Shop 5, 486 The Esplanade, Torquay
Hervey Bay QLD 4655

Phone: (07) 4125 5077 Fax: (07) 4125 2824

E-mail: sales@masterlinkcomputers.com.au

This page "The Wall of Shame" is a small reality check.

The images posted here very much speak for themselves. All of the content on this page is a true account of the work done locally by so called "experts" who work out of back sheds, looking for new ways to rip you off !

At Masterlink we very much believe in the Aussie tradition of giving the "battler" a go. But we ask that if you are either purchasing computer equipment, or looking to have repairs done. You follow a few simple rules to protect yourself from these unscrupulous operators.

Although it's always best to avoid puting yourself at risk. Please remember that you have rights under the law, if you believe you've been unfairly treated or "taken advantage of", seek professional advice. All reputable computer stores will only be too happy to help where-ever they can.

Simple Precautions

1. Don't deal with anyone who operates only through telephone numbers.
2. Always ensure you know the "physical" address from which the person operates. Such as a shop front.
3. Always ask for some form of identification.
4. Find out what guarantee on parts and labour is being offered.
5. If parts are replaced, make sure you get the old parts back. Even if they are no good.
6. If you have doubts about who you are dealing with. Go somewhere else, there are plenty to choose from.
7. Always make sure you get an Invoice or Tax Receipt with an ABN number.
8. Make sure you get in writing at least a brief description of the work done.
9. Remember that there are people out there that tell "porkies". They may say they're an expert or have qualifications, in our experience most do not!

 Note: For legal reasons we are unable to name these shameful operators on these pages. But be assured we know who you are!

CASE 1:

This "repairer" hands out very professional looking fridge magnets, rather than business cards. He provides only an email address and telephone numbers. Although he will probably add "mate" onto the end of every sentence, just remember that with mates like him, you don't need any enemies!

This computer system was purchased by a Hervey Bay gentleman for $600 believing it to be new. After just a couple of days it ended up in our workshop and was unfortunately deemed as being beyond economic repair. In this case the buyer planned on paying the seller a courtesy call.

Faults Found:

1. Front Panel held on with "tape" and "wood screws".
2. Washer loose in case, which could potentially short-circuit a circuit board. Or in extreme cases short circuit the main power supply causing a fire.
3. Case fan fitted to graphics card with one wood screw. Both fan and heatsink loose.
4. Mounting Screws missing from motherboard.
5. Front Panel Switch faulty.
6. Cooling fans and other components caked with dust
7. Hard Drive held in by 1 wood screw

Footnote: A new computer with warranty would have cost little more than this system which is well outdated and only good for the rubbish bin.

CASE 2:

Our "friend" from "Case 1" above strikes again !

In figure 1 above you can see that the cooling fan on this video card has been unplugged. On further investigation it became apparent that this had been done to silence the fan. Good one Cowboy!

With the graphics card reaching extremely high tempertures, the system was experiencing a number of problems. And undoubtedly was heading for imminent total failure, meaning a substantial cost to the client.

In figure 2 on the right you can see how the card should have been repaired. A new fan was installed by our technician with a 12v molex for connection direct to the power supply. This repair was inexpensive (certainly cheaper than a new video card) and rectified the various problems being experienced.

Case 3: But Wait there's more...

Cowboy Strikes Again !!! Sorry no pics, just another unbelievable "rip-off".

A very nice lady at Point Vernon (we'll call her Jenny) had her computer returned to her by "cowboy" with a supposedly new 250Gb hard drive and a downgraded install of Windows XP Professional from Vista. She paid $400.

The problem is that Jenny didn't receive an authentic copy of Windows. So she now finds herself in the position of having paid $400 for a drive worth $95 and presumably $305 for labour. Windows of course is worthless without that original authentic copy. We suspect the key to activate windows has been taken from an old pc and possibly used by a number of people. Naturally if Jenny has any future problems with Windows and needs to have it repaired or installed... she will need to purchase it again costing $399.

Footnote: Every computer with Windows Installed must have an authentic product key. Product keys are printed on labels similar to the one above, which are often attached to the computer case or in some situations the windows cd packaging. If you're unclear on the technical and legal requirements associated with licence keys, then please give us a call. As a Microsoft Partner, we'll be happy to answer any questions.

Case 4: Are You A Receiver of "Stolen Goods"

We'll try to get away from "cowboy" as there are plenty of other bad fish in the sea. This guy is a smooth talker, very "flashy" and likes to do "contra" deals. But he has two things in common with "Cowboy" in our previous cases. He has very limited technical skills and even less ethics. So promising the world and hoping he never has to deliver, is no problem.

All companies record serial numbers and other details on stock for Insurance, Warranty and Stock Control purposes. Details of stolen items are also sometimes circulated around businesses. It's through such record keeping that an item can be tracked through it's life from the moment it was ordered from the supplier to it's journey with a courier company to the time it was purchased by a customer.

Serial numbers are also used for confirming warranties. And it was on such an occasion recently that a Samsung Monitor was returned by an accommodation complex on the Esplanade to Masterlink for repair, that the serial number triggered an alert, revealing that it had been stolen.

In this case the customer (we'll call him Peter) purchased the monitor from a very smooth talking operator who has gone out on his own to setup a computer repair service.

Obviously, in this case Peter is the innocent victim of someone else's dishonesty. But even so as a "receiver of stolen goods" he is terribly upset and I understand has lost a few nights sleep.

If you have any doubt about the goods being offered to you for sale. Don't hesitate. Contact the Police.

Case 5: Are You A Victim of Software Piracy ? 

This technician (and I use the term loosely) operates from a mobile van. And once again a mobile number is the only way you can get hold of him.... if he decides to take your call that is !

Before this guy worked on this clients computer she had a genuine copy of Windows. Now thanks to him, she's become a victim of Software counterfeiting.

ok, so you think we're scare mongering. Have a look at this video distributed by Microsoft and you'll see why we take such matters seriously!

CLICK TO VIEW VIDEO

Reminder: It gets damn hot in Queensland ! 

We all know how hot it can get during the summer months, and computers like people don't function at their best when over-heating. 

The following pictures show how much dust a computers' cooling fan can draw in. Notice the buildup of dust around the cpu and heatsink. Although this may be an extreme case, over the years dust will build up in any computer, regardless of how clean it's environment is.