Having known the client for some time, I knew that the business was small and at most the upgrades would involve two to three systems. What happened next is what prompted this article. The client explained that the system setup had to remain intact on the new hardware. Not a big deal, it’s not like that hasn’t been asked before and understandably users get comfortable with a specific setup. It wasn’t until I looked at the original system that I realized there was a huge problem.

The problem wasn’t one of a damaged OS or faulty hardware. No, the problem was the OS itself and the client’s belief that this is the way it had to be. To bring you into the fold, the OS was Windows XP SP1. At first I hadn’t realized it and noticed it only when I opened Internet Explorer (IE) to download something to the system. Then it hit me. It was IE6! I immediately closed it and started looking for an explanation in the form of legacy software, connections or anything proprietary that could justify what I was seeing.

Ultimately, I found nothing. I later spoke with my client about the situation only to find out that at some point in time, likely years ago, he was told the system had to remain in that state in order to function properly with software already installed on the system. He was convinced to the point of disabling updates from Microsoft entirely. The system had not had an update in the last 10 years! This was definitely a shock, since the client seemed much more savvy when working with his modern home computers. Which brings us to the title of this article, How To Convince Clients To Upgrade Software.

Know Your Client

You’ve got to know your client. You deal with them directly, you know their level of resistance and openness to change. Use that to your advantage when explaining the upgrade options. If a client is extremely rigid in their beliefs about upgrading, then you have a difficult task ahead of you. Though not impossible, those types of clients will need data and lots of it. You may be their tech, but they still trust their own instincts when it comes to handling system maintenance whether they’re wrong or not.

Deliver Detailed But Simple Data

In order to convince your clients that they need to upgrade, you’ll need to provide them with some sort of proof. Though your word is correct, unfortunately, it isn’t enough. If it’s a system upgrade like the one in my example, then you need to understand the software on the system, how the network operates and whether there are any legacy issues to hinder the process. In my case there weren’t any, but before you run into any hiccups, be sure to find an alternative.

Offer Alternatives

If you’re going to make this happen, then you need some alternatives ready in case there are conflicts with old, outdated or no longer supported software. Most of the time you’ll find a better solution. That’s the easy part. It’s what you do with the old data that’s the hard part. Ideally, you’d like a way to import data from old software into modern software apps, but that isn’t always an option. In fact its rarely unproblematic. I’ve found that clients are most receptive to archived solutions. One such resolution is to take one of the outdated computers and store the entire database associated with the obsolete software onto it. No matter how it’s done the client must be presented with alternatives.

‘Geek It Down’ For Them

Clients don’t need to know how everything works. They don’t want to know the details of repairing, replacing or configuring a system. They want to know it will work, work well and is easy to manipulate. For example, if part of the upgrade process involves moving to cloud storage and backups, then explain to the client why it’s a better solution. Explain why with how. How will it make their life easier? How will it save them time and/or money? How will their business benefit from this change? Answering those questions will make for a pleasant conversation and result in a favorable response.

Conclusion

You can’t convince everyone all the time, but as tech professionals we have a limited responsibility to educate our clients enough to force them into advancing with the technology they use. In the end you’ll both be happier, the systems will be more versatile and their business will be more resourceful.

Your Thoughts

How do you convince clients to upgrade their systems? Maybe you prefer not to upgrade them. Let us know in the comments!

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The typical solution for that kind of problem is to open task manager and end the offending process. It’s a multi-step procedure that extends the already time wasting problem. However, if you don’t mind having an extra desktop shortcut, there is a way to streamline the task killing process.

Kill Not Responding Programs With A Shortcut

1. Using your mouse, right-click on an open area of the desktop, click “New”, then select “Shortcut”.
2. In the location field enter the following:  taskkill.exe /f /fi “status eq not responding”
3. Click Next.
4. Name the shortcut. For example: Task Killer.
5. Click Finish.

Next time you see the dreaded Program Not Responding message, click the shortcut and the system will automatically determine which program(s) are not responding and terminate them. This fix applies to Windows Vista and 7 systems. XP Pro users will find it works as well, but does not for XP Home systems.

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PC House Keeper 2012

Home Tab & Quick Stats

The Home tab shows a variety of system information, including OS and version. Additionally, the Home tab provides quick access to Task Manager by way of a single click button. Having access to Task Manager from inside PCHK can be handy when determining what applications or services are hogging memory.

Quick statistics shows an overlay of total and used disk space, physical memory and virtual memory. The information is displayed at program startup, but is also accessible from the “Quick Stats” button located on the Home tab.

Temp Cleaner Tab

The point of applications such as PCHK is to clean up the computer and improve overall performance. The Temp Cleaner tab supplies a number of ways to accomplish file cleaning. Users can clear the usual Internet Cache and Cookies as well as other user related data. Each choice can be individually removed or they can all be removed from a single button. The cleaning process is quick and functions as expected.

Registry Cleaner Tab

Like many other programs which promise to find countless errors and problems in the Windows registry, PCHK does the same. We always advise against registry cleaners and while PCHK is somewhat less thorough than others on the market, we still advise against using this particular feature. PCHK did find, what it deemed to be errors in excess of 60 in number during one test. 100% of the results were false positives which is typical of registry cleaners and why we recommend users avoid the use of them.

The fact that PCHK has false positives or supplies a registry cleaning option doesn’t take away from the program. The registry cleaner results are in line with other, more prominent registry cleaners.

Secure Eraser Tab

Many users may not be aware that when items are deleted from a computer, they can still be recovered even after significant amounts of time has passed. One way to ensure the deleted data stays erased forever is to user a shredder or eraser program. Secure Eraser shreds data to make sure it is never retrievable. PCHK’s Secure Eraser provides 13 different methods of shredding with progress bars depicting strength and speed of the process. For this particular tool, speed is a luxury so don’t be surprised if the eraser process takes a bit of time.

System Tools Tab

The System Tools tab is like a cockpit for the PC. Items like startup programs, running processes, install/uninstall of programs and others are available at the click of a button. All of the tools are actually the built-in Windows tools, but by locating them all on screen via quick button access makes finding them much simpler.

Included with PCHK, located on the System Tools Tab, is Autoruns. Autoruns is used to display a comprehensive listing of startup programs and processes which can be used for diagnostic purposes and allows users to hide Microsoft Windows entries in order to view only those entries which could be potential problems.

Network Tools Tab

Networking, while not directly associated with cleanup can be a source of over usage, especially with wireless connections. The Network Tools Tab shows several bits of information about the current network, including all network connections, open ports and MAC addresses. The Network Tools Tab also houses the Internet Explorer Internet Options utility. From there you can modify a long list of things related to browsing, like homepage, proxy settings and many other advanced settings.

Final Thoughts

PC House Keeper 2012 is not the only choice out there for all in one computer cleaning and although we recommend against the registry cleaner portion of the program, the other tools included are helpful if for no other reason than the fact they are organized in one quick access location.

We particularly like that Autoruns is included and the Networking utilities are handy. The interface is easy to understand and navigating is a cinch. Overall, PCHK performed well and should be considered a viable option for those looking to keep their PC clean without all the hunting and pecking for commands.

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I’ve Got Nothing to Lose, it’s Free!

The allure of free software is very strong these days as users need to save money and require instant remedies for their computing issues. The thought process for users seems to be – if it’s free, then I have nothing to lose. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Many of the so-called ‘free’ alternatives are actually badware programs or ‘trial period’ software.

Badware is a Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing

Badware programs essentially install malware and are designed to corrupt and damage a computer system while simultaneously convincing the user to purchase a fix for the problems. Unfortunately, there isn’t much recourse for users who succumb to badware. Users are unaware that the software is useless and possibly infecting their own computer system by using it. Although frustrating, it is a very common occurrence and users have very little warning beforehand. The makers of such badware are able to advertise and promote their product just like any other legitimate software maker and more often than not are better at it. They tend to portray a feeling of emergency or ease of use to lure users into downloading the product. It works and their isn’t a whole lot than can be done to combat it.

Stop Nagging Me!

The ‘trial-period’ software that users evaluate is, in many cases, not as risky but can still lead to future problems or a decrease in system performance. We recommend if the software in question is limited to trial-period only, that clients do more research or contact us before committing. Most times a more suitable alternative is available that fits our clients’ needs. The real problem with trial software is just that, its a trial version, which means at the end of the trial it will stop working and inevitably nag users endlessly with popups and reminders until they ultimately purchase the software. Generally speaking, users don’t want to be nagged, they don’t want to be told what to buy or when to buy it and they definitely don’t want a software product to suddenly stop working. Trial software can be useful if you honestly just want to test before buying, just make sure you know everything that’s being installed and how to remove it afterwards.

Is it Junk or Treasure?

So how can users spot the badware and wade through the junk to find something legitimate? There are a number of things. The best thing to do is call your “Computer Specialist”, we will assume you all have one (if not contact usto ascertain the information you need). They have the knowledge you need and can quickly offer solid advice on particular products and it is the simplest approach. Another option is to ask someone you know, friend or family member. Odds are the software you’re interested in relates to an activity you would like to engage in with those people, so they may have some insight . One of the most difficult ways to determine if junk is junk is to very carefully read about what is being advertised. The word “free” itself should set off warning alarms. That doesn’t mean that free is always bad but if its free with the promise of solving a problem, then it likely has other motives. For instance, if free is the main point of attention for a product and there is a claim to somehow improve your computing or resolve system issues then you should be cautious. Whereas, if you pay for a service and are then offered something free or provided free software that is by nature providing an alternative rather than a solution then those options are likely to be valid and worth inquiring about.

Call a computer specialist for information and services.

Ask a Professional

If you need a service which resolves problems, call a professional and save yourself from potential identity theft or financial loss. Admittedly, we are a bit one-sided in that thinking but experience supports that statement. Users inevitably believe they can solve their system issues themselves by finding a ‘magic bullet’ type free solution. If that were really the case, tech professionals would be out of work and there wouldn’t be words like cyber-warfare or hacking being thrown around when sensitive bank or government data is compromised. If you dislike the idea of paying someone for something that wasn’t your fault, you’re not alone. You, as the user, have done nothing to deserve an infection or malicious scheme. However, take the time to call around and talk with professionals. Listen to what they have to say and of course check prices. If you don’t like the price, say so and maybe they can offer a discount of some sort. Either way its better than dealing with identity stealing spyware and system corrupting viruses on your own.

Conclusion

Finally, remember that just because it’s free doesn’t mean you should try it. Know what you need and do some research before sampling something. Absolutely do not download every free piece of software you run across. As an example, there are literally dozens of browsers (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, etc.) available to users. Only website developers should use multiple browsers for testing purposes. The average user should not be using several browsers on a regular basis. Find one you like and stick with it. Although browsers are generally safe to install, there is absolutely no need for an average user to have 5, 6 or more browsers installed on their system. It’s unnecessary and overkill and a prime example of the ‘free bug’ hitting the end user.

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