Frequently Asked Questions

Clear answers about our free services, how we work, pricing, privacy, and the technology help we provide to homes and small businesses. A New Jersey shop since 1993, and in Watchung since 2018.

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What is included in a free computer health check, and can it be done remotely?

A free health check gives you a clear picture of your computer’s condition in about 15–30 minutes. We review the operating system, hardware health (including storage condition), security status, network configuration, and basic performance.

It can usually be done remotely if the computer is online. On-site is also available if you prefer. You receive a plain-language summary with recommendations, and there is never any obligation to proceed with paid work.

You’re welcome to give us a call, send an email, or stop by the office — whichever is easiest for you.

Will I receive a written report, and is there any obligation to hire you afterward?

Yes. You’ll receive a clear written summary of the findings if you’d like one, and we will walk through the results with you by phone, email, or in person. There is no obligation of any kind. The free check exists simply to give you good information so you can decide what (if anything) to do next.

What do free utility bill reviews cover, and what savings are typical?

We review internet, TV, and phone bills as a free courtesy. Just share the provider, service, and monthly cost (or simply send a copy of the bill). We typically respond the same or next business day.

Common results include keeping the same internet provider but moving from expensive low-speed plans to gigabit or near-gigabit service for roughly half the cost, identifying equipment-rental charges that can be eliminated, and large savings on TV (for example, $200/month premium service for two TVs dropping to approximately $40/month with IPTV alternatives). Phone service often drops substantially with modern VoIP options. We present the options clearly and leave the decision entirely to you.

What does the free backups & disaster-recovery consultation cover?

The free consultation helps you understand what data needs protecting and what level of protection actually makes sense for your situation. We explain the real risks and recommend a practical solution sized to your needs and budget.

There is no obligation to purchase anything, and we receive no commissions from any vendor. Implementation is paid work that begins only after you approve a written estimate.

You’re welcome to call, email, or stop by to schedule a free consultation. We can also arrange a video meeting once we’ve spoken.

Support, Repair & How We Work

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How quickly can a remote support session begin?

During business hours we can usually begin a remote session within 15–60 minutes of a phone call, or schedule one for the same day. Email requests are typically answered within a couple of hours.

New customers can book an appointment anytime, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, and a true emergency is available then as well. Urgent diagnostic time for a new customer is billed, and only after you approve a written estimate for that diagnostic work. Established customers receive faster direct access.

Just give us a call or send an email and we’ll take care of you.

What remote-access software do you use, and is it secure and USA-based?

We use professional remote-access tools hosted on our servers in Virginia. You always see and control the connection — we never connect without your knowledge or approval. Temporary or longer-term access can be configured according to your preference. Customer data stays in the United States. There is no foreign access.

When is an on-site visit recommended, and what areas do you cover?

Most problems can be solved remotely. On-site visits make sense for complex networking, multiple machines, server work, or when you simply prefer face-to-face service. We travel throughout the region. Some customers have moved away from New Jersey and still want us as their main IT contact. When a trip would not be a sensible use of their money — setting up a new computer, for example — we coordinate with a local IT firm and make sure that firm does the work the customer needs.

Do you support Windows, Mac, and Linux systems? What is typical repair turnaround?

Yes — we support Windows, macOS, and most Linux systems with equal capability.

Most common repairs are completed the same day or next business day once any needed parts arrive. Custom builds typically take one to two days. Ordinary hardware repair stays in our Watchung office and is not shipped out. A drive that needs a clean room goes to a New Jersey lab, and out of state only if you specifically ask. Walk-ins are welcome during business hours.

You’re welcome to drop the machine off or start with a remote assessment.

Do you give a written estimate before any paid work begins?

Estimates are always free, including emergency work for new customers. No paid work begins without a written estimate that you have approved. Simple jobs are usually quoted as a flat rate or tight range. More complex work is broken into clear stages with a stated maximum. If anything changes, a revised estimate is provided and approved before additional work continues. There are no surprise bills.

Is there a money-back guarantee on labor?

If we make a mistake, we correct the labor at no charge. Our labor is also backed by a money-back guarantee for a reasonable period. The exact window is stated on the estimate and invoice.

What data-recovery situations do you handle, and what if recovery fails?

We’ll give you a clear diagnosis and honest options, usually the same day if you drop the machine off. We handle accidental deletion, ransomware, forgotten passwords, failed drives, and physical damage. Logical recovery is done in our Watchung shop.

Diagnostics in our shop are free for an existing customer, and free for a new customer when the visit is not urgent. Urgent diagnostics for a new customer are billed. We write an estimate for that diagnostic time and get your approval before we begin, including overnight, weekend, and holiday emergencies.

If a drive needs a clean-room lab, we send it to a specialist in New Jersey. We do not send a customer drive out of state unless you specifically ask us to. Before anything leaves the shop, you receive a written estimate that lists our charges and the lab’s charges separately. The lab charges its own diagnostic fee. We do not mark that fee up. You may pay the lab directly, or, if you ask us to handle the payment, we can pay the lab and give you one bill.

Nothing proceeds, and nothing is charged, without a written estimate you have approved.

You’re welcome to bring the computer in or start with a remote assessment. Details are on the Physical Device Recovery page.

Can you help if I am locked out of Microsoft, Google, Apple, or email?

Yes — when you are the authorized owner. Online account recovery is done face-to-face at our Watchung office so we can verify identity before we work with you and the provider’s official recovery process. Walk-ins are welcome during business hours. After-hours visits are by appointment.

We do not recover accounts for people who cannot prove they own them. See Online Account Recovery.

Can I walk in with a computer or drive for recovery after hours?

Yes, by appointment. Regular walk-ins are Monday–Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, except holidays, at 776 Mountain Blvd, Suite 201, Watchung. Appointments and emergency service are available anytime. Existing customers can arrange after-hours help when needed. New customers can book an after-hours appointment.

Bring the device and its power supply. More detail is on the Physical Device Recovery page.

Can you transfer files, programs, settings, and email to a new computer?

Yes. We transfer your files, email, browser data, settings, and as many programs and licenses as the new system and licensing rules allow. Any major platform differences are explained in advance. We typically take a full hard-drive backup and retain it for a period you choose.

After the transfer, you decide what happens to the old computer. We can securely wipe the drives, convert a drive into an external backup drive for you to keep, return the drives so you retain physical possession of the data, or recycle the machine (recycling is free).

Most transfers are completed the same day or next. You’re welcome to bring both machines in (or just the old one) whenever you’re ready.

Can plan customers get after-hours, holiday, or emergency help?

Yes. Customers on a support plan receive after-hours, weekend, holiday, and emergency help at the same regular rates, with no after-hours surcharge. Estimates are always free.

New customers can still get emergency help anytime. If it is an emergency that needs immediate help and we do not know you yet, diagnostic work is billed. The written estimate is still free.

How thorough is virus and malware cleanup, and is ongoing protection left in place?

We’ll clean the infection thoroughly and leave solid ongoing protection in place if you want it. We remove active malware and residual components, then verify or install good security tools and basic best practices. The goal is both to clean the current problem and reduce the chance of a repeat.

Most malware removal can be performed remotely the same day; some cases are more efficiently handled in the shop. You’re welcome to start remotely or drop the machine off.

What does proactive or scheduled maintenance typically include?

Maintenance is customized to your actual needs. Monitoring tools can watch for real issues such as low disk space, failing storage, or failed backups and alert us when attention is required. Many problems can be detected and resolved without a full hands-on session. Regular technician check-ins are also available if you prefer them. The goal is to avoid wasting your time or money on unnecessary work.

We will review what would make sense for your situation.

Do you offer personalized computer training?

Yes. Training is one-on-one and completely customized to the software and tasks you actually use. Delivery options include remote sessions, video calls, in-person at your location or our office, or custom written guides. Sessions can be designed for beginners or advanced users and can include practical topics such as security and backups. Length and number of sessions are flexible.

Everything is detailed in a written estimate before work begins. Just let us know what you’d like to focus on.

Do you support legacy systems and older applications?

Yes. We continue to support older operating systems and critical legacy applications when there is a genuine need. These can often be kept running safely on modern hardware through virtualization or other techniques that isolate them from the rest of the network. We can also help plan a gradual migration to newer systems while preserving familiar workflows.

Older or more specialized work is quoted accordingly. Feel free to describe what you’re running and we’ll tell you what’s realistic.

Pricing, Estimates & Policies

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What are your typical hourly rates and how is time billed?

Hourly rates are $150 for technicians and $180 for engineers. Time is billed in small increments. Simple shop work is often quoted as a flat rate. A written estimate is always free and is provided before paid work begins.

New customers usually prepay the first portion of remote work; established customers are generally billed afterward.

Are estimates free? Do new customers pay for emergency diagnostics?

Estimates are always free, including emergency work for new customers. No paid work begins until you approve a written estimate. Nothing proceeds, and nothing is charged, without that approval.

Diagnostics in our shop are free for an existing customer, and free for a new customer when the visit is not urgent. Urgent diagnostics for a new customer are billed. We write an estimate for that diagnostic time and get your approval before we begin, including overnight, weekend, and holiday emergencies.

Customers on a support plan are not surcharged for after-hours, weekend, holiday, or emergency appointments. They pay the same regular rates.

Do you receive commissions or markups from hardware, software, or other vendors?

No. We receive no commissions, referral fees, or other compensation from any hardware or software vendor. Our only revenue comes from the services customers choose to purchase. Recommendations are made solely because we believe they are a good fit. When parts are needed, we’re happy to provide shopping links so you can buy them yourself, or we can source them for you.

Are customers locked into long-term contracts?

No. There are no long-term lock-in contracts. You may stop service at any time simply by discontinuing payment. We prefer open, industry-standard tools so you are never trapped with us or with proprietary systems.

Why do you offer free services with no obligation?

The free services — health checks, utility bill reviews, and backup consultations — are offered as a genuine community service. Estimates are always free. Diagnostics in our shop are free for an existing customer, and free for a new customer when the visit is not urgent. Urgent diagnostics for a new customer are billed, and only after a written estimate for that diagnostic time is approved. There is never any obligation to hire us afterward. We treat every customer the way we would treat a family member: we do not oversell, and we frequently tell people they do not need to buy anything.

Where is your office located, and can I walk in?

Jeevy Computers is on the second floor of the Tramz building at 776 Mountain Blvd, Suite 201, Watchung, New Jersey 07069, next to Higgins Funeral Home. There is rear parking and side parking toward the front; the rear lot is often easier and more handicapped-accessible. Use the front or rear entrance. The elevator and stairs are in the middle of the main first-floor hallway, between those doors. Restrooms are on both floors. On the second floor, Tramz is Suite 200, Jeevy Computers is Suite 201, and Edwards Estate Law is Suite 202. Walk-ins are welcome Monday–Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, except holidays. Appointments and emergency service are available anytime. You’re also welcome to call or email if that’s more convenient. More detail is on the First Visit page.

Are your servers, staff, and customer data kept inside the United States?

Yes. Customer data stays in the United States. There is no foreign access — ever.

Our dedicated servers and remote-access servers are hosted in Virginia. Staff and the rest of our infrastructure remain in the United States as well.

When a client’s policy requires that work be performed entirely on-premises, we travel to the location and do the work on site.

How do you handle confidentiality and customer privacy?

We take confidentiality extremely seriously. We never disclose that someone is a customer, never publish customer lists, and never request public reviews or testimonials. The same high standard applies to home users and regulated businesses alike. We will gladly execute NDAs or additional agreements whenever a client requires them.

How long have you been in business, and who do you typically help?

We have kept one New Jersey office since 1993. It was in Basking Ridge until we moved to Watchung. That move began in 2017 and finished in 2018. For a short time during the move, both offices were open. The shop has been in Watchung since 2018. We serve homes, home offices, and small businesses, and we regularly work with legal practices, medical offices, financial firms, and other regulated environments that have specialized needs.

Backups, Synchronization & Disaster Recovery

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What backup strategies do you recommend against hardware failure, ransomware, and accidental deletion?

A solid strategy combines local backup with true off-site (usually cloud) backup that keeps multiple versions over time. This gives you a recovery window after ransomware or accidental deletion. Good endpoint protection and multi-factor authentication are equally important. We size the solution to your actual needs and risk tolerance and do not push any particular product.

We will review your current setup and recommend a practical plan at no obligation.

Why is restore testing important?

Restore testing is the only way to know a backup actually works. It should be done periodically under non-emergency conditions so the process and any limitations are known before a real disaster. The worst time to discover problems is during an actual emergency.

We will walk through a test restore with you when you’re ready.

Can you set up reliable file synchronization across devices?

Yes. We set up reliable file synchronization across computers, laptops, servers, and mobile devices, customized to how you actually work. The goal is a practical, dependable system that fits real daily use — including situations with intermittent connectivity.

Feel free to reach out and we’ll put together a straightforward solution for you.

Do you design and set up networks, servers, guest WiFi, and UPS protection?

Yes. Designs are driven entirely by your actual needs. Simple home setups can often use the existing router with basic hardening. Multi-device homes and small offices typically benefit from proper segmentation and isolated guest WiFi. UPS battery backup is strongly recommended for computers and network equipment. We work with existing Cat5e and newer cable; for new runs we typically recommend Cat6A at a minimum. We introduce complexity only when it solves a real problem.

We will review your current network and recommend practical improvements.

When do you recommend Active Directory versus a simple workgroup? Physical or virtual servers?

A simple workgroup is usually sufficient for basic file sharing. Active Directory is recommended when you need centralized authentication and tighter control over access to shared resources.

We generally prefer physical servers for small businesses because they keep complexity lower and are easier to maintain. Virtualization is used only when there is a clear practical benefit.

How do you approach overall cybersecurity, ransomware prevention, and multi-factor authentication?

We start by understanding how you actually use technology. Core protections include solid endpoint protection on every internet-connected device, multi-factor authentication wherever it is available, and reliable versioned backups. We also provide practical security-awareness guidance. We present clear options and leave the final decisions to you.

We will review your current setup and recommend practical next steps at no obligation.

What does incident response look like if a security problem occurs?

For existing customers a security incident is treated as high-priority emergency service. We focus on containing the problem, determining its scope, removing the threat, recovering from clean backups, and hardening systems so the same path cannot be reused. Return to normal is often the same day or the next day.

If something has happened, reach out right away and we’ll get started.

Hardware, Setup & Business Tools

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Can you handle hardware upgrades, custom builds, and procurement without pushing brands?

Yes. We start from the simple question of what we would do if the computer belonged to our own family. We prefer cost-effective solutions and often keep systems running well past their expected life when they still meet the need. We are not tied to any particular vendor. Full parts lists can be provided so you may purchase the components yourself if preferred.

Most upgrades and builds are completed in one to two days once parts arrive. You’re welcome to bring the machine in or discuss the options remotely.

What factors determine whether to upgrade an existing computer or build a new one?

We look at the age and limitations of the current components, the problems you’re experiencing, your future needs, and how long you plan to keep the machine. Simple bottlenecks are often fixed with targeted upgrades. A full custom build makes sense when the existing system can no longer meet the workload cost-effectively.

We will give you a clear recommendation either way, with a written estimate before any work begins.

How do you approach IT procurement and equipment selection?

We are not tied to any specific brands. Selection begins with a clear understanding of your actual needs so we prescribe only what is required. We can manage as much or as little of the purchasing process as you prefer. After equipment arrives we handle configuration, software installation, data migration, and training as needed. Everything is estimated and approved in advance.

What devices can you set up and support (printers, scanners, peripherals, etc.)?

We set up and support multi-function printers, scanners, copiers, specialized business equipment, and most computer-connected peripherals across Windows, Mac, and mixed environments. Wired connections are preferred when reliability matters; wireless is set up securely when convenience is needed. We can keep older printers working when it makes economic sense, or advise on replacement based on long-term operating cost. Ongoing support is available if something stops working later.

Just bring the device in or describe the issue and we’ll take care of it.

What does professional IPTV installation and support involve?

Modern IPTV setups range from simple pre-configured boxes with training to more involved installations that include mounting and hidden wiring. We prefer wired connections for best reliability, though solid wireless is fully supported. Ongoing troubleshooting is available.

You’re welcome to bring the equipment in or schedule a visit if the install is more involved.

Can you set up and support VoIP / IP phone systems?

Yes. We set up and integrate VoIP systems, including number porting from traditional lines. We work with a wide range of providers and hardware and can support hybrid analog + IP arrangements. Modern systems include practical failover options so internet or power outages do not completely stop communications. Ongoing support is available.

We will review your current phone setup and recommend a practical path forward.

Which accounting packages do you support, and how is financial data handled?

We support the full range of common accounting packages, including all versions of QuickBooks (even older ones), Sage, Microsoft Dynamics GP (formerly Great Plains), professional and consumer tax software, and other specialized packages. Support covers installation, configuration, multi-user setups, troubleshooting, data migration, backups, and custom reporting.

Financial data is treated with the same high confidentiality standard we apply to every customer. NDAs are available when required, and work can be performed entirely on-site if policy demands it.

What database work do you handle?

We support common databases used by accounting and business systems, as well as Oracle, MySQL/MariaDB, PostgreSQL, Microsoft SQL Server, Access, and older systems. Work includes performance tuning, backups, preventing corruption, and repairing slow or unreliable databases. Solutions follow industry best practices so you are never locked into proprietary tools or to us.

We will assess your current database situation and recommend practical next steps.

Can you support AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Cloud, and similar professional applications?

Yes. We install, configure, and troubleshoot AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Cloud, older Creative Suite, and related professional applications in single-user and multi-user environments. We handle both modern subscription licensing and older perpetual licenses. We also address crashes, performance issues, plugins, and compatibility, and we are familiar with the wide-format printers and scanners used by architects and designers.

You’re welcome to bring the machine in or describe the issue and we’ll get it sorted.

Web Hosting, Email & Custom Development

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Do you design, build, and maintain websites, and how are projects estimated?

Yes. We design, build, and maintain websites for individuals and small-to-medium businesses, from simple brochure sites to more complex projects with e-commerce or integrations. We can also handle hosting, domain registration, and email. Revenue comes only from labor — there are no markups on hosting or licenses.

Every project begins with a written proposal that lists deliverables, timeline, and cost. Any change requires an updated estimate and your approval before additional work continues.

We will discuss your needs and put together a clear proposal.

Do you help with Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, migrations, and cloud file storage?

Yes. We help select, migrate to, and manage Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and other cloud services based on your actual usage, feature needs, budget, and security requirements.

Migrations begin with a clear understanding of the current environment and proper backups, then proceed with a phased approach or carefully planned cutover. We also configure major cloud file-storage and collaboration tools. Ongoing management is available.

Feel free to reach out and we’ll review your current setup and recommend a practical path forward.

Still have a question? Call us at (908) 903-9000 or e-mail us at Jeevy@JeevyComputers.com. We’re happy to help.