User-Friendly Computing

07/21/2021

User-Friendly Computing is Hiring!!

Premier local computer service company seeks I.T. Support / Customer Service employee to service our clients’ computer systems. Work will be performed both in the field (at customer locations) and at our retail repair shop. Field service appointments are conducted at a variety of small business locations throughout Santa Cruz County and may include work at clients’ homes as well.

Primary responsibility will be the maintenance, configuration, and reliable operation of customers’ computers and computer systems. You will actively resolve problems and issues with computers, software applications, and other hardware to limit work disruptions. Duties shall include:

- Provide support to clients on-site or remotely
- Work with Windows operating systems
- Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain clients’ computers
- Install patches, hotfixes, and updates to OS, antivirus, and security software
- Assess systems, identify and recommend solutions.

In addition to servicing computers, you will be expected to interact with customers and provide general assistance as needed to in-house staff.

All candidates must be highly computer proficient (familiarity with Windows/Office is a must, OS X experience a plus), have strong communication skills, a pleasant phone manner, and be self-motivated and able to work independently. The successful candidate will initially work under the guidance of senior staff and with experience is expected to acquire a wide range of skill sets that include:

- Troubleshooting network printers, routers, switches
- Familiarity with Mac OS X
- Familiarity with server operating systems
- Support for basic network connectivity issues – wired and wireless

Candidates must therefore be intelligent, enthusiastic, able to think on their feet, have a strong work ethic, possess excellent problem-solving and customer service skills, and enjoy working in a fast-paced and challenging environment. Full-time availability preferred. Reliable transportation and insurance are a must.

Apply online: https://www.friendlycomputing.com/apply-now.html

07/28/2020

Ransomware is on the rise, and ransom demands are getting more expensive.

Garmin, a multinational tech company, is the latest high-profile organization to be hit by a ransomware attack. Although the company is working towards getting back at [...]

07/01/2020

Always back up your data, and make sure those backups don’t merely reside on your computer or on a mapped drive. UCSF just paid over $1M to get their ransomware-encrypted files back:

BBC News witnesses a negotiation between ransomware hackers and a 'cash-strapped' university.

11/08/2016

Historic Photo

05/25/2016

Microsoft accused of Windows 10 upgrade 'nasty trick' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-36367221

Clicking the red cross on the Windows 10 pop-up box now activates the upgrade instead of closing the box.

09/01/2015

Shop technician needed for computer service, repair, and maintenance at premier local repair shop. Duties will include routine maintenance, resolving hardware and software issues for desktops, laptops, and servers, and phone support for help desk calls. Candidate must have hardware experience to support a variety of desktop, laptop, servers, and networking devices. Candidate should also be knowledgeable on various Microsoft operating systems and desktop applications.

Basic technical services will include:
- Maintenance of desktop and laptop computers
- Laptop hardware dis-assembly and repair, up to and including motherboard replacement
- E-mail client setup (Outlook, Windows Mail, OS X Mail, Thunderbird)
- Printer setup and repair
- Performance optimization
- Virus/malware removal
- Software-based data recovery
- Hardware and software upgrades
- Shared devices and storage setup

Interpersonal Requirements:
- Impeccable communication and writing skills
- Courteously answer phones and provide IT support to clients
- Must have a good presentation, be efficient, able to quickly problem-solve, and enjoy working with people
- Highly motivated team player with great interpersonal skills
- Ability to work independently and manage own daily schedule

Compensation consists of hourly base plus generous weekly production bonus and incentives.

11/19/2013

User-Friendly Computing was founded 20 years ago today on November 19, 1993 by Peter Huemer and Valerie Bettenhausen. Congratulations and happy birthday! Special thanks go out to the Santa Cruz community, our loyal customers, and the fantastic team that has made it all possible!

04/27/2013

http://gizmodo.com/5995358/watch-a-woman-from-the-1990s-explain-what-a-computer-is

One of the things that will never fail to make me happy: seeing people stuck in time explain what modern day technology is. Kim Komando hosted an educational series about computer and explains the basics of its hardware, DOS, Microsoft Windows, Writeand more. A few of my avorite quotes: "What...