Here is a list of questions I have been asked, along with associated answers:
Q: My PC won't connect to the internet, can you help me?
A: Yes, but please carry out basic checks yourself such as rebooting your router and your PC and checking if other internet connected devices in your household have internet access. If they do not, contact your Internet Service Provider.
Q: My PC is running very slowly, is there anything that can be done to speed it up?
A: Yes, absolutely. I would recommend at least an annual service to clear your PC of temporary files and potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) that accumulate over time.
Q: I believe I may have a virus, can you help?
A: Yes again. Please note that damage left behind after virus removal cannot always be undone.
Q: Can you repair a broken laptop screen?
A: No. I do not fix hardware problems. I can recommend a reputable repair shop and even collect, arrange for repair and redeliver to you if you wish. Costs to fix older computers can often mean it is more worthwhile to buy a new one.
Q: Can you assist with Apple computers?
A: No, not really. I have an Apple iPad, so have some experience of Apple devices, but I have never used an Apple Mac PC. If you have a Windows PC which requires my expertise and you also have Apple devices then I am quite happy to help out to the extent of my knowledge, but if it is expert Apple advice you need, then I would suggest you look elsewhere.
Q: I cannot get into my PC and it has important files which I need to recover. Can you retrieve them?
A: Possibly. It depends on what the problem is. All documents, music, pictures, videos, etc. are stored on the computer's hard disk drive (HDD). If your HDD has developed a fault then in some circumstances it would need specialist data retrieval equipment to recover any information from it. I do not possess such equipment, but services are available which can do this and it is not that expensive. If the fault is less serious and it is still possible to boot up the PC but not get into Windows, then I may be able to recover the PC completely back to a working state or at worst, copy any important files off the HDD prior to the PC either being repaired or disposed of.
Q: I don't like Windows 8/10, can you install Windows 7?
A: If you have a Windows 7 installation disk and a valid licence key, then yes. I would not recommend this, however. The installation process would wipe all your programs and data, which would need to be backed up beforehand and re-installed afterwards. Additionally, Windows 7 will not be supported by Microsoft for as long as Windows 8 or 10. If you really hate your current version of Windows, then my recommendation would be to install a program which makes it look and behave much like Windows 7 (e.g. Classic Shell).
Q. Should I upgrade to Windows 10?
A: Microsoft offered a free upgrade to Windows 10 from Windows 7 or 8.1 for the first year after the release of Windows 10. This period has now passed, so unless you have a particular reason for wanting to upgrade, then I would recommend staying as you are until such time that you wish to buy a new PC.
Q. What If I Have Windows XP or Windows Vista?
A. There is no direct upgrade path to Windows 10 from versions of Windows prior to Windows 7. If you are using an older version of Windows, then you would have to buy a copy of Windows 10 and install it on your PC. You would have to backup your data files prior to doing so and restore them afterwards. Any programs you had before would also need re-installing after the upgrade. Some older programs may not work properly, or even install on Windows 10. In my opinion, either stick with what you've got until it dies or buy a new PC.
Q: I have a new printer, can you set it up for me?
A: Yes, definitely.
Q: Can I print to my wireless printer from my Apple iPad?
A: Yes, but only if your printer supports Apple's Airprint technology. A list of supported makes and models can be found here on Apple's website.
Q: Can you recommend a good laptop or PC to buy?
A: I can on an individual basis. Computers are regularly superceded by more powerful models and so what might be a great PC today would be only average in 6 months time. Any recommendation would need to take into account your budget, what kind of things you are going to use it for and any deals that might be in place at the time. If you do want me to recommend something, then I will ask you the relevant questions and research the market before giving you a list of options.
Q: Do you supply computer equipment?
A: As a general rule, no. An exception to this is when I have ordered and fitted additional memory if I felt it would make a significant performance improvement.
Q: Do you build websites?
A: No. I did write this website, but my experience is limited. My expertise lies in problem resolution.
Q: How much do you charge?
A: Currently, I charge £20 call out which covers one hour on your premises. After the first hour, I charge £5 per quarter hour or part there of.
Examples:
- Time to complete job: 15 minutes, cost £20.
- Time to complete job: 1 hour, cost £20.
- Time to complete job: 2 hours 10 minutes, cost £45.
- Time to complete job: 2 hours 20 minutes, cost £50.
These costs assume you live in or near to the Medway towns in Kent.
Q: How long will it take to fix my problem?
A: If your PC is not working correctly, I will ask you to describe what the problem is. Hopefully, this will give me an idea of how long it will take to fix. I must stress, however, that until I have witnessed the nature of any problem first hand, it is difficult to give an accurate answer. If all you need me to do is install something new, e.g. a new printer, then I will be more confident of how long it will take. Typically, jobs take me between 1 and 3 hours to complete. More complex problems can take longer.
Q: If you cannot fix my problem, will you still charge me?
A: When I speak to you initially, I will try to ascertain if I can help you. If I believe your problem to be hardware related (e.g. broken screen), I will advise you that I probably won't be able to help. I will give you the option of me coming and having a look to confirm my diagnosis and to see if I can help in any way, or suggest you look elsewhere. If you opt for me to come out, then I will charge the call out fee of £20. I have expenses which I need to cover. If during our initial conversation I believe I can help, but upon physical inspection I can't, then I may forego any charge. It depends whether I feel I have managed to provide any value which is worth paying for. I would hope we could reach a mutually acceptable compromise. If I believe I can resolve a problem, it is rare that I am proved wrong. Even if I can't directly resolve a problem, I can often achieve a satisfactory work-around solution.
Q: What forms of payment do you accept?
A: Either cash or personal cheque.
Q: Do you work evenings and/or weekends?
A: I do not work evenings but will work at weekends during the day.