Microsoft Surface could mean trouble for PC makers

Computer repair  technicians are used to fixing Windows PCs of all shapes and sizes, so many are eager to see what software giant Microsoft capable of when it comes to developing and building the devices themselves. However, many computer manufacturers aren't so happy about the company's new venture into hardware production.

Reuters reports that some of Microsoft's biggest partners in PC production weren't actually informed about the pending release of the new Surface tablet. Instead, they had to find out about the company's first device along with the rest of the world at the press conference on Monday. And, according to the news source, even the companies that did know ahead of time had only been told three days in advance.

But, even without the sting of being kept in the dark about the new tablet, this clear demonstration of Microsoft's shift in strategy was already bound to be unsettling for some of its business partners.

Though many people in the industry weren't comfortable going on the record about this issue, one anonymous source told the media outlet that "this has always been a point of contention between [original equipment manufacturers] and Microsoft – Microsoft getting into the hardware space." 

Although the Surface is clearly intended to compete directly with the Apple iPad, by producing its own devices, Microsoft could also have a negative effect on the profit margins of its long-term business partners whose devices use the Windows operating system.

But, however Microsoft's new strategy affects alters the landscape, everyday consumers just need to know one thing: where to get their computers fixed fast. For quick and effective service, local residents can turn to Geeks On-site for Washington D.C., Virginia and Maryland computer repair.

For more information about Computer Repair Maryland, please visit our site www.877geeksonsite.com.

Get ready for the latest Apple upgrade

After all of the hubbub over Apple's new Macbook Pro with Retina-display and Microsoft's new Surface tablet, even the most up-to-date Mac owners may have forgotten that a new operating system is about to hit their App store. Mac OS X Mountain Lion is scheduled for a July release, so now is the perfect time for Apple advocates to make sure their devices are ready for the switch.

According to Topher Kessler from CNET, one of the best ways to prepare your computer for a new operating system is to make sure it's running smoothly with your current software. Even if you haven't noticed any glitches, consider taking your computer to a computer repair specialist for a check up. Getting your desktop or laptop serviced before transitioning to the new OS will mean that a Mac repair specialist will able to identify and fix any existing problems before a new element is added to the mix.

On that note, Kessler also recommends that Apple fans wait for a week or two before downloading the upgrade, just to make sure that there are no inherent problems with the software that could damage your computer.

If something is wrong with the upgrade, you can wait for the company to fix the problem and re-release the OS. You'll also give local Mac repair companies a chance to get familiar with the new operating system, so they'll be in a better position to help you if any technical issues crop up down the line.

A new operating system is a great way to give your computer an invigorating boost, but it could cause problems if installed incorrectly. Luckily, the experts at Geeks On-site have been providing Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. Mac repair services for years, so they can offer local residents advice and at-home service if needed.

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Teens surf web on computers, not smartphones, says study

It's no surprise that teenagers now spend an inordinate amount of time on the internet. After all, they've grown up in a world where online access is essential for most things including business, education and general social interaction.

A new study by the cyber security firm McAfee shows that American teenagers are online considerably more than their parents think. While moms and dads estimated that their children spent about two hours online per day, the source reports that they spent closer to five hours on the web.

Not surprisingly, 89.5 percent of the teens surveyed said they use Facebook, with 60 percent reporting that they check their social media accounts on a daily basis and 41 percent saying they check them constantly.

But, despite the many people seemingly glued to their smartphones, the study showed that teens are having trouble with their internet connection, they're more likely to need good old fashioned computer and laptop repair, since they reportedly access the web via these heavier pieces of hardware.

According to the study, 37.35 percent of teenagers use the internet on a laptop, while 29.8 percent of them use desktop computers. Comparatively, out of all of individuals between 13 and 17 who took the online survey on general internet usage, only 13.48 percent went online with a smartphone and just 5 percent did so on a tablet device.

These figures show that, even with the rise of tablets and smartphones, laptops and desktops are still a staple in schools and homes across the country. And, as the primary way that young students access the internet, these devices need to kept in good working order.

Families in need of local computer repair in Maryland, Virginia or Washington, D.C. can turn to the experts at Geeks On-site for advice and assistance.

For more information about Computer Repair Washington DC, please visit our site www.877geeksonsite.com.