Professional Help Computer Services, Inc.

05/26/2026

🛑Important Update for Outlook, Hotmail, and Microsoft Users!🛑

Have you ever tried to log into your email or computer and received a text message with a 6-digit code to prove it’s you?

Microsoft has just announced they are phasing out these text message (SMS) codes for personal accounts. Because scammers are getting better at intercepting text messages, Microsoft is moving everyone toward more secure options like "Passkeys" (using your phone's fingerprint or FaceID) or verified backup emails.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/accounts-billing/manage/microsoft-to-stop-sending-sms-codes-for-personal-accounts

What does this mean for you? If you rely on text messages to get into your account, you will eventually need to update your security settings. We know these constant tech changes can be confusing and frustrating!

Don't worry—we are here to help. If you aren't sure how to set up a Passkey or secure your Microsoft account, come see us. We can help walk you through the setup to make sure you never get locked out of your important emails, photos, or documents.

📍 Stop by the shop or give us a call at 864-427-7334 to schedule a consultation. We’ve got your back! 💻📱

01/23/2026

Storm Prep:
How to Keep Your Tech Running if the Power Goes Out

Hey neighbors! With the ice and snow heading our way, we know the power might flicker or go out. We want to make sure you stay connected to weather updates and loved ones.

Here is a technician-approved checklist to squeeze every minute of battery life out of your phones, tablets, and laptops.

📱 PHONES & TABLETS

Charge NOW: Don't wait until the lights flicker. Plug everything in immediately.

Lower Screen Brightness: The screen uses the most power. Turn it down as low as you can comfortably see.

Enable "Low Power Mode":

iPhone: Settings > Battery > Low Power Mode.

Android: Settings > Battery > Power Saving Mode.

Close Apps: Swipe away apps you aren't using. Maps and Facebook drain battery even in the background.

The "Searching" Trap: If the power goes out and cell towers go down (showing "No Service"), switch to Airplane Mode. Your phone burns massive energy trying to find a signal that isn't there. Check for signal once every hour instead.

💻 LAPTOPS

Modify Power Settings: Click your battery icon and slide the slider to "Best Battery Life" or "Battery Saver."

Unplug Accessories: USB mice, external hard drives, and phone chargers plugged into your laptop will drain the laptop battery fast. Unplug them.

Shut Down, Don't Sleep: If you aren't using the laptop, shut it all the way down. "Sleep" mode still sips power.

🔋 EMERGENCY PREP

Gather all your portable power banks (backup batteries) and charge them now.

If you have a car charger, make sure you know where it is. (Only charge in the car if the garage door is OPEN and the car is outside!).

Stay warm and stay safe, neighbors! We’ll be open to help with any tech troubles once the storm passes and it's safe to do so.

12/15/2023

Refurbished laptop ready for Christmas!

12/15/2023

Looking for a new computer this Christmas?

06/03/2023

Chase Customers Seeing Duplicate Zelle Transactions. What You Need to Know

Customers of Chase’s online banking services saw double transactions, fees and payments in their accounts on Friday, in a glitch that was not fixed until late in the day.

04/07/2023

Union County residents:
Major investments are being made to increase quality and availability of Internet services throughout the state. Please spend a few minutes completing the Better Internet survey at

Everyone deserves a strong connection. We’re committed to reliable, high-speed internet for all South Carolinians. And we need your input to help guide the major investments being planned across the state. It only takes a few minutes to make your voice heard. Take the Better-Internet Survey

11/07/2022

Please note that we attending training this morning and we will open at 11am today. Thanks

10/06/2022

www.unionsc.info

09/12/2022

We are still receiving phone calls from customers reporting a suspicious phone call demanding immediate payment for utility services. We want to assure you that the City of Union will never contact you to demand an immediate payment for services or threaten to disconnect your services. Also, we will not require you to make a payment via prepaid debit card. Please do not give out personal financial or electronic account information if someone contacts you demanding payment.

If you receive this type of phone call be sure to hang up and quickly report suspicious calls to law enforcement authorities.

05/16/2022

If you think you're "too small" or not important enough, think again. When it comes to cybercrime, everyone's a target.

When it comes to avoiding cyber attacks, bigger is apparently better. At least that’s acocrding to a new report that shows small businesses are three times more likley to be targeted by cyber criminals than larger companies.