Symons Says!

Questions & Answers
I need a favour?

Please be aware.  There are many good people out there that make their living dealing with computer problems.  These people have spent hard $$$ learning their trade just like plumbers and electricians, accountants and even lawyers.  They cannot live by "doing favours".

Q.  I was just working on a simple letter and my computer screen went blank.  Can you do me a favour and just pop over and take a quick look?

A.  NO

I don't mean to sound nasty but.

If I were to ask you.

- Would you do me a favour and just pop over and do my tax return?
- Would you do me a favour and just pop over and tune up my car?

OK OK.  I suspect you get the drift.  I have spent over 30 years dealing with computers.  In that time there were many sleepless nights figuring out - what the hell - caused that to happen.  I have paid big dollars many times because I required the expertise of somebody that had the answers.  Thanks to those sleepless nights and costly help - many times I am able to make the fix look way tooooo easy. 

I do not charge much but I do charge.  My fee to "pop over" is $50.00 per hour.  If it takes me 3 hours to fix what should have been a 1 hour problem then of course I will charge for 1 hour plus the travel time.  Please be aware that I turn the meter on when I head out the door of my home.  I do enjoy computers and I am happy to help but please understand that I enjoy it more when there is compensation involved. :-)

Part of my problem is that I have developed a serious addiction (model airplanes) it is an expensive "habit" and I need money and time to feed the habit.. Yes I would rather be working on my planes than your computer.  So please understand.  The average "fix" for my habit is $200 so I am sure you can see the problem. :-)

PS.  I often start by checking the power.  If I find that the computer is simply not plugged in and / or the power bar or whatever is turned off then the fee is $100 on the spot - & a glass of good scotch!

1. Insure all bits and pieces are plugged into the right holes.
2. Insure all switches are turned on.
3. Unplug the modem - count to 10 slowly and plug it back in. 
4. Restart the computer.  It should shut down completely and then start up again.
5. Did you check the batteries in the mouse or the keyboard?
6. Is there a switch on your power bar?? Is it ON?
7. Sometimes the internet goes down for a while.  That's life.
8. Unplug the router - count to 10 - plug it back in.

Yes I have driven for an hour round trip for each one of the above items.  Yes I was cranky.

So make sure you check these carefully before you make the call.  email  ihaveread@eyeopener.ca with you phone number and name and I will call when I can.

I also recommend your first call should be to Vera and Coronado computers.  They are in the Mall where the 99 Store is and they are well equipped to solve your problems.  6526 0477.  Yep she speaks 'Merican" English.

PPS.  Before even calling anyone I recommend a special utility software program that will help keep your system running fast and clean.  Click on the ad in the column to the left called pc pitstop and run the free scan.  You will save us both a bunch of time if you do that.  Or just click here and follow the instructions.  You will feel like a hero and will be amazed at the difference.

That's enuf for this month.

Bill

Send your questions to bill@geezeraid.com