IT Services - Hardware

Upgrades and Improvements

Hard Disks and Storage
Although we are not a computer "repair" company deMont Digital is capable of dealing with many "non-factory" hardware issues. If you need to replace or expand your storage space, internally or externally, we can provide you with a compatible hard disk and perform the installation.

If you're having trouble with your computer and suspect that the problem lies with your hard disk, call us to get our opinion. If it is a confirmed hard disk problem it will be necessary to replace it, as the problem will only deteriorate. We can save all your files and then transfer the data to a freshly supplied disk.

Problem Disks
Hard disk failure is one of the most common computer related problems. All hard drives WILL at some point fail, which is why it's of critical importance to have a back-up policy. The sensible option is to set up another hard disk for backing up your system and work as you go. Sadly, there are too many occasions when I am called, once the situation has run out of control. **

Mac users using OSX version 10.6 "Leopard", have a good start with their backup policy as a very sophisticated system is built directly into the OS, it's called "Time Machine". Utilising this technology you will require a separate drive to your main start-up disk. Any PC store will be able to supply an external USB drive which will automatically invoke "Time Machine" when attached. If you reckon your needs are more complicated, give us a call.

Memory Boosts
As the average computer becomes ever more powerful, programmers develop new applications that will happily eat up that power with glee. However, these new power hungry applications quickly invade machines everywhere, regardless of their age and speed. A web browser is a typical example of application we all use which seems to have creeping power demands. Every year Firefox developers improve the code to make it run faster but at the same time increase the amount of functions of which it is capable and that in turn increases the demand on your machine's resources. Thankfully the answer is often simple, increase the computer's memory or RAM.

The machine I am using to build this website is an old Powermac G4, and was manufactured six years ago. There is a slew of applications running including my editor, two browsers, a photo application, an email program and more. Yes it's old but it shows no sign of giving up. While I can keep it running I will. If you are wondering why your machine is sluggish and want some advice regarding it's suitability for upgrade, give us a call.

** In the event of a seriously ruptured disk, it would be necessary to send it to a specialist data recovery lab. These dust proof environments and the technology therein is expensive to run, so expect to pay a heavy charge. This is why I strongly recommend to establish your backup policy before such a situation occurs.