Common Problems with Xbox One Consoles and How to Fix Them
By Bradley Coulter / Game systems repair / 0 Comments

Common Problems with Xbox One Consoles and How to Fix Them

Xbox One X gaming consoles are incredibly popular. Microsoft claims that the Xbox One X offers gamers 40% more power than any other game console. Users can experience immersive gaming that is a true 4K experience on Xbox One consoles. With the capability to stream videos in 4K, watch 4K Blue-ray movies, and listen to Spotify music, the Xbox one offers users a multi-faceted experience. If your Xbox One X is broken or having issues, you are probably worried. Many Xbox One customers use their console as their entire media center. When it goes down, you are likely frustrated that you just spent hundreds of dollars on a broken media center.

At UR Gadget Doctors, our skilled technicians are experts at repairing Xbox One gaming consoles. Our technicians can repair Xbox One X devices in 24 hours. We also offer HDMI port repairs for the low cost of $124.00. If your Xbox One X is broken, we can help. Get a free diagnostic and free quote for the repair of your Xbox One X today. Customers who come in today can work with an expert technician who will quickly repair your Xbox One X so you can quickly go back to playing games, streaming music, and watching 4K movies. Our technicians know how to identify the following common Xbox One problems and quickly repair them.

 

The Xbox One Will Not Update

If you are seeing a black screen with words saying “there was a problem with the update,” you are probably frustrated that you cannot use your Xbox One. Some Xbox One users have reported issues with during the mandatory Xbox One update phase. Unless your Xbox One updates, you will not be able to access most of the Xbox One features. 

The failure to update properly could be caused by a problem with your internet connection, or it could be an issue caused by Microsoft. Before contacting Microsoft, there are a few steps you can take to try to resolve the updating problem on your own. First, check your internet connection. Wifi internet can come in and go out quickly and the internet might have stopped working during your Xbox One’s automatic update. When the internet connection drops out, the update will usually fail. 

Try the update later and see if it works. When many Xbox One users attempt to update at all at once, Microsoft’s servers might crash. Wait an hour or more before trying again. Microsoft offers customers an Xbox Live Status website that offers live reporting of any server issues. Next, check your hardware to see if any wires are not properly connected to your Xbox One. Another option is to cycle your Xbox one by shutting it down, unplugging it, waiting 30 seconds, and then plugging it back in and turning it back on. This type of reset clears the Xbox One cache and resets the network card.

 

The Xbox Unexpectedly Powers Down 

Some Xbox One users have reported that their Xbox One consoles turn off unexpectedly on their own. Unexpectedly powering down could be a sign of a malfunction with the console itself. First, check the Xbox One’s ventilation system. Overheating is a common cause of consoles shutting down. If your console seems to be overheating or an object or shelf is blocking ventilation on the device, allowing the console to cool off and removing the obstacle could fix the problem. 

If the power brick light appears to be flickering on and off, the power system is the most likely culprit. Users can also ensure that their Xbox is not set to automatically turn on and off. You will find this option by clicking on Settings, then Power & Supply, then Turn Off. Next, select the Do not Turn off Automatically option. 

 

The Xbox One Controller is Not Syncing with the Console

It is incredibly frustrating when an Xbox One controller stops working and will not connect to your Xbox One. Connectivity and drifting issues with controllers are common problems experienced by users. First, make sure that your Xbox One controller has had all major updates. Next, make sure the batteries in your controller are functioning. If not, replace the batteries, turn off your console, and turn it back on again. Make sure you are in range when your controller stops working. 

When a controller begins drifting, make sure it has fresh batteries and install any necessary updates. If the controller continues to drift, power the device down and unplug the console. This process will empty your cache. If you restart the Xbox One and the problem remains, you may want to replace your controller. 

 

Xbox One Games Frequently Crash or Freeze

Trying to game with friends after a long day of work can become extremely stressful when games continue to crash or freeze. Many different issues can cause crashing or freezing Xbox One games. When the game freezes, press the home button to return to the dashboard. Press the menu button and select quit. This method is quicker than restarting the console or selecting another game because the first game continues to freeze. 

If a particular game keeps freezing or crashing, deleting and reinstalling the game could fix the problem. Go to your applications and select the game that is giving your problems. Press the home button and select uninstall. After uninstalling the game, native to the uninstalled applications section of your game library and then reinstall the game. Reinstalling the game could solve the issues. 

If the steps above do not work, you might need to reboot the resolution settings within the console. Remove any discs in the console, then press and hold the power button for five seconds. When the Xbox One light is no longer flashing, hold the power button and the disc eject button simultaneously. After it beeps twice, make sure your go-to your display and sound settings and change the resolution to either 1080p or 720p.

 

Contact the Xbox One Repair Experts Today

At UR Gadget Doctors, our team of experts can quickly fix your Xbox One. We offer super-fast repairs at extremely reasonable prices. Contact our Mount Laurel Xbox One repair location today to schedule your free diagnostic and quote today.

Five Tips for Extending the Life of Your Desktop PC Computer
By Bradley Coulter / Mac & PC repair / 0 Comments

Five Tips for Extending the Life of Your Desktop PC Computer

While the price of desktop computers has gone down in the last 10 years, a high-quality desktop PC can still be pricey investments. Most consumers attempt to keep their desktop PC computers for at least five years before purchasing a new computer. Many programs can not run on desktop computers that are six years old or older. Now that many users store data in clouds and not on their desktop’s hard drive, desktops computers can last even longer than ever. Taking the time to take care of your desktop PC computer can extend its life significantly. 

The five tips listed below will help you extend the life of your desktop and ultimately save you money. Nonetheless, even the most cautious computer users may need to seek repairs for their broken desktop PC computers. At UR Gadget Doctors, our skilled employees will repair your computers within 24 hours. We also offer potential customers a free diagnostic and quote now. If your desktop PC computer needs repairs, an expert technician can fix anything wrong with your desktop for a reasonable price. Contact our Mount Laurel, New Jersey, desktop repair shop today to learn how we can repair your desktop computer quickly and efficiently. 

Make Sure Your Desktop is Well-Ventilated

One key to extending the life of your desktop computer is to make sure that the computer does not overheat. Almost all PC computers have fans and heatsinks that cool off the liver. Nonetheless, desktops can struggle to stay cool when their ventilation systems are blocked or covered. Desktop owners should keep the desktop tower in an open area, not in a closed desk, near a space heater, heater vent, or enclosed in a cabinet. 

 

 

Protect Your Desktop Against Power Surges

 

Desktop computers have sensitive components and circuits. Any fluctuation in power caused by a power outage can damage the desktop computer. Power surges, even moderate ones, can damage the power supply and other necessary components of the desktop computer. Many people assume that using a surge protector will protect their desktop computers. 

However, surge protectors sometimes lose their protective mechanism with only one spike or power surge. Power surge protectors can continue to supply power even if they are damaged. It is wise to take the time to check the status of the surge protector regularly. Newer surge protectors have a status light on them, making it easy to check. Using a properly working surge protector may save the longevity of your desktop computer.

 

Keep Your Computer Clean 

This suggestion may seem obvious, but dust and dirt can damage a desktop computer. Many people use their desktops for eight or more hours a day. It is easy to transfer dirt, grime, and other substances from our hands into our keyboard. Additionally, many people eat and drink while working on their computers. It is easy to forget to wipe your hands while eating and add to the grime on your computer. At UR Gadget doctors, our skilled desktop repair associates fix many computers that have been damaged by food or liquid. 

Desktop computer owners should take the time to thoroughly clean their entire computer system at least once every 6 to 12 months. Office supply stores have the necessary tools to clean desktops, monitors, and desktop towers. It is easy to remember to conduct routine cleaning by setting the alarm on your calendar or phone to remind you. Taking some extra time to keep your laptop clean can save you time and money. A clean laptop typically lasts longer than those that are not kept clean.

 

Take Care of Your Desktop’s Hard Drives 

When file system errors and bad sectors become corrupt, computer damage can quickly occur.  File system errors, bad sectors caused by improper shutdowns, computer crashes, and other issues can happen as a result of infected hard drives. Corrupted hard drives can cause blue screens, system instability, and damaged files. Desktop owners can use Check Disk tools that come with their Windows computer. By running the disc, desktop owners can determine whether any corruption exists on their harddrive. 

Owners can conduct full or partial scans every few months to check for viruses or any other potentially damaging issues. Total hard drive scans can take several hours to complete. If you do not have the time or availability to run full scans, you can run Check Disk without selecting the automatic repair option. Running a quick check every month can help catch issues quickly without taking too much of your time. If the quick scan reveals any errors or problematic issues, you can follow up on any errors.

 

Keep Your Desktop’s Hard Drive Defragmented and Protecting Against Malware

Modern versions of Windows desktop computers now can defragment hard drives automatically. However, those who are running Windows XP and earlier may need to run a defragmentation operation manually. Traditional and older hard drives are often fragmented. In fragmented hard drives, data is spread out in different spots throughout the hard drive. Using a desktop PC with a fragmented hard drive can cause a hard drive to work overtime and will slow down the hard drive significantly. Taking the time to defragment your hard drive could extend the life of your hard drive significantly. 

Protecting your computer from malware is also essential when trying to extend the life of your desktop. Desktop owners can install software-based malware antivirus software. Malware can destroy your computer system and all of your files. Repairing malware breaches can take extensive time and money. If you use your computer for work purposes, losing all of your data could significantly negatively affect you. Running a useful security suite software can help you combat malware, viruses, and intrusions. 

 

We can Help

At UR Gadget Doctors, we understand how challenging it is when your desktop PC is out of commission and needs repairs. That is why we offer customers a free diagnostic and repair quote. Our skilled Gadget Doctors repair desktops quickly, often within 24 hours. We also offer our customers reasonable prices. Contact us today to schedule your desktop repair. 

 

Laptop Computer Care Tips
By Bradley Coulter / Mac & PC repair / 0 Comments

Laptop Computer Care Tips

More Americans than ever own and regularly use laptop computers. Many Americans are quite dependent on their laptop computers for school, work, and the management of their personal lives. According to the Pew Research Center, as of 2015, 68% of Americans own smartphones, and 45% of them own laptop computers. Many Americans who do not own a personal laptop computer use an employer’s laptop computer for work. The percentage of Americans aged 18-29 who own a laptop computer rose from 5% in 2015 to 50% in 2019. 

As more schools and jobs require students and employees to use a laptop computer, the percentage of laptop ownership will increase. Laptop computers can be subjected to all kinds of abuse. Common laptop accidents involve food spills, dropping, or crushing. The ease of transporting laptops exposes them to more potential accidents. 

There are a few key ways to care for your laptop to avoid the necessity of laptop repair. Accidents are not always preventable, however. If your laptop computer requires a repair, UR Gadget Doctors, located in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, can help. We repair all PC and MAC laptops within 24-48 hours and offer our customers a fast, free diagnostic and quote. 

 

Laptop Computer Travel Tips

One of the best aspects of owning a laptop computer is its portability. Laptop computer owners can increase their productivity by working on their computers during a business flight. Before traveling, remove all DVDs, thumb drives, and CDs that are inside of your laptop. Put your laptop on standby or sleep mode. Do not turn it off. If you are traveling, it is wise to put your laptop computer in a safe carry-on bag to protect it from cold temperatures and physical damage.

 

Extreme Temperatures Can Damage Your Laptop

Many laptop owners do not realize that extreme temperatures can damage their laptops. When laptops overheat or freeze, damage can occur. The best practice for laptop owners is to avoid exposing your laptop to extremely hot or cold temperatures. If your laptop has been sitting in your car in freezing temperatures, it is wise to let it naturally warm up inside your house before turning it on. Laptops are more prone to overheating than desktop computers. Avoid placing your laptop on pillows or blankets that could cause overheating.

 

Use a High-Quality Laptop Bag to Transport Your Laptop

Grabbing your laptop and heading out can be tempting when you are in a hurry. Taking the few extra moments to place your laptop in a protective zippered pouch can protect it from damage. Laptops can range in cost, but many are quite expensive, especially Apple laptops. It is worth spending some extra money on a protective case. Laptops in protective cases are less likely to receive physical damage or damage from spills than those that are not protected. 

 

Do Not Set Heavy Objects on Your Laptop

This tip probably seems obvious, but in a pinch, it is easy to set heavy books or other objects on top of a laptop. Heavy objects could crush the delicate laptop screen. Additionally, objects on top of the laptop could cause it to overheat. 

Similarly, do not place other electronic devices on top of your laptop when both devices are turned on. Some devices such as televisions, high-tech refrigerators, and large speakers generate a strong magnetic field that may interfere with your laptop.

 

Only Set Your Laptop on Clean, Dry Surfaces

In the hustle of our busy lives, it is easy to place a laptop on a kitchen counter quickly. One of the most prevalent causes of laptop damage is water. If you accidentally put your laptop on a wet counter, the liquid can seep into the keyboard and damage your laptop. Check the surface for fluid before setting your laptop down. 

Additionally, it is wise to avoid setting your laptop down near food, drinks in open cups, or sandy areas. If you take your laptop to the beach, it is wise to zip it up in a protective case and put it inside a bag, away from sand when you are done using it.

 

Keep the Lid Closed

Laptop screens are particularly vulnerable to damage. When you are not actively working on your laptop, be sure to close the screen. When the screen is open, more dust can settle on your keyboard, potentially causing build-up and damage. Your battery life will also not be as effective when you leave your laptop open. One of the most common types of laptop computer damage comes from liquid spills. It is easy to knock over a coffee cup onto your open laptop accidentally. If the laptop lid is closed, there is usually a lower risk of laptop damage from a liquid spill. 

 

 Keep Your Laptop Screen Clean

Laptop screens are particularly easy to damage. The screen is the most at-risk and fragile component of a laptop. You should only use approved monitor wipes and solutions to clean the screen of your laptop. Do not touch the laptop screen with your fingers or any other object as it could scratch or damage the screen. 

 

If Your Laptop Computer is Damaged, UR Gadget Doctors can Help

We repair all laptop computers within 24-48 hours at our Mount Laurel, New Jersey retail store. Our skilled laptop technicians can fix any laptop problem at a reasonable price. Our customers are so pleased with our service that we have earned a five-star rating on help. When a laptop stops working or needs repair, many people assume that they will need a new laptop. We find that our clients are often happily surprised by the relatively low cost of repair at UR Gadget Doctors. 

Our tech crew is efficient and professional. We understand how essential laptops are to our client’s professional and personal lives. That is why we work hard to complete all repairs within 48 hours. If your laptop needs repair, contact us to get a free diagnostic and laptop repair quote today.

By Bradley Coulter / Uncategorized / 0 Comments

Researchers Find Monero Mining Malware That Hides From Task Manager

Cybersecurity company Varonis has discovered a new cryptojacking virus, dubbed “Norman,” that aims to mine the cryptocurrency Monero (XMR) and evade detection.

Varonis published a report about Norman on Aug.14. According to the report, Varonis found Norman as one of many cryptojacking viruses deployed in an attack that infected machines at a mid-size company.

Hackers and cybercriminals deploy cryptojacking hardware to use the computing power of unsuspecting users’ machines to mine cryptocurrencies like the privacy oriented coin Monero.

Norman in particular is a crypto miner based on XMRig, which is described in the report as a high-performance miner for Monero cryptocurrency. One of the key features of Norman is that it will close the crypto mining process in response to a user opening up Task Manager. Then, after Task Manager closes, Norman uses a process to relaunch the miner.

The researchers at Varonis concluded that Norman is based on the PHP programming language and is obfuscated by Zend Guard. The researchers also conjectured that Norman comes from a French-speaking country, due to the presence of French variables and functions within the virus’ code.

Additionally, there are French comments within the self-extracting archive (SFX) file. This indicates, according to the report, that Norman’s creator used a French version of WinRAR to create the SFX file.

Beyond cryptojacking
Another cybersecurity company uncovered an unsettling update to a strain of XMR mining malware last week. Carbon Black discovered that a type of malware called Smominru is now stealing user data alongside its mining operations. The firm believes that the stolen data may be sold by hackers on the dark web. In its report, Carbon Black wrote:

“This discovery indicates a bigger trend of commodity malware evolving to mask a darker purpose and will force a change in the way cybersecurity professionals classify, investigate and protect themselves from threats.”

Common Causes of iPad Damage
By Bradley Coulter / Tablet & iPad repair / 0 Comments

Common Causes of iPad Damage

We are all too familiar with the sinking feeling that comes with realizing that our iPad is damaged or broken. Sometimes we do not even know how the iPad damage occurred. Perhaps your child accidentally dropped it, shattering the screen. Your iPad may have suffered water damage. Often, an iPad charging port will spontaneously stop working. 

Whatever caused your iPad to stop working, do not despair. If you bring your damaged iPad to UR Gadget Doctors in Mt. Laurel, New Jersey, they can quickly fix your broken iPad for a reasonable price. The experts at UR Gadget doctors buy and fix all kinds of electronic devices and specialize in repairing devices with water damage.

Common Causes of Cracked iPad Screens

Apple lovers understand how expensive their favorite iPhones and iPads have become. That does not stop them from purchasing and enjoying the latest editions of these favorite Apple products. Unfortunately, many of us do not have insurance on our electronic devices, despite their high purchase price. When we drop our iPads and see the terrible signs of shattered screens, we become disappointed. 

We might think our only option is to buy a new iPad only to discover that a brand new Pad air with 64 GB currently costs $499. In many cases, however, paying for the repair of a cracked iPad screen is relatively inexpensive. At UR Gadget Doctors, we have seen thousands of iPads with cracked screens. Over time, we have discovered the following most common causes of cracked iPad screens. 

Dropped iPads

Dropping an iPad is the most obvious or common cause of a damaged iPad screen. Surprisingly, not all iPad drops cause a cracked screen. The iPad must hit the ground at a certain angle to create a screen crack. Or, if the screen is already slightly cracked, a drop can increase the size of an original screen crack. What causes people to drop iPads? Becoming distracted by kids or pets, tripping while walking, or carrying too many items at once can cause someone to drop an iPad. Additionally, sometimes, iPads slip out of someone’s hands for no apparent reason.

Chewed iPads

You would be surprised how frequently clients brings us a screen that their dog or cat chewed up. Dogs chewing on iPads all the time, and yes, dogs of all sizes can cause an iPad screen to crack by chewing on it. It is a very good thing we love our pets, especially when they chew up expensive electronic devices.

Crushed iPads

Morning commutes can be particularly stressful for families with children. Trying to get everyone out the door and in the car on time is a difficult daily challenge for commuting families. Many times, moms and dads will set their electronic devices on top of their cars while strapping in their children and forget about the devices. When backing out, an iPad can fall off of the roof of the car and become crushed when the vehicle runs over it. An iPad can become cracked after falling off the roof of the car, as well.

iPad Battery Draining Problems

Another frustrating iPad repair problem involves battery life. It is normal for the battery life of technology devices to become less robust over time. In some cases, however, iPad battery life problems are not due to normal aging but because of an underlying problem. If your iPad no longer holds a battery charge, you may need to replace the battery. 

Sometimes the iPad charging port needs to be replaced. In other cases, the battery itself may need replacement. In most cases, an iPad battery repair will cost you less than replacing your iPad. At UR Gadget repair, we have repaired thousands of iPads, including those with battery problems. If your iPad will not power on or it will not hold a charge for even a short amount of time, we can help.

iPad Audio Jack Problems

You have just settled in to get some work done on your iPad. You are all set up with your coffee and notepad in place. After you plug your headphones in and begin playing your favorite music, you are dismayed when you realize that the sound is not working on your iPad. Typically, if you hear no sound or you hear distorted sounds from your iPad, your speaker might be broken. 

If you can hear sound when your headphones are not plugged in, the audio headphone jack may be damaged or broken. Our iPad experts can determine what is causing the lack of sound from your iPad and offer you suggestions as to the best way to repair your iPad. 

If Your iPad is Broken, We can Fix it!

Do you have a cracked iPad screen? Is your iPad battery not charging causing your iPad not to turn on? Do your headphones no longer work when connected to your iPad? Whatever the cause of your broken iPad, UR Gadget Doctors can fix it. We have successfully repaired thousands of electronic devices at our Mount Laurel, New Jersey iPad repair shop. We can fix your iPad too!

Are you unsure as to whether an iPad repair will be too expensive? We understand and offer our potential customers a free diagnostic (a $49 value) and quote for the cost of your iPad repair. After completing your free diagnostic, we will quote you a repair price. All you need to do is bring us your iPad to us at our Mount Laurel, New Jersey location, and we will quickly fix your iPad. 

If you are still unsure about hiring the expert iPad repair experts at UR Gadget Doctors, check out our very high Google review ratings. We know you are disappointed that now have a broken iPad and that is why we want to help you fix it as quickly and cheaply as possible. Contact us or call us today at (856) 787-8486 to receive your free iPad diagnostic and quote.

The New iPhone is Coming and iTunes is Retiring
By Bradley Coulter / iPhone News / 0 Comments

The New iPhone is Coming Soon and iTunes is Retiring

We all know how exciting the announcement of a new iPhone can be for Apple fans. Apple devotees famously line up outside of stores all over the country for the chance to be one of the first to nab the new models. The unveiling of Apple’s new iPhone is still months away as of July 2019, so we do not know very much about the new model. Purchasing an iPhone is no small expense, so it is crucial to find a trusted iPhone repair shop in case anything breaks.

Indeed, iPhone users are hotly contesting whether or not it is worth spending the cash on a new iPhone or waiting for the next version coming in 2020. Is it worth holding out to purchase the latest iPhone coming in 2020? We will take a look at the pros and cons of waiting to buy an iPhone or buying an iPhone now.

 

What do We Know About the Three iPhones to be Released in 2019?

Apple will debut three new iPhones sometime in the fall of 2019. We know this because someone leaked Apple’s marketing calendar for the cell service company Verizon. The calendar informed that the release would be sometime between the third and fourth weeks of September 2019. This date is a bit later than usual for Apple. How much will these three iPhones cost? We do not know exactly, but we can expect that pricing will start around $1,200 for the XA and XS Max versions and approximately $1,000 for the LCD model, which is lower-specced than the others.

Some in the tech world are criticizing the iPhones that will be released in the fall of 2019. A Forbes contributor argues that the new phones lag behind Android, a competitor phone. Apple CEO Tim Cook is also canceling 3D Touch, which was the main exciting feature of the new iPhone. Reports have indicated that the technology needed for the 3D Touch has been phased out of the hardware.

One of Apple’s key employees stated that this omission was just a bug. Many in the tech world think that the new iPhones will not have new 3D Touch technology. Some even argue that 3D Touch is a fun feature, but it is not enough to support the long term dominance of the iPhone. This is particularly true when contrasted with Face ID technology which Apple is fully committed to using. Apple was so committed to Face ID that they did away with Touch ID on iPhones with Face ID technology.

Some tech writers have leaked some of Apple’s iPhone plans for 2020. These leaked features could help make us make the determination of whether or not to purchase a new iPhone. The leaked information suggests that the 2020 iPhones will include the stunning and exciting new upgrades that the 2019 versions do not offer. Specifically, it looks as though the 2020 iPhones will include 5G connectivity while the 2019 versions will not provide 5G. The 2020 iPhones may also include notable design changes since the launch of the iPhone X. The premium model will shrink while the iPhone Max will increase in size. All 2020 versions are thought to have a “punch hole” design that allows more screen space with an asymmetrical look.

 

Should We Wait for the 2020 iPhones or Upgrade in Fall 2019?

It seems as though the 2019 iPhones are not terribly exciting. They will likely look almost identical to the iPhone X and are the third version to do so. Popular opinion is that the design changes that will happen are not that great. It is probably a good idea to hold off on purchasing a new iPhone until the 2020 iPhones come out, if you can. If you have to upgrade in 2019, you will enjoy some benefits. The 2019 iPhones do have a larger battery and upgraded rear cameras. They will also have louder speakers and a night mode camera.

 

Apple is Retiring iTunes

In other Apple news, iTunes is retiring. After nearly 20 years, Apple recently announced that they will withdraw their music listening app, iTunes. When the new macOS, Catalina, comes out, Apple will replace iTunes with three individual apps for podcasts, shows, and music. The latest music store will continue. Many in the tech world acknowledge that it is certainly time to retire iTunes. Indeed, iTunes has a reputation for being too bloated and tasked with too many jobs to include managing an iPod and iPhone.

If you are concerned about losing all of the music you have purchased over the years in iTunes, do not fear. Apple has said that users will be able to access the whole music library that they have previously purchased. The main change will be that users must now use the new music app to access their library instead of using iTunes. One of the other fundamental differences is that managing iPhones will move to the macOS Finder. Now, you can plug in your iPhone or iPod and can take care of whatever business you need to take care of without accessing iTunes. 

 

If You are a Fan of iPhone Products, You Need a Dependable Repair Place

Whether you take the plunge and purchase one of the three new iPhones launching in 2019 or you wait to buy the more anticipated 2020 iPhones, it is essential to know of a great repair shop. Because of the high cost of iPhones, you may have an older version that you would like to keep around until the 2020 version comes out. 

Maybe your iPhone glass is cracked or broken, or the screen is not working properly. Perhaps the charging port on your older iPhone has stopped working, the headphone jack no longer works, or your iPhone will not power on at all. All of these frustrating problems can happen at any time. At UR Gadget Doctors, we have fixed thousands of broken iPhones quickly and at a reasonable cost. To start the repair process, tell us what is wrong with your iPhone, bring your iPhone in, and we will repair it in 30 minutes or less at a competitive price! Complete our simple contact form to get the process started.

Google Ads Restrictions Are Putting Us Out Of Business
By Bradley Coulter / Uncategorized / 0 Comments

Google Ads Restrictions Are Putting Us Out Of Business

In August of 2018 David Graff, Director, Global Product Policy issued the following policy.

Today, we’re taking another step. We’ve seen a rise in misleading ad experiences stemming from third-party technical support providers and have decided to begin restricting ads in this category globally. For many years, we’ve consulted and worked with law enforcement and government agencies to address abuse in this area. As the fraudulent activity takes place off our platform, it’s increasingly difficult to separate the bad actors from the legitimate providers. That’s why in the coming months, we will roll out a verification program to ensure that only legitimate providers of third-party tech support can use our platform to reach consumers.

These efforts alone won’t stop all bad actors trying to game our advertising systems, but it will make it a lot harder. There’s more to do, and we’ll continue committing the resources necessary to keep the online advertising ecosystem a safe place for everyone.

Shortly after this policy was issued I called into Google support to talk to an ads specialist to find out how and when I could go through the validation process.

The response was that I would have to sit and wait because there was no one to talk to.

Two hours later all of my ads were discontinued.

Guess I should have kept my mouth shut.

Google Ads Restrictions Are Putting Us Out Of Business

Realizing that Google pay per click is the most effective way to advertise and that they have a 75% market share, I instantly knew that if I didn’t find a resolution soon, this policy would destroy my business.

I started searching for David Graff and found him on Linkedin. Here is the email I sent.

David,

My name is Brad Coulter. My son and I own a small computer repair shop in south New Jersey. We have been servicing this community for 16 years. Apparently we have been included in this third party tech support service restriction. Bottom line is that this is going to put us out of business before the end of the year. I can’t even imagine how many other small computer repair stores will suffer the same cost. At 64 years old it just might be a little difficult for me in the normal job market.

The restrictions to our PPC account has been severe and is having a devastating effect on the bottom line.

Our Key Performance Metrics are in the dirt and our gross sales have gone from $30,000 to $25,000 to $21,000 to $17,000 over the last 4 months.

Our PPC spend has gone from $2500 to under $1,000 and CPA from $2.50/$3.50 to $6.00/$10.00 because of the increase competition.

Google is a Monopoly in the PPC market and there is no other place to go. Our future rests in your hands.

Is there any way to get a rider. We will give you any information you require to get back on track. If that isn’t possible could you please provide any information on the time frame of the new validation process.

Google assures us that this is a temporary hiatus.

In their announcement, they assure their advertisers:

In the coming months, we’ll develop a verification program to ensure that only legitimate providers of third-party technical support have access to our platform.

In the past, Google has introduced similar restrictions and verification processes for other industries it saw abusing its ad networks.

In September 2017, Google restricted ads for rehab services and later enabled them to resume advertising after a vetting process in July 2018.

In the tech services we are now approaching the 1 year mark.

No business can succeed or even stay alive with only 50% of their income.

I just can’t believe they couldn’t notify their paying customers, via the dashboard in Google ads.

However, they are quick to send ‘recommendations’ on a daily basis to try get a higher spend out of you.

Yet a simple message sent to users say, 3 months before the policy kicked in couldn’t be done.

Do they not realize there are possibly millions of legitimate computer/tech business worldwide that will have their livelihood affected?

It would be different if Google didn’t have a monopoly on search, people would have a choice.

It just screams bad business practice and customer service.

I called Google Ad support 3 times and they were clueless.

They didn’t know about this policy change either.

And 2 of the support advisors actually tried to get me to change bid amounts and from manual to automated bidding.

Unreal.

I explained it wasn’t just my ads that weren’t showing but what looked like the whole country.

Fell on deaf ears.

If I had the resources I certainly would explore a class action suit.

This monopoly needs to be rained in!

The Most Common Causes of iPhone Damage
By Bradley Coulter / Broken glass repair • iPhone News / 0 Comments

The Most Common Causes of iPhone Damage

We have all been there. Maybe you are a busy mom who is juggling your phone, your child, and an overloaded diaper bag.

Your child squirms and you drop your iPhone.

Maybe you drop your phone down the side of your seat while driving and it falls onto the pavement when you open the car door.

Maybe you are a hardworking professional and you rely on your phone all day to get your work done.

The day before a big product launch, your phone stops working.

Maybe the speakers on your iPhone stop working suddenly and you cannot listen to your favorite podcasts during your morning run.

Whatever the case, when your iPhone stops working, it is annoying at best and severely problematic at worst.

When disaster strikes, know that you are not alone.

The pros at UR Gadget Doctors can help get you back up and running in no time.

The following are the most common causes of iPhone damage in Mount Laurel, New Jersey.

 

The Dropped iPhone With a Cracked Screen

Motorola recently demonstrated that 50% of people in the world have cracked the screen of their smartphone at least once in their lives.

The report, published in 2015, also found that at the time of the study, 21% of smartphone owners throughout the world had a cracked screen.

30% of Americans had a cracked screen at the time of the study.

One surprising aspect of the report was that 23% of those surveyed kept using their cracked smartphones even after they had cut their fingers while using them.

43% of those surveyed said they did not fix their screens because they thought the repairs would be too expensive.

Many people assume that repairing an iPhone will be extremely expensive, but at UR Gadget Doctors, we repair your cracked iPhone screen quickly for a reasonable price.

The 2015 Motorola report states that approximately 50% of cracked phone screens happen from a single drop.

32% of people reported that their phones fell out of their pockets while 27% said their phones fell out of their laps when they stood up.

Selfies can also cause shattered phone screens. 7% of respondents said their phones dropped, and the screen shattered, while taking a selfie. 5% said their phones shattered when they threw them.

 

The iPhone That Gets Wet

It is a fairly common scenario: We forget that our iPhone is in our pocket and it slides out unexpectedly, right into the toilet.

Perhaps we jump into the pool on a whim, forgetting that our iPhone is in our pocket.

Another common cause of liquid damage is accidentally knocking over a drink onto a phone.

While many people accidentally drop phones in the sink or the tub, simply leaving your iPhone in the bathroom while you take a bath or shower can cause water damage through excessive humidity.

Leaving your phone on a basket of damp clothes may allow condensation to enter the phone.

If you commonly stick your phone in a cup holder, your phone may absorb any water left over in the cup holder.

If you tuck your phone inside a waistband or sports bra during your workout, you sweat can get inside, as well, causing damage.

Lastly, a playful pup can get ahold of your phone, put it in its mouth, drool on it, or even pee on it, rendering it unusable.

 

The iPhone That Gets Crushed

Do you carry your iPhone in your back pocket of your pants?

Sitting down full force on your iPhone in your pocket will lead to it being crushed.

Children can also break an iPhone by stepping on it, running it over with a toy, throwing it against the wall, etc.

Cars are often responsible for running over phones, as well.

Your phone can fall out of your pocket while you load your kids in the car.

Perhaps you set your phone on top of your vehicle while you strap your children into their seatbelts.

Either way, it is easy to see how a car can run over a phone and crushing it.

 

The iPhone That is Unprotected 

Just because you purchase an expensive iPhone case does not mean that it will adequately protect your iPhone.

Putting the wrong size or type of case on your iPhone could place your phone at risk of serious damage.

For example, if you forcefully put the wrong sized case on your phone, you could break the cameras or crush the edges of the phone.

Even a soft case can cause wear and tear on your phone.

Make sure you purchase a high-quality case that is made to fit the exact size and style of your iPhone.

 

The iPhone That Overheats

Now that most phones have Lithium-ion batteries, you can charge them as much as you need to.

You no longer need to let the battery get close to dead before charging.

Overcharging is not typically an issue, although sometimes overcharging can lead to excessive heat.

If you live in a hot climate, it can be harmful to leave your phone in a parked car.

Newer phones often have an internal sensor that recognizes when the phone gets too hot and shuts the phone off to prevent damage automatically.

 

Whatever the Cause, We can Repair Your iPhone

If you are in the Mt. Laurel, New Jersey area, UR Gadget Doctors can fix your phone quickly for a reasonable price.

We offer iPhone repairs for any damage.

Our expert technicians have a 5 star Google rating.

We charge $125 to fix a new iPhone’s back glass with same-day service.

Still worried the repairs might be too expensive?

Fill out our online form, and we will give you a free diagnostic and quote as soon as possible.

By Bradley Coulter / Cryptocurrency • Cyber Security • Hacking / 0 Comments

Malware Hijacks Millions of Android Devices to Mine Monero

Malware Hijacks Millions of Android Devices to Mine Monero

Cybercriminals are increasingly hijacking other people’s devices to mine Monero (XMR), in a trend now called cryptojakcing. According to Malwarebytes, a “drive-by” mining campaign recently redirected millions of Android users to a website that hijacked their devices to mine the privacy-centric cryptocurrency using Coinhive .

The campaign worked by redirecting users to a page that told them their device was “showing suspicious surfing behavior.” As such, they needed to verify they were human by solving a CAPTCHA, while their device was used to mine Monero “in order to recover server costs incurred by bot traffic.”

All users had to do was solve the CAPTCHA and click a “continue” button. Once solved, they would be redirected to Google’s home page, which researchers noted was an odd choice. Malwarebytes details that it first spotted the “drive-by” campaign last month, but that it could’ve been around since November 2017. The exact trigger that captured users isn’t clear, but researchers believes infected apps with malicious ads did the trick.

Their post reads:

“While Android users may be redirected from regular browsing, we believe that infected apps containing ad modules are loading similar chains leading to this cryptomining page. This is unfortunately common in the Android ecosystem, especially with so-called “free” apps.”

Malwarebytes researchers weren’t able to identify all the domains users were being redirected to. They managed to identify five domains, and concluded that these received about 800,000 visits per day, with an average of four minutes spent mining, per user.

To find out the number of hashes being produced, researchers note, a conservative rate of 10h/s was used. This low hash rate, coupled with the four minute average spent on time, means the hackers behind it could only be making “a few thousand dollars” per month.

The Cryptojacking Trend

Notably, researchers discovered the drive-by campaign while studying a separate malware dubbed EITest. They were testing various chains that often led to tech support scams on Windows, but soon found that things were different when using Android.

The ongoing cryptojacking trend seemingly began when torrent-index website the Pirate Bay started using it as a potential alternative to ads. Since then, bad actors took advantage of the code Coinhive provides to mine Monero, and used it on Google Chrome extensions, UFC’s website, and even Starbucks’ Wi-Fi.

While on their PCs users can block cryptocurrency mining scripts by using anti-malware programs on their machines and browsing the web through browsers with inbuilt tools like Opera and Brave, Android users are advised to stick to Google’s Play Store, and use security software.

Featured image from Shutterstock.

AUTHOR

Francisco Memoria

By Bradley Coulter / Cyber Security / 0 Comments

Security Tip 1

You have probably heard the news by now: Microsoft has updated a controversial service agreement that lays out in scary detail how your personal data is being used and abused – at least, that’s what the major tech blogs are saying. But the reality is, even if you read the 12,000 words service agreement, it’s still confusing and vague at best.

The Emsisoft team explores how Windows 10 mines your data and the ways in which Microsoft uses it.

 

>>Learn more about protecting your data here.