Maintaining customer satisfaction is a crucial aspect of any business, but it’s even more important for computer repair companies that have earned the prestigious Diamond Certified award. For ClickAway, the key to achieving and maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction is offering a wide range of services that provide equal amounts of convenience and value. “Our customers want to deal with one company for everything technical, and that’s exactly what we do,” says CEO Thomas Sutherland. “From computer repairs to networking to product support, we can handle it all.”

ClickAway has been providing computer and networking solutions for residential and commercial clients at six locations throughout Santa Cruz, Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties since 2002. In addition to repairing PCs and laptops, removing viruses and spyware, providing data recovery and backup solutions, and offering comprehensive IT support, the company can repair cell phones, help customers with issues regarding communication between cell phones and computers, and more.

Unlike less experienced computer repair companies that are forced to limit their services based on the knowledge and training of their employees, ClickAway utilizes the wide-ranging abilities of its technicians to offer a comprehensive suite of products and services. “Our ability to handle everything from laptop repairs to complicated business networking issues is a rarity in this business,” says Mr. Sutherland. “Our technicians are trained to help individual customers, small businesses and everything in between.”

To further differentiate itself from its competition, ClickAway offers its customers multiple ways to receive service, including in-store repairs, remote support via the Internet or phone, and onsite computer repairs for homes and offices. “We’re focused on supporting our customers in any way we can,” says Mr. Sutherland. “We take great care to make sure they understand all their options so they can make the best decisions about their computer and network issues.”

Take care of your computer for years of problem-free enjoyment.

Most people want their computers to last for years and run like new every time they’re used, but few pay attention to the preventative maintenance steps necessary to make that happen. Luckily, there are several small things you can do to help your computer work faster and more productively without breaking down or losing data. Consider the following tips:

Use antivirus software. If your computer is connected to the Internet, you should install and use an antivirus program to protect it from viruses, malware, adware, spyware, invasive/malicious advertising and other online threats. Many computers come with antivirus software already installed, and low-cost or free software is available from many reputable companies.

Keep your computer clean. Dust can clog your computer’s power supply and cooling fans, so use a forced air can to clean your computer vents and keyboard on a regular basis. When cleaning the surface of your computer, only use computer-safe cleaning wipes or a soft cloth dampened with water.

Invest in an Uninterruptible Power Supply. Commonly known as UPS, this battery/power source will keep your computer running even in the event of an electrical failure or power surge. A good UPS will give you time to shut down your computer after a power outage (or will allow the computer to power down as the UPS battery runs low) and can shield your computer’s hardware from power surges or sudden electrical failures. You should also consider buying a power strip that includes a surge protector and emergency shut-down switch.

Control temperature. Computers aren’t meant to handle extreme heat or cold, so it’s important to keep yours in a temperature-controlled setting. If you live in a particularly warm environment, you may want to use a fan (in addition to your computer’s fan) to provide extra cooling and air movement.

Remove unwanted programs. If you aren’t using certain programs, they’re just taking up extra space on your hard drive and causing your computer to run more slowly. Periodically review the list of programs on your computer and delete those you don’t want or don’t use anymore. You should also avoid downloading programs you don’t want. Some programs download entire packages (for example, Microsoft Office automatically downloads Microsoft Outlook), so you may want to perform a custom installation and remove unwanted components before installation.

Delete junk files. Temporary files (commonly known as “junk files”) are automatically created when you install/update software or browse the Internet. These files take up space on your hard drive and can slow down your computer, so use disk cleaning software once a week to delete them.

Laptops require extra care. Use a protective sleeve or hard case on your laptop to prevent damage from dropping or jostling, and keep it away from extreme temperatures. Also, always try to use your laptop on a cool, hard, dry surface instead of a soft surface—this will help the vents stay open and allow the internal fans to keep the unit cool. Protect your battery by not keeping it constantly plugged in. Instead, switch to battery power once the laptop is charged. If you’re working from your desk or are near a power source, remove the battery to prevent it from overheating.

Q: How much will it cost to fix my computer?

A: It depends on the problem. We’ll perform a diagnostic check to determine the exact problem and give you a specific quote. Our hourly rate for PC repairs is $49, and a complete tune-up to fix software glitches and remove viruses and spyware is $149. We also offer minor tune-up services that range from $79 to $99

Q: How long will it take to fix my computer?

A: We can complete some repairs in one day, but if we have to order parts, it can take several days depending on their availability.

Q: Do you perform house calls?

A: Yes, we have a fleet of vehicles that we use to perform hundreds of onsite repairs every month.

Q: If I don’t use the Internet, do I still need to install antivirus software?

A: If you never go on the Internet or receive email, you don’t need an antivirus program. The fewer programs you have on your computer, the faster it’s going to run and the longer it will last.

Q: Do I need to replace my computer if I run out of hard drive space?

A: It depends on the type of computer you have, how old it is and how long you want to keep it. New hard drives and hard drive upgrades aren’t very expensive, so if you’re happy with your current computer and operating system, we can upgrade your hard drive and get you the space you need.

Q: Should I be concerned that my computer is running slowly?

A: Slow running speed is one of the first indicators of a serious computer problem, so you should definitely get it checked out before your hard drive is compromised.