Yearly Archives: 2021

Can you repair screen scratches?

Having that annoying scratch on a computer screen or television screen is one of the worst things – especially if you’re on your computer all day. If you’re working or playing games, a computer screen scratch can cause you to hit the wrong key. It can distort what you’re seeing, like having that scratch on your new sunglasses. 

Here are few tips to do your own screen repair on any computer screens, laptop screens, flat television screens, DLP screens, LCD monitors, LED Screens, even plasma screens, and more.

1. Wipe the scratched screen with a clean microfiber cloth or cotton ball. 
2. Put a dab of hand lotion or petroleum jelly on the cotton ball or your finger.
3. With a gentle push, rub the hand lotion or petroleum jelly into the scratch.
4. Keep applying small amounts until the scratch is filled in. 
5. Let the petroleum jelly or hand lotion sit for a few minutes in the screen scratch.
6. After a 3 to 5 minutes, use a clean microfiber cloth and wipe away the hand lotion or petroleum jelly very gently.
7. Note: Too much pressure will remove it all and you need to leave some in the scratch. 
8. Repeat this process as much as needed until the scratch is gone. 

This works on minor scratches – big deep scratches or cracks, you’ll need to take your item in for professional assessment if screen repair is possible. Now, another question – does a screen repair fix an LCD too? Yes, minor scratches can be fixed on an LCD using these steps. You can also find screen repair kits at your local big box stores where electronics are sold. 

Why is screen repair so expensive? 

Just like your dentist, a medical doctor or mechanic, computer repair technicians have specialized training in their field.  They pay for the education and certification, like A+ and others.  It can cost around $20 per hour, much like a plumber, or they may have a flat rate for screen repairs. 

A professional screen repair can cost around $300 and up. Or, if you have any technical background you can do your own or by purchasing the new screen between $50 and up to $100 online and replace it yourself. Like anything these days, you can find several YouTube videos online to walk you through the process. 

Is screen repair worth it?

With the information we provided above for screen repair cost by a professional, you can expect to pay a minimum of $300 plus parts. A new laptop, depending on what you need can be as low as $300 and upwards into the thousands. Again, it depends on what you need on your laptop.

It can also be based on what is on your current computer that you can’t afford to lose.  Deciding if a computer screen repair is worth the cost is a personal choice. Which is cheaper, screen repair or replacement will be a decision you’ll need to weigh out and decide.

Is there screen repair with warranty?

This will be up to the computer shop you use for your screen repair. In most cases, probably not because they have no control over how you use your computer.  They can only warranty the screen replacement and the work they do. 

• Television set with large flat screen
• DVD player
• Blu Ray, DVR, or VCR unit
• Surround Sound 
• Speakers

Along with all of those components there is the storage for all along with the cables, connectors, wiring, surge protectors, etc.  Then there is the consideration of how to connect and hook up all of this equipment, without any wires showing. So, do you need an electrician or a home theater installation professional? 

Who does home theater installation?

In addition to determining what equipment is needed and what are the must-have components for a home theater installation, there is the actual installation. Here are 7 areas to think it through before deciding this is a great DIY project: 

1. Attic or Crawl Space

You’ll need to run cabling and wiring for the television, speakers, surround sound, and more. For that, do you have access to your attic or crawl space, or do you have crown molding in the room? Attic and crawl space will make the job easier and faster, but the addition of crown molding will work for hiding the audio and video cables and wiring. For the video portion, you’ll HDMI, and a cable that is long enough run between the AV receiver to the television. Then there is the wiring for the audio portion, will you have speakers in the walls or the ceiling?  

2. First Home Theater Installation or Expanding A Current One

If you haven’t ever assembled a home theater installation, you may find yourself getting overwhelmed. However, if you currently have a home theater, installation of more speakers or other new hardware won’t be as confusing. 

3. Home Renovation Experience

Installing and setting up a home theater installation will require some basic  home construction. You’re going to be cutting holes and setting up low voltage boxes, locating wiring, and then there are the tools you’ll need.  

4. The Required Tools

For a successful home theater installation, you’ll need some specific tools and the knowledge how to use them. Among those tools are: 

• Cordless drill
• Keyhole saw
• Stud finder
• Hammer
• Fish Rods
• Box knife
• Wire cutters/strippers
• Tape measure
• Paddle bits
• Low voltage boxes and kit

If your home theater installation is going to require a room being built, or you’re planning on finishing out the attic, basement, or garage, you’re going to need some addition tools. These addition tools are needed for building walls, closing off doors, etc. The basic tools for this home construction includes: 

• Cordless circular saw
• Cordless reciprocating saw
• Level
• Pneumatic nail gun
• Electrical box
• Electrical outlets
• Electrical cable

5. The Time

This is going to be more than one day project, and if you’re finishing out or building a room, it is definitely more than a weekend DIY project. So, make sure you aren’t taking on too much. You don’t want to get started then have a business trip that takes you away for 10 days. Of if you have young children or active teens in the house, do you have spare time for a project this entailed? 

6. Budgeting 

The budget for a home theater installation may be more than you’re thinking. Beyond the components, there is the furnishing, lumber, tools, etc. Yes furnishing – you’re going to want comfortable seating once that home theater installation is complete. 

7. Soundproofing

Soundproofing a home theater installation can be difficult, but so necessary. If the walls are down to the studs, soundproofing won’t be as difficult. You need to consider not just the theater sound escaping into the rest of the house, but the other sounds of your house getting into the home theater, like the kitchen, laundry room, bathroom, and the HVAC system. 

Should I get a home theater system or a soundbar?

It depends on what you prefer.  A soundbar is going to deliver the audio “AT” you from the front. A home theater system will surround you in sound like the theater. 

What is the ideal size for a home theater room?

Use your own eyes and ears to determine what is best for your home theater installation. If you follow all the marketing hype and suggestions, you could get more than you need or will ever use.  Things you need to consider are: 

• The television and speakers need to fit the room size. 
• The angle and distance of the seating in relation to the screen and speakers. 
• The acoustics are affected by the furnishings, materials, and shape of the room. 
• Consider the exterior windows and the interior lighting of the room when positioning the television. 
• Make sure you have adequate ventilation for the room to keep viewers comfortable. 

How do I know what size my home theater screen is?

If you have a projector screen currently and need to replace it, grab your tape measure, and see what you have. The most common measurement of screens and televisions is diagonal. Measure the screen length from the top-left to the bottom-right for the diagonal screen size.

How far should you sit from a 120 inch screen?

It will depend on the size of your home theater and where your 120-inch screen is installed in that room.  For a cinema at home setup, the formula that most audio-visual companies use is a ratio for seat-to-screen distance is 100.8 inches back from a 120-inch screen. 

What does a print designer do?

A print designers is where to print graphic design is done, usually in a digital format these days. They work with you client on a print design for business from the concept and design of an emblem, logo, or symbol to the end product. That end product is then printed on various materials in a physical form in any of the following and more: 

• Ceramic
• Cloth
• Glass
• Metals
• Paper
• Plastic 

The print design business is found any direction you look on any given day, all day. If you’re reading this piece on a computer, there is a logo on there somewhere that stated out as concept print design for business, like the Apple, Hewlett Packard, or Texas Instrument logos.

You cell phone has a brand name and logo on it, your tennis shoes, your car, and the components that create your car all have what was once an idea for a print design for business.  When you attend a function like a business trade show or an event like a concert, a rodeo, or any type of gathering, they are either handing things out with a print design for business logo or the theme of the event. 

A print designer works with a business owner to create those print design for business logos and themes. They help design something that is catchy and stands out from the competition. They often help a business owner choose the company “colors” and even the company “message”. 

What makes a good print design?

Designing a great end product that is deliverable is a creative process that is appreciated by many but understood by few. The aspect of how the print design for business goes from concept to computer screen to the finished product. The print design for businesses should fit their branding and the concept should be seen and understood across all platforms the print design is use.  A good print design for business will include the following five qualities: 

• Readability: The style should be a simple read with a layout that aims so the viewer does not have to work at uncovering the message in a font that is easily read.

• Placement: Keep it every print design for business clear and un-muddled. When print design for business is muddled, it loses the viewer’s attention and focus. Don’t keep it all centered with lots of white space and don’t feel every space has to be used. 

• Audience: A good print design for business should stay focused on the intended audience. The information for any print desig for business should have an acceptable and direct message for the targeted audience. 

• Grammar and Spelling: Poor grammar and spelling shows customers that errors and glitches are acceptable. A print design for business that has errors will stick with the branding and the targeted audience will loose confidence in that business. 

• Layout: With a good print design for business, know what you want the reader to see first and what is important to see last for that lasting impression. Remember the average view will read from left to right, anything out of that normal can be confusing and the branding and message are lost. 

Why is print design important?

Having print design for business that is effective, well-designed in marketing materials builds your brand recognition and contributes to your business credibility. The branding that print design for business creates a connection emotionally and visually with the client base and future clients. Call (631) 517-0021 today to get started on your print design needs in Long Island, NY.

Those who create and generate computer security threats are a relentless and inventive sort of people. They are the masters of disguise with extreme skills in manipulation and are constantly evolving to find other ways to cause harm and steal from others. 

It is only wise to implement a network security system to protect yourself and your personal information, including your finances. A network security is used to protect system from hackers and the following threats that are out here every day, all day: 

•  Viruses: Everyone that has used a computer at any point know that a computer virus is the biggest security network. A computer virus can alter how your computer operates whether you give it permission or not. It will replicate and then execute itself and proceed to damage a computer beyond anything the average  person can remove or repair. 
• Spyware: A serious computer network security threat, this program monitors all online activities. Spyware will  install a program without your consent that captures all personal information, including credit cards, debit cards, and banking information and use that information for profit. 
• Hackers, Predators: Computers are not the guilty ones, they are the tool that the guilty uses to create malware and computer network security threats. Those are the hackers and predators with programming knowledge and skills and use that to victimize other people for financial gain. The government is making punishments harder for cyber theft, but it still out there, threatening everyone’s network security. 
• Phishing: Everyone and every business you “meet” on the internet doesn’t have good intentions, even though they may appear to be of trusting contact. These are phishers are out here masquerading as a business or person you want to do business with but they are only working you to get your sensitive information, both financial and personal. They approach through email or instant messages with fraudulent plans known as phishing attacks, the latest in cybercrime activity. 

 What are the types of network security?

Cybercrime is fast growing, and experts predict the damage from cybercrime to reach over  $6 trillion by the end of 2021. The network security basics we had just 5 years ago isn’t strong any more and developers are working to improve network security every day. It is an ongoing job to stay ahead of cybercriminals. 

Some of types of network security tools that business use, and some can be used at home too include:

• Access control. This controls which users can access your network, helpful for protecting sensitive sections like financial information.  
• Antivirus and anti-malware. Malware is a common form of cybercrime attacks and it can come in various shapes and sizes. Some of these work quickly and delete files or even corrupt data, a problem that you’ve heard happening to larger companies. Most likely, you received notices if your personal information was involved at your bank or favorite store. 
• Application security. Each device and software used within your network is a pace for hackers to get inside and do damage. This is why it is important to allow your computer to do updates so that cyber-attacks can be prevented.  
• Email security. Email is something that we take for granted in our homes, but at work, it is an important factor that must be protected by implementing network security tools.  Protection from threat vectors with malware, phishing, and scams is necessary to protect your home computer just as much as it is a business’ network. 
• Firewalls. Firewalls are common element for network security. This is the gatekeeper between your home network and the wide word of the internet. Incoming and outgoing information is protected which helps prevent cyber threats and cybercrime access.
• Mobile device security. You’d be hard pressed to find a home that doesn’t have at least one person with a mobile device, chances are everyone in your home has one. Each of those have personal and often sensitive data that needs to be  protected from hackers.             

What are the 4 types of networks?

A group of computers that are linked together create a computer network. This is commonly found in business, but many homes have multiple computers linked to the modem and some are set up where they can communicate with each other or with the printer/scanner. The four computer networks are: 

• Local Area Network
• Personal Area Network
• Metropolitan Area Network
• Wide Area Network

What are the three main threats to networks?

For home network security , the most common security threats are: 

• Computer viruses
• Computer worms
• Trojan horse

Other threat for home network security include, Adware, DOS and DDOS attack, QL injection attack, Phishing, Rootkit, Rogue security software, Spyware, and Man-in-the-middle.

Because you don’t have an IT team watching out for you at home, every homeowner should know the network security or cyber security safety protocol and how to check your network security. Here are 5 things you need to do to check your home’s network security. 

1. Test the Firewall Weaknesses: The firewall is the first port to your internet security. If it is weak, your network security is weak. 
2. Test the  Antivirus Strength: A strong antivirus software will secure everything that is  downloaded, keeping anything that is malicious out of your network security system.
3. Check the Browsing Protocol: Data and information sent to a website that is HTTP protocol does not encrypt your personal data like credit cards. Never send information to a site that doesn’t have HTTPS in the payment section of the web address. 
4. Hacker Router Security: The central hub to your home internet and network is the router. If anyone outside of your home can access your computer through the router, you’re an open target for hackers.  
5. Check for Leaks in the VPN Connection: If you are working from home with a VPN, make sure it doesn’t have a leak that is pulling information from your computer. If you’ve never used a VPN, then you don’t have any worries. 

Need network security in Long Island, NY? TotalTech Repair is here to assist! Call us today at (631) 517-0021!

Mounting tv can’t find studs is a common problem, but not one that can’t be worked around. Other methods of mounting a TV on a wall without studs can be done by any of these methods, keeping the TV’s size and weight in mind: 

Molly Bolts or Toggle Anchors: When you don’t have wall studs, this is one of the best and easiest ways to get your TV mounted to the wall. Consider the size and weight of the TV and then find a molly bolt or anchor that matches the matching shape, size, and the type of wall you’re mounting the TV to.

These types of fasteners go direct through the wall then anchor to themselves on the back.  The toggle at the end is what will prevent your TV from coming off, making this a sturdy option for a TV mount system. The  wall is resistant to TV weight force and no, the wall won’t collapse or crumble. 

• Mounting Plate: Another choice you may consider is a mounting plate that is installed with the toggle anchors described above. These are metal or plywood and have the option to use more anchors for security. This method has the least visual appeal and isn’t a popular choice for homes.
• The Ceiling: Not a common option, but it offers a touch of sophistication and no studs are needed, but you may need professional help for installing. A ceiling with beams are ideal for a TV mount, providing the same result that wall studs would. The ceiling height and TV weight need to be factored in before you move forward with this option. 

What size screw do I need to mount my TV?

It is funny how when something new comes out, in this case, flat screen televisions and TV mounting, it creates the need for something else and to standardize the basics, like screws. If the TV mount you are installing has VESA screws, the bracket and screws will be universal. 

What is VESA? Video Electronics Standards Association, the standard size that was created for the measurements or locations of the TV mount threaded screw holes of any brand LED TV are the same. 

When the flat screen TV mount started, the diameter and thread of the screws were different for each manufacturer, thus making it difficult for you, or a professional, to do a TV mount. Today, they are required to be consistent within the industry, making life so much easier for us consumers! 

So, the answer to your question is , measurements are metric, even in the United States. Depending on your TV mount size, you can cross-reference to the screw size needed:

The Hole Pattern	The Screw Size
75MM x 35MM	M4 X 8MM
75MM X 75MM	M4 X 10MM
100MM X 100MM	M4 X 10MM
200MM X 200MM	M6 X 8MM

As we mentioned earlier all TV manufacturers adhere to the VESA screw, the universal screw that allows all TV mounting jobs to use the same size screw. You need to choose a wall that has wall studs or use any of the other methods we have reviewed here. The other option is to hire a professional to complete your TV mount project. 

Another bonus about TVs today, you can choose a tilt tv mount vs full motion, which means, you can choose a fixed TV mount or a tilting TV mount, adjustable based on screen sizes between 19” and 65”. The main factor you need to be concerned with is the TV’s weight and whether your wall is going to be able to handle that without damaging the wall, or the TV if it falls. Call (631) 517-0021 today for help with TV mounts in Long Island, NY.

How do I setup a home theater in a small room?

While a large room is ideal for a home theater installation, not everyone has the space available. If you want to create a home theater but only have a small space in which to do it, you’ll have to put quite a bit of thought into these elements:

• Sound: For a fully immersive experience, the sound is one of the most important aspects of your home theater. You want to get a surround-sound effect without drowning in noise. For a small room, even a 3.1 system can be adequate, even though this isn’t true surround sound. A 5.1 surround-sound system should be more than enough for a small room.
• Seating: You’re going to have to find a balance between space and comfort when it comes to seating in a small room. You’ll have to determine exactly how many people you want to be seated and how much space you want between seats. You also want to determine an ideal space between your seats and screen. Eighteen- to 24-inches between rows is typical seat spacing.
• Location of your TV or screen: The space between seats and screen will be just as important to the experience as sound. You can determine the minimum distance between your screen and seating by multiplying the horizontal length of the screen by two or get the maximum distance by multiplying this length by five.

How do I know what size my home theater screen is?

Whether you’re using a projector or a TV, having the right size screen for your home theater can make or break the viewing experience. For the best viewing experience, you’re going to place your seats at a minimum distance that’s about twice the screen’s horizontal length. Several websites provide screen size calculators to help you determine the best size screen for your home theater.

Is a home theater system worth it?

If you are thinking about a home theater installation, will it really be worth your while to do so? Here are some pros and cons to weigh:

Pros

• You have complete control over how you consume your media. You can watch movies and TV or play games or listen to music. You can pause or rewind when you want or need to do so.
• Long-term savings. You won’t need to go to movie theaters because you can replicate the experience at home.
• You’re able to entertain several guests with movie nights or watch parties for sports or other events.

Cons

• Significant upfront investment in technology including projectors and sound systems.
• Will probably need some kind of noise dampening material.
• Activities in the room are limited to entertainment.

Does a home theater increase home value?

Several things will influence whether or not a home theater installation will add to your home’s value. Currently, because so many people are staying at home and looking for entertainment avenues, installing a home theater will add value to your home. If you live in a neighborhood where more homes have them than not, they can be a selling point. If you don’t have a home theater but another home in the neighborhood does, that home might sell faster and at a higher price because of it. On the other hand, especially in the current market, installing a home theater for the sake of having a home theater as a selling point might not prove a good return on investment.

What is home theater installation?

Home theater installation can mean many things, but primarily it’s taking extra space in your home and turning it into a high-tech entertainment center. This could mean anything from installing a large-screen TV, a sound system, and some comfortable recliners to replicating a movie theater or even building a separate structure that includes a screen and projector, as well as multiple theater-style seats.

Home theater installation hardware

A home theater is going to require you to install high-tech gadgetry of all kinds. At the very least you’re going to need a sound system that projects well to give you a great experience. Most home theaters have screens and projectors installed, as well as theater-style seating.