Benson Communications | Northern Indiana Computer Repair, Web Design, Graphic Design, Video Services, and A/V Rentals » News

Merry Christmas from all at Benson Communications!

Teddy Pieper — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 19:10:05 +0000

‘Tis the Season, for Spam and Junkmail… Be Careful when checking your “very Merry Christmas” emails and do not install that ye’old Christmas Screen Saver or Santa Cursor. You want it to be a Merry Christmas for all, even the computer. In all seriousness we have heard from hundreds of users about problems after installing specialty screen savers and cursors on their computer. These, while very cute, cause serious problems on your computer and sometimes install vicious malware and viruses on your PC. If you inadvertently installed something like this and you think you may have successfully uninstalled it, think again. There is a good chance the damage of installation has already begun to degrade your computer. However to not worry, bring it into Benson for a quick clean up. [

We Wish you and your family a Joyous Christmas and a Happy New Year.

And just a reminder, Benson Will be closed the 24th, 25th, & 31st of December, as well as January 1st & 2nd of 2010.

– Benson Staff

Like What We Do Here At Benson?

Teddy Pieper — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:14:06 +0000

Let us know! By writing a review on Google!

Just follow the link below and write your Review.

Write Your Review Now!

RCMP Customers get a 5% discount off of all parts!

Teddy Pieper — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:39:08 +0000

Effective on December 1^st 2009 all Computer Maintenance Program customers automatically qualify for a 5% discount on any parts or non service items they purchase through Benson Communications. We want to save our loyal customers as much money as possible. It has already been very easy for Benson customers to purchase equipment through us, now it will even be cheaper. Customers will see the full price on their invoice and then a “Maintenance Customer Discount” of 5%. All invoices dated for December 1^st 2009 and beyond will include this discount.

Two New Products For Our Customers!

Teddy Pieper — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 18:59:27 +0000

Over the years, many customers have expressed frustration in two primary areas: that is hardware warranty and data backup. This month we are introducing 2 new products for our customers that we are sure you will love.

Remote Data Backup

We have always suggested that all customers backup their computers constantly. We now proudly offer a safe and easy solution. Benson Communications’ Remote Data Backup is a monthly service charge that costs as low as $5.95 and if available for business and residential customers. Remote Data Backup is a service that Benson provides to our customers to ensure your data on your computer/network is totally secure. This stealthy service runs on your computer nightly. It makes a secure connection to multiple servers out on a cloud network that backups your data and stores it in multiple places. Remote Data Backup is used as a safe guard against losing important data like pictures, school papers, important files, or business documents. We have had numerous people have asked us about how secure the data is, to which we reply, “it is encrypted, password protected, and you can set the password if you wish. You can bring your desktop or laptop in and for NO CHARGE we will install this backup software for you. We will guarantee that the documents that you backup will never get deleted. Since it is kept off site, power surges, damaged home /office, damaged pc, or hard drive damage will not affect the data you have backed up. There really is no risk for you.

Extended Guarantee on Parts

Another new product that we are unveiling this month is the Benson Communications Parts Guarantee. Beginning with all purchase on 10/15/2009 we will automatically include an Extended Guarantee. This ensures you if a part you purchased from us fails within the first year, you bring it back to us and we get the part replaced at no charge to you, no questions asked. We will even pay for the shipping. Another guarantee Benson Communications offers with no risk. Parts under $100 are $4.95 and parts under $1,000 are $9.95. This Benson Communications Parts Guarantee covers hardware problems only. Benson Communications Parts Guarantee is always an option but extremely urged.

Benson Communications Opens Chesapeake Office

Teddy Pieper — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 19:23:35 +0000

Computer Repair Company opens new office in Chesapeake, VA. Located on 115 Byron St.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRLog (Press Release) – Sep 08, 2009 – “Benson Communications has officially branched out of Syracuse, Indiana and opened a Franchise in Chesapeake, Virginia” said Ben Plikerd, President of Benson Communications, Inc. This Benson Communications Franchise will sell mostly computer services including the Computer Maintenance Programs. Marc Daniels is the local Franchisee and is excited to help the community with their services “I am excited to be opening a local Benson Communications Franchise in our area. I think it is great that we will offer the community with much needed professional computer repair services”. “I welcome everyone to stop by and see our new location” stated Ken Kerr, Office Manager. The Chesapeake location is located on 115 Bryon Street next to Sonic and Lowe’s. You can reach Marc or Ken by calling 757-819-1556 or by visiting their website at www.bensoncom.com Chesapeake@bensoncom.com

Tech News

Chris Frank - Manager — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 22:11:54 +0000

1. Flashy Screen savers, cool mouse pointers, and motion backgrounds. We’ve all seen them, and you have to admit their pretty cool. Unfortunately looks come with a price, namely performance. That software is constantly using system resources, and that means your going to notice a significant loss of speed. Also third party software can generate weird error messages. For instance, you update your Flash Player, next thing you know your computer is telling you it can’t find Flash.ocx. This is generated because in the update Flash changed the file from Flash.ocx to Flash9.ocx or something similar, but your software doesn’t know to look for the new file. So now does your third party software not work right, you also have a mysterious error message.

2. Computer slowing down? There is a continuing trend in the world of downloadable files that has been affecting, or even crippling, many of our clients’ systems – sadly even brand new computers. Recently we have seen many computers are inundated with the newest Root Kits, viruses, worms, and Trojan Horses that the internet has to offer. Some of these malicious files/programs are willingly downloaded through use of Peer-2-Peer (P2P), Bit Torrent, Pirate Bay, Gaming Services and “Limewire”. (I am sure you have heard/seen us talk about the AVG Antivirus Protections that we offer.) However, with Microsoft’s most recent updates, the minimum amount of RAM needed to run smoothly is 1Gb. Most computers that are more than 2-3 years old are not running that much. This can cause many slow downs and complications. If you are having such frustrations, bring it in and have us check it out. Don’t let your frustrations mount, it could be something so simple as a RAM upgrade! Our Computer Maintenance Program is built on keeping cost down.

Truths and Mythdemeanors

Chris Frank - Manager — Wed, 06 May 2009 16:26:52 +0000

Recently we have seen many computers are inundated with the newest viruses, worms, and Trojan Horses that the internet has to offer. Some of these malicious files/programs are even doing damage to physical hardware in computers, or cause your computer to crash, causing you great expense for repairs.

I would like to dispel some myths about AntiVirus/Spyware/Malicious Software Protection:

Myth #1: “I don’t go to bad sites, so I can’t get viruses”

Truth #1: Any computer that ever connects to the Internet, even just for a minute, can become infected. Then, that malicious software can download more into your system. You can also be infected by going to good sites that have been compromised, thru email, and by many other ways.

Read About All the Myths after the Jump.
Myth #2: “I am protected by the 1 that came with my computer several years ago.”

Truth #2: ALL Anti-Virus/Spyware/Malicious Software Protection must be constantly updated because new forms of infections are created daily! You must also have it set to scan daily and have your computer on at the time it is set to scan.

Myth #3: “More Protection is Better”

Truth #3: Pick 1 form of Anti-Virus/Spyware/Malicious Software Protection (or 1 Anti-Virus set to work with 1 specific Anti-Spyware) and NO MORE. If you use more than 1, they damage each other and neither will work.

Myth #4: “Free Versions of Anti-Virus/Spyware/Malicious Software Protection are just as good as the paid versions, so it is dumb to pay for it.”

Truth #4: Most Free versions of Anti-Virus/Spyware/Malicious Software Protection DO NOT stop Root-kits and Trojan Downloaders, they are just meant for basic protection. The Root-kits and Trojan Downloaders are the most destructive forms of Malicious Software. Once they get in to the system, they immediately damage your protection and download their “nasty little friends”. Actually, many of the Anti-Virus/SpyWare/Malicious Software Protection programs start out fine. However, since a new form of attack comes out each hour, the protection companies have to be diligent about keeping up with new attacks. The companies that are most diligent (AVG and Norton) are usually the most expensive. The creators of these forms of malicious software prey on this assumption and go looking for targets. The first attack in shuts off the Anti-Virus/SpyWare/Malicious Software Protection, but makes it look like it is running MacAfee, Nod32, and CA seem to be the most prone to this.

Myth #5: “My computer is acting weird. Yet, I have Anti-Virus/SpyWare/Malicious Software Protection, so it must be something else.”

Truth #5: As I said it in Truth #4, Most Root-Kits and Trojan downloaders have as their initial attack to shut down your Anti-Virus/SpyWare/Malicious Software Protection – AND HIDE THIS. The tough economy has hit the computer and software industry as hard as everywhere else. Thus, there are software writers and hackers sitting at home, unemployed, and mad at the world.

To better serve our customers, Benson Communications is an AVG Authorized Reseller! Through this program, we are able to offer Managed licenses of AVG AntiVirus or Internet Security with Personal Firewall (even Corporate/Enterprise editions) for Windows XP (all versions) or Windows Vista. These are Managed by us and BETTER than what you can purchase directly. They are also better than all versions Norton, which slows the computers down drastically. We install it and help you through any issues you might have. We offer MANY different Packages, starting at the low price of $5.00. For more info, please call us at (574) 528-6118, email us at info@bensoncom.com, or visit our Contact Page.

Benson Com Report – Issue 57

Ben Plikerd - Owner — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 23:17:41 +0000

“The Ben-Com Report – Issue #57”
January 2009
HAPPY NEW YEAR!

In this issue, you will find the following topics discussed:

• Benson Remote Data Backup
• Manager’s Special

BENSON REMOTE DATA BACKUP

Introducing the Benson Remote Data Backup Plan. This plan is one of the most exciting products Benson has launched since the successful launch of the Computer Maintenance Program. The BENSON REMOTE DATA BACKUP is software that is installed onto your PC/laptop. It is set to backup important items like pictures and documents daily that is changed. There is no limit to the amount of documents you backup. Never worry about your data again! When asked what he thought of this software a customer replied, “Too bad I did not have this 6 months ago when I made a horrible mistake. I accidentally erased ‘My Documents’. Now it’s all gone!” He is correct. Had he been a part of the Benson Remote Data Backup Plan, his files & documents could have been recovered. Benson is offering this plan for only $5 per month. For more info, please call us at (574) 528-6118 or email info@bensoncom.com

DUE TO OVERWHELMING DEMAND-

MANAGER’S CHRISTMAS SPECIAL- HAS BEEN EXTENDED!

Desktop Computers for $199.95 plus tax

One of my distributers has made an offer to me, which means a wonderful opportunity to you! He has a whole “large-lot” of Off-Lease computers- THERE ARE ONLY A FEW LEFT! These have been recondition & tested, and are of high quality.

Including:

All Pentium 4 processor – NO CELERONS

Internet Ready

Windows XP Operating System

Open Office Productivity installed

AntiVirus installed

If you want, I will even throw in a CRT Monitor!

When you are ready, just give me (Chris Frank) a call at 528-6118 or email info@bensoncom.com. You need to act quickly as quantities are limited!

Benson Com Report – Issue 56

Ben Plikerd - Owner — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 22:56:56 +0000

“The Ben-Com Report – Issue #56”
December 2008

From all of us at Benson Communications,
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays

In this issue you will find the following topics discussed:

•    Benson Communications Computer Maintenance Program
•    Manager’s Special – $199.95 Dell Computers!!

Computer Maintenance Program

THE FEEDBACK IS ALMOST OVERWELMING! – With escalation in the veracity of many viruses & other malicious software, our clients of the Computer Maintenance Program have been thrilled with support results. One customer replied, “This is just like having a better warranty!” Many also enjoy the fact that they can bring it in just to have it cleaned and “tuned-up” quickly. One client of our Elite Package found the IMAGE service quite helpful when a power surge zapped her hard drive. “It was a good thing that I had just had my hard drive IMAGED. I didn’t have to look for restoration disks, or worry about lost files. You just picked up the IMAGE and restored EVERYTHING back to the hard drive! They only thing I paid were my normal monthly charge-FANTASTIC!” You too can be that “worry-free”… We offer 3 different Packages, starting at the low price of $6.95. If you register by the end of the year, I will waive the Activation fee! For more info, please call us at (574) 528-6118 or email info@bensoncom.com

MANAGER’S CHRISTMAS SPECIAL- Desktop Computers for $199.95 plus tax

One of my distributers has made an offer to me, which means a wonderful opportunity to you! He has a whole “large-lot” of Off-Lease computers. These have been recondition & tested, and are of high quality.

Including:

·         All Pentium 4 processor – NO CELERONS

· Internet Ready

· Windows XP Operating System

· Open Office Productivity installed

· Antivirus installed

· If you want, I will even throw in a CRT Monitor!

When you are ready, just give me (Chris Frank) a call at 528-6118 or email info@bensoncom.com. You need to act quickly as quantities are limited!

Benson Com Report – Issue 55

Ben Plikerd - Owner — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 01:24:02 +0000

“The Ben-Com Report – Issue #55”
October 23, 2008

I find it amazing how drastically different we all view the world around us. I heard someone say, “Computers are stupid & evil, and thus a waste of time & money!” Though we all get frustrated at times, the reality is that computers are objects. By definition, they cannot be evil or stupid. Just like any other object (i.e. a house, a car, and a rubber ball) they are what the user sees in them & how a person uses them. I had a professor who said, “The biggest flaw with computers is that we let humans touch them. They are perfectly fine before that point.” Many times, in our frustration, we do not want to see what good they can do. Lives have been saved through use of computers. Families have been reunited through use of search programs on the internet. Education information has spread rapidly with help of computers. The next time you want to “kick the stupid thing”, stop and remember what could done with it to help others around you. It is our hope that you will find this issue of “The Ben-Com Report” informative.

In this issue you will find the following topics discussed:
•    Tech News
•    Benson Communications Fall Party
•    Manager’s Thanksgiving Special

Tech News
1. Flashy Screen savers, cool mouse pointers, and motion backgrounds. We’ve all seen them, and you have to admit their pretty cool. Unfortunately looks come with a price, namely performance. That software is constantly using system resources, and that means your going to notice a significant loss of speed. Also third party software can generate weird error messages. For instance, you update your Flash Player, next thing you know your computer is telling you it can’t find Flash.ocx. This is generated because in the update Flash changed the file from Flash.ocx to Flash9.ocx or something similar, but your software doesn’t know to look for the new file. So now does your third party software not work right, you also have a mysterious error message.

2. There is a continuing trend in the world of downloadable files that has been affecting, or even crippling, many of our clients’ systems. The computer systems/networks of most schools & offices have elaborate Firewall protections that keep the computers free of downloadable software that may contain viruses. However, personal computers generally do not have the same level of protection. Recently we have seen many computers are inundated with the newest viruses, worms, and Trojan Horses that the internet has to offer. Some of these malicious files/programs are willingly downloaded through use of Peer-2-Peer (P2P), Bit Torrent, Gaming Services and “Limewire”. As always, it is best to know what your children are viewing on the Internet so that they don’t cause your computer to crash, causing you great expense for repairs. So next time someone tries to convince you that it is alright to let someone (even Norton or Micro-Soft) “Remote-In”, download a file, torrent or other P2P program simply ask them if they’re going to pay to have the computer fixed. Unless, of course, you do have a great Firewall that you know how to use properly. It also helps to have only 1 User Account on your computer set as Computer Administrator. Your computer is one of your most valuable & important assets do not let someone else ruin it!

BENSON COMMUNICATIONS FALL PARTY

The time is drawing near for the Annual Benson Communications Fall Party. Mark your calendars now for Thursday, October 30th 2008 at 7:00pm. Everyone from the community is invited. We have a huge pot luck dinner, so please make plans to bring your family. In years past, after we annexed the old Key Bank building and it was remodeled, we had around 75 people show up for the party downstairs. This year, I am excited to announce, we will be having the party in the newly remodeled lobby!

Manager’s Thanksgiving Special
½ Off Your Next Service/Maintenance/Repair

If you refer a new customer (or a client who has not worked with Benson Communications in the past year) and they do business with us anytime in November or December, I will give you ½ Off the price of your NEXT Service/Maintenance/Repair, In-Shop or On-Site, up to the 1st $300. (Offer excludes parts or computers purchase.) Simply fill out the attachment below with YOUR name, YOUR email, and YOUR phone number. Then, have the new client bring present it to us when they purchase a product/part/computer; In-Shop/On-Site repair/service; A/V Rental; or ANY other service. When they pay, I will send you a voucher for ½ Off the price of your NEXT Service/Maintenance/Repair, In-Shop or On-Site, up to the 1st $300. The voucher will be valid for 1 year after date of email. Should you have any questions or comments about any information contained herein, please call us at (574) 528-6118 or email info@bensoncom.com