Computer Repair Service (Windows)

• $40: Removal of Viruses/Worms/Spyware and some prevention. some symptoms of spyware:
  • popups when you use your OS telling you that your machine is infected
  • slow computer
  • blue screen
  • black screen
  • can't use your machine anymore
• $40+parts: Upgrade RAM (memory) to make computer faster
• $40+parts: Hard Drive Upgrades (every 4-5 years)
• Fix Filesystem: I will let you know if I think it needs it. takes 1/2hr to 1 hour. Many times users skip this step.
• $40/hr Software Installation/Reinstallation
  • $120 Windows Installation/Repair(+media cost if needed)/Reformat (install service packs, drivers, updates, any software you have - bring it)
  • $40: Install web server for your web development/testing - prevents angry System Admins and unwanted web server downtime and possible sanctions against your account (not necessary for blog or CMS like Joomla or Drupal)
  • $40: Install a popular flavor of Linux (I don't do dual-boots because that's risky)...
    • Ubuntu
    • Mint (enhancement of Ubuntu, comes on DVD rather than on cd)
    • Fedora
    • OpenSUSE if you have an older machine that has 256MB of memory, OpenSuse 11.4 or 11.2
• Replacing Components
  • $40+parts: replace a video card, $20 if you already have it. I will have to qualify your Power Supply for the video card. rule of thumb: 80W+recommended PSU Watts for stability.
  • $40+parts: CD/DVD/BLU-RAY Drive Replacement on Desktops. Symptoms:
    • drive is 4-5 years old
    • pristine software refuses to install off of media, very slow or extremely slow to read media
    • pristine movies play with garbage or extremely slow or skip
    • pristine audio cd's won't play with your favorite program
    • just want to upgrade your drive to newer technology, e.g. lightscribe, DVD, DVD DL, Blu-Ray
  • $40+parts: upgrade or replace a hard drive
  • $40+parts: replace a floppy drive depending on type (can't make bootable cd's without one)
  • $40+parts: replace a power supply (I always recommend that you do not skimp on your power supply, but go with an 80 Plus Certified, I prefer Antec)
  • $40+parts: replace a network card, and install new drivers
  • $80: reinstall your drivers
• $40: Yearly Preventative Maintenance (cleaning of cpu fins, fans, removing dirt clods which can make computers go crazy) on Desktops
• Diagnosis
• Networking (TCP/IP, NETBEUI)
• $40+software: Upgrade Windows (if you provide software I don't have to purchase it)
• free: point you to a dialup service that still works on windows 98
• free (product is not):help someone get email who doesn't know about computers
• $40: give your Desktop wi-fi (wireless network access to your router or wireless modem - I use either Intel 6300 [450Mbps dual-band N] or Linksys WMP600N [130Mbps dual-band N])
• free: email you a link to a good box of certain kind of cd pens (black ultra fine point sharpies, don’t use color)
• parts+$10 fee: Order System Restore Discs for your Major Vendor computer (Dell, HP, Acer, etc.) for peace of mind.
• $10: Provide driver disc (per disc)
• networking
  • train you on your router
  • reset your router, setup your router (need to know modem characteristics (DHCP or PPPoE+login info, any domain info)
  • can tell you if your router is bricked (hopefully not). just make sure you give the router 5 minutes to boot after a reset or power-up.
  • setup a network - you would need to bring the modem, router, and any other networking equipment, login info if your modem requires it (comes with your ISP welcome sheet).

Rates

• $40/hr (1 hour minimum) for computer repair + parts + WA tax. Senior Discounts of 50% on rate ($10/hr+parts+ WA tax).

To keep my overhead down and your costs down, computer repairs are done in my home office (call first).

By dropping your computer off to be fixed, it saves me travel time and you money.

If a fixed cost is not mentioned, rate is $40/hr. I am trying to be competetive.

When I need to Order Parts

Ordering Parts is necessary many times. Since my office is not huge, I operate on a JIT (Just In Time) basis.

This means when I need a part, then I order it or will pick it up at a computer store if I can get something decent. Ordering it means a minimum 3-day delay (unless you want to pay an extra $40-$96 for overnight shipping).

Parking

Parking is available on primarily 13th St. (2 cars max, sometimes UPS uses it) and secondarily 14th St. (no parking, just short dead end street, 1 car). Cross street is 87th Ave (ambulance throughway - don't park there, you can get a $500 ticket).

13th and 14th are the streets on the left and right sides of the house. Always call first before coming.

This is a Home Office. Our 2 parking spaces in front of our garage are not available.

MAP

Hours

By appointment only. Please call 360-521-2060 or email me.

If I am not available by phone, please leave me a voice mail and I will get back to you.

Flyer

flyer.pdf

Degrees and Certifications

years of experience working with computers.

I have the following certifications and degrees:

• Bachelor's of Science Degree in Computer Systems Engineering at Oregon Institute of Technology, 1994
• Associates of Applied Science Degree in Software Engineering Technology from Portland Community College on Aug 31, 1991
• CompTIA A+ Certification for Computer Repair/Building Computers, Operating Systems
• Supporting Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.5 Certification from Microsoft
• Dynix/ptx Administration 1 Certification from Sequent (this was a flavor of UNIX for refrigerator & diswasher-sized servers)
• Mastering Web Site Development Certification from Microsoft
• Mastering MFC Development Using Visual C++ 5.0 Certification from Microsoft