Computer Support
Remote Support
Provided you are using Windows XP, I can provide responsive, useful support remotely. Typically you will phone or email me to arrange a suitable time and I will connect to your PC from my office using secure software. This saves a site visit with the associated travel time and costs, and gets you sorted quicker potentially.
Once connected, I can "watch" what you are doing on your computer as you do it, and advise by telephone what is wrong or what you should be doing differently.
Alternatively I can "control" your computer remotely, and perform tasks on it as if I were sitting in your chair using your keyboard and mouse.
It sounds weird and, frankly it's a bit spooky, but it works incredibly well.
The cost of Remote Support is £25 for initial configuration on your premises (and mine). After it's set up I can resolve (some!) problems over the phone, at a reduced support rate of £20 per hour.
Networks (wireless
or hard wired) are essential for most small businesses and many homes. If
you have more than one computer with a shared need to access the internet,
share files or use a shared printer for example, a network will benefit
you. I
will tell you what you need and will fully install and configure it for
you.
I have extensive experience in networking everything from a house with two PCs and a printer to a large office environment.
Worried about hackers using your broadband connection for their own ends?
See my Security Auditing service and get peace of mind.
Internet access (including E-mail) is now needed on virtually all computers and can be provided in various ways depending on your needs.
Dealing with the nuts and bolts first, I will connect you up to a suitable Internet Service Provider (ISP) and will offer your own personalised E-mail address or web site address should you wish to "get an online presence". There have recently been major changes in the way internet companies charge for their services so there is no need to pay out large sums any more.
Assuming you're hooked up nicely, the other half of the story is how you can make best use of what's out there, so I'm happy to do "internet taster" sessions or handle specific training needs.
Basics
Advice on any aspect of computer use in the home or small business, from virus worries to what software you might benefit from or what sort of computer to actually buy.
Having someone to point you in the right direction can go a long way.
Setup of your computer from a brand new box to a fully working system. I am happy to build a computer to suit your needs, or point you in the right direction to a specialist PC builder.
Remember my main focus is in helping you to get the most from your computer or network.
Repairs
My main area of focus is in improving your relationship with your computers or the internet. However computers do break, and I am happy to undertake such work for you.
I will initially ask for details over the phone or in person and suggest appropriate action depending on the individual case.
Recent Clients
Pricing
The basic charge is £35, which will cover up to one hour's work (there is always enough needing done to use up a whole hour!). Parts extra, of course.
Subsequent hours are negotiable and charged pro rata, so if you only use another 20 minutes you will only be charged for another 20 minutes.
All work is usually done on your premises (though it may occasionally be required to remove your equipment for specialist attention in the workshop) - but see the side panel for a note about Remote Support.
Depending on the nature of the work and the amount of time required, the total fee may be negotiated in advance or charged hourly at a pro rata agreed rate.
If paying hourly you will have the option of stopping the work at any time, but computer work can be time consuming and unpredictable so it is not possible to guarantee what stage the work will be at when I stop. Such is life.
Travel time may be a consideration in charging, depending on the nature and location of the work.
Support on a retainer basis is also available, please enquire.
