FAQs
Chicago Computer Club Frequently Asked Questions
Membership:
Why should I become a member?
Membership gives you 24/7 proactive monitoring of your computers. You get state-of-the-art protection from viruses, malware, and spyware and free-in-store diagnoses. As a matter of fact, most computer problems will be detected before you even notice them. Our Platinum service also offers unlimited remote support for software and email problems. All of this for a low monthly fee! Now you can avoid the hassle, expense and lost time associated with computer problems!
I already have an antivirus program. Isn’t that good enough?
Although off-the-shelf antivirus programs are popular, they actually have two drawbacks. First, they are the target of hackers, who are constantly working to create new ways to fool these programs. And second, should you get a virus, these companies actually charge much more to repair your system. In reality, unmanaged antivirus software is only 55% effective. Learn More Here
How much does membership cost?
We offer a variety of programs for different levels of coverage. Here are our latest membership options.
How do I pay for my membership each month?
- If you elect to enroll in our auto-debit program, you get a $5 discount each and every month. To set up auto-debit, call 773.516.5658
- At any one of our retail stores we accept cash, money orders, credit or debit cards
- By phone: we accept credit cards at 773.516.5658 during regular customer hours of 9a.m. through 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday
- Via our website at members login
- By mail – DO NOT SEND CASH (please allow 5 working days for payment to be processed):
- Chicago Computer Club
- 329 E. 35th St.
- Chicago, IL 60616
Service:
Do I have to bring my computer to a retail store to be fixed?
No! Although you may bring your computer to one of our retail locations, software problems, upgrades and virus removal can all be accomplished with an online connection through our remote service.
How does remote online service work?
Our technicians connect to your home computer via your internet connection, using a program you can download from our site. If you're a member, the program is installed on your computer when you first sign up. Either way, all you have to do is call in and tell the technician that there's a problem, and they'll take it from there. It’s safe, easy, and fast!
Is it safe to have a technician access my computer?
Absolutely. You control when we can access your computer and for how long. You can even observe what we’re doing. It’s like having one of our technicians sitting right next to you as they work through a problem.
Will a technician be snooping around in my files?
No! We’re only concerned with getting your computer fixed. So our technicians will be accessing system information, not user documents. You can be online with us, and see exactly where we are and what we do on your computer.
Virus Removal:
How do I know if I have a virus on my computer?
If your computer has pop-ups when you log in (even before you open the browser), redirects you to websites different from where you were trying to go, runs really slowly or behaves differently from what you normally experience, then you probably have a virus.
I have a virus on my computer. What should I do?
Call us immediately. The problem will not get better on its own – it will only get worse. Should you delay, you run the risk of losing valuable data on your computer.
How do viruses get into my computer?
Every virus is created by a programmer. Although most people believe these are just malicious individuals looking to create havoc, in reality, most are creating these programs for money. Hackers are paid for popups, stealing your financial information, and controlling your computer. Some hackers are able to control millions of computers, and make millions of dollars a month. That’s quite an incentive for them to create new viruses everyday, AND to study the most popular anti-virus software to be able to break in.
Be aware that you might also inadvertently allow spyware into your computer. For example, some sites will offer FREE giveaways or entry into a contest. Although many of these offers are legitimate, we recommend you stay away from such offers. Your chances of winning a legitimate contest are extremely low, and it’s more likely you’ll contract a virus.
Lastly, many viruses get into your computer either through email attachments and the websites you visit. If you don’t know who sent the email, don’t open the attachment! Probably the biggest sources of viruses for our members are popular social networking sites, online gaming, file sharing, and adult websites - viruses are often on high-traffic websites so as to affect the most people.
Computer Repairs:
What should I do if my hard drive crashes?
Bring your computer to one of our retail locations. In addition to replacing your hard drive, in most instances we are able to recover data that is on your bad hard drive.
Can a laptop screen be fixed?
Yes. It’s one of the most common problems with laptops. Just bring your laptop to one of our retail locations and we can repair your broken screen.
Retail Stores:
Do you have a payment plan?
For computer repairs at any one of our retail stores we accept cash, checks, money orders, and credit or debit cards
For online services we accept all major credit cards.
Membership payment options
Can I buy a computer on layaway?
Yes! Our layaway policy allows you start putting payments on a computer as soon as you pick out the machine you like in the store. After the 30% down payment, you can make payments over a 2 months period until it's yours. There's no penalty for cancellation within 14 days of starting the layaway.
What is the diagnosis fee?
When you bring your computer in for service, there will be a $39 diagnosis fee. In the diagnosis, a technician will assess what is wrong with your computer and offer you an informed suggestion for a solution. At that point you can opt to come pick up the computer without having the work done on it, or you can give the technician the go-ahead to do the suggested work on your computer and apply the diagnosis fee toward a final service bill.
Do you buy used computers?
Yes! We buy used computers and can recycle old computers. Bring your computer into any of our locations. If it is not too old and is still in good condition, then we may be able to give you cash for it. The store manager will need to examine the computer in person in order to make an appraisal. Please bring your current ID, and the charger if it is a laptop.
Franchise Opportunities
How do I apply for a franchise?
If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, we’re looking for enterprising individuals to grow with us! Just give us a call at 773-516-5788.
