Home computer users
We offer a range of services for home users of desktop and laptop systems at an affordable price. We charge £40 (inc. VAT) per hour (£30 (inc. VAT) for the over 65s and fellow Radio Amateurs). We will come to you, or you may drop your hardware in to us (address on the contact page) if you are passing.
Internet connectivity
We can assist in sourcing a suitable connection to the Internet. Our preferred ADSL supplier is Eclipse Internet. Alternatively, cable services may be available from Virgin Media if you are in a cabled area.
We can assist in the purchase of suitable router/firewall hardware and configure it to your requirements.
Memory upgrades
We can use our purchasing power to source cheap, yet reliable memory upgrades from Crucial. If your laptop or desktop system is not fitted with at least 2GB (preferably 4GB) you could be suffering from easily-avoidable slow program loading and operation.
Anti-virus
We can advise you on, and set up, the freely available packages from the major anti-virus vendors and offer basic training in how to avoid loading viruses onto your computer.
Back-up
We can advise you on suitable storage devices and the best solutions for backing up your data.
Security
We can advise you on password security and physical security of your hardware. If you have a teenager heading to University, we can advise them on how to keep their expensive laptop secure and their data safe.
Power protection and power saving
We can advise you on a suitable Un-interruptable Power Supply (UPS) so your desktop PC enjoys a controlled shut-down next time there is a mains power failure. We can also help install power-saving systems which turn off peripheral items (such as printer, monitor, speakers) when the computer is not in use. Solutions are available for both desktop and laptop systems.
Going to University?
You or your parents have just spent a large sum of money on a laptop for your studies, so the last thing you need is for it to be stolen. We can advise on suitable "Kensington lock" systems to secure your laptop to a desk, bed, radiator, etc.. We also offer advice on ensuring your data is secure and backed-up; and advice on Skype and webcams to allow you to keep in touch with friends and family whilst you are away.
Clean up
For £5 we can clean out your dusty desktop with our air-line (safer and more effective than trying to use the vacuum cleaner!). You will need to bring the desktop to us as our current compressor is too large to take around in the car. Our address is on the contact page.
Software health check
We can install the Secunia PSI software and advise you on software packages that are out of date and require patching.
Hard drive erasure
For a fixed fee of £10 (£5 for additional drives) we can securely erase the hard drive of your desktop or laptop prior to re-sale or disposal.
Free stuff!
We have a host of free software that we can install and demonstrate. Mozilla Thunderbird, Mozilla Firefox, Adobe Reader, MyDefrag, GNU Image Manipulation Program are just a few of the examples.
