| family computingsmall business computing client feedback |
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| Personal Tuition "You are the first person I have met, in the field of home computing, who communicates as adeptly with clients as you do with the computers you operate. It is lovely to meet someone who is eager to actually share their knowledge, in a kind and patient manner, without once making the client feel ignorant or rushed - a sure sign of a good teacher!" |
A key aspect of my service is to pass on useful information to computer users through training sessions. Of course, there are plenty of books and courses about computing, but sometimes they cover too many aspects of computing that may not be of interest to you. It can be hard to find out exactly what you want to know. So, what I offer are personalised, one on one lessons that focus entirely on what you want to know in order to do the things that interest you – and do them well. To feel in control. To understand what’s going on. Even to know what to do when you don’t! Lessons are tailored specifically to your requirements and given at your home so you can concentrate on learning using the computer and software you are familiar with. There are no limits to the number of people I will work with (and no extra charges), which makes learning very inexpensive for the whole family and members can help each other later, which helps reinforce the learning experience. To read what clients have said about my work with them, click here. |
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| Purchasing advice | Between the strange jargon and the bewildering options, it's no wonder buying a new computer can be a stressful business. Talk to me about what you want to do with your computer and I'll find you the right machine at the best price, ordered specifically to meet your needs from trade suppliers, for less than you can buy the same computer in the shops. |
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| Installation | If you are buying a new PC, you may have important information on a previous machine that needs to be transferred. Programs need to be re-installed, along with printers, broadband, pictures, music libraries and of course your anti-virus software. Getting a new PC should be exciting and trouble-free. I can make sure that's how it will be for you. |
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| Security and Safety | The most underrated security issue in the home is backing up your information. People have pictures, music, documents, plans, financial information, work-related materials, school projects, research, lists of favorite websites and of course email. If your computer fails - and they do from time to time - you could lose everything you value on your computer. Yet backups are cheap and easy to do - I can offer you simple solutions that use inexpensive media like external hard disks or memory sticks to make sure your files cannot be lost in the event of a computer crash. The other important aspect of computing safety is knowing how to use the internet without putting you or your family at risk. This is a matter of understanding what NOT to do (in most cases) and I can help you with a family training session, advise you on the best anti-virus strategies and software, and show you how to protect your younger family members from inappropriate websites and downloads. |
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| Maintenance | Computers need servicing just like cars. After a while, computers seem to get slower, bogged down with lots of software that no-one remembers installing or is quite sure what it does. A routine healthcheck every year or so is probably prudent, can prevent small problems from becoming larger ones, and costs very little. |
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| Broadband and wireless | Ordering and installing broadband and wireless is another fast-changing arena in which customers have to plough their way through all kinds of packages and offers. I keep track of these services so I can help you find the right package and get it set up in your home. |
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| Webcams |
Want to keep in touch with far-flung family members or friends? Webcams are a very popular way of turning your PC into a videophone. With a program like Skype, you can talk to - and see - your friends and relations FOR FREE, no matter how long you chat away. |
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| Upgrades |
In my opinion, people can be too quick to buy new machines when existing computers could be upgraded or serviced. Knowing when to upgrade and when to replace is a tricky question, but one I can answer for you by giving you clear options and costs for each possible solution - before you spend any money. |
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| Rebuilds and repairs | Well, computers do break down. Sometimes they just work so badly they may as well be broken for all the use you can get from them. Quite often, the cheapest solution is to strip the computer down and rebuild it - install all the software anew - but this requires some careful work to make sure none of your data gets lost during the process. And if your computer has a hardware fault, I can certainly fix it for you so long as the repair will be more economic than a replacement (which I'll tell you when I've had a look at the problem). |
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| family computingsmall business computing client feedback |