Microsoft Windows Users and iYogi Predict a Surge in Tech Support for Windows 7 Upgrades

New York, NY (PRWEB) September 16, 2009 -- iYogi, the on-demand tech services company with a unique global delivery model, announced today the results of a consumer poll regarding support concerns and predictions for the upcoming launch of the new Microsoft Windows 7 operating system. Based on responses from more than 1,000 Windows XP and Windows Vista users, 52 percent think that moving to a new operating system and moving their data is a hassle, suggesting some real frustrations on the near horizon. Nearly half (47 percent) think upgrading to Microsoft Windows 7 may require a call to technical support - potentially causing a huge backlog of support needs, as up to 40 million copies of Windows 7 are expected to be sold in 2009, according to IDC.

"We predict that more than 40 percent of XP users will generate support calls and inquiries globally this year and even more in 2010 as mass adoption kicks in and people face the prospect of dealing with an entirely new interface," said Vishal Dhar, President Marketing & Co-founder of iYogi. "We estimate twice as many support calls for current Windows XP users than Windows Vista users, since Microsoft Windows XP users will require a 'clean' install including migrating applications, settings and drivers--a potentially arduous, time-intensive task."

We predict that more than 40 percent of XP users will generate support calls and inquiries globally this year and even more in 2010 as mass adoption kicks in and people face the prospect of dealing with an entirely new interface

Additional survey findings reveal:

* 58 percent of users think they will or may upgrade to Windows 7, an encouraging number considering some of the backlash surrounding Vista



* Only 39 percent of users are aware that Windows 7 is launching soon, suggesting an increased flurry of help questions in the coming months as more people become aware of the upgrade options


iYogi has more has more than 90,000 annual subscribers and provides thousands of single incident sessions every day on a 24/7 basis. Its Global Delivery Platform delivers on the highest customer satisfaction benchmarks in the industry and gets smarter with every customer interaction, building a powerful knowledge base that provides unique customer insights on predictive needs to tech support.

ABOUT IYOGI
iYogi is a global on-demand services company that provides personalized computer support for consumers and small businesses in United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia. iYogi's unique model, including proprietary technology iMantra and highly qualified technicians, is designed to eliminate computer-related stress and keep millions of digitally dependent consumers and small businesses always protected and productive. Only iYogi -- with its proven global expertise delivery model, intelligent customer insight systems, easy-to-use self-help tools and automated PC optimization and computer support services - offers users a simple yet comprehensive path to digital serenity. iYogi has perfected the remote technical support model to overcome the current limitations of in-store, on-site, or call center services to become the fastest growing provider of support in the industry. Major resellers and technology companies are increasingly turning to iYogi to improve customer satisfaction, reduce return rates, and deliver a compelling new-value added offering to customers. For more information on iYogi and a detailed list of technologies supported, visit: www.iyogi.net.

How to Disable Balloon Tips in Windows XP

Whenever you connect or disconnect from the network in Windows XP a small yellow pop-up balloon is displayed near the notification area (tray). You can tweak XP and disable that feature:

This document contains instructions for editing the registry. If you make any error while editing the registry, you can potentially cause Windows to fail or be unable to boot, requiring you to reinstall Windows. Edit the registry at your own risk. Always back up the registry before making any changes. If you do not feel comfortable editing the registry, do not attempt these instructions. Instead, seek the help of a trained computer support specialist.

Do the following

1. Start regedit.exe.
2. Go to
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
3. Create a new DWORD value called EnableBalloonTips.
4. Give it a decimal value of 0 (zero)
5. Click OK.
6. Close regedit.


Another Way to Do this

1. Open Group Policy, then load the group policy you want to apply the change to.

Note: On a computer that is not a part of a domain you can set this feature locally by running GPEDIT.MSC from the Run command (only on XP Pro).

2. Navigate to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Start Menu & Taskbar
3. Double-click Remove Balloon Tips on Start Menu Items and select Enabled.
4. Ok all the way out.
5. To revert to the original configuration status you'll need to Disable the same option, click Apply, and then set it to Not Configured.

Computer Support Within No Time

There are some things which are more irritating than having to deal with an infected computer. Erroneous software, accidental virus & spyware, error codes and hardware defaults can contribute to this frustration. From the business ambience to individual home computer user, every computer enthusiast needs a quick and affordable resolution to come out of technology dilemmas.

With online computer help and Support resources, you can have a remedy to a multitude of irksome technology errors. These online services are available for 24/7. Most computer problems can be addressed remotely by connecting directly to your computer via the Internet as well as over the phone. These computer technicians take you through the step-by-step process which helps you as a computer owner to get acquainted with the intricacies of your machine.

You can only avail remote computer support only if you have an Internet connection. As opposed to this, you can consider availing live support over the phone where you will have to perform everything as suggested by technicians. Online computer support comes with 'No Fix No fee' policy which means that you don't have to pay if a technician fails to troubleshoot your computer problems.

All these technicians are highly qualified and take proper care to not to leave any loose end for customers to complain. With online vendors, you get both quality and expertise on hand. This is known as getting real value of your money.

Another advantage of availing online computer support services is their round the clock availability. You can call these techs from anywhere anytime. Moreover, you get everything done in the convenience of your own premises; be it office or home. This eliminates a need for you to haul your computer to any outside computer repair showroom or call any expensive technician to have your PC back to life.

Online microsoft tech support technician offers quick and reliable computer service and repair at a reasonable price. Furthermore, you can receive free phone advice about your computer problem and any other questions that you may have. Simply call them at their toll free number and get quick resolution for your technical problems.


Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?Computer-Support-Within-No-Time&id=1517533

How to Change a Hard Drive

With today's new software programs and advanced technology, you might find your hard drive is too small for your needs. Instead of buying a new computer, you can change your hard drive. Changing a hard drive on a personal computer is not difficult to do. It is easy task to change your hard drive Follow these operating system support instructions to change a hard drive with ease.

Removing a Hard Drive

• Determine if you are adding a main hard drive or a back up hard drive. Disconnect the computer from the power source.
• Remove the screws on the back left of the tower when you are looking at the front of the computer.
• Remove the left-side panel carefully.
• Locate the hard drive which is located near the front of the computer.

Follow the ribbon to make sure it is the primary hard drive. The primary hard drive ribbon connector is usually blue.

• Remove the screws from the sides of the hard drive and remove the hard drive from the bracket.

• Disconnect the hard drive from the ribbon and unplug the power plug from the hard drive and remove.

Installing a New Hard Drive

• Determine if you are adding a main hard drive or a back-up hard drive.
• Check the hard drive connectors for the jumper setting. Make sure the plastic pin on the end of the hard drive is set to "Master" or "CS (cable select)" if you are installing a main hard drive. Make sure the plastic pin on the end of the hard drive is set to "Slave" if you are installing a back up hard drive. The setting of the new hard drive should be the same as the old hard drive.

• Attach the ribbon to the matching plug on the hard drive.

• Place the hard drive in the slot at the front top of the case or screw it into the bracket at the front of the tower.

• Screw the side back on the tower.

• Format your hard drive if it is blank. Your new hard drive is now ready to use.

How to Adjust Your Windows XP Mouse Pointer Settings

This post provide technical support to Access the Windows XP Mouse Settings to adjust your pointer style and speed, plus make the mouse pointer easier to use.

Although you often do not think about your Windows XP mouse pointer, it's something you use every day you work on your computer. Perhaps you don't like the way the mouse is working, such as the fact that Windows XP often does not recognize when you want to double-click an icon. Or maybe the mouse pointer is too hard to see on your screen? The following tip shows you how to access your Windows XP mouse pointer settings for further customization.

1. Click the "Start" button.

2. Click "Control Panel".

3. If a pop-up menu appears when you click "Control Panel", select "Mouse" and skip steps 4-5.

4. Otherwise, the "Control Panel" window should appear.

5. If the window says "Pick a Category", click on "Printers and Other Hardware", and then click "Mouse". Else, just double-click the "Mouse" icon.

From here you can adjust a variety of mouse pointer settings. When done, click "OK" to close the dialog box. Then close the "Control Panel" window.

Troubleshoot Computer Will Not Wake with USB Devices

This blog provide how to Fix Windows XP error where USB keyboards and mice do not wake a machine in hibernation or stand-by mode.


There is a known problem with Windows XP and hibernation / standby mode with USB devices. If you move your mouse during hibernation or suspension, you may not be able to move the mouse again to wake up the machine. Also, in some circumstances, hibernation may cause an error, or the machine may hang when you try to awake it from hibernation.

More information can be read on Microsoft's website at http://www.microsoft.com/ by looking for knowledge base article 822603, or you can run Windows Update and download an update that fixes the problem. Note that this update may not be listed in the "Critical Updates" section; you may need to look through the "Windows XP" section on the left pane of the Windows Update screen.

In News: iYogi Re-Defines Technical Support – BizTech2.com

Remote managed services are gaining a lot of attraction these days. Companies are looking to outsource the maintenance and monitoring of their IT infrastructure to a third party to improve efficiency and save costs. BizTech2.com caught up with Uday Challu, founding partner and CEO, iYogi, to see what the company has to offer in this space.

As far as Enterprise and SME customers are concerned, which verticals are you focusing on?

Our focus will mostly be on small companies with around five to 100 users and also firms that have multiple small branch offices like travel agencies, retail stores etc.

What kind of support services do you provide to your customers? What is the Green PC service?

iYogi provides the next generation of remote computer support services for consumers and businesses. For consumers, our live 24/7 support extends to technologies we use everyday, including hardware, software applications, devices, peripherals and networking equipment. iYogi also offers a full range of business IT solutions including managed monitoring, managed services, set-up and installation services, and incident-based services.

Green PC Service

With the current state of the global climate and increasing dependency on the computer, iYogi helps PC users reduce their carbon footprint and save money at the same time. iYogi’s Green PC service is the first in the independent computer support industry to offer customers a way to save money, conserve energy and protect the environment by optimising their PC’s efficiency. Consumers and businesses can save up to $200 per year, per desktop, in energy costs with iYogi’s Green PC application. This green application makes the computer environmentally friendly by reducing power consumption by almost 50 percent.

Our Green PC dashboard helps customise power settings and calculate power savings in kWh (kilowatt hour). The Green PC dashboard also gives a status on the reduction of CO2 and how responsible usage will benefit the environment by saving trees. A customised service that increases the energy efficiency of computers, undertakes the below-mentioned three primary initiatives:

- Computer assessment, analysing settings and PC energy use
- Customised efficiency planning geared specifically to the individual’s usage patterns
- Implementing setting changes to maximise the computer’s energy use

What are the technologies that allow you to offer 24/7 support and ensure there is no downtime at the client site?

We have invested significantly in developing a comprehensive monitoring and management tools stack. This enables us to manage and monitor all devices in the office network as well as for branch offices and mobile users. Our tools continuously monitor the customer’s network and notify our NOC (Network Operations Centre) in case of problems. Based on the set of events, tickets are automatically generated and escalated to corresponding teams. Over and above our proactive approach, the customer always has an option to call our 24X7 support line for issues that are not identified via the monitoring tools.

Please throw some light on your proprietary iMantra technology.

iMantra is a CRM system, which is tailor-made to suit the emerging business needs at iYogi. It allows for the formation of individualised customer relationships with the aim of providing personalised services to each subscriber. This tool is built on the latest java technology with a layered architecture that makes it scalable and secure. This architecture provides a seamless workflow and independent channels for various business needs: sales, support, quality and customer service. The entire system can be exposed in the form of secure APIs and Web services, which makes it a re-usable entity.

Your business model is similar to BPOs in India providing technical support to offshore customers. What unique values do you bring to this ecosystem that would help a potential client choose you over a competitor?

iYogi’s business model is different from traditional BPOs. Some key factors that differentiate iYogi include:

- Direct-to-consumer and -small business: iYogi delivers technical support services directly to consumers and small businesses and is a global technical support brand based out of India. Unlike traditional BPOs in India, iYogi does not provide any private label support and/ or work on behalf of large OEMs or software publishers.

- Optimised Processes: iYogi has developed proprietary processes for consistently delivering on a resolution rate of 87 percent, which is among the highest published benchmarks in the support industry, where averages hover in the range of 50 percent.

- Comprehensive technology platform: iYogi’s global delivery platform, iMantra, gets smarter with every customer interaction. It documents every problem, the solution and relevant hardware and software aspects, while capturing each customer’s demographic information and creating a behavioural profile. All of this information is at the fingertips of iYogi’s Global Tech Experts. This set-up combines a knowledge base with a comprehensive set of tools and technology expertise. iYogi offers a range of tools that complement its remote support services for helping customers maintain technology at peak performance levels. iYogi’s products include iYogi Smart PC Scan, iYogi Support Dock, iYogi Green PC and iYogi PC Optimisation.

How do you plan to move up the value chain in the times to come?

The growing use and penetration of the Internet and new Web-based applications has consequently opened the door to threats and vulnerabilities, which affect the system performance and ultimately lead to degrading performance. If the threats are diagnosed early on, the impact on efficiency can be minimised considerably. Currently, a user only realizes that he needs technical support once the damage has occurred and reactive methods of support are used to recover from the loss.

At iYogi, we are developing our capabilities to not only provide support when demanded, but to also monitor, pre-empt and fix threats before they can cause any damage to the computer. This will be possible only by combining technology with processes that are capable of re-defining the way technical support is delivered today.

What is your India strategy?

Technically, we are capable of servicing any geography including India. At this stage, we are looking for the right kind of partners to find access to potential customers and provide them a consolidated, 360-degree solution and services for issues relating to hardware, software, network etc. We aim to launch our India services in the coming six to eight months. Our services will offer clients a one-stop solution for all their business needs.

Source : BizTech2.com