With all of the talk these days of the Cyber Attack on our Borough networks, we at Rent-A-Geek thought we should take the time to go over some basic internet safety. While home users are not often targeted by hackers, they are susceptible to scams, viruses, and malware, and for the home users, those can be bad enough. Taking a few minutes to go over safe internet browsing protocol can give you peace of mind on the internet. 

Obviously, we want to reassure you that home users are rarely the victim of cyber attacks. Usually, these sorts of attacks happen to large networks, with full IT departments, not smaller home users. If you're not a home user and you have a small home business with computer access, you should remember that Rent-A-Geek is your small company's answer to IT problems. If you are not planning ahead, you could be the unwitting victim of a broader cyber attack. Please plan ahead to save you money and peace of mind in your business.

For the home internet user, browsing lightly, emailing family and friends, and sending photos, here are a few tips to protect your computer and your wallet. 

Safe Browsing Tips:
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•Never open emails from an unknown email address, even if they use your first name. You can find out WHO is sending you an email by using your mouse or trackpad to hover over the email address. While it may SAY it's from Amazon, Netflix or your dear friend, the address will definitely give it away. 


•Likewise be sure you KNOW what you're opening in an email. If your dear friend sends you an email with an attachment that you were not expecting call them and just ask if they sent it. THEY may be operating with a virus and not know it. 

•If a site requires a password use something unique that you're not using anywhere else. 

•Never click on clickbait, these sites can often be harbingers of malware and other spammy things. Believe me, you don't need to know which Disney princess you are or WHAT you kitten avatar looks like. 

•When visiting a site be aware of the web address, HTTP was common to see at the front of a web address, now, most sites are moving to HTTPS with the S standing for security. Extra security measures including encryption have been taken in sites with HTTPS at the beginning of the address to keep users safe. Sometimes these site have a small padlock in the address bar to ensure you that the site is secure.

•Do NOT enter your credit card information unless you are on a trusted site using encryption. Most major retailers use encrypted sites so you can be sure to be safe.


If you get to a place on your home computer where it's acting funny, slow or freezing up, you may need one of two things. You might need just a tune-up, our technicians can go over your computer, clean it up, optimize it and make it run smoothly again. Or you might have malware or a virus wreaking havoc on your computer, don't worry we can help with that too. Our virus and malware removal option comes with a tune-up so your computer can be back in action just like it was in no time at all. Rent-A-Geek is here for you, let us put our 15 years of business experience to work for you, 907-745-5060.

Here at Rent-A-Geek, we often get asked about buying new computers. Yes, of course, we fix them all, laptop and desktop but eventually the time comes for new a new computer.  But what should you buy? Which one is the best one? Where should you buy it? Who will fix it? This post should help you answer some of those essential questions and give you some peace of mind when investing in a new computer. 

The short and easy answer to this question is the one that fits your needs.

But that begs the question, what ARE your needs??

Only you can answer that, here are a few things to think about when making your decision:

•What are you looking for a desktop or laptop? If you're looking to take your work with you, then a laptop might be what you need. But then again you may have an office space and a need for more power than a laptop has to offer.

•Do you want to buy local or box store? There are lots of places to buy computers, where do you want to put your money? 

•Will the computer you're buying be compatible with everything else you already own? Your printer, your photo printer, scanner, SD cards, monitors and so on. Often you can download software updates or use adapters to make things work for you. 

•How does it FEEL? Yes, this is important. No matter where you're buying from it's a good idea to get a hands-on feel for your new computer. Get out to the stores and try it out. Look at monitors (size and surface), laptop carrying weight, mouse or trackpad feel, joystick movement, space needed for setting up, how the keyboard moves under your fingers and so on.

•Ask the questions! When you're in the store, USE the salespeople. They are there for you, the buyer, whether you plan to buy that day or not. Ask them all the questions you have. If the salesperson is unable to answer your questions, go somewhere else for help.


•One more thought--warranty work. Who can and will be an authorized service center for your new computer? Will you have to send it out? Can you get it that work done locally? How long will all that take? 

•If you're still not sure about what to buy be sure to stop by Rent-A-Geek. We offer 30 minute time slots where we cover all the basics with you, make sure you know what you're looking for and you get the right set up for you. Call to schedule your consultation today 907-354-5894.

As you can see, there's a LOT that goes into buying a new computer or laptop. It's a big purchase, and if done right it can last you for many long years. If you need help once you get your new computer to remember Rent-A-Geek, we can help you set up your new system, so it runs like you want it to run. 

We really can do it all at Rent-A-Geek! By now we all know that Rent-A-Geeks Alaska is the best place to get your computer fixed in the Valley but did you know that Rent-A-Geek is here for your business needs too?? We're like your own personal IT department, there when you need us, busy elsewhere when you don't. We offer everything you could need or want to get your business started off on the right foot. Or we can troubleshoot established business's your situation and get your problems solved quickly and efficiently. 

Starting a business can seem overwhelming sometimes, but not to us.  Rent-A-Geek can help you set up your business systems. From network design to implementation, we here for your business every step of the way. Once you're up and running, we can provide system administration and automation services. We can work with you to plan ahead for emergency situations and provide preventative maintenance as well. Do you have security worries? Not with us, you won't! We can get you set up and running securely. 

​Do you have an existing business? Big or small, we can help you with your established business too. If your IT needs are more than you want to handle, we can be your IT department. At Rent-A-Geek we can perform hardware or software installations and upgrades, as needed. We can work with you on security issues your business may be experiencing. Or we can set up the current systems to run automatically. Whatever your business needs we are we can meet them.


Rent-A-Geek has been providing Alaska with reliable, quality services since 2003. Whether you run a small business, big business, new or old, we can help you out. We've got 15 years of experience and hundreds of satisfied customers behind our stellar reputation. We've been the go-to for IT solutions since 2003. Give us a call today for all your IT Business Needs. 

Palmer's only Fully Loaded Meeting Room is now for rent. 

​Meet the newest member of the Rent-A-Geek family, The Meeting Room! Not only do we offer the Best Computer Repair in the Valley right here in Palmer Alaska but we also have Palmer's ONLY FULLY Loaded Meeting Room for rent. Need to rent a space for up to 20 people for your next meeting. Look no further than our Meeting Room, it's perfect for study groups, business meetings, board meetings, and anything other types of get-togethers.

Why rent from us? Like I said the room is "Fully Loaded." Which means we've gone the extra distance to make this space the best available Meeting Room for rent in the Valley. I think we did an excellent job!

Our Meeting Room for Rent includes:
  •tables and chairs for 20, arrange them however you need them
  •a 55 Inch Digital Screen
  •High-Speed Internet
  •Copier/Printer
  •Onsite Tech Support
  •Private Entrance with a reception desk
  •Bathroom
  •Discount rates for our "Frequent Meeters"

Let's break down a few of the things you get when you rent our new Meeting Room. A 55-inch digital monitor, with this screen there's not a bad seat in the house. High-Speed Internet and a printer/copier for you to use before and during your meeting. Now we all know that's a great thing to have on hand but what about those inevitable tech problems that always come up. We have you covered with our Onsite Tech Support during your meeting. And when you need to keep things professional, you get your own entrance with a reception desk. 

Call us today at 745-5060 to reserve your spot on the schedule. The room is available Monday through Friday during business hours. If you need our Meeting Room after hours or on weekends please call for after-hours rentals and rates. 

Did you know that the BEST Computer Repair in the Valley is located right here in Palmer Alaska?? Rent-A-Geek was voted "Best of the Valley" for Computer Repair. Yes, the people have voted, and they chose Rent A Geek as their favorite place to get a computer fixed. Not just in Palmer Alaska but in the entire Valley (which is almost the same size as West Virginia!), that's a pretty significant achievement for our small hometown shop, and we're proud of it.

At Rent-A-Geek we fix them all, from PCs to Macs and Laptops too. No need to go to Anchorage or send it anywhere, we can help. We're here for anyone in the Matanuska Susitna Valley that might need their computer fixed. Just give us a call at 907.745.5060 or drop in with your computer and let us help you.

Things Rent-A-Geek can help with:
    •Virus Removal-malware and viruses can slow you down and cause trouble in various aspects of your computer life-we can help!
    •Tune Ups-the critical "regular maintenance" to keep you running like a champ
    •Data Recovery-did you lose it all? Rent-A-Geek may be able to recover your files
    •Data Wipes- we can effectively wipe your old computer clean and get it ready for donation
    •Diagnostics-when you need help figuring out what is going on with your computer our diagnostics are there for you
    •Data Transfer-we can help you move your data safely and securely your new computer
    •Laptop Screen Replacement-let us fix it!

 Local computer repair right here in Palmer Alaska means you can rest easy knowing that Rent-A-Geek is here for you and your computer's problems. 

Thanks to everyone who voted us Best in the Valley for Computer Repair. We appreciate your support and look forward to serving you in the coming years. Remember Rent-A -Geek the next time your computer gives you trouble; we'll get you back to work in no time at all.