Looking for computer repair service
 

Interested if anyone has a recommendation for reliable in home computer repair service? TIA.

jacobs on 301 in wildwood

MMD on 441

Since you did not state the problem I agree with above for HARDWARE problems, if on the other hand you have a SOFTWARE problem, there are several people who come to the house for these issues. I cannot find my list, if I do I will reply agaain.

When he said computer repair I thought of hardware problem but upon further review could be either

If it's software and related to Microsoft Office Suite, I can probably help here on the forum. Depends on the problem.

Yes, I should have been more specific. I actually need someone who is experienced with the Hue bridge system operation. My Hue bridge is not working, and I am not sure if it is actually a router problem, cabling issue or the device itself.

I have a hue bridge and some hue lights. Here are some troubleshooting steps to try on the bridge:
- make sure the bridge is connected to your router with an ethernet cable, and the lights are on where it's plugged into the router
- make sure it's plugged into an internal port on your router. Some routers have external/WAN ports and internal/LAN ports, they're usually different colors. Try unplugging it from one color port and into the other color port
- if you have access to the router, log into it (the router) and see if it's recognizing a device on that port. My router has a "list ports" and "list devices" function

For software problems I recommend Linux Mint, depending on what you are using Windows for. However, after saying that, there are many Linux programs that do the same thing as a Windows program, just different. Linux does not spy on you, there is no Linux corporation, it's free as are most of the programs. The nice thing is, that you can try (via a USB stick) and if you like it you can load it (after you back any files you may want from Windows). I can help (no cost, it's my hobby).

Best Buy Geek Squad is a possibility.

Installing, learning, and configuring an entirely different operating system, and then installing compatible software to do everything you need to get done, is a LOT of work if your problem is just "I can't get my spreadsheet to add column 15 automatically."

The OP's problem is a Smart control issue, and not a computer problem at all, so it doesn't matter.

But it's really not helpful and can be very frustrating and confusing to someone who doesn't know anything about the inner workings of computers, when they're told to switch operating systems. They have the OS they have. They need help working within those parameters.

Ubreakitifix on Wedgewood Lane is good, but you have to bring the computer there.

I am not familiar with this equipment, however I would try searching "hue bridge problems" or similar on the internet and also on youtube with any luck you will find a solution.

They are good but the name has been changed. Sorry do not remember the new name.

Great advice
 

Thanks to all who offered help with this issue. So, I decided to focus on the router. I discovered that the power strip the router was plugged into was faulty. The indicator light on the strip however was illuminated. So, an easy fix after all. Thanks again.

MMD on 441

They are outstanding

Jon Townsend office number 352-250-1686. Text number 352-638-2348. He comes to your home. Excellent service. Serving The Villages since 2007.

I generally don’t use repair contract services BUT…I do have Best Buy Total Tech service. Well worth the price. Remotely have them tune up my 2 laptops every 4 months, and if necessary they come to the house. Covers other electronics, extends warranty’s, installs are free, and they haul away any unwanted item, at no additional cost.

Mmd

Reply
 

John Chumbler. In home service. johnthevillagegeek@gmail.com. 352-289-1596.

Linux Mint is the best. Make an old computer new again.
Printer setup can get a little tricky, but even this is a snap now. My wife’s new HP printer practically set itself up on our Linux Mint computers.

Villages Computer Club can help
Carl Bell 352-430-5149
Gary Radtke 760-885-2375
Larry Sampson 352-750-9926
Bobbie seabolt 352-255-3264

MMD located on 441 in Lady Lake -- excellent customer service and knowledgable.

Jon Townsend

Linux is the best OS for servers and for techies, have used it for 20 years and have a lot of white papers on configuring Linux for large enterprises. Mac OSX is the best for home use: beginner or advanced user. You can run Linux and windows (why would anybody want to run windows is beyond me), and then you have the worst OS windows.
If somebody has a problem adding functionality to their home or loading specialized programs, and by chance they are using windows with the “plug and pray” architecture, then I would advise them to get a Mac. If you want to keep out of the clueless geek squad office or any windows support people that charge you for help, then get a Mac.
Have you ever been in an Apple Store? You will see dozens of grade school kids playing around with the Mac’s.
There is no need for any retiree to use ms office and most company employees don’t need it either, Apple products come free with any Mac or iPad to run a word processor, numbers, and a page layout software. More than enough power for 99% of computer users and it’s easy to use.
If you want to run linux, get a Mac and get oracle’s virtualbox software for free, then run linux under the Mac. Same if you have to have windows to run a specialized program.

Troy's Computer on 441 just south of 42

Linux won't repair a hardware issue with a computer. Linux won't repair any problem that someone is having with Windows software or operating system. It is a possible REPLACEMENT, but not a repair. MACs won't REPAIR a Windows machine, it is only a potential replacement.

Confusing people by recommending a whole other operating system, is counter-productive, and rude.

computer repair service
 

MMD on 441 they are wonderful

They won't be able to fix a communication problem in OP's house when the PC is connected fine to the internet (not the actual problem), and the Hue device remains in his house.

If you can log on to your router, look for the HUE device to be a connected device. It's MAC address might start with 00:17:88
If you find it, or think you found it, you can unplug it and see if that device goes away. Now you know it is connected, and its IP address.
Open the hue app on your phone and try to connect to that IP address.

If you cannot find the device, reply with "it was connected in the past, and you // did // did not // make any changes to wiring or routers or reboot stuff.
Or it never connected since you put it in your house.
If not connecting, you could swap the ethernet wire with some other device that works, to see if the connectivity follows the port or device.

How old is it?
What happens when you try to add it to the app?

As stated above - the problem was just the power strip that the router was connected to. There's nothing wrong with their computer, or their ethernet wire.

There's also nothing wrong with their operating system, or their software, or anything else anymore, since they got a different power strip and plugged everything in and it's all working again.

responses helped
 

The information I received from all is very helpful! I now have a list of people and companies for future reference, and the specific post that got me in the direction of the router led me to the problem—which one would think would be so apparent, but in this case was not!

SO, I am grateful for everyone’s input and will record the information for future use if needed. Thank you!

Carlos {retired from Comcast} {727} 859-8818

Go to Best Buy and ask about their total best membership.