Your browser version is outdated. We recommend that you update your browser to the latest version.

Common Questions & Recommendations

 

  • Do you have a newsletter? You can license The Computer Exorcist Top Tech Tips to Stay Safe Online, right here!
  • Marc is also available to give talks to your organization! Contact us to discuss.

 

Below are my very unfiltered opinions for trustworthy brands.

If you use the referral links or tell the vendor you know me, they'll send me a few bucks to keep the lights on!

I got a scary message/phonecall from someone claiming to be Amazon/Microsoft/etc.
  • Amazon, Microsoft, etc. don't care about you and would never call you.
  • ALL OF THESE CALLS ARE IMPOSTORS. DO NOT TALK TO THEM.
  • AGAIN, DO NOT TALK TO THEM.
  • As long as you don't talk to them, they can't do anything to you.
  • If you've let them break into your computer, shut it down immediately and call us for a disaster cleanup.
My computer or Internet stopped working!
  • Clients are required to reboot everything they own at least once per week and before calling us. Rebooting solves 90% of all issues!!!
My computer's slow! Why should I pay you when I could go buy a new one?
  • Because new computers come polluted with legalized spyware from the factory, and we know how to clean it! We also protect you from the OneDrive/iCloudDrive scandals, which suck your data out of your new machine without your knowledge. Finally, we transfer all your data from the old machine and make sure it's properly backed up!
Where do I buy a new Windows desktop PC?
  • POD Computers LogoIf you're in Rochester, NY, call POD Computers at 585-244-2240 and ask for the Marc Special desktop. No need to know any specs. It is perfect for the average consumer and costs only $350. Advanced users can always specify upgrades.
  • If you're elsewhere, I recommend any new Dell tower from Newegg.
  • Before turning it on, call us to protect you from OneDrive.
  • As always, avoid HP, with liberty and justice for all.
I need a Windows laptop!
  • If you're in Rochester, NY, call POD Computers and ask for a Marc Special laptop.
  • If you're elsewhere, we recommend Dell, Lenovo, or Acer.
  • As always, avoid HP, forever and ever amen.
  • Before turning it on, call us to protect you from OneDrive.
I heard about Mint!
  • Mint is an Operating System that replaces Microsoft Windows. It can be installed on your current machine or most new machines. It is virtually guaranteed to be bulletproof forever, so you'll never have to worry about security ever again.
  • Call us to see if you qualify for bulletproofing with Mint. Most residential users qualify as long as they aren't using iTunes, 3d gaming, or business software.
  • If you have a spare computer in your closet that's less than 10 years old, chances are we can Mint it for you.
  • We make a donation to the Mint project every year.
  • If you've talked to us and qualified for Mint, you can order from one of our recommended vendors and then we can set it up for you:
  • POD Computers - Brand new Mint desktops and new/used Mint laptops.
  • Computers Express - Affordable refurbed laptops preinstalled with Mint. Tell them you know us.
  • System76. They offer high-end, Microsoft-free laptops. Tell them we sent you.
  • Framework. Laptops that are designed to be repaired and upgraded - imagine that!
I want a Mac!
  • New Apple products are no longer repairable or upgradeable. Consider upgrading your older one, or switching to Windows or Mint.
  • If you must buy a new one, then:
  • Avoid the iMac, unless you enjoy paying $2500 for a reliability time bomb.
  • Buy a Mac Mini instead, and connect it to any monitor in the world. They're less than $1000.
  • Don't turn it on until we set it up, so we can protect you from iCloud Drive.
I need parts for my Mac!
  • If you have one of the older, repairable Apple products, you can get parts at MacRecycling.com or iFixit.

My Wifi doesn't work!

  • If your brother in law brought over a wireless repeater, return it immediately. That's like having a faulty water pipe and thinking a new faucet will fix it.
  • If you have a freestanding house less than 2500 sq ft, then get the TP-Link TL-WR841N from Walmart.com.
  • If you have an apartment, or a larger house, then get the TP-Link Archer C59 from Walmart.com.
  • We can also sell you the proper router. During install, we'll protect you from your cable company's fake wifi and hidden charges.
  • If you enjoy paying extra for an unreliable router, grab a Linksys from your local Big Box Sales Bro.
  • If you enjoy paying a premium for spotty wifi, then grab a repeater. It's guaranteed not to ofix the problem.
 I need a color printer!
  • These are the brands we like, in order:
  • Brother
  • Canon
  • Epson
  • Inkjet is more affordable, but laser is more reliable and cheaper over the long run.
  • Always buy the ink/toner from third-party sellers online. You'll save 90%.
  • If you enjoy unreliable printers that spy on you, check out HP.
 I need a black&white printer!
  • Avoid HP like the plague.
  • I recommend Brother Black&White Laser Multifunction.
  • Order THIS ONE from Walmart.com.
  • If you're in Rochester, check out:
    American Print Manage-IT - Laser printer/copier sales & repairs - for offices
    www.apmanageit.com or 585.424.7500American Print logo
I need a company website!
  • For tiny businesses, we recommend Starnova, LLC to small business clients looking for web hosting and proper email services with stellar customer support.Starnova logo
  • 315-582-4000 or www.starnova.com

    James Starowitz, President of Starnova, has immersed himself in computer and Internet technology for over 20 years. He has developed business automation systems in nearly every programming language and operating system one can think of. He focuses on saving small business from the excessive overselling that usually occurs. Of course, tell him you know me.

  • For medium-sized businesses that want refreshingly personal service, we recommend BlueTie. 585-586-2000 an tell them you know me.BlueTie logo
 I want a Smart TV!
  • No you don't. Smart TVs spy on you.
  • Instead, buy the simplest Roku possible. (The fancier ones have unreliable remotes.)
  • Order this one from Walmart.
  • Advanced users can check out our Streamplicity box, available at streamplicity.com.
 I need a smartphone!
  • If you enjoy paying $1000 for a phone that slows itself down monthly, grab an iPhone.
  • If you enjoy unremovable factory spyware, grab a Samsung.
  • Seriously people, stop buying Samsung. There are thousands of brands of phones out there, all of which are better.
  • Marc uses phones that are old, cheap, and simple.
  • If you use Verizon or Spectrum Mobile, switch to any other carrier ever immediately.
  • T-Mobile has local stores, and a plan called Secret Connect. Their $25/mo level would be more than enough for almost all consumers.
  • US Mobile doesn't have local stores, but is a super discount carrier. Use my coupon code KFIHZXT to get $10 off.
 I'm sick of robocalls on my landline!
  •  Ask your local Computer Exorcist to install our OYCCM call blocker and you'll never have a robocall ever again.
I'm sick of Google spying!
  • Just use DuckDuckGo instead. No installation needed.
  • Hire us to do a Google History Scandal Cleanup. We'll show you exactly what Google knows about you and we'll flush it out.
 My kids bought me this Alexa thing!
  • If you enjoy having Amazon record everything you say in your home, we'll gladly set it up for you at double rates!
Help! My hard drive died and I never backed it up!
  • iRepair logo

    99% of people have no data backup, or thought they had one but it turned out to be useless. Unfortunately many people wait until there's a disaster to call us. In these cases, we can send a physically damaged hard drive to a recovery specialist. Call these specialists and tell them you know us:

  • In Western NY, call iRepair Buffalo. They're very reasonable. They also repair cracked smartphone and tablet screens!

  • The Clone Store logoElsewhere, call The Clone Store. They've been around since 1981 and know what they're doing. They can even rescue some thumbdrives! Mention us in the "remedy" field.

  • If all else fails, call DriveSavers and use referral code DS38510.
    DriveSavers is expensive but near-omnipotent. They can even help you recover data from iPhones and other Apple products, which are designed to make recovery impossible.
    DriveSavers logo
 I need a small business phone line!
  •  We recommend VoIPo - their residential plan should be fine for most SOHOs, and it's only $15 a month! Use referral code 5857891856 .
My small business has an ancient database system!
  • We recommend CoveyCS for Custom Business Databases

    www.coveycs.com or 315-738-6016CoveyCS logo

  • Does your small business database use 1990s technology? CoveyCS focuses on modernizing business databases using cutting-edge technology. Tell them Teknosophy sent you!

I need automatic cloud backup!
  • We recommend iDrive - Automatic Cloud Backup that's better than the restiDrive logo

    https://www.idrive.com/p=teknosophy

    iDrive backs up your computer files for you, storing them securely on their cloud drive. So if you're one of those folks who updates your files constantly, you won't have to worry about performing a local backup every day. In our experience, if a client has a disaster, iDrive has come through for us much better than the well-known brands.

    • Rather than charge per machine, they charge per TB, so you could backup (or synchronize) several machines on one account!
    • They also offer free accounts if you need less than 5GB.
I was told I need a VPN!
  • We will gladly charge you to install a VPN, as long as you acknowledge the following:

    • VPNs are a good thing, but are wholly unsuitable for consumers. They fail to protect you from most things, such as Google History spyware.
    • VPNs are pushed desperately by the likes of Norton and Verizon, who hope that you don't realize you're already secure on public WiFi, thanks to HTTPS.
    • Having a VPN means you won't be able to connect to many or most websites. When you notice this, we'll gladly charge you our hourly rates to remove it.
I CAN'T GET ON A WEBSITE! I WAS TOLD TO INSTALL CHROME!

    Yes, that's all the rage lately. People wantonly start throwing around recommendations to install Chrome. Here's what you need to know:

  • Most web designers are clueless, and don't understand how to design sites that are universal.
  • At least nobody's recommending Internet Explorer anymore.
  • Chrome is safe from bad guys, but sucks all your history in and gives it to The Bad Guy, which is Google. If you absolutely must use Chrome, then use its cousins Chromium or Brave, which respect you.
  • Chances are, though, we can just update your Firefox and you'll be all set.
DO YOU ADVISE COMPANIES?
  • I can save companies tons of money and heartache. But unfortunately, most of the time they are ruled by bearded tyrants who won't get off the fear-as-a-serviceā„  gravy train!
  • However, if you're ready to fire your IT guy and start enjoying stability, give us a call!
  More referral links to support The Computer Exorcist Podcast:
I'M A FAN OF THE COMPUTER EXORCIST PODCAST!
  • Click HERE for fan wear, designed in Rochester by MaxxExchange.
I WANT A GOOD FLASHLIGHT
I have a beard or hairy legs!
  • Join the Dollar Shave Club! Click HERE to use my referral code.
I need a car!
I need a realtor!
My organization needs CPR/AED training!
I'm a Christian who needs cheaper healthcare!
I need in-home health care aides or nurses!
  • Call Hand Over Hand In-Home Care 585 953 3483 and tell them you know me
  Teknosophy's Charities of Choice:
Bethel Express
  • In one of the most impoverished school districts in the Solar System, Bethel Express has proven that kids aren't destined to suffer. They turn the tables and give them a positive attitude, resulting in a 100% success rate. Watch the video or donate here.