There are many ways to bring an “old” computer back to life, and make a new one keep acting new. The phrase I usually go with is “less is more.” New computers ship with almost innumerable bloatware programs from software and hardware manufacturers that should be eliminated, in my opinion from the get-go. Windows 10, for example, has several high-demand programs running in the background related to connecting to your XBox, most of which mean nothing to a typical user – but you pay the price if you don’t disable them.

Adequate shielding is cost-effective, even free, if you place it correctly and know what to get. Most of the paid-for antiviruses are ineffective or at the very least, not even as good as, many of the cost-free ones. There are also many ways that you can protect your internet browsing from malicious advertisers and other vectors for infection or scamming. I combine lowering your computer’s unnecessary connections with the internet with a solid base of defense that draws from real-time data on new threats. This all keeps you moving quickly and confidently.

Don’t throw away that computer!! Have you heard that Moore’s law is ending? What’s Moore’s law (more accurately, more’s self-fulfilling prediction) and what does it mean to you? Moore’s law is the prediction that silicon computers will keep getting better in relation to cost-to-consumer at a certain, predictable rate. That’s because when we made silicon, a material, into a solid-state transistor (switch) we opened the doors to being able to make ever increasing switches as our technology opened that ability. As we approach transistors the size of an individual atom, the electrons are refusing to behave the same way, they are subject to a whole new set of rules called quantum physics, one of which allows electrons to be in multiple places at once despite the cages and channels we place around them to get them to “behave” the way we want them to. In other words, we’re hitting a brick wall that is part of the natural world itself. The end of Moore’s law should mean that the computer you bought 4 years ago may be just as good, inside its guts, as the one you might buy in another four years from now – if you can defy the industry’s programming that new computers are always better and that computers are disposable. With the right service, that desktop or laptop can theoretically stay competitive for years – as long as the software is updated to be able to connect to improving smart networks that are using servers empowered by the next generation but still-too-cumbersome-for-microcomputing quantum computers.

I’ve been a professional computer technician for 13 years, freelance for 10 of those. I’ve watched the computer morph from the desktop to handheld touchscreen devices that have exponentially more power than the desktops of a decade past. Nearly every electronic application has changed over to IT. Our phones come with video on-demand; app-controlled internet-connected refrigerators, speakers, lights, thermostats and garage door openers are replacing analog units in many stores. IT’s all been fused into one big pile of digital electronics. It’s my job to help you untangle this mess, save you money, and help preserve the Earth too by doing more with used and refurbished devices, parts and equipment.

I used to have a menu for different types of tech service, experience in the field dissolved it. The longer I’ve worked in this trade the more I’ve realized that I can never pinpoint what exactly might be the problem until I’m there working on it. With interconnected networks of devices, troubles can just as easily be related. A service call about browser speed or email not working could be physical, software, or service related. A computer failing to boot up could be a broken power supply or a virus; I just won’t know until I get there and look at it. Working through these lines can be like untangling fishing line; it’s diligent, dedicated troubleshooting. I am patient at working through it all to the end, though, and calmly and explaining it to you the customer in terms you can understand and are comfortable with. No matter how many things are involved, I’ve become very good at fitting on-site house calls in 2 hours or less. You will be amazed at the number of problems I can fix in that time!

My experience with all angles of the end-user experience, even large-scale web design for major startups, and hands-on training as a technician, allow me to look even deeper into how and why annoying or dangerous things occur on the Internet. I can relate these complicated schemes in comfortable terms and help you keep yourself safe in the long run.

Training YOU is just as important to me as “fixing IT”. I’m always there to fix the problem I’ve been called for. Always while I’m working I am answering questions and involving the customer in valuable instructions that can help you understand and have a much easier time on your devices.