Services
The information below is an example of some of the most common services I provide. If you have a problem that doesn't fall into one of these categories please feel free to contact me, chances are I can help!
PC Repairs
There are so many things that can go wrong with a computer, but then it's hardly surprising with so many different components built by different manufacturers and software developers, all communicating at millions of cycles per second! When it does go wrong we realise how dependant on them we are. Maybe you can't boot into your operating system, or your hard drive is making some odd noises, or your favourite program no longer starts up? Whatever the problem, it's usually fixable and more often than not your personal files are fully recoverable. I will always aim to fix something before I recommend a replacement; if a component is beyond repair then I will advise you of the best replacement bearing in mind your computing needs and budget. I will always attempt to give you an accurate timescale for the work involved and will not mark up the price of replacement components.
PC Upgrades
When we first buy a new computer it's the latest and greatest, with so much memory and hard drive space you would think it impossible to need an upgrade for a long time to come. After a while though we soon find our music and pictures have filled up the hard drive and our programs are consuming too much memory. A lot of people think they must get a new computer at this point, but a simple upgrade could be just as effective at a fraction of the price. Adding another hard drive or some more memory is a quick and easy task that can have a dramatic improvement of your PC's performance and extend its lifespan considerably. Laptops are also relatively easy to upgrade, so before you rush out and spend the best part of a months salary on a new machine, give me a call and enquire about your upgrade options.
Networks & Wireless Configurations
Do you have a wireless router? Are you always saving files to memory sticks and transferring them between your laptop and desktop PC? Perhaps you have purchased a new media device that allows you to view your music and movies on any computer or TV in the house, or you just want to be able to print from your laptop effortlessly. Networking used to be a necessity of the business user but more and more now it is becoming a requirement of the home. I can help you configure your wireless network and set up print and file sharing between all the computers in your home. With a simple home network you can access all your important data from whichever machine you happen to be using. If this is something you think you could benefit from why not give me a call or send me an email, I can advise you on the best set up to suit your individual requirements.
Virus & Spyware/Malware Removal
It's a sad fact that there are so many people out there who spend their time developing scripts and programs designed to bring your computer to a grinding halt. Unfortunately this is such a lucrative 'business' that we are likely to see it increase over the years. Most of us have experienced some form of data infection at some time or another and when it happens it can be very worrying. Even with good security software and firewalls, sometimes an infected file can find its way on to your system. Most infections today fall into the spyware/malware category, these tend to be designed around obtaining personal data or tracking shopping trends of the user. Whilst they aren't quite as ferocious as the traditional virus they will slow your computer down and the thought of being 'spied' on is never good. So often with malware the user doesn't even know they are infected until it's too late. If your computer suddenly appears more sluggish than before, or your internet browser is taking longer to load websites, you may have been infected. Why not give me a call, I can connect remotely or pay you a visit to check your system and give it a clean bill of health.
Hard Drive Recovery
Despite all the advances in technology, hard drives, for the most part, have physical moving parts that will deteriorate over time. The average hard disk will spin at 7200rpm, all these tiny components operating continuously will naturally fail at some point. If you hear any type of whirring sound or grinding coming from your hard drive you should shut down your system immediately and contact someone who can recover the data and replace the hard drive before it's too late! Once the spindles have deteriorated to the point that they can no longer spin it could be extremely costly and possibly impossible to recover the data. Signs of a damaged hard drive are whirring or grinding sounds, problems opening files or applications, or Windows not being able to start. In these cases it is often possible to recover your data and transfer it to a replacement drive. If you suspect your hard drive is failing don't hesitate; get it investigated, your data is worth more than the cost of all you computers put together!
Software Installation and Configuration
I can assist with many types of software issues you may be experiencing, from simple installation to unexpected behaviour and error messages. I have extensive knowledge of Microsoft Office software, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as experience with a wide variety of different applications. I can help you install and configure your applications to allow you to get the most out of them, and am happy to provide tutoring and advice for those who need it.
As a qualified sound engineer, I also have experience with a number of music and video editing applications, such as Cubase, Pro Tools, Nuendo, Reason, and Final Cut Pro. If you are venturing into music production and would like some help with these applications and associated hardware, please feel free to contact me, I will always be happy to help.
Peripherals
With so much new technology flooding the market there is usually a new peripheral that you want for your computer. Whether it's a new printer, scanner, sound card, webcam, Blue-Ray disc player, or any form of peripheral, I can help you install both the hardware as well as any associated software and ensure it is configured correctly. I am also happy to assist with devices that you already have that may not be functioning as they used to with friendly helpful advice on repair or upgrades.
PC Servicing
Just like your car, a PC performs better and will give you a longer lifespan when regularly serviced. After a while you will notice that your PC isn't as fast as when you first bought it and takes longer to start up. This is because over time as we add more applications, delete large files, and visit numerous websites, the system gets a little disjointed. The registry, which is the core 'instruction manual' for the computer will become disorganised with the components spread across the hard drive containing unnecessary or invalid data. Think of this a bit like sorting out all your paperwork; over time we put all our bills and letters in a pile and then have to spend a day filing it away in order; once done the statement from the bank is once again easy to find. It's a similar situation with your PC, when it can find the files it needs quickly it performs better. I offer a full PC service that will correct all these problems and get your PC functioning optimally. You will be amazed at the improvement in performance after a full service!
Remote Connections
For many problems I can connect to your PC remotely and resolve the issue without even needing to visit you; it's almost like watching the PC fix itself! You will need to download a small application called Crossloop to do this, you will find the link on the Links page. It's a small application and will only allow people you trust to connect to your PC so there is no need to be concerned about security. Within the Crossloop community you will find many helpers who can assist with a wide variety of computer related problems; check it out today, its free to download and use the software, and completely safe.
Help & Advice
I am always happy to offer help and advice, if you are unsure about something or just have a general query, feel free to send me an email or give me a call. If it's something simple this maybe all you need to resolve the problem yourself. I will always aim to respond to your enquiry as quickly and concisely as possible.