Click below to pay an invoice received from MSD Computer
Services
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What is remote assistance?
Remote assistance is the ability for someone to
connect to your computer through the Internet and share your mouse, keyboard,
and screen to solve computer problems. Once connected, we both see the
exact same thing on our screens. You can take control of the mouse to
demonstrate some problem you're having. I can then take control to fix the
problem or show you how to use a program.
Is it safe?
Yes. While in a remote assistance session, the
connection between our computers is secured using 256 bit SSL encryption. This
is the same type of security your browser uses when connecting to online banking
or shopping to ensure no 3rd parties on the Internet are able to eavesdrop. This
meets the security requirement of Federal regulations such as HIPPA and
Sarbanes-Oxley.
Can you get into my computer any time you
want?
Absolutely not. Regardless of which method you
choose below, only YOU can initiate a connection. Method 1 installs a small
program on your computer that has a desktop icon which allows you to quickly
initiate a remote assistance session when needed. The program does not run at
Windows startup and
no connection is established until you double click it and push a button to request a
support session. Method 2 doesn't require you to install anything on your
computer but the process of establishing a connection involves more steps. While
using either connection method, once you click the button to end the session,
that's it. The session is terminated within seconds and cannot be reestablished
unless you choose to do so.
What do I need to use remote assistance?
Your computer must be
running Windows 2000, Windows XP, or Windows Vista. Any computer built after
about the year 2000 should work fine.
Your computer must be
able to boot up and get on the Internet. Nearly any high-speed (broadband) Internet connection will work including, cable, DSL, FIOS, and Wifi. Because it works through the Internet, remote assistance works
virtually anywhere including hotels and coffee shops with Internet access. Some
browser problems may prevent a connection but in general, if you can reach this
page, you should be able to establish a remote assistance session.
What kinds of problems can be fixed through
remote assistance?
In general, just about anything that doesn't
require taking the computer apart, running diagnostic programs outside of
Windows, configuring network hardware (such as your router), or reinstalling
Windows can be handled
remotely. Examples of tasks that can be done remotely include:
- Installing and uninstalling software
- Backing up your data
- Help with programs such as Quicken, Word,
Excel, Internet, email, etc.
- Installing USB devices (printers, scanners,
hard drives, etc) as long as you are able to take the device out of the box,
install ink cartridges for a printer, and plug it into the correct port on
the computer when directed
- General system maintenance
- Limited virus or spyware removal (This is
best handled in person due to the unpredictable nature of the problem but
can be addressed remotely in a pinch.)
What if I have more than one computer that
needs attention?
No problem! The remote assistance
technology allows me to control up to ten computers at once. This
allows me to make efficient use of our remote assistance time, for
example I could be monitoring the progress of a virus scan on one of
your computers while I install software on another.
What does it cost?
The hourly rate is the same as on-site service
calls but the minimum charge is only 30 minutes compared to a full hour minimum
charge for on-site service. After 30 minutes, additional time is billed in 15
minute increments. Because of the reduced minimum charge, remote assistance is
ideal for smaller problems that may not be worth
a full hour's service.
Other benefits
Because travel is not required and the minimum
time commitment is less, remote assistance allows
more flexibility in scheduling and quicker response times. The result can mean
getting your problem fixed sooner compared to an on-site service call. Remote assistance is
also great for your friends and family outside of Orange County that need expert help with their computers but
don't know anyone locally that can help.
How do we get started?
- Have your computer up and
running before calling. If your computer can't boot up and get
online and you're in or near Orange County, call 714-968-1151
for an on-site appointment.
- Call 714-968-1151 and ask
for Mike. We'll discuss the problem and decide if it's something
that can be addressed remotely.
- We'll connect and take care of
your problems immediately if possible. Otherwise, we'll schedule
a mutually agreed upon time, usually later that day or evening.
- Upon completion, I'll email you
an invoice which you can pay online with a credit card or by
mailing a check.
Connection Method 1
- Installs a small
program on your computer
- I recommend doing this before
you have a problem because certain browser problems may prevent
you from getting back to this page when you need help
- Once installed, only you can
initiate support session from the desktop icon
- Faster and easier than method 2
Click one of the icons below
Choose to "Run" or "Open" when
prompted
OR
If your browser's
security settings prevent running the above file, click one of the
links below.
Download the file to
your desktop, then change the extension from .aaa to .msi.
Link #1 OR
Link #2
Connection Method 2
- Doesn't require installing any
software on your computer
- Requires knowing how to use your
browser to allow support applet to function
- Your browser's security settings
may not allow this method
For help with PIN Code, click
here
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