Caveat Emptor OR NOT

To contact us: By Referral ONLY

Email: tenexes@tenexes.net

Below are my opinion’s, based solely on my experience with the associated entity. As those of you who know me know, I praise those who provide good service (often getting that entity dozens of new clients ie. Sprint, FedEX). Those who are not customer service oriented or difficult to work with, are also recognized for their lack of achievement and  inability to excel. This often causes them to lose clients. I do give poor performers several chances to become stellar performers and should they step up to the plate, will adjust their evaluations accordingly. Top performers get 5 Stars, poor performers 1 or negative numbers.

 

Avira AntiVirus Software     No Stars

 

Pro’s: Recommended by PC World Magazine, Rated Well

Con’s: Won’t Update, Useless Program 10/2009

 

Recommendations: DO NOT USE, Won’t update

I am not sure how PCWorld Magazine managed to rate this program so highly as it will not update virus signature files. This inability to update is apparently very common and continues to be an issue. A security utility like Avira needs to update frequently in order to provide current protection, it appears updating is non-functional in this program. That makes the program useless.

 

DirectTV    ***  THREE STARS    (RECOMMENDATION CHANGE OCT 09,2009)

 

Pro’s: None  * I tamed this down a lot!*

Con’s: Signal loss during Inclement Weather including heavy clouds. Problems or conflicts can be difficult to resolve and may end in your service being turned off and\or a large unreturned equipment charge showing up. I would suggest contacting their home office in Segundo, CA.

 

** If you cannot get satisfaction, immediately contact DirectTV’s home office in El Segundo, CA. Do not engage in a battle with the Customer Service Rep or their manager  as it is an exercise in futility and you will lose.   Please contact corporate headquarters at 1-866-785-5536 or email to: CustAdvocFollowup@directv.com.

 

Recommendations:  **  Subscribe with Caution **

Customer Service for Technical Issue’s is very good. Go here and search for directtv: http://www.complaintsboard.com  All things considered excellent picture quality and a descent selection of channels even in the lower priced packages. Keep in mind you are likely signing a 2 Year Service Agreement.

 

Dish Network    ***   Three Stars

 

Pro’s:  Few, When escalating an issue, Managers are able to resolve issues.

Con’s: Signal loss during Inclement Weather including heavy clouds, In my opinion, Customer Service is impressive, conflicts can be resolved fairly.

 

Recommendations:

A satellite driven service that can have you losing service during inclement weather. Customer Service for Technical Issue’s is very good. Customer issues can be resolved fairly. Go here and search for dishnetwork: http://www.complaintsboard.com

 

Mediacom    **** Four Stars

 

Pro’s: Few loss of service episodes, Loss of service episodes are generally very short in nature

Con’s: Repairs for services loss can be days. Support passable.

 

Recommendations:

Cable driven, fairly easy to deal with, customer service oriented. High Speed Internet usually good for most. Internet Phone, I’ve yet to hear anything positive. Go here and search for mediacom:

 http://www.complaintsboard.com

 

Western Digital

 

Pro’s: Reliable, reasonably priced drives

Con’s: None

 

Recommendations:

Since this manufacturer makes a solid quality product, problems are rare. However, should you experience a failure during the warranty period, they are a 5 Star company. Advanced replacements are available and phones are answered fast.

 

QWEST DSL

 

Pro’s: Fast reliable DSL service when you are in the proper distance from your DSLAM (phone station)

Cons: None

 

Recommendations:

Highly recommend Qwest as a provider where available. Customer Service, Technical Support, Onsite Installation and Service are excellent. The only time you will have trouble is if someone tries to switch your long distance provider or you are on the outer edges of a dsl service area. My DSL provider since 1989 so lots of experience working with them.