SupportSoft commissioned independent research firm, Kelton Research, to study consumer computer usage to help promote its Web site, support.com.

Here are some of the results:

* Americans spend 65% more time with their computer than their significant other.

* 84% of Americans said they depend more on their home computer now than they did three years ago.

* The average consumer has experienced computer trouble eight times, about every four months, over the last three years.

[Source: “Report: Computers, Like Significant Others, Stressful.”]

Computer Repair: When the Bits Hit the Fan, choose a local computer repair shop.

If you use a PC or Mac for business purposes, and it breaks and you’re like many business people you’re dead in the water. In a home setting, a broken personal computer is no fun either. Some people like fixing PCs, but if you’re among those who would prefer to keep the silicon out from under your fingernails, you need a pro.

Many small business and home users rely on local computer repair shops. But who can you trust? The nonprofit consumer organization Center for the Study of Services has just published the results of a survey it did of local stores in seven cities that do computer repair, along with providing tips about computer repair in general.

Here’s what’s most important to keep in mind about computer repair, Krughoff said:

* It can be better to take a broken PC to a local repair shop than have a repair technician come to your office or home. Though this is less convenient, the repair shop will have access to better diagnostic tools there. It will have time to observe the problem if it’s intermittent. And the cost will be lower.

* Write down the exact nature of the problem you experience when it occurs, including what you see on your screen, what you hear and how long the problem lasts.

* Before the repair work begins, get a written estimate and request that you receive an invoice afterward detailing the parts repaired or replaced, the cost of the material and labor for each, and the warranty on each.

* Pay by credit card, or get a receipt, which will provide you with some protection if a dispute arises later.

* Use your computer as soon as you get it back, and notify the repair shop immediately if you’re still experiencing the problem.

Read the entie story.

[Source: Reid Goldsbourough, BNet, “Computer Repair, When the Bits Hit the Fan”]

Remote Computer Service

Did you know that Mellon & Co. can diagnose and repair your computer remotely, right from our office? That’s right! With a high speed Internet connection, you can sit back and relax at home, all while we work on getting your computer back up to speed.

To take advantage of our remote repair services, simply call us at716-372-5996, and we’ll take it from there. We make every attempt to diagnose and correct your problem without you having to bring your computer to us, or having to have someone come to your home. It’s really that simple.

March 7, 2008 – Ann McCauley, an emerging women’s literature author from Pennsylvania, will be speaking at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 11 at the Olean Public Library in celebration of the release of her new novel, Runaway Grandma, and Women’s History Month.
McCauley, a retired psychiatric nurse with a certificate in gerontology, will be reading excerpts from her book and speaking about the issues it addresses.

Runaway Grandma is the story of seventy-year-old Olivia Hampton, a widowed retired school teacher who meticulously plans a fake suicide. She believes her son is plotting to have her declared incompetent to gain control of her finances. She moves to a distant state with a new identity but life has a way of refusing to let her be.

McCauley believes that financial elder abuse is a definite problem in America today, explaining that it is not uncommon for adult children to want their inheritances while they are still young enough to enjoy it.

McCauley will also be sharing details of the writing contest “Runaway Giveaway” she is holding. Prizes for winning submissions include a $50 savings bond for children and signed copies of the book for adults.

The event will also include a large-screen debut of her new website, developed by Mellon & Co., and refreshments will be served. To learn more about McCauley, her books and the contest, visit her website at www.annmccauley.com.

Our techs enjoy what they do so much, they are extending the tech hours. Starting on Monday, March 25, customers will be able to drop off and pick up computers in the evening and on weekends. The new hours will be Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

We know it can be hard to get in after work, so we hope this provides even more convenience to our tech customers!

Runaway Giveaway

It’s time for some writing fun courtesy of our client, Women’s Literature author Ann McCauley. She is offering a contest to see who has the funniest stories about the older women in their families. Adults and children are welcomed to enter submissions for varying prizes. Contest details are offered below, and are also available to read on her Web site’s contest page. Visit this link to submit stories. Also, watch for Ann at events throughout the region!

CONTEST DETAILS

Adults and secondary school students: Does Olivia remind you of your own mother or grandmother? Do you have amusing stories about the women in your own family?

If so, now is your chance to share them! You can win a free, signed copy of Runaway Grandma.

Ann welcomes you to use the form below to send her your crazy stories on life with your own mother, grandmother, or an older woman in your family. She

A WELL-CRAFTED SITE: ESSENTIAL FOR ANY BUSINESS

A web site is really the most effective marketing tool around. Plain and simple.

70% of people go online before making decions to go somewhere. Not convinced?

Here