Computer Building, Upgrade & Repair

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

A. It is difficult to find a good provider if you are not informed about the basics. I have heard many horror stories of customers being ripped off by large companies whose techs could not properly resolve their issues. I can personally guarantee to you that I know my industry and will be completely honest with you. Your best bet is to find out if your service provider can give you a guarantee and that you feel comfortable with the tech. I will make the process comfortable and relaxing for you and promise to provide the best value.

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

A. I am extremely thorough and knowledgeable about PC's, especially Microsoft Products. I have long-term experience in building PC's and using Microsoft Operating Systems such as: Windows XP, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows 2000, Windows 98 and Windows 95. I also have long-term experience with Windows Server 2008. I have upgraded and repaired laptops for many years. My services offer the greatest value.

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. I have an equal enjoyment in repairing or installing Windows Operating Systems and building computers from the ground up or installing replacement or upgrade parts on computers.

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

A. I have a virus on my computer and it runs super slow and shuts down. How can this be fixed. My answer is to attempt to remove the virus completely with a good anti-virus solution. Sometimes requiring the hard drive to be hooked up externally to another computer for full virus removal. Worst case scenario is formatting the hard drive and reinstalling windows and all the programs.

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

A. I decided to get into my current line of work because I have a passion for the technology and enjoy working on and with computers. I was formerly a Vice President for a major bank, yet found it quite boring.

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

A. A recent job I am proud of is building a very inexpensive mid-tower for a customer. I used spare parts I already had and researched a motherboard that would accept all the parts. I installed Windows XP Home, since it was not the cutting edge in technology, but with 500 megabytes of RAM, a 320 gigabyte hard drive and a DVD burner, it more than met the demands of my customer, and because the motherboard and tower were new, it looked just like a brand new computer and runs great. Again, I brought excellent value to this customer.

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. The biggest changes that have already started are the growing popularity of Smart Phones. This is going to continue to be the way of the future and we will all need to stay informed on them. They will be a way to pay for items and they will be our personal mini-computers.

Q. Describe your most recent project, what it involved, how much it cost, and how long it took.

A. My most recent project was a typical laptop gone out of control with spyware, adware, trojans and viruses. It was a computer I had worked on a year ago. Fortunately I had what is called an image of the hard drive, which allowed me to restore the computer to the way it was one year ago. I performed updates and had the laptop back in the hands of the customer within a day, at a minimal cost.

Q. If you have a complicated pricing system for your service, please give all the details here.

A. Below is my current pricing schedule. My current special offer is: 50% off all labor costs for all work begun by March 31, 2011.

Click here for an complete spreadsheet list of my labor rates.

Technical Labor Price List

Windows 7 or XP Quick Install: $50.00
Windows 7 or XP Tweaked Install: $75.00 Includes: anti-virus, speed tweaks, all updates
Windows 7 or XP Super Pack $150.00 Includes: anti-virus, Office Programs, Photo Editing Software,
PDF Reader and Creator
Restore from Restore File $50.00 Restores computer to the day I made original restoration.
PC will be exactly the same as the original day I worked on PC.
WARNING: No updates. No newer software. All files
(including photos, documents, music, wallpaper, software)
added to computer after restoration, will be lost!
Restore from Restore File Plus Pack $100.00 Restores computer to the day I made original restoration.
PC will be exactly the same as the original day I worked on PC.
ADDITIONALLY: If at all possible I will restore files
(including photos, documents, music, wallpaper, software)
added to computer after restoration, to the restored
computer.Updates to Windows and other Microsoft software
will be completed. Computer will also be re-tweaked
for performance.
Install Hard Drive in PC $50.00 Plus cost of Hard Drive. Includes guidance and search for
best price/value.
Install DVD/BluRay/CD Burner/Player $50.00 Plus cost of Optical Drive. Includes guidance and search
for best price/value.
Install RAM Memory $50.00
Processor (CPU) Upgrade $100.00 Plus cost of processor (CPU). Includes assesment of your
system to determine proper options in processors and your
price range to counsel you in proper processor (CPU)

Q. If you were advising someone who wanted to get into your profession, what would you suggest?

A. My suggesting to someone wishing to enter my profession would be to take a great interest in PC's. Subscribe to easy-to-understand magazines at first, like Smart Computing. Research information through search on the internet. It will take patience and time, but you will become proficient like myself in time.