Q. Describe the most common types of jobs you do for your clients.
A. The most common problem I work with is virus/spyware repair. Next is general cleanup and tune-ups to make computers run faster. Data recovery is another large part of my business, plus helping clients develop a backup strategy to prevent loss of data (pictures, music, home videos, financial records, etc).
Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A. California State requires all computer and appliance repair businesses to be licensed. Be sure to ask if the company is licensed by the state and ask to see a copy of their state registration certificate. They are required to have a copy available on request. If they are not licensed, you can file a complaint at: http://www.dca.ca.gov/online_services/complaints/
Our license number is E87300.
Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?
A. Contrary to popular belief, computer repair is more an art than a science. Since there are so many variables in each computer- different hardware, software, and usage- it takes tremendous experience and a good "nose" to solve the toughest problems. For home and small business computer repair, experience is far more important than training.
Q. What questions should a consumer ask to hire the right service professional?
A. Always ask what the hourly rate is for your service type. In addition, ask about how long your problem should take. Although each problem may vary somewhat, the computer tech should be able to give you a general idea. Also, ask what the travel charges or service fee cost is. With gas prices as high as they are, many computer repair companies charge a small fee to cover fuel costs. Finally, make sure you get the estimate in writing.
Q. What important information should buyers have thought through before seeking you out?
A. The state of California requires that all computer, electronics, and appliance repair providers be licensed. This helps protect consumers form shady technicians looking for "the quick buck." Ask to see a copy of their certificate. Also, the state requires all estimates to be given in writing PRIOR to beginning the work.
Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?
A. We have a driving commitment to client satisfaction. Good enough is not good enough! We have a "tongue-in-cheek" phrase we like to say: We want you to be so satisfied with our work that you will PURPOSELY break your computer just so we will come fix it again! 100% client satisfaction- not one ounce less.
Q. What do you like most about your job?
A. I enjoy the "puzzle" aspect to solving computer issues. The more unusual, the better. More importantly, though, is the joy in knowing I was able to help someone solve their computer problem in a timely and cost effective manner. There is no better feeling than when a client says "Thank You" for helping them!
Q. Do you do any sort of continuing education to stay up on the latest developments in your field?
A. I spend hours each week scouring the web for up and coming technologies that can help my clients use their computers more effectively. There is an old saying that all technology is obsolete the day is goes on sale. The computer market is changing so rapidly and I have to stay plugged in to find the "real" inside scoop.