What I do, and what it looks like.

This is the bread and butter: a computer that’s slow, won’t turn on, keeps showing strange messages, or just isn’t acting like itself.

What I work on

• Virus, malware and pop-up removal, including the “your computer is infected” warnings that take over a screen.
• Computers that run slowly, freeze, or crash.
• Hardware that has worn out or broken: drives, memory, power supplies, fans, screens, keyboards and charging ports.
• Windows that won’t start, update, or sign in.

What to expect

I look at the machine, work out what’s really wrong, and tell you in plain language what I found and what I recommend. You decide how to proceed. If you ask me to call you with an estimate first, I will.

Most repairs are finished in 24 to 48 hours. Ordering parts, shipping delays, or finding a second problem along the way can stretch that, and I’ll let you know when it happens.

Please know

Removing viruses and changing software or hardware can sometimes cost files. If something on that computer is irreplaceable, tell me up front. The drop-off form has the full terms.

A new computer shouldn’t be a weekend project. I get it ready and make sure you know how to use it.

What I do

• Unbox it and set it up the way you’ll actually use it.
• Move your files, photos and email from the old computer.
• Connect your printer, Wi-Fi and the accounts you rely on.
• Install the updates and the security protection it needs.

The training part

Once it’s set up, I sit down with you and walk through the things you do every day, at your pace and as many times as it takes. Questions are welcome, including the ones you think are too basic. They never are.

A small office runs on its network: the computers, the printer, the shared files, the Wi-Fi, and the internet connection that ties them together. When it’s set up well, nobody thinks about it.

What I do

• Plan and install wired and wireless networks for offices and shops.
• Set up routers, switches, access points, printers and shared folders.
• Make sure the setup is secure and that it stays reliable.
• Fix the slow, dropping or flaky network you already have.

What to expect

I start by learning how your business works: who needs to connect to what, and where. Then I recommend a setup that fits, explain why, and install it. When I’m done, you get a clear picture of how it’s laid out, so you’re not stuck if you ever need someone else.

Computers wear down quietly: dust, a crowded startup list, missed updates, an aging drive. A tune-up finds those things early, while they’re cheap and easy to deal with.

What I do

• Check for updates and make sure your security protection is working.
• Clear out the clutter that slows startup and everyday use.
• Look over the health of the hardware, including the drive.
• Clean the dust that builds up inside and makes machines run hot.

Why bother

A computer that has been looked after lasts longer and fails less often, and it usually fails on a schedule you can see coming instead of the morning you need it. For a business, a tune-up now and then is cheaper than a day without a working computer.

Many problems can be fixed without you going anywhere. With your permission, I connect to your computer over the internet and work on it while you watch.

How it works

1. You call the office and tell me what’s going on.
2. You install a small program I’ve prepared. Step-by-step instructions are here.
3. The program shows you a number. You read it to me over the phone.
4. I connect, and you see everything I do, as I do it.

Good to know

It’s a good fit for software problems, settings, email trouble, updates, printer set-up and many “how do I…?” questions. It can’t fix a part that has physically failed, and in that case, I’ll tell you honestly and we’ll arrange a drop-off.

Only install the tool when you’re speaking with me. If someone you don’t know asks you to install remote software, don’t.

The list above doesn’t cover everything people ask me about. Some of the others:

• Printers that won’t print or won’t connect.
• Email that stopped working, or accounts you’re locked out of.
• Wi-Fi that drops, or doesn’t reach the whole house.
• Tablets, phones and other devices that need to talk to your computer.
• Advice before you buy anything.

If it’s not something I do well

I’d rather tell you that straight and point you to someone who can help than take your money and guess. Most of the time, though, the answer is yes.