Rios Computer Associates

Looking for help with your computer? This is the right place!
With over 36 years in computer services, Rios Computers has more experience than any other service shop in the metropolitan DC area.
We can repair your computer, recover your data, help you buy new equipment, and help you learn how to configure and use the equipment you already have.
In a recent "Secret Shopper" test by WRC-TV, we were one of only two computer shops who diagnosed and repaired the test computer correctly—and for half the price of the other shop! So you know you are in good hands here—high quality service at a good price.

 

We hope you'll find the information you need on this site to make an informed buying decision. We look forward to working with you.

Please get in touch to offer comments and join our mailing list.
8 Steps to a Healthy Computer

Computer hygiene is important, but the paid-for protection programs are often worse than the ones you can get for free. We have solved a lot of our clients' computer problems by removing Norton/Symantec programs.

Click here to read more.

Macs & Viruses

Have you been told that buying a Mac will avoid problems with viruses? That can be a good temporary solution—until a lot of folks start buying Macs.

Click here to read more.

Choosing Secure Passwords

A word about passwords: lots of people tell you to create screwy-looking passwords with uPPer and LowER case and all kinds of strange symbols in them. It turns out that this is bad advice...

Click here to read more.

Chain Letters

Almost all messages that you get telling you to 'Forward this to all your friends' are hoaxes. Here are some ways to determine whether you should pass it on or hit 'Delete'.

Click here to read more.

Choosing a Laptop

The best approach that I have found in deciding what sort of computer to purchase is to identify the things that are most likely to matter to someone and narrow the search from there.

Click here to read more.

Avoiding Malware Sites

The bad guys seem to have an unlimited number of ways to trick people and avoid detection. Do you know how to protect yourself from malicious websites?

Click here to read more.

Web Hosting & Authoring

There are lots of places that will host you for just a few bucks a month. The critical question is not cost, but reliability and support.

Click here to read more.

Choosing a Credit Card

Regardless of which computer you get, most extended warranties aren't worth the money. But how you pay for the computer matters a lot...

Click here to read more.

Affordable Office Suites

Microsoft has dominated the office software market with Microsoft Office, but their software package can be expensive for personal use. Did you know that there are cheaper or free alternatives?

Click here to read more.

Videocams & Farsightedness

Comfortable reading is all but impossible when you're farsighted, and computerized magnifers are expensive. Luckily, there is a way to get a cheap makeshift magnifier that works better than the real thing!

Click here to read more.

Working with PDF Files

Going backwards from PDF to text is usually somewhat messy, but not impossible. Here are some methods to convert your PDF documents into more accesible formats...

Click here to read more.

InfoSelect

The most important program I have, except maybe email, is my Personal Information Manager: InfoSelect.

Click here to read more.

Reinstalling Microsoft Office

If your computer on which you have Microsoft Office installed dies, you don't need to buy a new copy; the license for Microsoft Office is transferable. You just need the original CD and the Product Key to install it just as you did originally.

Click here to read more.

IMAP: Pros and Cons

IMAP is one of two commonly-used email protocols. I've heard lots of wonderful things about IMAP, but in real life, I have found it has its own share of drawbacks...

Click here to read more.

Recovering Data From Failed Hard Drives

In more than 90% of cases of hard drive failure the data is retrievable, but the method used depends on the type of failure. A hard drive can 'die' for several reasons...

Click here to read more.

Thinking About Buying a Used Laptop?

Unless you are *completely* strapped for cash, it is well worth considering a new one...

Click here to read more.

Rios Computer Associates • 930 N Arlington Mill Drive • Arlington • VA • 22205 • 703-755-0607 • service@rios.org