MDP Systems

Microsoft will release Windows 7 on Thursday October 22nd. Are you ready? We’ve been testing 7 from early this year, and we really think it’s a worthwhile upgrade from Vista. You can check your machine to see if the hardware and software you have are compatible using the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor (Beta) here, or you can use the compatibility check on the Windows 7 DVD when it’s released. If you would like advice on whether or not you should upgrade, feel free to contact us.

Update: Microsoft has released the official version of the Upgrade Advisor here.

We are happy to announce that we now offer an online appointment system. Visit our website, www.mdpsystems.com, click on the Make an Appointment button, and fill out the information to schedule an appointment for our services. No need to play phone tag or trade emails with us to figure out when the best time is. Now you can see our schedule and choose the most convenient time for you.

A lot of people have been considering Apple for a new or replacement computer. The most common question is "Will my files transfer?". The answer, in almost all cases, is yes. Pictures, music, Word and Excel files, and even email can usually be transferred without problems. If you are worried about specific programs, you can always check the manufacturer’s website to see if they have a version for Apple. In some cases, mostly where you’re working from home, you may need access to a Windows-only program such as Internet Explorer. In that situation, it’s ok, you can still switch; we can install a copy of Windows on the Mac so that you have access to any Windows programs you need (it’s difficult to explain, but you can actually use Windows and Apple software simultaneously on a Mac). Just don’t forget that you will need to think about security software for your new Mac at some point. Luckily it’s not at the same level as Windows machines, but it’s moving in that direction. And of course we can still help you with your Mac if you have trouble.

Happy new year! I hope everyone had a good holiday. To start off the new year, we are developing several presentations to help educate users in basic internet safety and security. We hope that through these presentations,  you will be able to avoid the most common mistakes that lead to a malware-infested computer. Any feedback that you might have would be greatly appreciated, both on the idea of these presentations and also any points or topics you may want us to cover.

It seems that the spam never ends these days. In a previous post, I wrote about a new wave that looked like it came from CNN, Microsoft, and later, MSNBC. That seems to have slowed down as everyone caught on that it was a hoax, but the general sea of spam has kept up at a steady pace. I just wanted to remind everyone about the basics of good email safety: never open a message from someone you don’t know; never click on a link in an email (if you have to go to the link, such as a bank, open your browser and type in the address); don’t send your personal information via email; no reputable company will EVER ask you for either your personal information or your account information via email, so don’t send it. Read the rest of this entry »

We’ve created a new, more recognizable name to operate our residential portion of the business. I’m proud to introduce to you our new moniker: Computer Fixers LLC. Fear not, we are still MDP Systems with the same great service you’ve known. We just thought it would be easier to recognize and remember Computer Fixers. We have also set up an 800 number to make it easier to contact us for service: 800-480-4598. We will be handing out new business cards and magnets in the next few months so everyone has our new information.

Unfortunately (or fortunately if you like peace and quiet in the house) it’s time to start thinking about kids going back to school. If you’re thinking about getting the kids a new computer, but aren’t sure what they need, give us a call. We’ll walk you through the process of configuring and purchasing the new machine, and we can help set it up too.

Welcome to my new blog. I hope to keep you informed of the latest happenings within the world of technology and also within MDP Systems itself. Stay tuned for more!