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!

chicken and beef are a mainstay at community functions in the Northdale area. Could he be that friendly, outgoing presence who graces the OWL Club (Older, Wiser, Lively Seniors) who meet each month at the Northdale Civic Association?

The answer is obvious; the truth is John is all of that and much more! A contradiction in terms, John says that “I don’t like cars. I like people!” His written promise, found on Angi’s List, is typical of what new and repeat customers can expect to receive during their visit to John Erb’s Car, Truck, and RV Service Center, at 16133 N. Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618

Whether it is an oil change, a simple tune up, or as complicated as a complete engine overall, John and his experienced, certified, professionals can do it all with quality parts and experienced services.

“We strive for the highest standards in automotive repairs and will provide you with the best integrity in the business. To perform high-quality repair service at a fair and just price. To use only proven merchandise of high quality distributed by reputable firms. To employ the best skilled technicians obtainable. To furnish an itemized invoice for fairly priced parts and services that clearly identifies any used or re-manufactured parts. Replaced parts may be inspected upon request. To have a sense of personal obligation to each customer.” That may seem like an improbable promise, but for John and his professional staff, it is just their normal way of doing business. Originally from Plainview, Long Island, New York, John had an advantage over other kids his age after they moved to Florida, where his father operated a Gulf service station on the corner of Kennedy and Dale Mabry. He had a good idea what he wanted to do, although he didn’t pursue it until he decided against two other options, becoming either a doctor or joining the police department.

While still in grade school, he was already filling up his father’s customers’ tires with air. By 12, he was changing their tires. Although he was a fully certified mechanic, by the time he was 21, John was 25 before he finally made servicing customer cars as his chosen career path. Many, many satisfied, repeat customers of Erb’s Car, Truck and RV service center in the Carrollwood area are glad he did!

Do you want to know what others think about John’s service? In our interview, John remarked, “the only thing my team and I can control is our effort.” Countless satisfied customers from across the Tampa Bay area can attest to how well they achieve that promise. Read what some of his local customers, in their unsolicited testimonials, had to say that resulted in his 4.3 star rating with the Better Business Bureau with over 200+ online reviews:

Gina W.

“By far the best mechanic, most honest, caring person. I will NEVER use anybody else again!!”

Chuck M.

“Thanks John, great job on Robin Honda your choice of tires & all the work done was awesome.”

Tommy L.

“John and his staff know their business! Doesn’t matter what make or model of your vehicle they will diagnosis and fix your problems! I have relied on John and his staff to service every one of my vehicles no matter what the dealership said. They have saved us hundreds of dollars from the dealer when we needed their service. From tires to brakes and wheel alignments when it shakes, from engine noises and coolant leaks, they can do it all and keep you on the road 7 days a week! That’s from his catchy little commercial! Thanks, John for putting the trust back in your profession!”

John and his team believe in establishing a preventative safety program for every vehicle they service that follows your manufacturer’s recommend guidelines for the maintenance of that vehicle to keep it running at peak efficiency. Did you know that John Erb’s Car, Truck and RV services offers a brake warranty that provides unique coverage, as John says, “a health program for your car’s hydraulic brake system?” If John’s team properly flushes your brakes with quality Valvoline fluid every 30,000 miles, Valvoline provides a limited coverage warranty to those brakes at no cost to you, backed by Technet as long as you continue with the preventive service. This is just one more way they can save you thousands of dollars in brake repair bills.

Although Erb’s Service Center is a Goodyear distributor, all other tire manufacturers are available to them. His team wants to do more than just selling you a tire. They ask the questions that determine what tire is right for your car. Are you a person who only drives your car around town, or do you routinely travel long distances? It makes a difference which tire you select for maximum tire life and smooth ride. In a previous interview, John confirmed, “I can get Michelin’s if they want them.”

Extending the life of your vehicle is the entire goal at John Erb’s Service Center and the word has gotten around. It isn’t unusual to see cars parked several deep, waiting for John’s crew and their expert servicing. It’s also not unusual to see a Jaguar, parked next to a BMW, Cadillac, or daily driver, each waiting for the same exceptional service at the same reasonable price.

With two facilities, a 5700 square foot main building (“his campus”) and a 3400 square foot oil change building, John’s staff is ready to handle all your car, truck, and RV needs. You may have seen his “Oil Frog” tent at the Northdale Fun Fest that John sponsors every year.

John’s philanthropic interests vary almost as much as the services his automotive center provides. Long a Silver sponsor of the Egypt Shrine Circus, he also supports The Children’s Home, schools in Haiti, and the Humane Society.

There are many ways to repair and maintain your car. At John Erb’s Car, Truck, and RV Service Center, there is only one, The RIGHT WAY! Experience it for yourself today. You’ll be glad you did! Call today 813 908-3333 to make your appointment for service excellence or visit the service center at 16133 North Dale Mabry, Tampa, FL. Take the worry out of your vehicle’s maintenance or repair today!