Tune-Up / FMD (Full-Meal-Deal)
We offer basic and advanced tune-ups. An annual tune-up for your machine is the best way to ensure your data is safe and your computer is optimized.
Advanced Tune-Up with FMD:
Estimated
Time: 4-6 Hours (depending on size and complexity)
When: For computers that: have a large hard drive or a complex
set-up; have been well used and have never had a tune-up;
require
the
hard drive
to be
reformatted
or replaced; that have major problems.
Summary: Back-up or recover data,
reinstall OS and all applications, upgrade
all
applications and operating system, organize and configure computer, check
for damaged
files
and
viruses,
rebuild
directory, test computer.
- Clean Computer: Clean the screen and case with iKlear Apple Polish Kit; Clean mouse and keyboard with safe cleaning agents; Remove dust from inside of computer with
compressed CO2.
- Install RAM Upgrade (if purchased): More RAM will help your computer run faster and more reliably and is one of the most common upgrades.
- Run Hardware Diagnostics (if required): All the work on your computer will be for nothing if you discover that your Hard Drive had bad's blocks. We test drives, processors, and memory as well as a suite of other diagnostics. We use the latest version of TechTool Pro for many of these as well as Apple specific diagnostics when required.
- Organize Files and Applications: Ensure that all documents and applications are where they should be and are organized. This keeps them safe and easier to find and back-up.
- Run Antivirus Software: If you download files from the web, receive
email attachments, or use disks from other computers, you should scan regularly
for viruses. Scanning with the latest virus software should be part of any
tune-up. We recommend and sell VirusBarrier.
- Back up Data (if requested): All your irreplaceable documents and applications
can be backed up onto a CD-ROM or DVD. If there were problems with your hard
drive, then this is usually done first to prevent data loss. In extreme cases,
data recover software can be used such as Data Rescue II, Diskwarrior, or TechTool Pro . We use an external FireWire/USB drive to rapidly back up
all data.
- Reformat Hard Drive: Using the proper version of Apple's Drive Setup
or Disk Utility software, do what is commonly called a "Nuke-and
Pave". It essentially means rebuilding your hard drive from scratch. Upgrading to a larger Hard Drive is also possible.
- Install/Upgrade Operating System: Do a "Clean-Install" of
the latest version of the Macintosh Operating System or upgrade your old
one,
depending
on what
your computer is capable of. Many updates are free.
- Upgrade Applications: Install any updates for your main applications. Get the latest versions installed in minutes
without having to spend hours downloading the latest versions and upgrades. We can do this very quickly since
we have all installers and updates already downloaded onto an external hard
drive and can run a utility to scan all your programs to see if there are newer versions.
Visit macdownload.com or versiontracker.com to find updates.
- Install latest Internet Software and Utilities: Install the latest
browsers such as Safari or FireFox. Install any updates for your email program. Install
the latest Internet and utility applications.
- Configure System and Software Settings: Restore the name of your
computer, set up printing, restore networking, and Internet settings including
all your previous e-mail addresses and settings, Internet browser bookmarks,
spell-checkers and more. Many so-called "experts" forget this step
or forget to back up your settings which means you loose your e-mails, bookmarks,
and personal settings permanently.
- Restore Documents: Copy your documents back to the documents
folder on your Hard Drive. If you want, they can be permanently backed-up
onto CD-ROM or DVD.
- Zap the PRAM: Start-up pressing Command-Option-P-R, then listen
for the chime. Let this cycle repeat a few times. A software utility such as TechTool can also be used for this task.
- Rebuild Directory: Rebuild directory using DiskWarrior.
This helps prevent data loss. Do NOT defragment your Hard Drive if you are running OS X. While TechTool or will provide this ability, it will probably cause more harm than good. It is not necessary to defragment if you are running OS X. DiskWarrior, on the other hand is a jewel of a program and should be run regularly to keep your disk healthy and functioning. We do NOT recommend running Norton SystemWorks on your computer.
- Repair Permissions: With OS X, it is important to occasionally repair file permissions using the Disk Utility. Many storage problems can occur if this is not done.
- Test-Drive: Try out your software and make sure it runs, is registered,
and all features are enabled. Try connecting to
the Internet and check your e-mail and browser settings. Make sure your computer
can print, scan, fax, and do everything you want it to do. Make sure your
computer has the look and feel that you want.
- Follow-Up: Tune-Ups include free follow-up support. Call if you have any questions or problems.
