Compute This Online
3 employees
14 years in business
About this pro
ComputeThisOnline.com is a computer consulting service specializing in remote service.
I have extensive experience in troubleshooting operating systems and desktop environments including Dos, Windows 3.1, 95, 98, ME, NT, 2000, XP, Vista, Windows 7, 8 and 10 as well as Server 2000, 2003 and 2008. I also have experience supporting Apple products and use multiple Linux distros on a regular basis as part of my disaster recovery tool kit.
I have a high success rate recovering data from damaged or failing hard drives and an excellent track record at removing computer malware and viruses.
My ideal customer is older, retired, uncomfortable with technology but find themselves more dependent on it every day.
People with printer problems, internet questions or who are generally frustrated with their computers. People who would feel more comfortable having an expert maintain their system and be available to help instantly when problems surface.
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Credentials
Winter Haven, FL 33884
Email verified
Phone verified
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FAQs
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Caller becomes frustrated with computer and calls my number for help. We talk and if I can answer the question or solve the problem quickly I will (for free).
If I need to connect then we discuss my rates and I have the caller open their web browser to www.ComputeThisOnline.com and run a tiny app called Quick Support by Teamviewer. The connection process usually takes less then 5 minutes and from there it's just like I'm sitting at the callers keyboard and able to see whatever issue the caller is dealing with.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I first started working with computers in 1979 with my high school's Digital PDP-10 and have had continuous daily exposure to computers and IT since then.
In 1997 I passed the NRI Schools Master Course in Microcomputers & Microprocessors with highest honors.
From 2000 to 2007 I worked for GE Healthcare providing remote support for the MUSE cardiology system which had me diagnosing and troubleshooting networking and workstation problems remotely in hospitals all over the world on a daily basis.
Along with various GE certificates I'm also certified by Microsoft (MCP) and also a Certified identity Theft Risk Management Specialist (CITRMS) through the Institute of Fraud Risk Management.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your services? If so, please share the details here.
I have 3 ways that I bill, the first is $104 per hour in 1/2 hour increments, the second method is annually, I charge $324 per year to maintain and support a machine on a monthly basis and for large jobs I have retainers available.
How did you get started in this business?
I have been working with computers and in IT since 1978 and have been providing onsite and remote support to end users since 1995.
From 2000 to 2007, in addition to writing my Compute This... column in the Hometown News I also supported cardiology systems for GE Healthcare (MUSE) and dreamed of offering the same level of support to regular users rather than hospitals.
In 2007 when the technology made it possible for me to reliably connect remotely to any pc on the internet I left GE and started offering remote support to my readers and the rest is history.
In 2007 when the technology made it possible for me to reliably connect remotely to any pc on the internet I left GE and started offering remote support to my readers and the rest is history.
What types of customers have you worked with?
I have worked with everything from very large enterprise systems (Hospitals) down to individual computers owned by regular everyday people and everyone in between.
My enjoy working with older retired folks far more than working with business or enterprise systems.
Describe a recent project you are fond of.
Had a caller who needed to print boarding passes. 3 other techs (from her internet provider) told her she needed either a new printer or new computer. I connected and was able to get her printing in less than 10 minutes!
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a pro in your area of expertise?
Be careful! There are so many scammers out there claiming to be from Microsoft or Yahoo that it can be hard to determine who is legitimate. If a tech support calls you and tells you he's from Microsoft and your machine is generating errors - hang up, he's trying to scam you! If you get a message on your computer urging you to call an 800 # don't do it! Real error messages don't urge you to call a phone number - the guy on the other end of the line is a scam artist and will try to take you for as much as he can.
What questions should customers think through before talking to pros about their needs?
Be very careful that the people you talk to regarding computer repair are who they say they are and have the qualifications they say they do.
Ask them who they work for and what their qualifications are. Be wary of tech's that claim to "work for" Microsoft, Google, HP, Yahoo etc. - they can be certified by them but it's unlikely the tech actually "works for" the company.
Once you find a technician you can trust, stick with him and build a relationship.