What do you do during a PC tune up?

[bagellad]

I thought I asked this question, but I can't find it anywhere.. What do you guys do when the Client wants a PC tune up?

 

[frostbyte5014]

1. Run Ccleaner
2. Run EasyCleaner
3. Tweak windows (performance settings, ect.)
4. Run Jkdefrag
5. Reboot

That combo works best for me. I would be curious to what everyone else is
doing though.

 

[iptech]

As a general baseline:

1. Remove unneccessary startup entries, BHOs and services - I use Autoruns & HJT for this.
2. CCleaner.
3. Chkdsk.
4. PageDefrag.
5. NTRegOpt.
6. JKDefrag.

 

[gunslinger]

1. Ccleaner
2. EasyCleaner
3. Remove unneccessary startup programs
4. Remove unneccessary or unused programs
5. Update all spyware and virus protection
6. Install Windows updates
7. NTRegOpt
8. JKDefrag
9. Blow out inside of case
10. Tweak windows for speed
11. Disable unnecessary services

 

[TimeCode]

1. AutoRuns
2. Ccleaner
3. Disable unnecessary services
4. Update all spyware and virus protection
5. Install Windows updates
6. Blow out inside of case

Reboot often.

 

[Brandon]

Blow out case with leaf blower to get all dirt and dust out.

1. Uninstall Crapware,
2. msconfig: Turn off unnecessary programs and services on startup
3. Run Ccleaner along with the registry tool built in
4. JkDefrag
5. Chkdsk
6. Change IE Temp Internet File space to 20MB
7. Change System Restore to 1-3% depending on size of HDD
8. Turn off all visual effects except:
Show window content while dragging
Smooth scrolless boxes
Use common task in folders
Use drop shadows for icon labels on desktop
Use visual styles on windows and buttons
9. Change to Virtual Memory size to: System Manage Size
10. Turn off Error Reporting
11. Antivirus/Spyware Scans
12. REBOOT, REBOOT, REBOOT

 

[robrich22]

Wow lots of Ccleaners.

1. Remove Old Programs
2. Remove Junk from Startup
3. Install all updates
4. CCleaner
5. Install AVG & Windows Defender (usually their anti virus is expired).
6. Defrag HD

 

[Majestic]

1. Uninstall/Add-Remove crap
2. Remove msn messenger from addons in Internet Explorer (slows down loadup)
3. change delays in Windows (start menu delay and change best appearance to best performance).
4. Install AVG if there is an expired AntiVirus on there
5. Run CCleaner
6. Scan system for spyware using MalwareBytes Anti-Malware
7. Run Windows Defrag

Majestic

 

[Rider]

Am I the only one that changes the oil and checks the tire pressure? Guess I found my niche. It's gettin to the point where you need a techie to work on your car these days with all the technology in them.

 

[stevenamills]

Anyone using Autopatcher for updates?

Steve

 

[cis4smack]

I thought auto patcher was discontinued. Is it back?

 

[geekhelp4u]

Autopatcher has been back.. I just don't like it! I prefer ct update

then I batch all updates between ctupdates

 

[Y.F.N.C.G.]

How long and how much?

Along the same lines...for those that have already answered, how long does the average tune-up take and if you're doing this as part of your own business, do you charge one price for the whole thing or per-hour?

 

[stevenamills]

Autopatcher has been back.. I just don't like it! I prefer ct update

then I batch all updates between ctupdates

Chris,

Can you tell me what you prefer about CTUpdate. I have very little experience with it.

I put Autopatcher on my USB key and let it do its thing. It's somewhat ponderous, but in the shop that's not a real concern.

Thanks for your input.

Steve

 

[gunslinger]

Along the same lines...for those that have already answered, how long does the average tune-up take and if you're doing this as part of your own business, do you charge one price for the whole thing or per-hour?

I charge per hour unless they have a maintenance contract with me. If its per hour the charge is $35 per hour if they have a contract for me to come out every 3-4 months its a flat $40. Time should be about 1.5- 2 hours depending on the speed of the system.

 

[chronage]

I charge per hour unless they have a maintenance contract with me. If its per hour the charge is $35 per hour if they have a contract for me to come out every 3-4 months its a flat $40. Time should be about 1.5- 2 hours depending on the speed of the system.

Wow that's a steal for the customer! Ever think about charging more?

 

[Y.F.N.C.G.]

I charge per hour unless they have a maintenance contract with me. If its per hour the charge is $35 per hour if they have a contract for me to come out every 3-4 months its a flat $40. Time should be about 1.5- 2 hours depending on the speed of the system.

Yeah, I agree, this is pretty generous pricing. Are you making a living off of this or doing it part time?

 

[gunslinger]

I make a pretty decent living. What I lack in pricing I tend to make up for in volume. I also get $1 per mile for anything outside of 10 miles from my shop.

 

[Jory]

Gunslinger always catches hell for his pricing, but if I remember correctly he lives in rural Tennessee. I live in a rural area of the south myself and I can say $40/hour is about what it should be if it's anything like here. The median income where I live is something like $23k a year.

It works out pretty well though when you factor in the cost of living.

 

[Y.F.N.C.G.]

Yeah, that makes sense. I guess living in one of the most expensive areas in the US (outside Washington, DC) skews my outlook a little bit. As long as you can make a living in your area with you prices, more power to ya. Pricing is all relative.