Practical Computers Inc

We could have gone to a big box type store, but decided we really wanted to support a local business that would give us after the sale service. We walked into Practical Computers and quot;just to lookand quot; and were very impressed with their knowledge, but they didn't make us feel like we were being talked down to--not knowing too much about computers. They helped customize a basic computer setup for us, which was so helpful. Yes, we may have paid a tad more, but we know we have quality and service behind us locally, should any questions come up. The computer has been wonderful. Would highly recommend this business.

This was one of the worst, most frustrating experiences I have ever had when dealing with a business. Their customer service was terrible. When I went to pick up the computer they told me what they did to it. I asked them if what they did fixed one of the problems I was having. To be sure it did, they hooked it up while I was there, and sure enough the problem was still there. They played around with it for at least a half hour while I was there and finally got the problem fixed, at which point she tacked on an additional 1/2 hour labor and I got out of there for $175. After about 3 weeks, I decided to buy the Kaspersky Anti-Virus I had a trial of, but I found it on Amazon for $18 and I could get the Internet Security, which is a step up, for $21. When I got the Kaspersky, I first had to uninstall the trial one before loading the new one. I followed the directions, which were pretty straightforward, but when the computer was going to restart, it locked up again and I could not use the mouse at all and I could not get into safe mode. After calling Kaspersky customer support, they told me I had to call Microsoft. I called Microsoft, but since I use Vista and it is now out of warranty, I had to pay $99. I was on the phone with Microsoft for 3 hours before we were able to unlock the system and uninstall the trial Kaspersky. They also removed some programs that I never use and I am not even sure how they got on there and tweaked a few things so it would run faster (things that Practical Computers should have done) However, we were never able to load the new Internet Security 2013 I had bought and they said it was probably because of remnants left on computer from the Avast. I then had to call Kaspersky customer support to find out what to do next so the software would install. It turned out to be an easy fix....I just had to remove the Avast folder which was still on the computer, even though Practical Comp said they had removed the Avast. After that I was then able to install Kaspersky. I was so frustrated that I went into the business and talked to the owner and told her the story and told her I thought I was due some sort of credit since they did not totally remove the Avast which caused me all these problems to load the new software. She gave me every excuse in the book, saying there was no way I talked to Microsoft...that it was a scam...that no one can talk to Microsoft. She said every computer has remnants of everything on it. She said the Kaspersky I bought was different than the one they had...that their technicians configure everything specifically for each computer. I called them before I even ever called Kaspersky when my computer locked up and whoever answered the phone said and quot;Duh...I don't know...that has never happened to me before...I guess you need to call Kaspersky or Amazonand quot;....duh. When I told Cindy this, she said I should have brought it in and they could have fixed it....of course they would have charged me. Why would I buy a program for $49 when I could get the same thing for $21? She made it sound like regardless of what anti-virus software I went with, I would have had to take it in to them to and quot;configureand quot; it, which is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. I am no expert, but I have installed/uninstalled many programs and have never had these kind of issues. She took my phone # and said she would talk to her techs to see what all was done and then she would call me back.....which of course she never did. On top of that, I have since found 2 more issues that were happening before I took my computer in to them, neither of which are fixed. Now I have to take it somewhere to get these issues resolved. For t$275, I could put a little extra with it and buy a new computer. I would not recommend this place to my worst enemy.

My old computer hard drive and mother board had given up the ghost. Needed a new computer and wasn't very happy with the companies I had dealt with while trying to fix my old one. I remember someone telling me about Practical Computers building the own with only what they determine are the best components. I explained my needs and my relatively meager computers skills. They gave me a lot of good advice and are available to answer any questions that come up in the future. I alredy had one concerning some of the software and they got me straightened out. Nice to talk to someone local and I can walk in and see them also. The technician was very helpful. I did pay more then I would have with an of the shelf brand name but I feel it will be worth it in the long run.