FREE COMPUTER ADVICE

Fix it over the phone

We can assist you with simple Windows issues and help you diagnose and fix:

• Basic Computer Faults

• Basic Printer Faults

• Internet Faults

• Email Faults

If we can't help you fix your Computer over the Phone:

• We will advise you what needs to be done to fix it.

• We will give you an Approximate Estimate of Repair Costs

• We will come to your Home or Office and fix it Onsite!

Fix it over the Phone in Minutes!

Qualified & Experienced Technician

Warren Talbot

Southbank TAFE Brisbane (Graduated 2001)
Advanced Diploma IT (System Administration)
Advanced Diploma IT (Network Engineering)

Harvey Norman Carindale Computer Superstore (2002 -2005)
Customer Service Manager/Computer Technician

IBM/Lenovo Technical Support Australia/NZ (2009 - 2011)
Help Desk Analyst/Remote Support Technician

Adviceline Computer Repairs - Gold Coast (Established 2006)
Onsite Computer Repairs and Service

Over 20 Years Experience in the Computer Industry!

Onsite Repairs & Service

We will diagnose and fix your computer problems onsite.

No need to pack up your computer and lug it down to your local computer shop only to have it wait in the queue for weeks! If we have to bring it back to our workshop, we will pick it up, repair it, deliver it back and set it up for you, usually the next day! 

FREE Computer Advice: Many problems can be quickly fixed over the phone! Call us to discuss your Computer Problems, please have your computer turned on so we can quickly diagnose and help you to fix it over the phone!

Lowest Rates on the Coast: If we do have to come to you, we charge the lowest rates on the coast, and we guarantee our repairs for 30 days, call us now for a quote!

No Call Out Fee: We do not charge you extra just for showing up! We only charge for time spent Repairing and Servicing your computer, plus Parts of course!

For Hassle Free Onsite Service Please Call Us Anytime!

Brand Name Experts

Brand Name Computers often require a special procedure for reinstalling the Windows Operating System called a "System Recovery".

Many brand Name computers do not come with the Windows Operating System Recovery Disks. The Windows Operating System Recovery is located on a hidden partition on the Hard Disk Drive.

The procedure for accessing this hidden partition is different for each manufacturer and sometimes different for each model. An inexperienced technician can often reinstall Windows from a Retail or OEM Windows Disk and accidentally delete this Recovery Partition. You will then need to purchase the Recovery Media from the manufacturer to restore your computer to its factory default state.

We are Brand name Specialists, and if necessary can confidently restore your Computer to its factory default configuration, including the Windows Operating System and Software that came preloaded with your computer at purchase, using the correct Recovery Procedure as per the manufacturer’s instructions.

We service IBM, Lenovo, ASUS, Hewlett Packard, Compaq, Dell, Acer, Sony, and Toshiba Computers plus most Branded Computers.

Don't Risk your Brand Name Computer Call an Expert!

Speed up your Computer

Maintaining your computer today is as simple as allowing Windows Updates and Anti-Virus Updates and turning your computer off every night. Gone are the days of Defragmenting your Hard Drive every month.

Computer Service and Cleanup: We can improve your computers performance by cleaning up old Files and Programs that clog up and slow down your computer.

For a Quote on Cleaning Up your Computer Please Call Us Anytime!

Upgrading your Computer's Memory (RAM) is often the most effective way of improving your computers performance.

Upgrading Your Hard Drive rarely improves your computers performance, unless you need more storage.

Upgrade to a Solid State Hard Drive which can dramatically speed up the loading of Applications (Programs), especially loading Windows on start-up. Your Start-up time could be cut from 5 minutes to 1 minute, or even less! 

Call Us to Help You Decide How to Best Upgrade Your Computer.

Virus Removal

No Anti-Virus or Internet Security Program is infallible.

If you feel that you have a Virus, Trojan, Spyware or Malware on your Computer call us and describe what is happening. We can often tell you whether you have something to be worried about or not.

Once you have a Threat on your Computer, scanning your Computer with your own software is usually fruitless, as the Threat has already got through and has probably disabled your Security Software

If you have a Threat on your Computer we can come to your home to remove it, or if it is a particularly difficult to remove Threat we can bring your Computer to our workshop and scan it with our Computers using the latest Anti-Virus and Anti-Malware Software.

In most cases your data is safe, only in very rare cases can these Threats corrupt your Hard Drive.

DO NOT do any Internet Banking, Online Payments or Log onto Secure Websites such as your Bank, Email Website, Facebook, etc. This may allow the Threat to have access to your Personal Details or Usernames and Passwords, and compromise your account.

We Use and Recommend Trend Micro Titanium Internet Security.
For Special Adviceline Customer Prices Call Us Anytime!

Internet Security

Internet Threats: There are many different threats on the Internet; most are designed to make money off you. So if it sounds too good to be true, IT PROBABLY IS!

• Viruses: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_virus

• Trojans: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trojan_horse_(computing)

• Worms: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_worm

• Spyware: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spyware

• Malware: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malware

• Adware: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adware

• Phishing: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phishing

FREE Anti-Virus Software: There are many FREE Anti-Virus Programs available, but they all offer only Basic Protection and should not be relied upon. These include:

• Microsoft Security Essentials

• AVG FREE

• Avast

• Avira

• Ad-Aware

NOTE: If you use Internet Banking, Pay Online by Credit Card or Enter ANY Personal Details or User Names and Passwords for Secure Services, you should be using a full Internet Security Program.

Internet Security Software: Any Good Internet Security Software should include Anti-Virus, Anti-Spyware, Anti-SPAM, Block Malicious Websites, Malicious Email and IM Links, and Optimised Firewall.

Some of the most popular include:

• Norton Internet Security

• McAfee Internet Security

• Trend Micro Internet Security

• Kaspersky Internet Security

• BullGuard Internet Security

Updates and Subscriptions: Anti-Virus and Internet Security programs work by scanning new files and comparing each to their list of known Viruses and Threats. In order to be effective the software must continuously update their Virus Definition Database over the Internet, sometimes every day!

The Software Company provides this service on a yearly subscription basis. You MUST renew your subscription EVERY YEAR in order to continue to receive these updates, without these daily Virus Definition updates you are NOT PROTECTED!

We Use and Recommend Trend Micro Titanium Internet Security.
For Special Adviceline Customer Prices Call Us Anytime!

Current Internet Scams

Windows/Telstra/Visa Technical Support Phone Call
Many of our Customers are getting Phone Calls from people claiming to be from some Technical Support saying that the Customers Computer is infected and running slow and needs fixing or there is some problem with the account

Firstly, Technical Support will NEVER call you! They seem to have many details about the Customers, like Full Name, Address and Phone Number. How would they know your Name, Address and Phone Number? They wouldn't! These Scammers probably bought some old, hacked database.

DO NOT talk to them and DON'T let them download any Software to your Computer or give them Remote Access. They will try to get you to run the Windows Process Checker that shows multiple errors, but EVERY Computer shows these errors as a normal part of running Windows! Then they will ask you to pay over the phone by Credit Card or ask for your Bank Account Details. HANG UP ON THEM!

DHL Unsuccessful Delivery Email
If you get an email from a Delivery Company about an unsuccessful Delivery,
DO NOT open the attachment or click on any links!

This is a Trojan that installs Malicious Software.
NO DELIVERY COMPANY WILL EMAIL YOU ABOUT AN UNSUCCESSFUL DELIVERY!
They will leave a Note or Card.

Bank Account Verification Email
If you get an email from a Bank about ANYTHING that asks you to verify your Account Details, STOP!
NO BANK WILL EVER EMAIL YOU TO VERIFY YOUR ACCOUNT DETAILS!
They will call you and ask you to come into your Local Branch.

Taxation Department Refund Email
If you get an email from the ATO about ANYTHING that asks you to verify your Bank Account Details, STOP! THE ATO WILL NEVER EMAIL YOU TO GIVE YOU MONEY!

Common Sense is ALWAYS the Best Protection!
If it does not make Sense - Check it out First!
Call us Anytime if you are not sure!

Data Recovery

We can help you recover Lost or Damaged Files/Photos, Deleted Files/Photos, Formatted Hard Drives, Damaged Partitions, using our State of the Art Data Recovery Software.

Whether your Data is on your Computer, an External Hard Drive, Camera Flash Card, USB Memory Stick or your Mobile Phone, there is still hope that we can recover your lost files/photos.

PLEASE: DO NOT USE YOUR COMPUTER BEFORE DISCUSSING YOUR OPTIONS WITH US!

Call Us Anytime to Help You Recover Your Lost Data

Data Backup

It is essential to regularly backup your important Files, Documents, Emails and Photos. It is not a matter of IF your Computer will die but WHEN!

Backing up your Data is simply having multiple copies so that when your Computer/Device dies, you have another copy of your important Files/Photos.

There are several options and Media available:

Online Backup: Backs up your Data over the Internet to your Providers Server. This requires a FAST Broadband Internet connection, preferably ADSL 2+ or Cable.

Backup Software: Backs up to an External Hard Drive with Backup Files which usually means your Data cannot be "viewed" on another Computer but must be "Restored" to your Computer.

Copy and Paste: The Easiest and most Reliable! Copy and Paste your Data onto an External Hard Drive so you have multiple copies of your important stuff! You can then take your Hard Drive with you and view your data on any computer!

Hard Disk Drive: External Hard Drives are the easiest most reliable way to store your Important Backups! But ALL Hard Drives are prone to failure. DO NOT MOVE OR DROP YOUR HARD DRIVE WHILE IT IS IN OPERATION! Always have MULTIPLE copies of your important stuff!

CD/DVD: Cheap and Reliable for Long Term Storage, burn your important Files and Photos to Disk and put them safely away! Your photos are irreplaceable memories, back them up TODAY!

USB Memory Stick: Cheap and Fast! Memory Sticks, USB Drives, Flash Drives, Thumb drives are all Flash Memory. Fast and easy to use but are UNRELIABLE for storing important Data! These can fail at any time without warning! Especially if the user does not eject the device properly using Windows! If these fail the Data is usually unrecoverable! BE WARNED!

Call Us Anytime to Discuss your Back Up Options

Internet NBN Installation

ADSL Broadband

• Fast and Reliable Consistent Download Speed depending on your Plan

• Connects through Phone Line, you can be on the Internet and still make Phone Calls

• Many Different Plans and Speeds Available depending on the ProviderADSL 1 - 256 Kbps Speed with Download Limits (Typically 1-2 GB)ADSL 1 - 512 Kbps Speed with Download Limits (Typically 5-10 GB)ADSL 1 - 1.5 Mbps Speed with Download Limits (Typically 20 -100 GB)ADSL 2 - up to 12 Mbps (Averages 8-10 Mbps) with Download Limits

• Some Plans have Speed Limiting down to 0.05 Mbps if you go over your Download Limit

• Others (Bigpond) charge per MB over your Download Limit (Very Expensive!)

• Choose The Plan to suit you and your Provider will send a Modem for you to install

Cable Broadband

• Up to 20 Mbps - Very Fast and Reliable Download Speed reduces with the number of Cable users in your Street if everybody is on the Internet at the same time it slows down slightly.

• Contact your Provider (Telstra or Optus) to see if you have Cable in your Street

• Your Provider will send a Technician to Install the Modem

• The National Broadband Network (NBN) will be even Faster!

Wireless Broadband (Not to be Confused with Local Wireless Network)

• USB Device plugs into your Laptop/Computer and connects through Mobile Phone Towers

• Ideal for Travelling and Mobile Internet Use though mainly in Metro areas

• Limited Wireless coverage and prone to Blackspots and Dropouts check with your provider

• Up to 12 Mbps (Rarely have I seen Faster than 6 Mbps)

• The more users in the area using the Internet at the same time the slower it gets.

• I have seen Speeds slow down to worse than Dialup after 3pm and Weekends!

Please Call Us Anytime if You Need any Assistance.

Local Wireless Networks (WiFi) 

Local Wireless Networks are often called different names WLAN, Wi-Fi, Hotspot, 802.11b/g/n, etc.

For the Home User a Local Wireless Network allows you to connect wirelessly (Usually via a Laptop) to your ADSL or Cable Internet Installation. This allows you to use the Internet around your Home within a Radius of approximately 50m.

This can also allow ANYBODY else to access your Internet Connection, and is why every Wireless Network should be secured with Wireless Encryption (Password).

Your Local Wireless Network radio signal can vary greatly in strength depending on what objects are in between your laptop and the Wireless Router Antenna, every wall or object will reduce the signal and brick or masonry will almost block the signal. Moving the Router so that there is a clear line of sight to the laptop, or less objects in the way, should fix this issue. Every location has its own issues, and must be resolved on a Case by Case basis. Repeater Stations can also be installed to extend the Signal Range or get around obstacles.

The Wireless Signal can also be subject to interference from other radio waves and suffer dropouts; this can be easily rectified by changing the Channel.

For Any Wireless Issues or Installation Please Call Us Anytime!

Satisfied Customers

Some of our many satisfied Customers have posted their comments on Google Reviews.
Please Click Here to Recommend Us with a Google Review

• Bernadette ‎ - 18 Aug 2011
  Warren's honesty and totally reliable service.. Excellent 10/10 from my husband and I and also our daughter..who had Warren come and pick up her laptop..which was returned good as new. after 24 hours .in fact..running better than before!!..Can't say enough about you Warren!!! Bernadette Hitchcock.

• pam ‎ - 4 Jul 2011
  Gone are the terrible days of unplugging all those cables, carting the computer to a shop and waiting a couple of days to have it fixed. When our problem couldn't be resolved over the phone, Warren came to our house promptly, took the computer away to fix it and returned it the next day. Warren impressed us not only with his computer knowledge, but also with his very prompt service and friendly manner. His explanations of the problem and its solution were clear and easily followed. For people in the older age bracket, as we are, having a service like this is invaluable…Peter and Pam Graham.

• Mado ‎ - 26 Jun 2011
  I highly recommend this friendly and helpful service! Warren is a very nice guy who is happy to help you over the phone, no obligation and completely free!! I am not the most computer savvy person but I am not afraid to learn more and try to fix things myself. The FREE advice offered by Advice Line Computers was friendly, informative and very helpful. Warren offered options for me to try myself as well as his own professional services and products as an alternative - 'if that doesn't work' - option. He openly included pricing for services offered so I could weigh up my options as necessary. I called several times over the course of a week and he was always quick to answer and happy to help. I highly recommend this service as a starting point for all your computing needs. ( Did I mention this expert advice is FREE!!! :-) ) Thanks Warren!!

New vs Used Computers

Used Computers are usually in very good condition and can be purchased from as low as $200.

However because the Aussie Dollar is so high at the moment, New Computers are very competitive and start from as low as $400. They also come with a 12 month warranty, which you won't get with a Used Computer (30 days warranty).

A New Computer also keeps you up with technology, whereas a Used Computer can often be obsolete within a year of so.

If you are considering a Used Computer DO NOT get anything less than a Pentium 4 with Hyper-Threading. You can tell by Pressing "Ctrl + Alt + Del" keys at the same time, this will bring up the Windows Task Manager. Click on the "Performance" TAB, and you will see the CPU Usage Graph. If the Graph has 2 panes the CPU (Processor) has either Hyper-Threading or is a Dual Core Processor.

Also if you purchase a Used Computer, make sure the Seller reformats the Hard Drive and reinstalls Windows fresh and clean for you. Otherwise you could end up inheriting someone else's Viruses!

Customers often ask: Which is the Best Brand?
My reply is: The one with the longest Warranty! Almost all Computer and Laptop components are manufactured in China, they all come out of the same factories and are assembled in different countries under different Brand Names. THEY ARE ALL BASICALLY THE SAME! Except for the Warranty!

I build New Computers using Quality Parts with 3 years Warranty! I give 12 months Labour Warranty for any Repairs required for faulty Parts under Warranty! I will Pick Up your faulty Computer, Repair it and Drop it back to you, all for FREE under my 12 months Warranty!

For a Quote on New or Used Computers Please Call Us Anytime!

Business Hours 

• Monday          8.00am to 6.00pm

• Tuesday         8.00am to 6.00pm

• Wednesday   8.00am to 6.00pm

• Thursday       8.00am to 6.00pm

• Friday             8.00am to 6.00pm

• Saturday        8.00am to 2.00pm

• Sunday          Closed