Computer Repair And Software & Web Developer

Q. Describe the most common types of jobs you do for your clients.

A. Virus removal and cleanup
Website design and maintenance
Software design and maintenance
Computer purchasing advice

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. When you call a bigger service (like that one with the silly ties and badges, attached to that big-box store), you're getting someone being paid fairly little but making big money for the parent company. Seems a little unfair to me. Sure - the corporate types need to eat, too, but at least I'll spend the time to make sure you don't have to call me again for the same problem.

Bottom line: call the big-box guys to install the TV you bought at their store. Call a professional computer guy for your computer-related needs.

Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?

A. Most people with whom I've worked aren't so interested in the "how" or "why" most tech-bits work (that's why they hired me, after all); rather, they want to know why I can do the job better than their cousin/nephew/brother/neighbor.

My answer always comes back to "you get that for which you pay" (updating the cliché so there's no preposition at the end). I'd happily let the cousin/nephew/brother/neighbor do the job, but I caution them that I may be back to "clean up after them" in the end. It's always better to go with a seasoned professional when something is important.

Let your other technical contacts work on things that won't cost you money in the end.

Q. What important information should buyers have thought through before seeking you out?

A. Before you call, check your cables and connections. I wouldn't charge you to plug your machine in, but I can't avoid my travel charges.

The more specific information you possess, better are my chances of fast diagnosis.

Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

A. Because I've done so many different things in my working life, I have unique perspective and a basic drive for "getting things done." Offering my skill with technology is only a natural extension of that drive, especially considering how many people still seem "scared" of their computers!

I would rather "teach a man to fish," if you catch my meaning. If I have to come back for the same problem more than once, I've missed a big teaching opportunity.

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. Work shouldn't be tedious and terrible - it should help you thrive! I do what I do because it lets me thrive while applying knowledge of things I think are awesome.

Q. What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A. "Really? This is free?"

"Yes... really."

(In response to some of the tools I use for anti-virus, cleanup, etc..)

Q. Do you have a favorite story from your work?

A. There was that one time that I had to turn down a job due to a thermite charge in the customer's computer case. Nothing like getting paid to call the bomb squad, right?

For the security-minded out there, thermite is a good solution for wiping out your computer; however, don't wipe out your computer guy by "forgetting" to tell him it's in there.

Q. What do you wish customers knew about you or your profession?

A. I sometimes wish folk were a little more Google-savvy. I try not to lord my Google skills over people, but when I can solve the problem in thirty seconds with a simple search...

I believe in DIY, and - while I certainly don't mind getting paid to do this - most basic computer issues aren't so tough to resolve in the end.

Q. How did you decide to get in your line of work?

A. My Mother - in her infinite wisdom (stupidity?) - bought me an Atari 400 from a yard sale. I was eight years old, and I never looked back!

Q. Tell us about a recent job you did that you are particularly proud of.

A. Well, for myself, I set up an Ubuntu (Linux) server to run my website and blog on my own terms. I was happy when I realized I remembered how to make that happen without too much effort.

Q. Do you do any sort of continuing education to stay up on the latest developments in your field?

A. I read constantly. I keep up with the trends on the web, try and gain proficiency with at least one new API or programming language/technique every month. In this way, I keep my skills sharp and my options, many.

Q. What are the latest developments in your field? Are there any exciting things coming in the next few years or decade that will change your line of business?

A. Cloud computing and virtualization could really reduce the demand for tech support over the next couple of years. I'm not sure if it will really take off that quickly, but many in the corporate world are already turning to virtual solutions for their server needs. Exciting stuff!