If one of your computer parts has stopped working, we can get your computer back up and running quickly. We provide a full range of hardware troubleshooting and maintenance services.
We can analyse your computer setup and recommend the most beneficial upgrade path based on how you use the computer and what your budget is. We take the uncertainty out of upgrading your existing computer or assembling a computer from parts. While AstraVera IT Solutions does not sell hardware directly, we can suggest a suitable vendor in your area, or for a fee we can pick-up and deliver the parts to you.
Further information: Flat panel displays | DVD writers | Hard drives | Memory | CPUs | Video cards | Input devices | Printers | Scanners | Sound systems | Digital cameras | Portable music players | Headsets | Web cams | Memory sticks | PDAs | Other
LCD monitors have many advantages over standard CRT monitors: they use up less space, weight less, use 50 to 70% less electricity, are more environmentally sound (no mercury or lead) and produce almost no eye-straining radiation. We can identify the ideal flat panel display for you and set it up quickly.
A regular blank DVD can hold more than six times as much as a blank CD, and are presently the most affordable way to back up your files and videos. We can install a new DVD burner for you, install the software and then show you how to use it.
Adding another hard drive increases the space where you can store documents, pictures, videos, downloads and other files. Optionally, you can use it to 'mirror' your current hard drive, thereby providing a complete back up copy of all your important documents in case there is ever a crash. We can recommend what size and type of hard drive is right for you, install it and show you how to use it.
Increasing your system RAM is one of the least expensive upgrades that can make your computer run noticeably faster. When your computer does not have enough memory it can produce the dreaded hard drive 'chugging' sound you may be familiar with. We can check if your computer is able to accept more RAM, install it and then test it for you.
The CPU is the small microchip 'brain' inside your computer. We can check if your current computer is capable of using a newer CPU and then install it for you. Installing a newer CPU is one of the more complex upgrade procedures, but it will allow programs on your computer to run faster.
When you or another family member enjoys playing the newest 3D video games, a state-of-the-art video card is a necessity. We can determine which video card is right for you, install it, download the newest drivers and then test it.
Input devices are the tools you use to communicate with your computer: keyboards, mice, trackballs, touch-screens, drawing tablets and so forth. We can set you up with a new wireless optical mouse to reduce desk clutter, an ergonomic keyboard to reduce wrist strain when typing, or whatever would help to improve your computing experience.
Whether you are looking for an inexpensive colour inkjet printer, a black and white laser printer for school, a colour laser printer for your small business or a high quality dye sublimation printer for production work, we are here to help. We can recommend a solution that fits your needs and budget (taking into account the balance between printer cost and ink/toner refill cost), connect the printer, install the drivers and show you how to use it.
Scanners can archive photographs and documents, but they also have other uses. If you have a modem, then you can scan and send faxes. If you have a printer, then you can use the scanner as a photocopier. Scanned images can also be uploaded to a web site or e-mailed to others. We can determine which type of scanner (flatbed scanner, photo scanner or film scanner) is suitable for your needs, connect it to your computer, install the drivers and software and show you how to use it.
If you are still using the cheap quality speakers that came with your computer, let us help you pick out some new speakers that will make your music listening, movie watching, or gaming experience much more immersive. Computer speakers complete with sub-woofer and surround sound are quite inexpensive these days. We can take the hassle and guesswork out of buying, connecting and configuring sound cards and speakers.
Let us ease your transition from a film-based camera to a digital camera. Do not worry if you are unclear on terminology like megapixels and data transfer modes, we can help select a perfect digital camera to fit your needs and budget, set it up, show you how to use it and help to safeguard your valuable pictures in case of a hard drive crash.
One of the most popular computer accessories these days is any of the numerous products that allow you to bring your music collection with you away from home. If you like listening to music, but don't really understand the nuances of digital audio (such as the difference between an MP3 and an Ogg/Vorbis, or the difference between USB Mass Storage and Media Transfer Protocol), we are here to help.
A headset is a combination of a microphone and headphone, which has many uses with a computer. When connected to a modem you can make hands-free phone calls and record them. Used with dictation software, you can avoid typing and simply speak to your computer. Used with free or low-cost Internet phone services, you can reduce your long distance phone bills. We can install a headset for you and instruct you on how to use it.
Web cams are like small camcorders which attach directly to your computer. They allow you to video-conference over the Internet (preferably with a microphone to record your voice) as well you can make video clips which you can e-mail to others. We can help you to select a web cam, install it, set up the software and show you how to use it.
A USB memory stick behaves like a tiny hard drive, allowing you to bring hundreds of documents and files with you. If the computer you are at is running Microsoft Windows Me/2000/XP/Vista, Mac OS 10 or GNU/Linux, then you can plug in and use your memory stick without installing any programs. We can recommend what size to buy, show you where it plugs in and instruct you on how to copy files.
Personal Digital Assistants are a great way to keep track of your appointments, contact information and notes. More advanced PDAs can have many other features, including viewing picture, playing videos, editing office documents and playing music. We can recommend a PDA to fit your needs and budget, install the drivers and software and show you how to use it.
Please contact us about any other hardware issues you are having, we can install and troubleshoot most types of hardware.
Trademark notices
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the USA and other countries.
Linux is the registered trademark of Linus Torvalds in the USA and other countries.
Mac, Mac OS and iPod are registered trademarks of Apple Inc. in the USA and other countries.