PROTEK: Frequently Asked Questions
PROTEK

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Answers to Frequently Asked Questions at: PROTEK


Q. Where are you located?

A. Our address is 737 Lower Main St., Wailuku, HI 96793. We are located right across from the 76 station and the Wailuku Industrial Park. For driving directions, click here .


Q. What are your store hours?

A. Our store hours are Monday – Friday, 10am to 6pm. We are closed on major holidays.


Q. Do you sell Computer Hardware and Accessories?

A. Yes. We carry a large selection of new computer hardware for both PC and Mac computers. Our website displays our product selection in real time, so any item not showing out of stock is available in our store. PROTEK is also an authorized HP, Lenovo, IBM, Netgear, D-link, Toshiba, and T-Mobile retailer. We carry a wide array of parts for all computer brands, including Apple, and have computers on hand for immediate purchase.


Q. Do you carry accessories for Apple products?

A. Yes. We have a vast selection of Apple accessories, including power adapters, Apple Pro keyboards, display and video adapters, wireless mice, software, and much more.


Q. How can I contact you for pricing, hardware recommendation, or repair service questions?

A. If you are looking to reach us during non-business hours, please fill out our Customer Service Form and we will get back to you within 24 hours. You may also call us during business hours at 1-808-244-6699.


Q: Is PROTEK an Apple Authorized Dealer?

A: PROTEK is in the process of becoming an Apple Dealer. We are currently an Apple Authorized Service Provider. Apple will, at this time, only allow one dealer in Maui. If you would like PROTEK to become an Apple Dealer in the future, send us an email with your feedback and/or past experiences with the current Maui Dealer, or feel free and send feedback directly to Apple at goapple@apple.com. We hope to become your Apple Dealer in the near future.


Q: My child is going to college. What types of technology will he need, and do you carry it?

A: Colleges today require a variety of technology and tools in order to stay up to date on campus. We have notebook computers as well PC's and custom built computers for students to do there homework. We also have Cell phone accessories to help you keep in touch while they are away. Contact our Sales staff for additional questions about the best way to provide the computer and mobile hardware and accessories your college student needs.

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Q. What type of networking products do you carry?

A. PROTEK carries a full array of switches, routers, and hubs for both wired and wireless networking solutions. We carry the top brands, including D-Link, Netgear, Cisco, and Linksys, and can help you choose the best wired or wireless LAN PCI cards, hardware, and accessories for your business or home. Additional accessories include CAT 5 and CAT 6 cable, the newest in 802.11x wireless cards, 24 port switches managed switches, access points, and Dual Wan routers.


Q. Do you carry any additional memory for my computer?

A. Yes. PROTEK does carry RAM upgrades for several types of desktop computers as well as many of the newer laptops. We carry RAM from Crucial, Super Talent, Corsair, Ballistix, and Samsung, available for your DDR, DDR-2, and Notebook memory needs. If we do not have your specific type of notebook RAM in stock, we also do special orders for Notebook memory. Please visit our store or contact us to discuss your memory needs. Make sure you know exactly what type of computer you have in order for us to best serve you as DDR, DDR-2, and Notebook memory all has different specifications. To find out how much memory your computer currently has and what it can benefit from, use the Crucial system scanner tool available here.

Q. Do you sell memory cards for my cell phone or digital camera?

A. Yes. We stock several types of memory cards, including Micro SD cards, Mini SD, and Compact Flash, as well as SD for cell phones and other portable multimedia devices.


Q. Do you carry any Seagate Hard Drives?

Unfortunately, we no longer carry Seagate Hard Drives due to our customers reporting high failure rates. We here at PROTEK pride ourselves on offering you the best quality merchandise, and we have decided to replace all Seagate Products with Western Digital, which has shown itself to be the top of the line in storage media at this time.


Q. What types of accessories do you carry?

A. For the electronics enthusiast on the go, we offer accessories for your mobile devices. For your laptop, we have Laptop Bags, Sleeves, Bluetooth Mice, Logitech Wireless Keyboards, External Hard Drives or DVD Burners, and flash drives. iPod owners can find many mobile iPod accessories, including travel kits, acrylic cases, silicone sleeves, armbands, and charge/sync cables. We also have phone chargers, car chargers, and USB chargers for all of your electronic portable media needs.


Do you sell video games?

A. No. At this time we do not carry video game software. We do sell custom gaming computers and equipment, and we have a large supply of hardware including gaming mice, keyboards, headsets and large DVI LCD screens to help you enjoy your gaming experience.


Do you convert Video Cassettes, Photo Negatives or Slides to CD or DVD?

A. Yes. We offer a drop-off and pick-up service at PROTEK in partnership with Mid Pacific Media for video cassette, photo negative, and slide conversion to CD and DVD media.


Where can I find information about useful software applications?

A. If you are looking for software application information, feel free to view our reviews and news page, or visit our forum for many helpful tips and reviews.


How often is your web site protekhawaii.com updated?

A. Protekhawaii.com is updated in realtime, meaning that items are added to the web as soon as they are entered into our data base. The items are also taken out of stock as soon as the last one is sold. The system may not show item(s) on hold though, so it's a good idea to call or email ahead of time to make sure the product(s) you want are in deed available for sale.

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Q. Are you able to come to my house to fix my PC?

A. No. Currently we do not offer a house-call service for PC users. If your PC needs servicing, please bring your computer, along with any necessary cords and software to our storefront service center and we will be happy to provide the repairs and service you need. If your laptop needs repair, you must bring your AC adapter in order for us to provide you with the assistance you need. If you are having software problems, such as issues with Windows software or hardware installation disks, please bring all of your software disks as well. Apple Onsite service is available through Apple Care eligible units - please contact us for more information.


Q. What types of computer repair and servicing do you offer businesses?

A. We provide business support for businesses that needs onsite services or support in central, upcountry, south Maui and the west side. We can provide IT network cabling and server management. We can set up your entire network, whether LAN, WLAN, big or small. We also provide wireless network solutions and set up business infrastructures so that the entire company is fully stocked with the network equipment and technology you need. PROTEK is also part of the Apple Consultants Network (ACN), and can be appointed to help create customized IT solutions to help you run your business, saving you hundreds of hours looking to find new computer networking and to help provide you with cost effective solutions. We are one of the only members of the Apple Consultants Network on Maui and one of only 4 in all of Hawaii. Give us a call at 244-6699 for estimates and availability.


Q. Are your technicians certified?

A. Yes, our technicians are certified. Our computer technicians are both CompTIA A+ Certified and Apple Certified technicians. PROTEK is the only CompTIA Authorized Service Center Gold on Maui. We are also one of the only Apple Authorized Service Providers for repairing Apple products still under Warranty.


Q. What repair services do you offer?

A. At PROTEK Hawaii, we offer in-store repair of all major brand computers, including HP, Toshiba, Lenovo, Apple, Dell, eMachines and Acer. We repair both desktops and laptops, as well as custom built computers. We are experts at Hardware repair, software installation, virus removal, and restoring data backups including backups of failed hard drives. We also offer Epson Point of Sale (POS) equipment repair return services.


Q. How long does it take to repair my computer?

A. Most computer repairs are completed within one to three business days. Special orders and holidays may delay service completion. Computer repair drop-offs are welcome. Bring your computer into PROTEK (If fixing a laptop, you must bring your AC Adapter as well) and drop it off with one of our staff for all your service needs. We will call you within 24-48 hours with an estimate of the cost for the repair, the estimated turnaround time, and what we can do to fix your computer. Special orders for repair parts are welcome (prepayment is required).


Q. My iPod is broken but still under warranty. How can you guys help?

A. As an Apple authorized service provider, we offer mail-in servicing for broken/damaged iPods. There is a $20 mail-in service fee and you should call us at 808-244-6699 to see if you qualify and to discuss timeframes. We can also fix out of warranty iPods. For a $20 diagnostic fee, we can tell you within 48 hours what is wrong with your iPod, how long it will take to fix it and how much the iPod repair will cost. Repair of iPods is a prepaid service.


Q. Do you offer Graphic Design, Web Design or Bulk Printing Services?

A. We partner with Mid Pacific Media to provide you with all of your designing needs. If you are looking for Graphic Design, Web Design or Bulk Printing Services, visit www.midpacificmedia.com.


Q. Do you recycle or dispose of old computer equipment?

A. No. For a safe, legal way to dispose of your computer equipment, visit www.mauicomputerdisposal.com.


Q. My hard drive crashed. Is there anything you can do?

A: Drop it off at PROTEK and our certified computer repair specialists will work towards recovering your lost data. We will try to fix your computer using the latest computer repair technology. We also offer data backups including those from failed hard drives, and as a drive-savers data recovery partner, recovering the files off your broken hard drive is our specialty.


Q. What is an Apple authorized service provider?

A: Apple authorized service providers consist of companies and institutions that act as Apple resellers or service providers. This program allows product repair delivery of apple products to Apple customers, including both individuals and businesses. Apple Authorized service providers (AASPs) are allowed to do upgrades, perform setup and installation, and make repairs for products still under warranty. PROTEK is the only AASP listed in Apple's web service referral system in Wailuku and one of only two on Maui.

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Q. Do you offer Network Installation and Low Voltage Data Services?

A. Yes. Protek provides a wide array of network cabling solutions for businesses in need of new infrastructure and Ethernet drops. This includes running of Cat 5e and Cat 6 cable, both in-conduit when needed and within commercial buildings.


Q. What Equipment Will Be Needed to Fully Take Advantage of a New Network Infrastructure?

A. New low voltage data wiring installations can benefit greatly from the right combination of hardware. Protek provides a wide array of products that will help a business take full advantage of its new network infrastructure, including Power over Ethernet (PoE) devices such as switches, wireless access points, and VoIP phones that are operational through compatible products and software. By pairing a new structured cable network infrastructure with the right equipment and hardware from the point of installation, businesses can ensure their entire workplace is prepared to take advantage of their new installation.


Q. Between the Two Low Voltage Wiring Options, Cat 5e and Cat 6, What Is the Difference?

A. Cat 5e cabling has been used extensively for many years and provides full functionality for almost all existing hardware including any office applications and point of sale systems. Cat 6 cabling is being introduced more regularly for use in bandwidth intensive situations including heavy file transfer, video editing, video conferencing, and VoIP functions over a busy network infrastructure. For most commercial practices that do not utilize high bandwidth applications, Cat 5e cabling will be effective for the foreseeable future.


Q. What Cableing Services Does Protek Provide?

A. The process involves the running of structured cabling or low voltage wiring from home run drops to demarcation points with the goal of linking drops directly to switches, making it possible to just plug in new systems and hardware directly to the network when they are installed. Every network installation is completed with proper termination, using cable boxes with individual keystones. Splicing is not used, cables are run cleanly and smoothly and data cables are not stapled, ensuring a clean, easily maintained infrastructure.

Protek recommends the installation of additional low voltage wiring drops for future installations of new technology as well as ongoing expansion in the form of network printers and VoIP telephone service. When completed during the initial installation process, the additional low voltage wiring drops are much easier and can save substantial amounts of time and money in future maintenance and installation.

For those in need of traditional voice phone cabling installation, Protek also provides this service, which can be included in addition to structured cabling drops or performed separately.


Q. What Are the Prices for Structured Cabling Installation in a New Network Infrastructure?

A. Prices vary depending on the particulars of a cabling installation. Starting hourly rates will apply in most cases, but it is recommended that anyone interested in having cable dropped for their commercial location contact Protek directly for a detailed quote or estimate.

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Q. How do I install my network cabling at my business?

A. Installing Structured Wiring can be a difficult task. If you have service related questions, call us at (808) 244-6699. We do installation for businesses in the Central, Upcountry, South Maui and West Side areas. However, if you are planning on installing network cables yourself, keep these simple rules in mind:

- Try to give each cable extra slack to avoid the cord being yanked out by someone tripping over the wires. This can damage not only the cord but the network cards as well.
- Every time you install a new piece of wire, test and label it. There can be so many wires in a business that if you encounter an error, it may be difficult to locate.
- Keep clear of any electrical wiring and heating that could be dangerous.
- Cover the cable with protective covering to avoid tripping or pulling out.
- Label the ends of each cable.
- Use cabeling standards and practices.
- Use safe cable ties, rather than tape, to keep cables together so they do not tangle or take up too much space.
- Consider using a Cat 5 cable, as Cat 3 cables can prove to be too slow even though they are cheaper.

It is illegal to use some cables in areas that are either near heat or hidden, because they give off toxic fumes that can be dangerous to employees and firefighters should there be a fire. Before cabling, be sure and check out Maui's current building codes with regards to cabling placement.


Q. I was originally looking at buying a Dell, but I've heard some horror stories about them. What is wrong with Dell?

A. Dell's customer service has been attacked over the years for being of exceptionally low quality, as they have been known to outsource to India. Their shipping time can take weeks or months, and many of their productions come back broken or incorrect. Dell computers, especially laptops also tend to suffer from severe overheating issues. Also, returned Dell products have a tendency to get "lost" whereby they continue to charge the customer without replacing the product, even when there is proof that the package was sent. We sell HP Business Class and Lenovo computers because we believe they are better for customers in the long run.


Q. My Point of Sale (POS) System is broken. How do I fix it?

A. Please contact us for an appointment.. We fix many different types of point of sale systems.


Q. I need to open up a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation for my work. Should I buy Microsoft Office?

A: No, you do not need to purchase Microsoft Office in order to open a single PowerPoint presentation, a Word document, an Excel spreadsheet, an Access document or any other single file from Microsoft Office. A completely free software program from openoffice.org is available to open any Microsoft Office file free and easily without having to purchase the expensive software package. It also avaliable for all major operating system platforms including Windows, Mac and Linux.

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Q. Do you currently ship outside of Maui?

A. Yes. We ship to anywhere in the United States.


Q. How do I track my order?

A. To view your orders, see your shipping status, or print invoices, enter your email address on our Order Status page.


Q. What happens if there is a problem with my order?

A. If you experience a problem with your order, please contact customer service. We will respond to your inquiry as soon as possible.

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