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Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Gear

Thursday, May 16th, 2013

“Cool. I didn’t know it could do that!”

That’s a phrase Agents hear every week. Most customers spend a good deal of time preparing for their major tech purchases – comparing features, checking system compatibilities, measuring dimensions and reading product reviews. The strange thing is that many seem to forget how their new gizmos can simplify their lives between the time they say “I’ll take it” and they get it out of the box at home. Yeah, it’s all in the manual, but who has time to read the manual?

We do.

Here are some tips and tricks you may have forgotten since the salesperson mentioned them back at the store. Never hurts to be reminded…

Outsmart Your Smartphone

There’s so much more you can do with a smartphone beyond making calls.

  • Most smart phones include a lot of functionality. Apps are available that will let your phone do many things you used to need your computer for – create spreadsheets, edit text documents, even display PowerPoint presentations. Syncing files and data between your computer and phone is very easy, allowing you to work on the same files using multiple devices. You can also back up or transfer all the data from your smartphone onto your computer, so you do not lose all your contact lists and pictures.
  • If you have an iPhone and Apple TV, you can download the Remote app (iPhone/iPad, free), that will let you use your smartphone as an fully functioning remote control. There are plenty of apps for both Android and iPhone devices (DirecTV, DISH Anywhere and Verizon FiOS) that allow you to browse through channels, control your DVR and more.

Making the Most of your eReader or Tablet

So many people said technology would kill reading as a pastime. But e-readers and tablets have only increased our appetite for the printed word. Here are some steps you can take to help your devices help you.

  • Touch screens, MP3 players and WiFi can reduce the battery life. To make your battery last longer, remember to:
    • Turn off the WiFi when you’re not using it
    • Lower the screen’s brightness, and
    • Turn off auto adjust brightness
  • You don’t have to carry all your content with you. Many tablets and eReaders have wireless capabilities, so you can stream content rather than saving it to your device and taking up memory. Speaking of memory, some tablet and eReader brands have expansion slots, so you can add more memory, on microSD cards for example, as needed.
  • Some eBook stores, like Amazon and Barnes & Noble, have iPhone, Android and PC apps available that will sync eBook purchases Syncing your content allows you to read your ebook on all your devices (smartphone, e-reader, laptop or desktop.)

You’ve Got to See It to Believe It!

These days televisions are for more than watching shows and movies. High-definition displays and internet connectivity mean getting the most out of your TV is a bit more complicated than making sure all the cables are hooked up correctly. Here are some things to keep in mind.

  • Cables are important. While regular cables may work, HD TVs and Blu-ray players work best when connected with HDMI cables. You cannot get a high-definition picture without HDMI cables.
  • Blu-ray players, gaming systems and other devices will need occasional firmware updates to keep them working their best. Frimware is the software that runs your device and updates are available from the device manufacturer’s website. Devices with an Internet connection can be updated directly. Some older devices may need to have the updates transferred to a thumbdrive and updated that way. For more information on firmware and how to update it, check out the 2 Minute Miracle videos we have posted on our YouTube channel.
  • Connecting your Blu-ray player and gaming system to the Internet will give your access to streaming video and other features not available without a connection. Most of these devices will be Web-ready and be able to connect to your wireless network.
  • Most new televisions can be used to display photos and videos from your camera, computer, memory card or smartphone. Many allow you to easily connect your gadgets via USB or insert a memory card to share your photos and videos instantly on a large screen for everyone to enjoy.

Game On for your Gaming Systems

Web connectivity has made gaming systems more fun than that old Nintendo machine you grew up playing.

  • PlayStation 3 and 4, Xbox 360 and Wii all have the capability to connect to wireless networks.By connecting to the Internet, you will be able to download special gaming features, play video games against people anywhere, rent videos and access music.
  • Most gaming consoles are designed to make it easy to meet up with other players online. The Xbox 360 with Kinect adds video to the mix – the system allows users to , video chat with other Xbox 360 Kinect owners and PC users running the free Windows Live Messenger program.It’s a great simple teleconferencing system.
  • With all the connectivity, it can be tough to keep track of what the kids are doing when on the system. Be sure to check the parental control settings on the system to make sure the young ones are going places on the Internet they shouldn’t be.

If you aren’t sure that you are getting everything out of your new computer, home theater or gaming system, we can help.

Agent Ron G. has been battling the forces of unruly technology run amok since 2001, prior to Geek Squad’s acquisition of Best Buy. When not busy creating video & technical training content for Geek Squad Agents in the field, Agent Ron enjoys home brewing, international travel, and learning how to cook new cuisines.

Don’t Let System Slowdowns Ruin Your Game

Friday, October 5th, 2012

For gamers, few things are as aggravating as losing a game because your computer lagged at the wrong moment. Getting the most out of your PC gaming system doesn’t mean you have to buy the most expensive hardware available. You can reduce slowdowns and increase your fun with some basic computer optimization.

 

Tip #1: Too many programs means too many slowdowns

Check through the programs installed on your computer and look for ones that are setup to automatically start up when the system does. (Instant messaging programs commonly do this.)

Change the settings under the program preferences to not start when Windows boots. If you find you never really use the program, go ahead and uninstall it.

 

Tip #2: Stop malicious software from ruining your fun

Viruses, spyware, adware and other forms of malware can compromise your private information, cause issues with your files, and tank your system performance. Make sure that you have an antivirus protection program that is up to date and set to scan your system at least once a week.

You can also double-check that your system is clean by using the free scanning tools we have on our Do It Yourself page.

 

Tip #3: Software drivers for your hardware

Your video card can may be powerful, but it is still limited by the software drivers that allow the computer to talk to it. Make sure you have the latest software drivers for your video card by checking the update site from the company that makes your video card.

Use our Drivers and Updates page to find the resources for your hardware. Don’t forget to check for updates for the rest of your system, like your sound cards.

 

Tip #4: Check your online speed in multiplayer

Your computer can be running at peak performance, but if the data bits going into and out of your house are slower than expected, it can make your game appear lagged. Use a free online site like Speedtest.net to check whether your broadband speeds are up to what you’re paying for. If not, give your Internet Service Provider (ISP) a call to have them check into your connection issues.

These tips will help you get the most out of the technology you already have. Still need more help getting your PC into top performance shape for your latest frag fest? Our Agents at the Precinct in your local Best Buy, online at support.geeksquad.com or at 1-800 GEEK SQUAD can help.

Agent Derek has been removing techno-stress from the lives of his Geek Squad clients since 2005. When not providing remote help as an Online Support Agent, he likes to take to the road on a vintage motorcycle for adventures through Ohio country highways.

Xbox 360: Buyer Beware of Blocked Consoles

Tuesday, November 17th, 2009

In a move to fight software piracy, earlier this week Microsoft blacklisted as many as one million Xbox 360 consoles. Microsoft claims these consoles have been physically modified in order to circumvent built-in Digital Rights Management (DRM) technology. Modified units are commonly referred to as “modded” consoles.

By physically altering the gaming unit’s DRM technology, the user can play illegally pirated copies of popular games that would normally be blocked by the system. The immensely popular game “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2″ launched last week and it’s likely that some Xbox 360 players would be interested in playing a pirated copy on a modded console.

When Microsoft detects a modded console, they have the ability to ban that console from using the Xbox LIVE service due to the unique identification numbers that’s associated with every Xbox 360. While the system can still play games locally, the owner will not be able to sign into their LIVE account, access online content or play in multiplayer games with other Xbox 360 owners.

The bannings will also impact holiday shoppers looking to save money this holiday season by buying used Xbox 360s on eBay, Craigslist or through a local retailer who sells used consoles. Owners of blocked Xbox 360s may be looking to sell their systems without informing potential buyers of the situation.

If you are looking to buy a used Xbox 360, be aware that it may not be immediately obvious that the unit was physically modded. If possible, you’ll want to physically inspect the case to confirm that the seals on the back of the unit are not broken. Also make sure that there are no pry marks on the case that may indicate it has been opened. Another sign of a modded unit is when the A/V plugs aren’t aligned properly through the case holes.

If you have other questions about gaming technology, stop into your local Best Buy and speak with a Geek Squad Agent.

Geek Squad 2MM: Five Tips to Protect Kids Online

Tuesday, September 15th, 2009

In this 2 Minute Miracle video Geek Squad Agents Josh Musicant and Eric Irish offer five simple tips to protect your children online.

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Xbox Live Update Now Available

Tuesday, August 11th, 2009

 

System Update Netflix

The update includes:

  • Additional Netflix functionality like Party Watch and improved performance
  • Download games on demand  
  • User rating of content
  • Interface improvements

And more… You can read about the details at xbox.com.

What’s the difference between an XBOX360 and a computer? Not much these days

Thursday, June 11th, 2009

This year at E3 Microsoft announced some new additions to the XBOX360 video game console that will make it a more social experience for players. One of the fastest growing social platforms on the web right now is Facebook. Microsoft announced an add-on that uses Facebook Connect to allow XBOX360 players to take gameplay photos and upload them to their Facebook account automatically.

With innovations like this, it begs the question: are personal computers going to become obsolete?

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