While I'm usually the techy in our home, occasionally I get stumped and have to call in backup…read more Fortunately for me, I stumbled upon The Computer Mechanic in Schenectady! Before I get into it, let me give you some background... In my home, an annual trend has slowly formed with the simple phrase, "Something happened to my computer". It started with a pricey Macbook, where liquid was accidentally spilled onto the device. The Apple store happily offered a fix that cost nearly as much as a new computer -- which led to me purchasing a newer Macbook -- only to have the motherboard die 9 months later with another hefty $800+ fix. So now we have significantly less expensive, and oddly more powerful Chromebooks! Well the other day, the same chilling phrase echoed in my home, "Something happened to my computer". I researched and tried everything I could find online, positive that I was following the right directions, but to no avail. So I decided to seek outside help (!sacrilege!) and came upon The Computer Mechanic's Google Maps result and website. I filled out the online form, and within minutes, I had a short and to the point response. It was after hours, so the next day I hopped into my car and drove over. Being an 80's Nerd myself, the business was exactly what I had hoped it would be. Quiet, lots of computers and parts everywhere, a beautiful wall of old motherboards, and uncomfortably bright glow of several monitors. The guy behind the counter took the Chromebook and said, "when do you want it back by?" To which I replied, "when could it be done? I mean, I have no idea how long it will take." He said, "it shouldn't take too long", and it was late afternoon, so I suggested the following day. Then I confirmed that I provided my email and phone number on the webform and left. The next day, I emailed to check in, and they said it was read. I showed up, cracked a few jokes that didn't seem to land, swiped my Credit Card, and was out the door in minutes. In all honesty, these guys were really great and seemed to know what they were doing. They were even running their "Wipe & Reload for $60" special, so it cost practically nothing compared to places like Geek Squad. It's definitely a no-frills experience. But when you just want to get your computer back up and running, without being upsold on a bunch of garbage you don't need, this winds up being the absolute best type of experience one could hope for. And because it was so inexpensive, I can afford to go to The Computer Mechanic instead of wasting hours trying to figure it out myself. The next time I'll absolutely be back for my annual, "Something happened to my computer" pilgrimage.

Erik and Oscar are very knowledgeable. Pleasant to work with. Can fix any computer or electronics…read more Highly recommended.

Called to have a lock cylinder changed on the main entry door, and to have the spring changed on a…read morewalk through door so that it would stay closed. This guy services Center Square area for his company, he's been to my house before but I forgot he worked for Phillips, otherwise, I would not have called them...I did not care for him the first time he came over. He seems lackadaisical, unconcerned and has a questionable work ethic. He parked his vehicle around the corner when there was ample parking in front of my house, he took his time walking back and forth to his vehicle. He charged me for 60 minutes of his time to do what in my opinion, should have taken 30 min. He must have spent 30 minutes in his truck I guess because he only spent about 30 MAX in my house. His work was ok, I had to ask him to tighten the door handles after he changed the main entrance door lock cylinder, which seems to me he would have done so without being asked. I won't be calling this company again, not if this guy is their representative I have no confidence in him. The bill included: SCR $200, for which he wrote "plus labor for outer door mortise lock..." (he did not provide a break-out of what he spent his time doing); He then listed "Change combination Lock cylinder $20.00", "Progressive Split Spindle $18.92" plus 8% in taxes; the total invoice was $258.03. I feel like the work he did could have been done faster and far less expensive. I'll call another company the next time.

We hired Phillips for a small commercial job recently and were thrilled with the result. Their tech…read more(Greg) showed up on time, provided an almost immediate quote, and completed the job in a thoroughly professional manner. The work they did looks and functions better than what was replaced. I would recommend them to anyone without reservation.

Hart Alarm Systems has installed & provided protection for both the homes I've built in the Capital…read moreregion. They are professionals, personable, prompt, and reliable. I feel secure knowing my house is protected when I'm not there, and my family is when they are. SO, any crooks or creeps, don't get any ideas if you read my posts: if I'm out posting Yelp reviews, my Hart Alarm will be set to get the town police there faster than YOU can run.

Great products & service. Thanks Hart Alarm!read more

These guys are the real deal…read more I have my security system managed by a bigger (but not better) competitor in the area and have had nothing but trouble. For months, I was dealing with a zone that was suffering from voltage spikes and producing false alarms left and right. I called my monitoring company to do repairs. First, they sent someone out to replace a contact (even though that was clearly not the issue) and billed me for hours of troubleshooting, then I was stuck calling back in countless times trying to reach the "right" person to resolve my issue - all while having 2 to 3 false alarms per day! Finally, I got fed up and called Catskill Security Systems. I called them and - boom - got a service appointment the very next day. Joe came out and diagnosed my rather complex issue with ease. After an hour or so, my system was back online and not a false alarm since. Thank you Joe!! I can't emphasize enough just how much more knowledgeable and professional this team is compared to other security companies in the area. I have a background in electronics and software engineering, so it's hard to bullshit someone like me when it comes to fixing low voltage circuits. I am always impressed and satisfied by the skills and knowledge that this company has. Going forward, I won't trust my security system with anyone other than Catskill Security Systems!

From the owner: A Few Words About Us Our Team Leader Joe Sacchetti is one of the founding partners of the former…read moresuccessful security systems company Scott Alarm Systems. With 35 years in the security systems industry, he has taken his vast experience from managing both small and large companies to apply the grass roots parts of them here at Catskill Security Systems. He believes obtaining a security system should not be hard and complex. We are a local company that understands the community from the ski resort towns of Hunter and Windham to the sleepy communit of Copake lake and all points in between. Our goal is to provide the same quality of ethical service the community is accustomed to and deserves. From small projects to enterprise size systems.

I am a caregiver to an elderly woman in the earlier stages of dementia. Her family decided to use…read moreSmart link security to equip her home with a camera security system for her safety. Matt came to the home and set up Netgear cameras with a phone app. She paid $1200 for this, which we are now learning is outrageously over priced. We went back and forth with Matt for a couple months, because they system was never reliably with the Verizon Wi-Fi hotspot that he also recommended and installed. ($50 per month) Matt was very hard to get a response from, and after around 3 months he finally came out to the house and exchanged the Netgear system for a Simonet system with one less camera. He told us that they were hard wired so we wouldn't have the internet issues anymore. They were not hard wired. They just plugged into the wall for power instead of batteries. This new set up never worked. Even the day that he installed it, the signal wouldn't push out of the house so that we could view the feed remotely. In a last ditch effort, on Matt's recommendation, we installed satellite internet through her television company. They system still doesn't work. We have tried repeatedly to contact Matt to return the cameras. He has blatantly not returned any attempt to contact, even from my clients lawyer. Our experience had been completely unprofessional and such a nightmare. On top of all of this, I made a review on the smart link Facebook page and was then blocked from the page. Very unprofessional.. and immature too. As far as I'm concerned, Matt stole thousands of dollars from my client, who is a vulnerable 82 year old woman. I hope that he is ashamed of himself.

From the owner: All of us at Smart Link Security INC appreciate your interest in our services. Our company offers…read morehigh quality Security Systems to the home owners and businesses of Schenectady, New York. We have become one of the most respected Security Systems providers in Schenectady, NY and its surrounding area. Our owner brings over 10 years of experience in the security system business. This great reputation comes from our commitment to quality work and great communication with our customers. We specialize in Security Systems as well as Surveillance Camera Installation, Mounted Alarm Systems, TV Mounting, and Home Entertainment Wiring. The best part about how we can assist you with any Security Systems needs in Schenectady, NY is our fantastic pricing. In fact, please give us a call right now to get a free quote. Our Security Systems are ideal for homeowners as well as Restaurants, Storage Facilities, Warehouses, and Apartment Complexes. Each customer is different and their needs relating to Security Systems vary as well. That is the main reason we make great communication with your customers a fundamental aspect of our customer service. It sounds basic but not every company does it well. The residents and small businesses of Schenectady simply know that for Security Systems we are the best call you can make. We have made sure that our entire staff is expertly trained at Security Systems and insist that they treat every single customer with total care...

These company deserves praise and recognition…read more Had to bring a HUGE, HEAVY and cumbersome safe to them to unlock. It was a tough one with digital keypad that did not work due to low battery even though there were keys. After much pounding with hammer and crow bar two employees had success. Was very happy with them, as my son had passed away and were looking for a will or whatever was stored for safekeeping. Was delighted that there was no fee involved and I am very grateful for the serviice. Thank you so much!

Friendly and knowledgeable. Have done business with them for years. Always accurate key copies. 5…read morestars.