drive (HDD). Your HDD stores all computer software information including your personal and unique computer information. This unique information is created over time as you use your computer system by adding programs, printers, data, etc. All these changes alter the contents of your HDD. When you send your computer to the manufacturer for repair, your HDD may be physically replaced by having a new HDD installed into your computer or logically replaced by having all the information on the HDD erased and then rewritten with the information the HDD had on it when your computer was new out of the box.

Think of it this way. If you ever had the battery in your car replaced, the first thing you probably learned when you got back into your car is that all your radio preset stations have been wiped out due to the battery being disconnected. The auto repair shop’s responsibility is not to restore your radio presets but to replace your car’s battery with a working one. You’ll just have to reprogram those preset stations all over again. The same is true of your computer. Important information can be lost during your computer’s repair. Important personal data, like rare family photos, or that business proposal you’ve been working on all week, may be impossible to replace. It is always your responsibility to make sure you have what you need to restore the programs and data you have added to your computer since you bought it. But most people do not figure this out until it’s too late.

So how do you minimize your data loss when you need your computer system repaired? The first thing you do is make certain that all your personal data is backed up. This can be difficult if your computer will not turn on. Even if your computer will not turn on, it may still be possible that your data can be extracted from the HDD before you send your computer off for repair. If you are not familiar with how to get your data backed up, give us a call. We do stuff like this every day and can painlessly manage all of this for you.

The next thing you will need are the installation disk and/or files for any software you added to the computer after you bought it. Make sure you have all your installation media and product keys so these items can be reinstalled with as little trouble as possible. A list of your email and website user names and passwords are also going to need to be reentered the first time you try to access any of the secured websites you visit. If you are not sure if you have everything you need to recover all the additions you made to your computer since you bought it, contact a professional computer technician to help you get all your ducks in a row. A small investment in prevention will save you a lot of money, and grief, when your time comes to get your computer repaired.

Cyber criminals will exploit the easy victims and unprotected systems. Protecting yourself online is your responsibility. Don’t go it alone. We have the best solutions already in place and we’re here to help. Are you certain your computer is safe? Have it looked over by our Professionally Certified IT Specialists by calling us now at 727-534-4000. We’ve been helping folks restore their peace of mind, and sanity, with their technology for decades.

We Keep You Safer In Your Digital World!

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He wants you to have the assurance and guarantee that you are always treated by someone with a passion for dentistry and is personally involved in your treatment.

Growing up in Tarpon Springs, an East Lake High School alum, Dr. Albert earned his undergraduate and postgraduate degrees from The University of Florida and has been honored with numerous awards and leadership positions with multiple dental associations since starting his career.

Dr. Albert fell in love with dentistry at an early age. His exceptional experience as a teenage braces patient led him to his lifelong career. In practice since 2003, he uses his 18 years of experience to care for his orthodontic patients conveniently where they live, work and go to school. He makes them feel comfortable, knowing they are in the most capable, experienced hands possible for braces, expanders, and Invisalign.

Though government regulations briefly closed all dental practices’ doors in April 2020, Dr. Albert’s practice has been back to fully operational since last May and he was proud to see his patients treatment results be unaffected by the year full of restrictions and additional precautions required because of Covid-19. In fact, Dr. Albert said last year was his most successful and productive year ever, and is seeing an influx of new patients seeking Invisalign and braces.

“Last year, the joke we used with our patients was ‘hey, if you need to wear a mask, you might as well be straightening your teeth with some braces or Invisalign under there. No one is going to see them!”, Dr. Albert said. “And now this year, with less masks out there, we can still help you get that smile you always wanted so you can show off that smile freely again!”

The practice follows the highest infection control protocols.

“There was some change for us, but universal precautions, surface sterilization, and use of personal protective equipment and barriers have been the norm in dentistry for decades,” said Dr. Albert. “We have implemented additional gear and protocols to ensure the safety of our patients and staff during their treatment and are happy to report that we have had no reported Covid-issues with our staff or patients due to our diligence.”

While teens like the fun-colored bands that can accompany the classic silver and clear braces, adults tend to gravitate to Invisalign because of the convenience and minimal intrusiveness in their lifestyle. Dr. Albert notes that some young people do choose Invisalign for their comfort and versatility for their active lifestyles. While there are some do-it-yourself products available online, Dr. Albert has actually seen a big increase in demand for consumers wanting professionally controlled and monitored treatment through Invisalign in his practice.

“I think most people know in their heart of hearts, that the best treatment they can give themselves involves seeing a doctor with experience personally and being monitored and helped throughout their treatment,” he said. “Invisalign has become very popular and is what most of our adult patients are treated with

nowadays, with more and more teens decided to do it as well over braces. For those unfamiliar, Invisalign is a series of clear trays that the patient wears for one week at a time, and we typically give them 12-16 trays each time they come in. They then progress through the trays in between the visits. We continually check them and ensure that they fit properly. Minimal movements with each aligner, but over the treatment time, it moves the teeth to where we want.”

The addition of the Propel appliance to Invisalign treatment can reduce the length of treatment time by 30%. Propel applies a gentle vibration 5 minutes daily that helps increase the bone and tooth remodeling process, which speeds the rate at which teeth can be safely moved.

Albert Family Orthodontics treats children and adults, and new patient evaluations are always free of charge. Based on the recommendation by the American Association of Orthodontists, Dr. Albert suggests initial orthodontic evaluation should occur at the first sign of orthodontic problems or no later than age 7. Orthodontic treatment may not always be necessary at this early of an age but helps determine the best time to begin treatment and is complimentary. The first consultation visit includes a thorough exam, a complimentary panoramic x-ray, and a discussion of potential treatment options and costs. Along with a low initial down payment, Albert Family Orthodontics offers no-interest, in-house financing, Care Credit, and accepts most insurance that includes orthodontics.

Dr. Albert is proud to offer the most advanced technology at Albert Family Orthodontics to help his patients see in three-dimensional view a replica of their teeth. Digital scanning replaces antiquated tray impressions or molds of teeth.

Instead of the traditional physical dental impressions, which can be a potential contaminant and uncomfortable for patients, the iTero intraoral digital scanner scans a patient’s mouth to create a 3D digital model for braces, Invisalign, expanders, and diagnostic study models. Not only does the 3-D scan show the current structure of the teeth, but it can also produce a simulated outcome of what their teeth will look like after the completion of the expected treatment plan.

Dr. Albert has treated many orthodontic cases that initially present similar, but he knows no two patients’ treatment is precisely the same. Treatment time varies per each patient’s specific orthodontic problem, but in general, it ranges from 6 to 24 months. The average timeframe a person is in braces or Invisalign is approximately 15 months.

After an unprecedented but still successful 2020, he is happy to see normalcy returning in 2021.

“We went through the pandemic and were able to get great results for our patients despite the temporary shutdown, extra barriers, and restrictions, and we continue to treat patients following the recommended CDC guidelines mandated by the state. We look forward to helping anyone else looking to improve their smile and know they will be thrilled with their results as well!”

Albert Family Orthodontics’ Trinity location is at Trinity Professional Place, 1806 Short Branch Drive, Suite #102 in Trinity (at the corner of Duck Slough and Trinity Blvds.) The Palm Harbor office is at 2445 Tampa Road, Suite A. For more information, please call 727-376-2770 (Trinity) and 727-781-7475 (Palm Harbor), Mon. – Fri., 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., or log on to www. albertfamilyortho.com.