Thor's Archive
The all new AMD 8-core Zambezi processor set a world record for clock speed when a team of engineers over clocked the consumer-grade chip to run at 8.49 GHz!
Of course, they had to cool it with liquid helium. I wouldn't recommend trying to do that at home, but with eight cores and over 3 GHz of native speed, this chip should meet the needs of the most demanding users for years to come.
Every computer you have ever owned has slowed down over time.
Some of the slow down is the result of normal use, but the majority of performance erosion is the result of evolving software that demands more and more of your computer's limited resources.
As you receive updates for Windows or the latest and greatest hew hardware devices, the software that powers them taxes your computers' resources and results in slower performance.
Computer Hardware Speed vs. Software Demands
Over the past few years computer memory and computer processors have become exponentially faster. These gains have allowed computers to run more and more complex programs
The only component in your computer that has not seen a significant performance boost is your rotating disk hard drive. The 7200 RPM hard drive has been around in various flavors since 2003.
Solid state hard drives offer near-instant boot times and lightning fast speed - but at a significant cost. Solid state drives offer small storage capacities at a cost six to eight times more than the older rotating disk models.
Schrock Innovations' Adaptive Intelligence Technology give your computer the best of both worlds at a budget friendly price.
Solid State Performance at Rotating Disk Price
Some of Schrock Innovations' latest Modular PCs are equipped with 500 GB Adaptive Intelligence Hard Drives.
These cutting-edge hard drives are a regular-old 7200-RPM hard drive equipped with a 4 GB solid state partition.
As you use your computer, the hard drive monitors which files you access most often. The drive then saves a copy of those files to the solid state partition for faster access.
As your computing habits change, the solid state partition automatically updates with the files that will give you the best user experience.
All of the calculations are done by the drive's firmware which means file cataloging and usage computations are all done on the drive itself. Adaptive Intelligence Technology doesn't slow down your computer's memory or processor, but does provide up to a 1000% hard drive access speed increase.
Improved Reliability
Solid State drives are the holy grail of data storage performance, but their lightning fast performance also comes with a down side.
In the event of a drive failure, data recover, while expensive, is possible on rotating disk drives. Solid state hard drives have no moving parts and are comprised of a number of memory chips.
A solid state drive failure usually results in a complete loss of data.
Because drives equipped with Adaptive Intelligence Technology save copies of commonly used files on the solid state partition, in the event of a drive failure standard data recovery techniques can be used to recover your important information from the rotating disks.
Only Available at Schrock Innovations
Adaptive Intelligence Technology is only available in Schrock Innovations' Modular PCs and modified notebook computers.
Certain models come with the technology included, but can be added to any computer purchased at Schrock Innovations. Contact Schrock for more information about a computer equipped with Adaptive Intelligence Technology today!
Scaling from one computer repair service center at Schrock Innovations to two was a logistical challenge, but for the most part it involved duplicating systems we already had in place.
Now that Schrock is adding a third Service Center in Papillion, NE we are finding that simply doing what has worked in the past will not quite cut it this time.
Scaling Advanced Technology
Schrock Innovations maintains a customer service edge by leveraging advanced technologies that are designed to help us solve our customers' problems.
For many of these technology solutions we have been able to rely on third-party vendors in the past like Huntel, Citrix, Cox, and Rackspace to deliver award-winning service.
However as we grow the cost of scaling these technologies increases. We can either pass the cost increase on to our customers as higher prices or try to find a different way of delivering our services that is more efficient.
We choose efficiency.
Deploying a Data Center
Many of the tools we use to deliver seamless service to our customers through our phone system, the Schrock Desk, our web site hosting services and many future products rely on a data center.
A data center is a specially designed room that contains racks of computers that do things for people who are on the Internet accessing them. When you loaded this web page, it came from a data center.
Data centers are expensive to operate, so in turn, leasing space in them is also expensive. The cost of a data center is mostly up-front expense for equipment and servers. After that expense the maintenance costs of running the data center are actually less expensive than leasing the services we currently lease.
Schrock Innovations is partnering with Future Technologies to deploy a data center in Downtown Omaha, NE in the 1600 Farnam building. The location was a bank at one time, and the bank vaults in the basement provide excellent security possibilities that can be reconfigured to ensure physical server security.
Last week Schrock's technicians began deploying racks and servers into the data center and we expect it to be online this week. We will be migrating our existing services like the Schrock Desk, Web Hosting, and the Secure Updater this month.
Data Security Concerns
The world is becoming a smaller and smaller place every day. While the technologies that are making that happen benefit our every day lives, they also bring cyber criminals MUCH closer to you on a daily basis than you know.
One of the concerns that we have at Schrock is the security of our data connections that move through our third party vendors.
While we are confident that companies like Rackspace, Citrix, and Carbonite take their data security very seriously, there is really no way for us to know if the data that we send goes through Chinese servers, Russian servers, or stays right here in the US.
This is important because any traffic that goes through servers in other countries is not protected by the laws and regulations of the U.S.
While for most people this is not a concern, as we add additional services like data backup, corporate remote support, and the Secure Updater, we need to know that our customers' information is safe beyond a shadow of a doubt.
The only way to do that is to operate the infrastructure yourself and that is what we are in the process of doing.
Schrock Innovations' new Papillion, NE Service Center is coming along, so I thought I would post a construction update.
Things have been busy lately, so these pictures are about a week old. Since they were taken electrical and data wiring is in place, the bathroom is complete (very important!) and Carberry Construction is starting on the floors.
The front desk is in place. Carberry fabricated the desk and topped it with black granite. We implemented a new feature in the front desk of the Papillion Service Center. Notice the lowered section of the front desk. We need the front counter to be tall enough for check writing and service, but sometimes it is tough for our customers to lift their computers up there.
The new lowered section is an experiment to see if we can get the best of both worlds.
The walls have been painted and the hanging electrical drops are in place.
We are just waiting on the floors to begin bench installation, inventory shelf delivery, and utility hook up.
Then the real fun begins!
If everything goes well, we are planning the grand opening for the weekend of October 8th.
The #1 computer question of 2011 is "How can I keep my computer, my identity and my data safe on the Internet."
As more users have moved to Windows 7 and installed reputable security programs like Norton 360, the number of virus infections has stabilized in the US.
The bad news is that "stable" level means that the average computer in the US has 12 documented vulnerabilities created primarily by three different programs on your computer that you NEED to have if you want to enjoy the Internet.
The unfortunate truth is that having good anti-virus is not enough to keep you safe online anymore. You need to have the most recent versions of 5 common programs installed to keep you identity and your data safe online.
Schrock Announces the Secure Updater Utility
In response to increasing demand from our customers and radio show listeners, Schrock Innovations has developed a new utility that fills the gaps left by your anti-virus software.
The Secure Updater is a small utility that runs in the background and checks to make sure the five most attacked applications on your computer are running the most recent versions available.
The Secure Updater downloads updated software patches and revisions from the Schrock Innovations data center for the following programs:
- Mozilla Firefox
- Adobe Reader
- Adobe Flash 32-bit
- Adobe Flash 64-bit
- Java
When an updated version is detected the utility downloads the update and silently installs it on your computer with out any annoying prompts, warnings, or instructions.
With the Secure Updater you can have confidence that your computer's software is fully patched, limiting the number of entry points your anti-virus software needs to cover.
How Can I Get the Secure Updater on my Computer?
The Secure Updater is in final testing now and should be available in the next four weeks to a limited number of customers in our testing pool.
150 subscribers who pre-order the software will be the first to receive the fully tested final release that is expected on or before October 1, 2011.
In addition, customer who pre-order will qualify for free installation assistance by Schrock's technicians over the Schrock Desk if they require help.
Only 150 subscriptions are available for the test group. Once our server is load balanced and ready for additional volume, the software will become publicly available.
How Can I Pre-Order?
The Secure Updater is $49.99 initially and then $24.99 per year afterwards. At this time we are not offering a multi-PC license.
Please click the Buy Now button below to place your pre-order. This is an extremely limited initial release and will sell out quickly based on interest from our customers.
After your purchase your order will be forwarded to our Service Center and we will contact you via email when the software is available for download. If you need installation assistance, please contact the Service Center closest to you and we will be happy to help.
Compatibility
Please not that the Secure Updater is compatible with Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7 only.
It's been over a month since my last post - inexcusable in the world of blogging. I feel a little guilty about the extended absence so I wanted to write a post that explains the work that has kept me away from the keyboard.
Businesses make profits by selling products and services. Over time, customers' needs change and products and services that applied at one time become stale if they do not adapt.
Adapt or Die
For example, Arm and Hammer Baking Soda has been around for over 100 years. 100 years ago people did a LOT more baking than they do today. 100 years ago if you wanted bread, you baked it. Baked goods requie baking soda in many cases, and a LOT of boxes of baking soda were sold as a result.
But in the last 100 years the living standard in the US has increased so sharply that people now buy most of their baked goods at the grocery store. Most people who still make their own bread do so with pre-packaged mixes and bread machines. There is not a lot of call these days the use of baking soda for baking.
Yet Arm and Hammer baking soda can be found in every supermarket isle and if you looked in your house, you will probably have a box somewhere. Their product is still alive today because they INNOVATED and found new applications for baking soda in a modern lifestyle.
Arm and Hammer realized that baking soda absorbed foul odors in the ice boxes and refrigerators. As a result, more than 100 years later they are selling just as many boxes and you probably have one in your house today.
Changing, improving and finding more applications for your products is critical if you want to remain relevant in a changing world.
Computer Repair Transitioning to the Digital World
Schrock Innovations' products and services are no different. Over the past 2 years we have worked to keep our products relevant to our customers' changing needs.
- We introduced the Schrock Desk Remote Online Support Service
- We retooled our Preventative Maintenance Checkup to predicts and minimize repair costs
- We offered new electronics recycling services to help our customers dispose of their old computers
- We brought our Website Development division in-house to lay the groundwork for new digital products
- Schrock started compartmentalizing product responsibilities to specific teams to improve service levels
Meanwhile, we have seen two of our competitors close their doors in an economy that only promises to become more challenging.
The driving motivation for Schrock Innovations over the next 2 years will be to increase the VALUE we are passing to our customers without increasing prices unnecessarily.
This is not a drive that is unique to Schrock Innovations. For example, while many of Netflix's customers are upset about a price increase in their service, if you look into the business mechanics of why they did what they did you will see that that price increase will allow them to deliver more than 2x the content they deliver right now at FASTER streaming speeds. If Google+ is the Facebook killer, Netflix wants to become the cable TV killer.
The Next Generation of Schrock Innovations
With all of that said, Schrock is going to leverage what we are good at - local service and support - and apply our competitive advantage to new products and services. Our customers are primarily concerned with:
- Keeping their technology running properly
- Staying malware and virus free
- Preventing data loss
- Buying computers for their VALUE rather than their specifications
The reason Schrock is doing well while some of our competitors are not boils down to one simple difference - innovation. If a computer repair company's objective is to fix computers that break or become infected they might do well for a while, but eventually there are only so many broken computers to fix. Consumers NEED their computer repair company to create new solutions that solve - or prevent - problems.
I have been quiet for a while for a couple reasons: First, I can't keep my mouth shut when I am excited about a new product or service. Second, the amount of planning and execution required to do what Schrock is planning on doing has soaked a TON of my time.
Over the next couple weeks I will let you know what is going on. Our customers will LOVE it and our competitors will probably hate it :-)
Last weekend Schrock Innovations held its first ever electronics recycling event. No one really knew what to expect because this was the first time anyone had held a recycling event restricted to old computers and old cell phones.
All of Schrock's employees were on staff that weekend and the original plan was to document the number of pieces coming in as they arrived. In the first 15 minutes that plan went out the window.
While I was on the air doing the KFOR Compute This radio show, Schrock had taken in more than 500 pieces of e-waste in Lincoln and 200 in Omaha.
After the 2-day event ended on Sunday we had collected approximately 1.5 75-foot tractor trailers full of monitors, printers, scanners, towers, cell phones, cords and accessories.
Take a look at the pictures of the event on our Facebook page!
Schrock Innovations is holding a special recycling event May 21 and 22 in their Lincoln and Omaha Service Centers. If you have old computers or cell phones around the house and you have been looking for a safe and easy way to recycle them, this is your opportunity!
May 21 and 22 Schrock will take any computer related equipment or cell phone equipment and accessories absolutely FREE. There are a few limitations if you have a ton of stuff to bring in, so read up on all of the details on the Schrock Website.
Don't miss this chance to recycle your old gear safely and protect the environment!
Last week I wrote a post about how to get the most from your Yellow Pages advertising. Yellow Page advertisements are expensive and you only get one shot to make it work each year.
However, TV advertising is even more expensive and is often overlooked by small business because of its costs. I am a big believer in the power of radio advertising,but there is definitely a role for television in most markets - if you do it right.
How to Buy Television
Like any advertising, TV spots do not typically pay for themselves as they air. They are an investment in the growth of your business. This chicken and the egg paradox is why many small businesses don't use television. It is simply too expensive to pump money into without pulling out immediate benefits that equal or exceed the investment.
Sometimes the only way to get the TV gravy train rolling is to start small and build up exposure over time. With television you can get big results fast with a large spend, but you can also get big results over time with a much smaller spend.
No matter what you have for a budget, plan on putting a consistent schedule together and then maintain it. It does you no good to pop in on viewers for a month and then go away. You need a sustained presence over time to get the best results.
When you meet with your TV representative ask if there are any monthly packages or specials available. Be up front about your budget. Even if you can only afford to sponsor a couple weather casts a week, committing to a consistent annual buy qualifies you for bonus spots that the station will give you when they have leftover inventory.
For example, we buy about $8,000 a month in advertising on KETV Channel 7 in Omaha, NE. Because we committed to a monthly spend we get a few bonuses that others do not receive.
While we are paying to run our commercials, we also get:
- Ffree web ads
- Free bonus spots from unsold inventory
- Free coverage on the station's digital weather channel
Some of our other competitors actually pay for the digital weather spots as their primary advertising. Digital TV is still so new that these spots are incredibly unproductive, but since they are free we accept them if for no other reason than it makes our competitors call their KETV sales reps to whine about the fact they are not the exclusive PC repair company on the channel (that has really happened - can you believe it?).
How to make your Television Ad
Almost all TV stations have a production department. Some are good and some are not so hot. You won't know what you have until they produce a spot for you, so ask your sales rep to get it included for free with your spend. Otherwise you can get hit with a $400+ tab per commercial.
When your ad is done, ask your sales rep to email you a copy for review. When you have approved your ad, upload it to YouTube and use it on your website too. The ad is yours, so get the most out of it!
Do not spend big money with an ad agency making a spot for you. You need the budget to get your message out, and no matter how awesome your ad is, if you don't have the cash to run it you are dead in the water.
What to Put in Your Ad
Remember that you only have about :30 of your viewer's time to work with. That is barely enough time to get one idea across, so don't try to do too much.
Also, viewers will have to see your ad about 10 times before they remember it. Keep your message clean and simple.
Television is a visual medium, so your images can tell as much as your words can. For example, Schrock ran this commercial to promote a Computer Maintenance Checkup sale:
As you can see, we wanted to communicate to the viewer that your computer is dirty and clogged up. My words said bring it in to be cleaned on special. Note that I did not give our exact address or phone number in the audio of the spot.
When people watch TV they are not sitting there with a pen waiting to write down your important message. Instead we gave the cross-streets for each of our Service Centers and then the website URL along with an image of our Omaha Service Center.
After 10 impressions, people will get the idea. Don't waste precious seconds with unnecessary words or details. Keep it simple with powerful imagery.
Track Your Results
When your customers come in to do business you should ALWAYS ask them where they are coming from. Measure how many responses you receive (phone calls, emails, and foot traffic) form your commercial.
If after 6 months you are not seeing a measurable result from your efforts, consider changing things up.
Thor Schrock was a guest on KMTV Channel 3's morning show, the Morning Blend to talk about Schrock Innovations 2011 Ultimate Upgrade Sale.
The best part was when he spooked Mike DiGiacomo by just knowing he had a Commodore VIC-20 in his basement that he could trade in if he wanted to.
Take a look at the video. The sale is going on at Schrock Innovations through May 7, 2011.
I just finished placing a component order for my Computer Repair Service Centers in Omaha and Lincoln and I noticed something curious.
Slowly over the past 8 weeks base component prices have been edging higher. For example, each component that we install in a new computer is costing on average between $.40 and $.99 more than it did eight weeks ago.
Specifically, the cost of the motherboards we use in our Modular Computers has increased over $1.40 in the past 8 weeks.
I'm not an economist, but there are a few things that I see reported in the news that could be responsible for the upward tick in computer component costs:
- The price of oil and Diesel continues to rise
- The dollar is weakening against foreign currencies
- Gold, Silver, and other component hard costs are going up
So far Schrock has been able to avoid paying the cost increases by ordering in larger quantities and aggressively shopping for those vendors who purchased their inventories before the prices started to move up.
No matter who you buy from, eventually this is going to come home to roost on individual consumers.
I am still young enough that I have not experienced sudden and dramatic inflation, but from what I have seen in fuel and food prices and what i am seeing now in our component costs I am starting to wonder if this is the beginning of what may be a significant inflationary trend.
A couple years ago I wrote a post about how to get the best possible deal from your Yellow Pages sales representative.
As the Internet gains more and more influence at the expense of the Yellow Pages, I thought it would be a good idea to revise my old post with the latest and greatest strategies to maximize your Yellow Pages investment.
Go Yellow, Go Web, or Both?
Before the days of the Internet and Google people turned to the yellow pages when a service provider was not top-of-mind. Over the past 10 years use of the yellow pages has been declining as people using laptops, smart phones and computers have turned to online searches for real-time directions, reviews, and pricing – things the Yellow Pages can never offer.
As a general rule (that is becoming less and less applicable after each passing day) there is a generational gap between people who use the Yellow Pages and people who use the Internet when they are looking for a business. Generally speaking, people 40 and younger will turn to the Internet first for information while those over the age of 40 tend to look toward the yellow pages instead.
As a general rule if your target customer is under the age of 40 your advertising dollars might be better spent on a digital medium such as Google or Facebook ads.
Likewise, if your target demographic is over 40 years of age the Yellow Pages can still bring new customers through the door, although the book’s days of dominance are in their sunset years.
Three Ways to Get the Most From the Yellow Pages
If you decide to add the yellow pages to your marketing mix, there are three iron-clad tips you need to know before you sign on the dotted line.
1. Use Your Sales Representative
In some cases your Yellow Pages sales representative is a regional traveler that you will never see again who is only interested in the immediate sale. If your sales representative is a temporary transplant, don’t plan on a lasting relationship.
On the other hand, Yellow Page companies like Dex are beginning to realize that their sales representatives need deeper relationships with individual business owners to maximize annual sales results.
If you are lucky enough to have a local rep, they are probably one person in an office of three or four people. This is an ideal situation for the small business owner. In a small office, a sales representative can negotiate special deals, arrange bonuses and genuinely look out for the best interest of your business.
For example, I recently signed a contract with my DEX sales representative, (Joy Brummer) for my computer repair service center in Omaha, NE. We purchased a full-page advertisement that ensures we will be placed at the very beginning of the computer section of the book.
Joy and I really hit it off. We met a second time for lunch, traded stories about our industries & clients, and Joy really got to know what makes Schrock Innovations’ business engine tick.
Joy felt Dex's online tools would really benefit our business, but I wasn't terribly interested. We already dominate the Google search results in Omaha, we will soon have the most prominent advertisement in the phone book. After talking about it for a bit she made me an offer I could not refuse.
She was so convinced that the Dex online product was right for us that she offered us $900 per month of free advertising in DEX’s online yellow pages listings. She said if we like the results, buy it next year. Now that is faith in your product!
It pays to be nice to your sales representative. If you have a local rep, don’t start off your conversation like you are hard-ball negotiating at Kris’ Used Car Sales.
Your gruff and domineering attitude will deeply offend your sales rep. Sales people have a stable of incentives and bonuses they can offer – or withhold – at their discretion.
If you act like a jerk who needs an anger management class she will not give you any of the bonuses she can – even the ones she pays for like a gift card to the local Indian restaurant.
2. Ask for First Time Advertiser Status – Even if you are not one
Yellow pages representatives usually have 2 fee structures. One is designed for new advertisers and the other is designed for repeat customers. Repeat customers actually get charged more, so you want the same rate schedule the new guy gets whenever possible.
Yellow Page sales representatives typically can’t lower the pricing structure unless they are against the deadline with unsold inventory. However, in some cases that can adjust which rate schedule you are given.
For example, Schrock Innovations has been in Omaha, NE since 2003 and we did have a yellow page ad in 2004. Technically we were not a new customer. However, because of the great relationship I have with Joy, she was able to convince her sales manager to give us first time advertiser status.
3. Pay your bills on time.
When you do not pay your Yellow Pages invoices on time it creates a massive obstacle for your sales representative.
"Deadbeat" businesses (those who pay 90-days or more late) and businesses who consistently show they are having trouble paying for their obligations don't get the best deals from their ales representatives.
Why would a sales manager give a sweetheart deal to a business who is already showing they can't meet their obligations?
Asking your sales rep to go to her manager for a special deal when you are behind in your payments is asking her to do the impossible.
The bottom line is that playing hardball works when you have a regional representative who doesn't care about you or your business.
If you are lucky enough to have a local sales representative in a small office treat her with respect. If you don't you not only poison the well with her, but you also poison the whole sales office. Local people talk, and a local sales office is a breeding ground for "you won't believe this guy" kind of stories. If you treat one rep badly, getting anything from anyone is the office will be a challenge.
While many people think about surge damage during severe weather season, the truth is that surges do not have a season - they attack your equipment all year-round and you need to have surge protectors to keep your valuable electronics safe.
Today I was a guest on KMTV's Morning Blend show where we discussed real examples of surge damage that Schrock Innovations has repaired in their Service Centers and how you can keep your equipment safe.
Until 4/17/2011 (or as long as supplies last) Schrock Innovations has our Audible Alert surge protectors on sale for 50% off the regular retail price!
Normally these units sell for $60 each, but this week only you can get the peace of mind that an Audible Alert surge protector provides for only $34.99.
We only have 100 of these units arriving on Tuesday. These are very popular and difficult to find in large quantities.
There is no quantity limitation on how many you can buy at the sale price. We recommend getting as many as you need for your home or office, and then one extra to have in reserve.
Contact either of our Service Centers NOW to reserve your units while they last.
Take a Moment to Check Your Surge Protector
In Nebraska the average surge protector needs to be replaced once each year.
The trouble is that you can't really tell if your surge protector is working for you or if it is worn out and working like a glorified extension cord.
Over time, a surge protector sacrifices its self to block surges. Once the surge protector has taken all of the damage it can handle, surges pass right through it as if it wasn't even there.
Even if your surge protector has a "protected" light, it may simple be an LED that stays lit regardless of your surge protectors remaining capabilities.
What is an Audible Alert Surge Protector?
Audible Alert surge protectors (only available at Schrock Innovations) take the guess work out of protecting your valuable equipment.
When an Audible Alert surge protector can no longer protect your computer, flat screen TV, or other electronic device it begins chirping like a cricket.
You will know EXACTLY when it is time to buy a new surge protector because it will tell you.
Because you know with certainty when to replace your surge protector, you can use it for a longer period of time saving your money while you keep your equipment safe.
What Features Does the Audible Alert Surge Protector Have?
Aside from the Audible Alert warning technology, this surge protector has some other great features that set it apart from most older models:
- 10' Shielded cord gives you the length you need
- Right Angle plug lies flat against the wall, allowing you to push furniture all the way back to the wall
- 1040 joules of protection ensure a long life
- 5 regular outlets and three spaced outlets to handle all of the devices you use
- Automatic grounding detection warns you if your outlet is not properly grounded
How Can I Tell if My Surge Protector is Worn Out?
If you don’t remember the last time you purchased a surge protector it is time replace it. Surge protectors cannot heal themselves.
Look for these tell-tale signs of a warn out surge protector when you examine yours:
- Dim, flickering or extinguished power light in switch
- No protected light whatsoever
- Metal bodies or components indicate the unit is over 25 years old
- Thick, heavy dust is a great indicator of "time in service"
In November of 2010 I turned 34 years old and I was as heavy as I had ever been. On a lark one morning I stepped on the scale and I weighed in at 260.2.
For the first time ever I weighed more than 260 pounds and something inside me snapped. I decided that morning I was going to lose weight, I was going to lose it as quickly as possible and I was going to do whatever I needed to do to get there.
A Simple Equation
A few years ago I was a member of a local gym where I had a personal trainer. It obviously didn't last, but there was one simple equation he gave me that has stuck in my head.
He told me that weight loss is a simple equation. Take your calories in, subtract the calories you burn and to lose weight the balance remaining needs to be less than what your body naturally burns to maintain its self.
When I was at the gym, and analysis said it took 2,100 calories a day to maintain my current weight at that time.
For me, my simple equation was that to lose weight I needed to cut my calories to at least 1,900 a day. So I did.
In the first week I had the usual 10 pound instant drop as my body adjusted to fewer carbohydrates and less food volume. Encouraging, but we all know that is not real weight loss. One big meal and you get it all back. I decided to keep going.
Increasingly Harder to Lose Weight
One of the nasty little things about losing weight is that as your body gets smaller you require fewer calories to maintain your body weight. After losing about 25 pounds I plateaued and had to cut my calories again to about 1,600 a day.
It wasn't too tough to cut from 2,100 to 1,900. I wasn't really hungry all the time. It was more of a willpower cut. I just had to decide not to eat the fast food, not eat in my car, and cut portions down.
Cutting from 1,900 to 1,600 is a different story altogether. My body was wise to the plan now and it responded with lower energy levels and hunger at times.
The craziest thing is that before then I couldn't remember the last time I had been physically HUNGRY. That is a testament to the world around us, but that is another topic all together.
As the days turned into weeks I started losing weight again and soon crossed the 30-pounds lost threshold.
Enter Supplementation
I could handle the hunger at times, but the energy loss was crushing to me. I am a workaholic and I move as fast as I can all the time. I stand for about half of my day working in Schrock Innovations' Service Centers.
One afternoon I was in a gas station getting a fountain drink and on a lark I decided to try a Five Hour Energy shooter. I was amazed at the results.
Understand that 5 Hour Energy is not a weight loss product. It is marketed as a substitute for your morning coffee. If you look at the ingredients it is loaded with tons of amino acid and b vitamins and a small amount of caffeine. Maybe it was the placebo effect, but for $3.00 a shot, it kept me moving and helped me cross the 40-pound threshold.
What Was I Eating?
Cutting calories did require me to make some dietary changes, but not as many ass you would think. In the beginning I was militant about what I ate, but as I lost the weight I experimented with the foods I previously denied myself and found that if I moderated or borrowed calories from one day to use in the next day my long-term goal was still achieved.
The biggest dietary changes included:
- No French Fries
- Ate Panera's BBQ Chop Chicken Salad almost daily (550 calories and very filling)
- Qdoba naked burritos with salsa were good for variety (great online calorie calculator)
- 2 Packets of Quaker Oatmeal every morning for breakfast (about 300 calories)
- Daily Centrum multi-vitamin
- (2) 5-Hour Energy shooters daily (careful, not too close to bed time)
The last 10 Pounds
It took me longer than expected to drop pounds 40-50. Because I was not working out while I was cutting calories I did see some muscle loss.
In an effort to push the loss further I cut calories again to about 1,200. That was a mistake. I was tired all the time, moody, and the cravings for prohibited food were brutal.
On top of that, if I went over 1,200 one day - say a nice dinner out with my wife - making those calories up the next day means cutting below 1,000 calories.
On top of everything the increased effort and challenge was not resulting in additional weight loss. I returned to 1,500 - 1,600 calories a day and slowly - almost imperceptibly - dropped to around 210 pounds.
What is Next? Do You Want to Lose More?
The funny thing about losing weight is that while you are losing it you are obsessed with the scale. Once it is gone you almost feel that "ok, now what" feeling.
I am 5' 8" and at 210 pounds I am still technically obese. I would like to get down to 175 - 185 pounds eventually, but additional losses are proving increasingly difficult.
One month after hitting 210 pounds I have ventured as low as 204 and weighed in today at 206. I think I may have to dust off the treadmill to get my body losing again.
What's Your Weight Loss Story?
Do you have any hints or tips for me? Share your story below. I appreciate the tips!
My wife needed to replace her Buick Rendezvous so we visited Rusty Eck Ford in Omaha, NE to look at what Ford had to offer. Four hours later we had to literally fight our way out of the dealership and once we got out we never looked back. It was easily the single worst service experience I have had in my entire life.
When we first arrived we wanted to look at the Ford Flex. My wife liked the marketing pieces and reviews. They had several 2011 models, but as a rule I don't like buying brand new cars.
Instead they showed us a used 2010 model that was about $6,000 less expensive than a brand new one.
Anyone who knows anything about cars knows that the value of a vehicle drops SIGNIFICANTLY once it has been titled to someone else. Even if it is only driven 100 miles, the fact that it was titled to someone makes it a used car. The price difference between new and used should have been more than $6,000.
Rusty Eck's Service Experience Begins to Show
They have a wall of hand-written customer testimonials outside of their rest-stop like bathrooms. They all brag about the favorable deals and great service experiences.
Never mind the fact that they were all written on the EXACT same cheap Wal-Mart stationary using the same pen... Hmmm...
We left the crazy price in the used Flex simmer on the back burner for a bit figuring they would offer us a favorable trade-in allowance to make up for the difference.
My wife's Buick has a trade-in value according to Kelly Blue Book of just over $8,500. Rusty Eck offered us $3,000. That's when things started to slide downhill.
The salesman got gruff with us about expecting more for the trade in. We told him we could sell it easily on Craig's List for over $9,000.
Then he left us in his uncomfortable office chairs for over 30 minutes listening to the searingly awful 80's music they are pumping into the whole showroom using a single plasma TV. He was "checking with his manager" to see what they could do for us as a "special exception."
We took the opportunity to look up used Flex's with similar features at other dealerships and on Craig's List. Almost everyone else had identical 2010 Flex vehicles priced $10,000 or more under the cost of a new one - right where they should be.
Prisoners to Rusty Eck's Horrid Service
When he came back in to his office and told us that his boss was giving us a good deal and they couldn't do any better, we got up to leave. Maybe he thought we were bluffing.
We told him that while his manager could not do better, we used the afternoon we wasted in his office to do some research. Guess what - other dealerships have better offers than what you manager can do. The Internet is a bear isn't it?
As we put on our coats, the salesman hobbled around his desk to get between us and the front door. He informed us that no one leaves without talking to the sales manager. We started walking for the door.
At the last possible moment a slick looking man stops us and asks us if there is anything he can do to help us get into the car we wanted. We briefly told him that he was trying to low-ball us on our trade and his vehicles were overpriced to begin with. We then LITERALLY pushed through him and out the door.
Have a Look at What Others Say About Rusty Eck Ford
Apparently our experience was not that unique. Take a look at these online reviews of Rusty Eck Ford:
Top 10 Reasons Not to Buy Your Car from Rusty Eck:
#10. Lacking the comfort feel- doesn't feel welcoming
#9. Uniformed salesperson- Lacking information about financing and rebates
#8. A feel of "Buy Today"
#7. They don't back up what they say
#6. Unprofessional finance manager #1-Talking about he and his wife "getting effed up"
#5. Unprofessional finance manager #2-Discussing how hungover he is from the Christmas party the night before
#4. Unprofessional finance manager #2-Watching a live football game on his computer while working with us
#3. Unprofessional finance manager #1-rushing through paperwork and avoiding explaining anything and then tacking on an $1800 bumper to bumper warranty without our consent.
#2. Stating the vehicle would be picked up from Iowa Monday morning and failing to do so. Then neglecting to make things right and NEVER receiving a call from a manager.
#1. There are other Ford dealers in Omaha that truly care about their customers and will work to do everything in their power to make you happy.
Or this one from Dealerrater.com (Who rates them as a 1.9 out of 5)
This has to be one of the dealerships that movie makers copy when they want to show a scumbag type dealership. They have no morals and absolutely no professionalism. They will try to milk you out of any money you might have and then some. We bought a used 1999 Chevy Blazer from them about 3 weeks ago. It was on a Sunday night and at closing time so everyone was in a hurry. When we asked about everything working o.k. (especially the 4wd) the salesman said yes just hit the button and it works. Well the first time it snowed, my daughter pushes the button for auto 4wd and tells me it is just blinking, well I take it out for a drive and sure enough, it never kicks into 4wd. I take it back to them and want to see if there is anything we can do to fix it. To make a long story short, a new salesman tries to get me to purchase a lesser priced vehicle and charge me more money for a "trade-in" when I get angry and tell him that this must be a joke, they tell us to leave and as I am telling them what I think of their dealership, a manager comes around the corner and starts telling me how I am the piece of sh*t customer and I need to leave. Then about 6-7 "salesman" come outside with me and one of them starts taking his coat off and rolling his shirt sleeves up like he's wanting to fight!! What a joke, this is truly the SCUM of the dealerships. I hope Rusty Eck is proud of what he has built out there. Ford should take their name off of the signage because this is very much a used car lot filled with lot lizards looking for a next victim. They probably sit around and joke about how bad they screwed their last customer. Truly despicable.
I am a big believer in radio advertising. If you have a business on a tight budget, or if you just want to get the best marketing deal around, radio can get your message out there quickly at a cost that is much lower than television or print media.
If you decide to use radio to promote your products, business or organization chances are you will come across at least one station owned by Clear Channel.
As a business owner you are after the best advertising deal you can find. Getting a good deal from Clear Channel is not as easy as calling the local sales manager and asking for it.
This post will give you some tips and strategies that will help you plan your marketing spends on Clear Channel stations to get the biggest bang possible for your advertising budget.
Why is Dealing With Clear Channel Different?
Some of the most basic rules of radio business do not apply in the world of Clear Channel. For example:
- Cash is not king. Clear Channel stations do not accept cash payments for advertising (if you do pay in cash the sales rep has to take the money to a bank and get a cashier's check to turn into the station).
- Bureaucracy in Action. Local Clear Channel stations do not have the authority to make local decisions based on circumstances and expectations. Whatever the corporate office says goes, regardless of the facts on the ground. Local people can influence corporate at times, but once a decision is made there is no appeal.
- Engineered Scarcity. Clear Channel stations rarely have unsold inventory, which means fewer bonuses for local advertisers
So if cash in hand does not get you a better deal, bonuses are rare, and you can't find anyone locally who can make a major decision without checking with the management in Texas, how can you possibly get an advertising deal that is better than your competition?
Learn Clear Channel's Rules and Use Them to Your Advantage
Why is Clear Channel sold out all the time? One reason is that their stations are highly regimented, Clear Channel produces a good radio product, and their advertisers get results. But that is not the only reason.
There is literally tens of thousands of dollars of DEEPLY discounted advertising available on EVERY Clear Channel station if you know how to find it.
Imagine if you could buy your Clear Channel advertising for 25% of what your competition pays. That would give your business a MASSIVE competitive advantage. Here are three sure-fire ways to get tens of thousands of dollars of DEEPLY discounted Clear Channel advertising. I know because I have done it.
METHOD 1. Network with the Air Talent
Clear Channel makes everyone on their airwaves take annual exams designed to prevent advertisers from unduly influencing air talent with direct money, favors, or consideration. This is widely known in the radio industry as Payola.
The FCC, which licenses radio stations, prohibits Payola. In fact, if a station's employees are caught accepting Payola, the station's broadcast license can be revoked. As a general rule it is a bad idea to offer Clear Channel employees any kind of direct personal consideration with the expectation of air time. It won't happen, and if you find an employee who lets it happen the risks to you and your business are not worth it.
With that said, you need to take the time to get to know the air talent and introduce them to your products and services. You can offer them free trials, samples, or comped service as long as there is no expectation of direct consideration on the airwaves.
By letting the air talent know who you are, what you do, and why you are the local expert you are positioning yourself to be called upon later when a topic is relevant on one of their shows because you are top of mind.
I have not given anything to any local Clear Channel personalities, but I have been featured on two of their morning shows this week alone. I would have had to pay over $100 per spot if I was buying the time. That's what my competition pays, but I received the exposure for free.
METHOD 2. Leverage What Your Sales Rep CAN Do
There are a lot of things your sales rep can't do to help your business, but there are also some things they can do - especially if you are already a paying customer.
In radio, the bulk of a sales person's salary comes from commissions on advertising that is sold to you. If you are not happy and pull your paying ads, the sales person sees a direct and immediate drop in their take home pay.
They don't want to lose the income, and the station does not want to lose your business. If your schedule is not producing what you had expected (or what your sales rep had promised) call your rep and ask for help. BE sure to ask for SPECIFIC things or ask for SPECIFIC options that may help.
If your ads don't perform you WILL eventually pull them off the air. Your sales rep will do everything in their power to prevent that from happening. Here are some of the things your Clear Channel sales rep CAN do for your business:
- Bonus commercials. Depending on how much you are spending with Clear Channel, your sales rep may be able to get you some bonus (free) commercials on a regular basis as long as you maintain your spend. For example, I spend about $7,000 a month with Clear Channel and my sales rep was able to get me about $900 a month in free spots to "help me reach my goals."
- Rate Reductions. This is a potent weapon. If you are not getting results with your schedule, ask for a rate reduction to bring your investment in line with what it is producing. Odds are you will not get the rate reduction, but there is a good chance that you will get extra bonuses that could include :15 mentions, weather sponsorships, or other short spots that increase your name recognition and therefore the effectiveness of your other ads.
- Ask About Sales. Just like a department store puts goods on sale, radio stations run sales on commercial inventory. Usually sales change every 10-13 weeks and each sale has a different angle. A station might be running a promotion that gives you a one-time-buy opportunity to get some great spots on special at an irresistible rate. The stations figure that if the ads work for you you will continue buying them when the price goes up later.
- Ask About Trade opportunities. Radio stations LOVE to trade things. But trade with sales reps is tricky. Remember that the bulk of a sales rep's paycheck is a percentage commission on what you spend. If you trade there is no spend, so there is no commission to motivate your sales rep. Also remember that as a general rule trade can not be applied to an existing schedule.
METHOD 3. Become the King of the Auction
Twice each year, Clear Channel holds a radio auction. During this auction the stations sell advertisers' products and services on the air for as little as 25% of their retail cost. This is a HUGE opportunity that is often overlooked by businesses to accomplish 2 things:
- The auction is done on the radio. DUH! Its a free on-air commercial for your product or service!
- Amass a HUGE advertising budget that will leave your competition reeling in your marketing wake
In a recent auction completed by Clear Channel in Omaha, NE one of my companies - Schrock Innovations - was able to raise over $40,000 in trade that we can use to raise brand awareness throughout the Omaha metro area.
I am pretty familiar with the computer repair field in Nebraska, and I can tell you that our cash advertising budget puts most of our competitors to shame. After we lob another $40,000 on top of that in Omaha alone we will be able to leverage our core messages in ways our competitors can only imagine in their wildest dreams.
The best part is that by selling labor-focused services in the auction we were also able to gain several dozen new customers who will continue to work with Schrock moving forward after our trade terms have ended.
In total, I was able to gain immediate access to a $40,000 marketing budget on Omaha's best radio stations at a cost of only $2,000 of labor services that I will deliver at a yet to be determined future date.
What could your business do with a $40,000 marketing injection?
Clear Channel Conslusions
For a business competing for time, attention, and patronage for it's products or services radio is a powerful tool to bring in customers and generate revenue.
If you have a fat pile of cash at your disposal and you are not using radio, you should be. Undoubtedly if you look at your marketplace there will be a Clear Channel presence - they are nearly everywhere.
If you use these strategies successfully you can transform even the most meager marketing budget into a guerrilla marketing power house.
Your competitors are probably reading this same article right now, so seize the initiative and begin growing your company before they do.
While browsing through my posts from the past few weeks I noticed that I had been placing a pretty heavy emphasis on my work and work-related topics.
While I am a self-diagnosed workaholic, I do find some time to unwind.
The Lovely Kimberly and I took some time on Friday to head out to the Bullet Hole for some time on the range.
I was firing a 9mm Tanfoglio compact and the Lovely Kimberly was testing out her newly repaired 9mm Ruger.
My grouping was pretty good at 25 feet. I was able to place 15 rounds center mass in less than 30 seconds. It had been a few months since we found time to shoot, so I was glad to see I wasn't too rusty.
At feet I placed 6 of 15 rounds center mass, with the other 9 rounds all hitting the silhouette - just not smack in the middle where I was aiming.
Pretty fun stuff!
Schrock Innovations' PC Maintenance Checkup Sale is by far one of the most popular times of the year to bring a computer into their computer repair Service Centers.
Over the past week Schrock's technicians have been pulling overtime to keep up with demand.
As you can see, as soon as Schrock launched the sale computers started pouring in to the Service Centers.
By the end of the first day more than 100 computers had arrived for the $30 maintenance offer. Throughout the course of the sale Schrock took in over 1,000 systems for maintenance between Omaha and Lincoln, NE.
The load was unusually weighted toward desktop computers over laptops. Over the past couple years Schrock has seen a steady shift away from desktop computers toward notebooks.
The company has also been advertising on FM radio stations for the past 9 months which tends to bring in a younger demographic who prefer the portability of a notebook over a desktop. Either way, it was a little surprising to see the desktop hanging in there in the quantity department.
Schrock's customers often hear that the Maintenance Checkup Sale is going on for "one week only," but in reality Schrock's technicians have been working under a load of 100+ computers in queue for more than 3 weeks.
When Schrock launches a sale this big, it is always a challenge to keep turn-around times reasonable the customer.
To help moderate the work flow, Schrock will email existing customers about the sale first, then work through the bulk of that response before taking it live on the radio.
Schrock emailed over 8,500 customers about the sale and the response was immediate and intense.
While a flood of Schrock's existing customers was expected, we were shocked to see that about 20% of the computers coming in after the email were new customers. Apparently the sale announcement email went viral with customers forwarding it to their friends and relatives.
All in all, Schrock's technicians have been putting in 60-70 hours a week EACH in an attempt to keep up with the demand. With the sale ending today at 5 PM they should have everything back to normal again in each Service Center within a few days.
Thank you Schrock customers for another amazingly productive Maintenance Checkup Sale!
This week Schrock Innovations launched a new commercial in Lincoln and Omaha promoting the PC Preventative Maintenance Checkup Sale that is running through March 20th at both Schrock Innovations' locations.
In the commercial you will see a computer's processor fan that is almost 50% constricted by dust.
While Schrock does a lot more than a physical cleaning during a Maintenance Checkup, there is no disputing that the 8 hours of work that goes into a checkup is worth the $29.99 sale price!
Contact Schrock Innovations today for more information about the sale.
On March 9th, Nick Bock of the Five Nines Technology Group and myself both testified in opposition of Nebraska Legislative Bill 626, which was a recycling mandate bill improperly named a job creation bill.
After the conclusion of my testimony Senator Ken Harr asked me how the private sector could solve this problem. Little did I know that my answer would go viral on Lincoln's airwaves later that day.
A Potential Free Market E-Waste Solution
Ironically, Nick and I had been discussing the viability of a non-profit 501c3 technology reclamation company that would collect e-waste, refurbish what could be resold and use the revenues from selling it to fund collection points across the state and create jobs.
It was all very back of the envelope and off the cuff, but never the less it was the first thought that popped into my mind when Senator Haar asked the question. I briefly explained the idea and in conclusion Senator Haar suggested that a bill could be crafted to accomplish that goal.
Senatorial Smackdown?
I responded to Senator Haar that a bill wasn't required because it could be done with free enterprise.
Yesterday on the way home I was listening to Drive Time Lincoln with Coby Mach and I guess my off-handed comment was more like an unintentional Senatorial smackdown.
Click here to listen to the audio from drive time Lincoln.
What Happens Next?
I know Senator Haar, and we have had discussions in the past on multiple items including the promotion of Wind Energy in Nebraska. He also knows that I come from a less government more free enterprise position.
I enjoyed testifying and I believe the committee listened to the input that Nick and I provided because the bill will not be prioritized (at Senator Mello's request) and a roughly 2-year study is being proposed to attempt to formulate some legislation that might have a chance of making it thought the sausage factory.
There is going to be a hearing at the Nebraska Capital Building today at 1:30 regarding LB626 the "Electronics Recycling and Job Creation Act."
This bill, introduced by Nebraska State Senator Heath Mello, will not create any net jobs, will collect up to $1.5M in taxes from local companies, and will burden individual citizens and businesses alike with new rules and regulations.
What Does LB626 Do?
A few years back a similar bill was introduced in the unicameral that I testified against. This bill is very similar to that one and I believe it represents a hidden tax on consumers in Nebraska.
Here is a link where you can read LB626.
LB 626 does a lot in a mere 20 pages. The bill proposes:
- If you make your own house brand computers you WILL pay a tax to the state between $1250 and $10,000+ annually
- If you do not pay this fee, you are prohibited from selling computers in Nebraska
- You are REQUIRED to provide FREE recycling to your customers and you are REQUIRED to pay the cost of recycling collected equipment
- If you resell Dell, HP, Gateway or any other national brand that is not participating in the state’s program, you pay the taxes described above
- This bill imposes a landfill ban for all consumers and schools and requires recycles to accept goods form consumers and schools at no cost
- This bill collects between $1M and 1.5M a year from local manufacturers, and the amounts collected per company operate on a sliding scale. The bill states NE WILL collect $1M - $1.5M annually, regardless of the number of manufacturers. If NE loses manufacturers individual manufacturers pay more.
- Although this bill collects ALL of its revenue from Computer manufacturers and recyclers, it promises grants of up to $1M to small towns and villages to demolish old buildings. If the bill collects $1M to $1.5M a year, how can they operate the bureaucracy, grant the million, and “create recycling jobs”?
In my opinion, this bill represents a hidden tax on the Nebraska consumers who patronize our local businesses.
The costs of this bill will be eventually paid by the consumers in Nebraska at a time when Social Security cost of living increases are non-existent, wages in Nebraska are not rising fast enough to keep up with food and energy price inflation, and our state, cities, and counties are running budget deficits.
This is a bill that will reduce consumer choice in Nebraska as businesses choose not to sell PCs in the state, increase the costs of electronic goods, create time and energy burdens on individual citizens, and will kill more jobs than it creates.
The State does not create jobs. Only businesses can do that.
This is a bill that costs EVERYONE involved form the consumer to the manufacturer more money and duplicates many services that the private sector is already providing to consumers at little or no cost.
I know this is VERY short notice, but I will be present to testify against this bill this afternoon in the legislature. Three years ago I was able to kill a similar recycling bill with my testimony, but this is a different scenario. New players and new rules. If there is any possible way you can make it down to the capital today at 1:30 in Room 1525 please make an effort to do so.
Schrock Innovations will be holding our first Preventative Maintenance Checkup Sale of 2010 starting this weekend, March 12, 2011 through March 20, 2011.
Although we are "officially" launching the sale on this weekend's Compute This radio show, you are invited to bring your PC in now and beat the inevitable rush!
Last week I was a guest on KMTV Channel 3's Morning Blend show where we discussed the importance of regular PC maintenance and the upcoming Maintenance Checkup Sale at Schrock Innovations.
What is a PC Maintenance Checkup?
A PC Maintenance Checkup is a complete head-to-toe examination of a computer that takes between 8 and 12 hours of bench time to complete. Our Maintenance Checkup is normally a great deal at its usual price of $70, but for next week only we will be discounting that price to an amazing $29.99.
During a PC Maintenance Checkup our trained technicians will:
- Scan your computer's memory (Vital for Vista users)
- Blow dust and debris out of cooling fans
- Check fan rotation speeds and cooling effectiveness
- Ensure your installed Antivirus is effective and updated
- Test all drives
- Check hard drive for masked bad sectors
- Clean computer exterior if needed
- Repair errors in the Windows Registry
- Perform an advanced hard drive cleaning
- Install critical system support software
- Scan for and removes malware
- Scan for viruses and Trojans
Try to find anyone anywhere who will work on your computer for 8 hours for only $29.99 and you will understand what a great value this sale is!
How Long Does it Take?
Please BE PATIENT with us during this sale. We move the computers through as quickly as we possibly can.
Because the PC Maintenance Checkup sale is so popular turn around times can be as long as 4-5 days in some cases.
Please refrain for calling for status checks on where your computer is at in the line because it pulls our technicians away from the repair work they are doing and slows turnaround times for everyone. We will call you AS SOON as we have any word on your system.
What Do I Need to Bring in?
If you are bringing in a computer tower we only need the tower its self. NO wires or accessories are needed unless you are having problems with them.
If you are bringing in a laptop, please do bring your power cord in with you.
Microsoft has released a new Service Pack (SP1) for Windows 7. Your computer will automatically attempt to download and install Windows 7 SP1.
About 80% of the time that installation should go just fine. The other 20% of the time problems that exist on your computer might prevent the Service Pack from installing or could even result in serious problems with your computer.
By taking these simple steps you can increase the odds that your Windows 7 computer will successfully install Windows 7 Service Pack 1.
With that said, if you would rather have a professional technician install Windows 7 Service Pack 1 for you, Schrock Innovations can do it for you over the Internet with the Schrock Desk.
The entire installation is a flat-rate $45 cost regardless of the time involved in preparing your computer or getting the Service Pack installed correctly. If you are interested, contact Schrock Innovations at 866-496-8772 or call our Service Centers in Omaha or Lincoln directly.
How to Install Windows 7 Service Pack 1 Properly:
This process can take up to three hours to complete. Please allow enough time to perform all steps.
Step 1: Preparing your computer
Before you install Windows 7 Service Pack 1 you need to prepare your computer. Your computer needs to be free of any viruses or malware. Even if you have anti-virus software installed your computer can be infected.
To check your computer I recommend a program called MalwareBytes. It is a completely free program that will scan your computer and allow you to automatically remove most infections.
To check your computer do the following:
- Download Malwarebytes (unless you already have it installed on your computer)
- Double click on the downloaded program to install it
- Run an update - THIS IS IMPORTANT
- Perform a Full Scan - not a Quick Scan
- Remove any infections that are detected
- Restart your computer
Step 2: Perform Other Windows Updates First
Windows 7 SP1 is a Service Pack. A Service Pack is made up of enhancements and other previous updates.
Ironically enough, Microsoft releases a Service Stack Update that helps ease the installation of a Service Pack.
Installing this small update first will increase the odds of a successful Windows 7 Service Pack 1 installation.
To install all available Windows Updates, do the following:
- Left click on Start (the circle in the lower left corner of your screen)
- Left click on All Programs
- Left click on Windows Update
- Left click on Check for Updates in the upper left corner of the window
- Select all available updates (except Windows 7 Service Pack 1)
- Download and install the updates
- Restart your computer
- Perform a second check for updates to ensure they all installed successfully. Repeat as needed.
If for any reason any update will not successfully install, your computer may have a problem requiring the assistance of a technician. If you would like Schrock Innovations to help, we will install the Service Pack for you for a flat rate $45 fee using our Schrock Desk internet-based support service. Just contact us for an appointment time.
Step 3: Install Windows 7 Service Pack 1
The final step in the process is to install Windows 7 Service Pack 1. Perform the following steps to download and install the Service Pack:
- Left click on Start (the circle in the lower left corner of your screen)
- Left click on All Programs
- Left click on Windows Update
- Left click on Check for Updates in the upper left corner of the window
- Select Windows 7 Service Pack 1 and click on install
- Allow the process to complete
- Restart the computer as instructed
If everything went well, your computer should restart with the latest service pack installed. If for some reason the computer does not restart properly, you might have the opportunity to restore your computer to a previous date.
We can not connect to your computer if it can not get on the Internet. If you have questions or need help, please feel free to contact our Service Centers anytime.
As you can see, properly installing Windows 7 SP1 can take anywhere from a couple of hours to an entire afternoon depending on the speed and health of your computer.
For only $45 Schrock Innovations can take care of the entire process for you - in most cases right over the Internet. We only have 24 appointment slots each day, so please contact our Service Centers to secure your spot before we completely fill up.
This morning my staff at Schrock Innovations received the final and official build of Windows 7 Service Pack 1 - both the 64-bit and the 32-bit installations.
Schrock will be offering a $45 installation service later today. This service pack is available on various torrents around the Internet. Some are legitimate and some are not. Most are earlier releases relabeled as the final release.
Microsoft will be pushing out the Service Pack on their download website on February 16th and then through Microsoft Update on February 26.
Directly Download the Service Packs From Our Servers
I have uploaded the verified Service Packs to my web server and have made them available for download now.
This will be a direct HTTP download. No ads, no modifications, no verification codes, just click the link and save the file to your computer.
How to Download the Service Pack Now
NO ONE is doing this online at the moment, so to help keep my bandwidth costs under control I am asking for a $5.00 PayPal donation to obtain the direct one-time download link.
This is NOT a charge for the Service Pack its self. Service Packs are available FREE from Microsoft if you are willing to wait until the 16th.
To obtain your single-use download link, Click the Donate button below. You will receive a download link immediately after your purchase.
Most computer users try to be safe when they are online. Many people won't open emails from people they don't know. Some only go to websites they know they can trust.
But if you think you are safe online because you are careful, think again.
Microsoft has announced a new security vulnerability was discovered that allows hackers to install malware on any computer from Windows XP up through Windows 7 and all you have to do is visit a website to infect yourself.
This means that you (and 900 million other people) just became a target and all the hackers have to do is get you tto visit an infected website, deliver an infected ad to your computer, or just wait for you to make one fatal typo in your browser's address bar.
How Can my Computer be Attacked?
With this specific vulnerability an attacker needs to get your browser to load something from an infected website. Some possible ways your computer could be infected include:
- You click on a link in an email taking your to the infected website
- A trusted website displays an advertisement from an infected website
- You mistakenly type an incorrect URL in your address bar
- Your visiting crazy Uncle stupidly just goes to the site an infects your computer
Once your computer is attacked it can sit for hours, days or even weeks before exhibiting signs of infection.
What Do I Need to Do to Stay Safe?
It is always a good idea to employ the safe computing practices I listed at the beginning of this article.
The only security software that Schrock Innovations recommends for its customers is Norton 360 because it is literally the only software program that we have installed for our customers that keeps them safe.
In fact, if you are running Norton 360 you don't have to worry about the vulnerability discussed in this article at all because Norton has already covered it for you.
If you are not running Norton and want to switch to keep your computer safe, Schrock Innovations has Norton 360 on sale through February 6, 2011.
For only $79.99 Schrock will log into your computer over the Schrock Desk remote support service, clean any infections in your computer, install Norton 360 and configure it for only $79.99!
Contact Schrock Innovations to take advantage of this special offer before it runs out!
The most recent radio ratings came in earlier this month and our KFAB Compute This radio show in Omaha Nebraska dominated the competition.
Before we saw the ratings the staff at Clear Channel warned us that typically it takes a couple of ratings periods for a new show to catch on.
With that as a precursor, you can understand why I was thrilled to learn that Schrock Innovations has the #1 rated program in our time slot!
Comparing From Then to Now
Having the #1 show doesn't mean much if the time slot was #1 before you got there in the first place. KFAB pulls great ratings - the best in Omaha - so it was important that we check our current results against how the station did in the last ratings period before we came on the air.
In the previous ratings book, KFAB was #2 in our time slot with an average of 23,000 listeners at any given point in time.
After our show aired for a mere 13 weeks, KFAB jumped to #1 in the time slot with an average of 36,000 listeners at any given point in time! If what they told me is in fact true, we should see these numbers continue to rise in the next book as Compute This! matures in the Omaha radio market.
Thank you Listeners and Callers!
I want to take a moment to thank all of our great listeners and callers that make Compute This what it is on KFAB and on KFOR (where we have held the top ratings in our time slot for 7 consecutive YEARS). Without you we would not have a show!
Compute This! is a weekly call in show that airs in Lincoln on KFOR 1240 AM at 10:00 AM and on Sunday in Omaha on 1110 KFAB from 7-8 AM. Both shows are live and listeners can call in to the shows and get help with their computers.
If you have missed Compute This! you can also download individual shows on Schrock Innovations' website or you can subscribe to the iTunes podcast.
Schrock Innovations announced today that Tim Meyer has been hired to assist in the development of the company's growing web services division.
Tim had been working with Schrock for the past several months as a contractor, but earned a permanent position with the organization after demonstrating mastery of a wide range of skills.
"It is really rare to find a single person who can do it all," Thor Schrock, CEO of Schrock Innovations said. "Tim can code with the best of them, crack a quick graphic when he needs to and still have time to return calls, assist clients, and keep everything rolling."
Schrock Innovations is pursuing an intense web development schedule in 2011 that includes items such as:
- Development of video tutorial products
- Beta testing a new work flow management system
- Aggressively pursuing local hosting clients who are being undeserved
- Increasing the frequency and quality of communications with existing clients
- Refining Schrock's existing web design packages to improve service levels
Welcome aboard Tim! You have a lot of work to do :-)
In 2008 we opened a new Service Center in Lincoln, NE and we needed someone who could work some concrete magic for us.
Todd Rose Decorative Concrete put in a floor, a concrete reception desk and concrete display counters. These guys did things with concrete that I didn't even know you could do!
Here's a mash-up of what they did in one short week:
Today I learned that they also were honored in a trade publication featuring some of their work in Lincoln, Omaha and across the state of Nebraska!
The first time I met Todd he had some big ideas and a lot of motivation to get where he was going. It is amazing that he has been able to accomplish as much as he has with an economy as uncooperative as this one is.
It is a testiment to the kind of man Todd is and the kind of Company he runs. I would strongly recommend Todd Rose Decorative Concrete to any of my friends or business associates!
Today Schrock Innovations is changing out the 2010 Holiday Special computer commercial airing on ESPN 1480 and replacing it with a more feature-focused version.
The new commercial will begin airing November 29, 2010 and will air through Christmas Eve or until the 2010 Holiday Special is sold out.
Click here to download or play the new commercial.
This version is similar to the previous ESPN spot that aired throughout the month of November, but includes more specific information about what makes the computer so special.
Features like the 120 GB solid state hard drive, the 6-core processor, and its amazing 12 GB of DDR3 memory are specifically mentioned.