Gateway Computers

12/07/2021

For anyone looking to purchase a new, expensive cellphone this holiday, consider also purchasing an extended warranty for at least the first year of the contract. High end cellphones can cost from $1000 to as much as $2250. If you ever have to replace a broken screen on these phones, the cost for the screen alone is $450-$600 plus labor, plus taxes. The last thing you want when paying off that expensive monthly tab is to find yourself with a $600+ repair bill for a broken screen on your brand-new cellphone. Most carriers offer an extended, no questions asked warranty that will replace an accidently broken screen at no extra cost or for a small fee. This is one of the few extended warranties we recommend getting for at least the first year of ownership or 2 years for an extremely expensive phone. We would rather lose a repair call to a factory warranty repair than to have to tell someone they have a $600 repair bill for their 2-month-old phone.

07/19/2018

Scam alert: Looks like the tech support phone scammers are at it again. This time with a bit of a new twist. It works pretty much the same but, instead of saying they are from Microsoft, which most people have become wise to, they say they are the security firm that installed security software on your computer and that they are now detecting a security risk on your computer and need you to give them access to it so they can remove the threat. They then take control of your computer, install malware and hold your computer for ransom and lock you out ask you to pay money to fix the problem. Even if you pay the money, they usually will not remove the malware.

Again, nobody will ever legitimately call you saying they detect a security risk on your computer and need access to your computer to fix it. Don't even talk to the people, simply hang up. They also leave a message if you have an answering service telling you pretty much the same and to call them back,. Needless to say, don't do that. If by chance you happen to fall victim to this scam, do not deal with them and do not send them money. Call a technician you trust and have them fix the problem for you. Stay safe.

09/08/2017

Just got another call from "Microsoft" claiming they were a technician and that they need to connect to my computer because I have a virus. Looks like they are doing the rounds again with this scam. Once again, Microsoft will NEVER contact you unless you contact them first and request a call back. If these people call, just hang up or say you'll have someone look at it. They are relentless but do not give in. Don't be rude, however. They've been known to try and compromise the systems of people who've really made them angry. Just be polite, say you have a person you trust who will look into it and hang up. Never give anyone personal information over the phone unless you contacted them.

04/15/2012

For all you Mac users, viruses for Mac systems have become more common in the past few months. The Flashback virus hit more than half a million Mac users. The latest virus - Sabpab - while not as wide spread is just the latest in what internet hackers are promising as a continuing onslaught of attacks aimed at Mac OS X. Mac users can no longer consider themselves immune to virus attacks and need a good antivirus program such as Sophos Antivirus for Mac or ClamXav 2. If you haven’t installed an antivirus already, do so as soon as possible. Once infected, it can be very difficult to remove these viruses. As usual, your best defense is to prevent infection in the first place.

10/17/2011

We are still getting calls from clients regarding phone scams for tech support. If anyone calls offering any type of computer support over the phone, do not let them scare you into thinking there is something wrong with your computer that they can fix over the phone. It is a scam, they will steal your identity and charge you huge dollars for doing so!!!

09/18/2011

The one stop solution for all you computer needs. Be it home or business, Gateway Computers has the knowledge and expertise to handle any task you require.

09/18/2011

I am still getting calls from clients regarding the Microsoft support scam. People are still being fooled by this. Microsoft would never contact anyone unless the person contacted Microsoft first and opened a support ticket. If anyone calls claiming to be Microsoft or any other computer security company, you can be sure they are not who they say they are. None of these companies would call and offer to clean your computer for free or for a fee.

The crooks cold-call people at home and claim to be calling from Microsoft or a well-known security firm and offering "free security checks".

09/17/2011

"Gateway" Computers, North Bay