FAQ

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  1. What's the best type of computer to buy?
  2. My computer won't turn on. What should I do?
  3. Computer turns on, but nothing happens?
  4. Computer turns on, but cannot access internet! (for High Speed users)
  5. I think I have a virus. What should I do?
  6. I'm having problems with X internet service. What other choices are there?
  7. My computer is very slow. What can I do to speed it up?
  8. Where are good places to go for DIY computer fixes?
  9. How do I get hold of my ISP (Internet Service Provider)?
  10. Where is LassenPC located?
  11. Where can I drop off a computer to be fixed?
  12. Just how long does it take to fix a computer?
  13. What do I need to know about buying a new computer?

1.     What's the best type of computer to buy?

The computer industry is constantly changing, and as such the top computers to buy change as well.  The top three brands we currently recommend are HP, Sony, and IBM.  Computer manufactures we suggest to avoid are Dell, Gateway, eMachine, and any type of no name brand.

2.     My computer won't turn on. What should I do?

Start with the obvious. Make sure there is power going to the outlet the computer is plugged into (and the monitor).  Double check the power cables going to the computer, power strips, and any UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) making sure there is power running to all connected devices.  If computer still won't turn on, either the PSU (Power Supply Unit) has gone bad and needs to be replaced, or a piece of connected hardware (internal or external) has gone bad and will need to be replaced.

3.     Computer turns on, but nothing happens?

There are a couple different reasons for this. There can be a problem with hardware (old or newly installed); try disconnecting all USB devices, printers, and swap out the keyboard and mouse. If the problem persists, it's likely to be an internal hardware malfunction; all internal components will need to be individually tested (PCI cards, Hard Drives, CD-ROM Drives, PSU, motherboard, etc).

4.     Computer turns on, but cannot access internet!

Follow these steps, checking for internet connection after each:

  • Reboot computer
  • Reboot modem (DSL / Cable)
  • Check modem for "internet" or "dsl" light; if not on, call your ISP
  • Check your cables from the modem to your computer
  • Click START > Control Panel > Internet Options, Click on the Connections tab. There should be nothing listed under "Dial-Up", if there is, delete it. Click on LAN Settings.  Automatically Detect settings should be checked.  Nothing else should be. Click OK, and OK again.
  • Temporarily shut down your firewall and attempt connection.
  • Click START > Control Panel > Network Connections. Right click Local Area Connection, then click Repair
  • Click START > Control Panel > Network Connections. Right click Local Area Connection, Disable. Right click Local Area Connection, Enable
  • Click START > Control Panel > Network Connections. Double click Local Area Connection, Internet Protocol, make sure that "Obtain IP Address Automatically" and "Obtain DNS Server address Automatically" are checked, if not, check them and click OK, OK.
  • If you're still having trouble, you may have some type of spyware/malware blocking access. See I think I have a virus. What should I do? for more information.

5.     I think I have a virus. What should I do?

Run a full system scan with an up-to-date antivirus program. You should also make sure you have a firewall installed and running. Check out our security page for more information.

6.     I'm having problems with X internet service. What other choices are there?

There are several dial-up and high speed providers for the Lassen County area. We have put together a comparison chart here for your convenience.

7.     My computer is very slow. What can I do to speed it up?

  • Download, install, and run Adaware and Spybot (these will remove spyware that slows down your computer)
  • Run Windows Disk Cleanup.  START > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Cleanup
  • Defragment your drives. START > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Defragmenter
  • Check and see if your computer needs more RAM. Go to www.crucial.com and run the scan.  It will tell you exactly how much RAM you have, how much more you can add, and even directs you to the exact part to buy

8.     Where are good places to go for DIY computer fixes?

Here's a list (in no particular order) of other websites and forums to help you explore your "inner geek":

9.     How do I get hold of my ISP (Internet Service Provider)?

These numbers are for technical support (not billing). Before calling, have the phone number that was used to open the account ready, and your account number if possible.

  • Time Warner (Adelphia): 877-789-3129
  • Frontier Communications: 800-921-8101
  • Digital Path: 800-676-PATH (7284)
  • Earthlink: 888-327-8454

10.    Where is LassenPC located?

LassenPC is a mobile service based out of Susanville, and as such we do not have a brick and mortar storefront (this lack of overhead allows us to pass on the savings to you!) 

11.    Where can I drop off a computer to be fixed?

If you prefer not to have us visit your residence, place of businesses, or find it easier to drop off your equipment for repair, the UPS Store located next to Wal-Mart in Susanville is an authorized drop location for LassenPC. There are no additional charges to drop off your equipment, just bring it in, and drop it off.  It's that simple.

12.    Just how long does it take to fix a computer?

If it's hardware related (and it's a part that we do not have in stock) it takes between 3-5 business days from the time the order is placed before the part arrives. If it requires a part we have in stock, the computer is usually returned the same day. If it's a software problem (virus, corrupted files, etc.) it normally takes one to two days.

13.    What do I need to know about buying a new computer?

  •      HDD (Hard Drive Disk Size): it will be in GB (Gigabytes) 80GB is very small these days, 120GB almost average; go for 300GB and above if using serious music / video / media on your PC

  •       RAM (Random Access Memory): Will be listed as either MB (Megabytes) or GB (Gigabytes); you do not want anything under 1024MB or 1GB; the more RAM you have, generally the faster the PC will go

  •      The OS (Operating System): Chances are you are getting a Windows PC; there are several OS’s out there for them, XP Home & Professional, and Vista Home, Premium, Business, and Ultimate.  Right now, you are pretty much guaranteed to have some type of problem with any Vista OS (since it is new – wait a year, it will be better).  If you want no problems, stick with XP for a few years.  If you really want Vista, do not waste money on Home Basic, get the Premium or Ultimate; businesses will do fine with the Business Version.

  •       CPU (Processor): Two manufactures, Intel and AMD; depending on whom you ask it is pretty much comparing tomatoes to tomatoes; AMD is a few dollars cheaper.  Don’t go with anything under 2.5GHZ

  •       Graphics Card: Dealing with MB (Megabytes) here again, this determines how fast and well things are going to happen on your screen; recommend to not go below 256MB for an average system.  If you will be doing heavy gaming, this number needs to be higher.

  •       Warranty & Support: Most manufactures will give you one year limited warranty; be careful of this, as it leads to talking with people in India if you need help, and if they cannot help you must mail (at your expense) your PC back to them for 2-3 weeks to be repaired. For comparison, LassenPC offers 2-year 100% hardware warranty with ONSITE repair and replacement, usually within one business day on our custom built PCs.