Zak Computers - Updates

Money Mule Scam alert!
09.17.2021 | by: Corey

Recently we've heard of a new computer suppor scam making the rounds. It starts as normal. The 'Support Technician' (scammer!!!) remote controls your PC. This is done by guiding the victim to install a program and letting the scammer in. They make up many security flaws and issues on your computer to make you believe your PC is in bad shape! Then they require payment to fix it and keep it maintained. This is usually done via gift cards for many online shops, like Amazon, Google Play, Itunes, Xbox, and Playstation. Now we're seeing the scammers asking for the victim to physically go to the bank, withdraw thousands of dollars, and ship the cash in a box using an overnight carrier such as FedEx or UPS! This is almost impossible to stop once it goes out, but if it's caught in time, the package can be stopped if the company is informed it's because of a scam! Unfortunately, once the package is signed for by the person receiving it, it is usually handed off to someone else, and lost entirely. These middlemen act as money mules, usually waiting at a hotel, motel, or AirBnB that they have no actual affiliation with.
Please be wary of any messages that ask you to call support on your PC! If in doubt, call us! 586-412-1300
Windows 11 around the corner.
07.01.2021 | by: Corey

Last week, Microsoft reavealed the lastest operating system in the Windows line: Windows 11. Arriving sometime "this fall" it is still planned on being a free upgrade for users on Windows 7, Windows 8 / 8.1, and Windows 10. The techs at Zak Computers have had an inside look at Windows 11 and have had the chance to deploy in a test environment. For those worried about support for older machines, it's currently believed that any CPU from 2014 and newer will have no issues installing/upgrading to Windows 11.
For any CPU older than 2014, there may be workarounds if the rest of the system is up to par, but nothing set in stone yet.
Microsoft has also confirmed the End Of Life date for Windows 10 as OCTOBER 14, 2025. We recommend making sure you are on Windows 11 before this date to stay protected online.
Hours and Facial Coverings updates.
06.01.2021 | by: Corey

We have two updates for our customers today.
Recently we have been running reduced hours temporarily to accommodate the increase in residential and commercial onsite customers resulting from the pandemic. We have decided to make these hours semi-permanent, to provide as much transparency to our availability. Our hours of operation will change to:
Monday-Friday 10AM-6PM, Saturday 12NOON-4PM.
This will be the first update to our hours in over 10 years, and may or may not be permanent. Our second update is about facial coverings/masks. Starting today, June 1st 2020, masks will not be required for individuals who have received vaccinations. All employees have received their Covid vaccinations as well. If you feel more comfortable continuing to wear a mask in our shop, please feel free to do so.
Global chip shortages.
04.14.2021 | by: Corey

Since the release of the Nvidia RTX 3000 series of GPUs, coupled with the ongoing worldwide pandemic, there has been a shortage of silicon used to make computer chips. This in turn has caused shortages of products for anything using those computer chips. Eg: Cell phones, Computer Graphics Cards, Cars, even household appliances like Routers and Televisions.
For those looking into purchasing a new pc, please be aware many products are over-inflated or just plain out of stock. We advise not buying products at scalper prices.
As always, any questions can be asked via phone call, in-person visit, or through email at Info@zakpc.com
Alternate Contact: Jim@zakpc.com, Corey@zakpc.com
We hope this shortage comes to a close soon so those who have been eyeing a new setup can get going on it! Stay safe!
Covid-19 & Reduced Hours Updates.
07. 03. 2020 | by: Corey

In the next few weeks, our hours may continue to fluctuate as we try to keep everyone safe. We still advise any customers who aren't feeling well to stay home and if you must come in, we only ask you wear a facial covering. Better to be safe than sorry! Please see the attached PDF for more info on our July hours
July 2020 Hours
Please keep in mind that while this is an outline of our hours for the next few weeks, we may have additional closures throughout the day to assist businesses and customers on-site.
We encourage anyone to continue to call ahead to ensure a technician is still in the shop before dropping any computer off for service
Thank you and stay safe.
Zak Computers & Covid-19.
03. 16. 2020 | by: Corey

As the spread of Covid-19 increases throughout southeast Michigan, many businesses have closed early, or closed altogether. Many have started working from home. Zak Computers will attempt to stay open and assist those in need of help with home office setups in this uncertain time. This will most likely affect our normal operation hours into early April. Expect hours to shift to 10AM-6PM Mon-Sat. We may stay open later depending on a day-by-day basis if necessary. We are also experiencing lower stock than usual due to shipping suppliers running thin, so we ask customers to call ahead and make sure of our availability and inventory. Zak Computers can also offer remote assistance via TeamViewer if leaving is not an option.

We hope everyone stays safe and healthy. Stay tuned here or on our official Facebook page for any updates.
Adobe ending support for Flash.
08. 17. 2019 | by: Corey

Another axe falls for a widely used software. Adobe Flash, used on many interactive websites, is ending support and development in early 2020.
Adobe cites declining usage as one of the main reasons. No matter what browser you are running, whether it is Microsoft Edge/Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, or even Safari, you will be affected. Many users are already reporting it is being turned off automatically in their browser.
There may be alternate solutions for those who wish to continue using flash, but only time will tell.
Windows 7 End of Life date Revealed.
01. 10. 2019 | by: Corey

The beloved Windows 7 operating system introduced in summer 2009, almost 10 years ago, will soon join its brothers and sisters: Windows XP and Windows Vista in the list of EOL OSes (End Of Life Operating Systems)
In a September 2018 Hardware Survey, 40.88% of users were still using Windows 7, while 37.44% have updated to the latest Windows 10. If you're in the 40.88%, we highly recommend upgrading to Windows 10. We can offer full service in the upgrade process to keep your programs and data safe. Stop in anytime and get a free quote.
Nvidia RTX is here! (Finally)
09. 01. 2018 | by: Corey

Yes, after almost two and a half years of Pascal cards dominating the gaming and mining scene, the Nvidia 20 series has been announced!
Initial reports and rumors of the new "RTX" cards say that performance gains are only marginal, and the main focus on the new cards is the Ray-Tracing technology.
Learn more about Ray-Tracing here: Nvidia RTX Ray-Tracing
With the new gen releasing this month, old 10 series prices have been dropping to very favorable prices, new and used.
Prepare for Summer.
05. 05. 2018 | by: Corey

After what feels like an eternity of cold, bitter Winter, Summer has finally arrived! In contrast to our terribly chilly Winter season, this Summer is starting to get Hot fast(and stay hot!).

If your computers' cooling system is dusty, gunked up, or filled with pet hair, it will affect whole system performance. Stop in to get some compressed air and clean it out before it burns out! We also do complete system cleanings, inside and out, if that's more your style.
Windows 10 update woes.
01. 03. 2018 | by: Jim

In recent months since the Windows 10 "Fall Creators Update" was officialy released, our techs at Zak Computers have noticed a small surge in computers that simply refuse the update!
These errors while updating have been linked to bad drivers, 3rd party antivirus software, and corrupted Windows installs.

If you have been having issues with the latest major Windows 10 update, we strongly advise backing up your data, removing any 3rd party antivirus(like Norton or McAffee), and trying again.
As always, if any troubles arise, we will always lend a helping hand!
Holiday 20% off sale!
11. 01. 2017 | by: Jim

Zak Computers is feeling a little extra generous this holiday season. In addition to our already low prices on refurbished laptops and desktop PCs, take another 20% off the list price!
This deal won't last forever, so stop in before all our systems have been scooped up!
Goodbye Windows Vista.
06. 22. 2017 | by: Corey

After 10 Years, Windows Vista has joined the Operating System Graveyard with Windows XP. End of support for Vista was on April 11, 2017. If you are still using Vista on your machine, you are putting your data at risk! Microsoft is no longer providing bug fixes or security for machines running Vista. We recommend stopping in and discussing options on upgrading your current machine to a supported OS, (like Windows 10) or getting a new machine.
McAffee and the Blue Screen?
02. 14. 2016 | by: Steve

Have you been getting an unexplainable Blue Screen of Death(BSOD) lately? The problem may be linked to an issue with the popular virus scanner McAffee Security Scan Plus, and Microsoft Windows 7. If you're still running with McAffee, it's probably time to switch over to Microsoft Security Essentials. MSE is the free antivirus available to all owners of Windows 7. Stop in today and we'll handle all your problems so you can get back to work!.
Summer is here!
05. 01. 2015 | by: Tom

Summer is finally here! Despite how it looks outside. Bring that computer on in and we can take care of that annoying little problem that's been bothering you all winter long. No more excuses!