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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
Q. I received an email
from a friend and all of a sudden my computer started doing strange
things. Can you do me a favour and pop over and take a quick
look?
A. NO
Q. I can't seem to get on the internet
today. Can you do me a favour and pop over and take a quick
look?
A. NO
Q. I just purchased a new computer. Can
you do me a favour and pop over and help me set it up?
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
PS. Feel free to share this link if you think it
will help somebody.
www.theeyeopener.ca
Yes my stuff is free sort of but you will notice some
advertising and yes I make a buck if you click on an ad and buy
something see "always read the fine print" |