Do you sell computers?
Yes, Sigma recommends Seanix Computers, a Canadian Brand out of Richmond, BC. .

Do you buy used computers?
Sigma is a drop off recycling depot where you can be sure we will utilize every piece and part we can before recycling them through proper channels.  Sigma’s recycling program has donated computers to Canmore Community Daycare, Canmore Preschool, Canmore Animal Shelter, Hearts and Hands for Guatemala and other charitable endeavours.
We can take your old electronics as a donation to our recycling program however we cannot offer to buy your equipment.

Do you sell used (refurbished) computers?
Yes Sigma sells used and refurbished computers and other equipment. Feel free to stop by our storefront at 1416 Railway Avenue, Canmore, Alberta.

Does Sigma meet or beat Dell and Calgary pricing on computers?
Seanix computers are very competitive with Dell and other brand pricing. You can learn more by shopping online here with the username: sclient and the password: sigma66 (This password will become sigma77 next and will consistently change to sigma88, then sigma99, etc.)

What antivirus do you recommend?
We recommend that to be fully protected you have a new version of Kaspersky Anti Virus each year.  Would you like us to install Kaspersky Anti Virus for you?

What hardware do you carry?
Sigma carries most internal PC parts and many accessories and peripherals such as external hard drives, printers, headsets, keyboards & mice, and many others. Anything we don’t carry in stock can be ordered. Please contact us to see if we have what you are looking for.

What is a router or firewall?
A router is a hardware firewall that protects your network from many internet threats and gives you the ability to have multiple PC’s sharing the same internet connection. Sigma carries Netgear wireless routers in stock at all times. We always recommend a hardware firewall solution for all networks and highspeed internet connections. You can learn more here

Can you clean my computer of viruses?
Yes we can clean your computer of viruses and adware. If you authorize the removal virus and adware please be aware that Windows damage may already be done and can show itself even after the computer has been cleaned and released.  If Windows damage is found, Windows will need to be reloaded.

Can you speed up my computer?
Sigma can perform routine maintenance and hardware upgrades to speed up your computer. Please bring your computer down for an assessment and we will provide a quote for you.

Can you upgrade my computer?
Yes Sigma can provide both hardware and software upgrades for your PC. Please contact us for more information.

Do I need to book an appointment to get my computer fixed?
There is no need to book an appointment to have your computer brought down for diagnostics. Please visit us during operating hours with your PC and we will have it checked in.

Do you do free pickup and drop off of computers?
Yes, Sigma provides free pickup and drop off of your computer for service within the Bow Valley. Please contact us to schedule your pickup.

Do you do house (onsite) calls?
Sigma has certified technicians available for dispatch to your house, or your business location. Please contact us to schedule an appointment.

Do you have to reload Windows if you replace a motherboard?
When a replacement motherboard is put into a computer it is best to reload Windows.  Even though the motherboard is exactly the same, Windows can have some trouble recognizing it properly.  In the past when we’ve replaced a motherboard and not reloaded Windows problems show themselves after we’ve released the computer.  The cost to reload Windows, however, is not included under warranty

How do I protect my computer?
We believe our clients are protected from viruses if they are doing the following things:

1. Purchasing the latest retail version of Kaspersky Anti Virus each year (not from the internet).
2. Understand that the purchase of Kaspersky Anti Virus is a 365 day licence to tell the computer what new viruses look like (there are new viruses created every day).
3. Put a router, which is a hardware firewall, in place to protect from hackers and hacking viruses.
4. Make sure your Windows critical updates are done.
5. We recommend scanning your computer at lease once per week with Kaspersky Anti Virus, Adaware SE and Spybot Search & Destroy. You can download those programs for free from www.download.com

You may have a tutorial on avoiding and removing adware.

How do I set up my computer, printer, or router?
Please refer to your manual for information on setting up your device. If you would like, Sigma can provide onsite or inhouse service to have your devices configured and set up properly.

How do I stop others from using my wireless network?
Wireless gateways provide WEP and WPA encryption to protect your wireless network from unauthorized access. Please refer to your manual or online documentation provided by the manufacturer for more information. As always, Sigma can provide inhouse or onsite service to secure your network for you.

Is it possible to fix my motherboard?
It is important to note that if a motherboard has failed we it is usually impossible to get the computer to turn on.  Therefore, replacement of the motherboard would be the first next step in troubleshooting.  We could replace the motherboard and find that another part requires replacement.  The following is an estimate you should look at before investing in a new motherboard.
$150.00 estimate for new motherboard
labour to install the motherboard is included in minimum diagnostic fee
$120.00 to reload Windows
$270.00 + diagnostic fee

Should I fix my computer if it is out of warranty?
Any amount of money spent on an existing computer combined with the fact that the computer is no longer under warranty, requires that we talk about worst-case scenario.  Worst-case scenario would be that you invest money to replace parts or reload Windows and another part on the computer fails the next day. 
Since new computers are as low as $600 and laptops $900, Sigma advises that money is often better spent on a new computer with at least a 1-year warranty.  If the budget does not allow for a new computer then it must be understood that repair of an existing computer is a little bit of a gamble. 

What are the things I should think about when reloading Windows?
We can reload windows if we have the original CDs that came with your computer.
Is your Windows Product ID on the outside of your computer?  If not do you have a CD with the licence # on it?
Do you have the Original Installation CD’s that came with the computer?
Have you copied all your data (email addresses, pictures, accounting data ) to another spot? 
We believe you need you to understand that reloading Windows is a drastic repair.  It makes your computer like the day you first got it.  Your programs, email, printers and scanners are no longer on your computer. Only Windows remains leaving you Internet Explorer for surfing the net and Outlook Express to view email but not Word, Excel, MS Outlook or any other program.
Programs can be reinstalled into the computer if you have the original installation CD & licence number.

What does it mean if my computer has a virus and/or adware/spyware?
Viruses come in from email and some come directly from being on the internet.
Adware are little programs that come in when you download free things on the internet.  They are badly written programs that increase pop ups, track where you are going on the Internet and can damage Windows.
The next troubleshooting step is to remove the viruses and adware on the computer.  If you authorize the removal virus and adware please be aware that Windows damage may already be done and can show itself even after the computer has been cleaned and released.  If Windows damage is found, Windows will need to be reloaded.

What is your hourly rate?
Please contact us to obtain hourly and flat rate fee's.

What services do you provide?
You can see a full listing of the services we provide here

Why is my computer running slow?
There are many problems that can cause your computer to run slow. You may be having issues with hard drive capacity, fragmentation, viruses or adware. Sigma can diagnose the problems causing your computer to run slow and provide a solution. .

Do you have a store in Banff?
Sigma only has one location, in Canmore. However we can provide pickup  and drop off of your PC in Banff and the surrounding area. Please contact us for more information.

Does Sigma deal with home users or business users?
Sigma is proud to be an integral part of the Bow Valley for both home and business users. We can handle the small things such as setting up a printer at your home, or installing a brand new corporate network. Please contact us for more information.

How long have you been in business?
Sigma has been established in the Bow Valley for nearly 12 years.

What are your hours of operation?
Sigma is open during weekdays from 9:00am to 5:00pm. Please note our office closes 12:00-1:00pm every day for lunch.

Where is Sigma located?
Please see our contact page for our full address and a map of our location in Canmore.