Jonathan Myers, Service Manager

Last year Pat Zaranek of Saltsburg, a retired neurology specialist nurse, was getting ready to leave for Myrtle Beach when her laptop started “acting funny”. Pat said she depended on her laptop to continue getting her e-mail and follow the news while away each winter. Needing a quick repair she took her laptop to HighVision Computer Service Center where Jonathan B. Myers, Service Manager, worked on her laptop. He “really got our laptop in order,” Pat said. “He was really terrific,” she continued.

Barbara Stombaugh, a teacher in the Kiski Area School District, of Washington Township owns a ten-year-old computer that was “really slow”. She is delighted with the results after bringing her computer in for repair. “It was really quick,” she said, “and everything was explained to me. I have no complaints, am very pleased and everyone was really nice”. She noted, “it is like a new computer now”.

That is the type of personal service hundreds of customers are experiencing when they bring their computers in for repair, upgrades or have a custom computer built for them. Many people depend on their computers and like a fast turn around. Jonathan indicated that some problems can be fixed Pat said she got her laptop back, “in a very timely fashion”.

“The difference at HighVision Computer Service Center is the personal service, quality work and timely turnaround”, said Jonathan Myers, Service Manager. “When a computer is brought in”, explained Jonathan, “you fill out a form that details your problems. We then run a check on the computer, call you back with the diagnosis and recommended steps”. Jonathan pointed out it is very important to bring all the CDs that came with your computer. “We never do work without quoting the cost and getting the customer’s authorization,” he pointed out. “The important part of our service is that we take the time to explain everything to you,” he added.

The number one problem according to Jonathan is spyware and viruses. Other big problems involve hardware going bad such as modems, CD ROMS, and Motherboards. “Upgrades are a big part of our work,” he added. Computers that are older need to be upgraded to handle today’s technology.

Jonathan explains that when you download some freeware or shareware (free trial use, small fee to purchase) software it can come with hidden spyware that gathers user information through the user's Internet connection without his or her knowledge. Peer to peer downloads is another way to pick spyware or viruses up. Once installed, the spyware monitors user activity on the Internet and transmits that information in the background to someone else. Spyware can also gather information about e-mail addresses and even passwords and credit card numbers. Some of these programs can become malicious. Spyware can also pop up unwanted advertising windows.

If your computer slows down and acts funny, you’ve got a problem.

Viruses are always a very serious problem that may infect computers and spread to other computers. Some are capable of crippling a computer. A virus is dangerous because it will quickly use all available memory and bring your system to a halt. An even more dangerous type of virus is one capable of transmitting itself across networks and bypassing security systems.

Jonathan Myers checking a laptop out

When you bring your computer in with these problems, Jonathan says he can run software to remove the adware and viruses. He can then clean up your system, add updates and install software to protect your system in the future. If you computer is seriously infected, it may require reformatting. This means saving all your files and wiping the hard drive clean and reloading your files for a clean start.

Jonathan outlined other computer problems: “Our second biggest problem are modems going bad, and that’s why some have trouble connecting to the Internet”. Other problems involve the various drives computers use such as CD ROMs, DVD, floppies, zip and CD, DVD burners.

Another problem that many don’t think about are the fans that keep a computer cool. These can go bad and when it happens the computer overheats and begins to act strangely.

Jonathan pointed out that HighVision also builds custom computer systems and does a number of these a year. These systems are built to match the person’s needs in computer use. He was asked “Why?”, when you can buy national brands already on the market. He pointed out that these models are often proprietary, uses less expensive parts to be price competitive and when it comes to repair it can cost all out doors because often it has to go back to the brand maker. He added that most guarantees are only for three months while HighVision gives much better warranties.

Jonathan has more than ten years experience in computers. He began computer repair while serving two tours in the U.S. Air Force.

You can reach HighVision Computer Service Center at 724-567-2302, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. They are located at 274 Franklin Avenue in Vandergrift, a short drive from most of the Alle-Kiski region. Jonathan said they also could make appointments for later hours, if necessary.

Visit HighVision Inc at www.highvision.com

Watch a video interview with Jonathan at: http://www.alle-kiskitoday.com/webcasts/1642