Windows
I work on Windows-based computers, rather than on Macs or Linux-based machines, not because one type of operating system is better than another, but because that's what the majority of my clients use. If you use a system other than Windows, I may be able to help, but I'll be struggling.
Common problems
A lot of my work involves dealing with viruses and I have a reasonable amount of success in eradicating them. The next most common problem I come across is software that "won't do what it's supposed to". Sometimes I've come across the problem before and a fix is easy. Sometimes it takes some researching and testing and trial and error to discover the solution. And sometimes the solution is beyond me.
WoF
I'm a great believer in computers having the equivalent of a yearly "warrant of fitness" check-up. Maybe it's just a good way of getting repeat business, but I find that small problems can become big ones if ignored. Anti-virus programs can get out of date, the computer can start to slow down as software and updates eat into available memory, and updates to programs may be required for security reasons.
Networks
Increasingly, I'm being asked to set up home networking so a family can share a broadband connection between several computers and perhaps share a printer. Sometimes the network is wired, sometimes it's wireless and sometimes it's both. If it's wireless, I make sure the connection is encrypted so no-one in the neighbourhood can connect to the client's network.
Housecalls
Typically, I make a house-call when a client reports a computer problem. That way, I can check out all the computer equipment and I can have the problem demonstrated to me. If I can't fix it quickly, or I need extra equipment, or I need to run tests that take a long time for the computer to complete, then I'll unplug the computer and take it back to the workshop. It keeps my labour charges down if I can do that, because I can get on with other work while the tests are being run. Once the computer is fixed, I can return it or the customer can pick it up.
Wants and needs
I suppose a big, fast computer would be nice to have, but it goes out of date so quickly. My needs are modest so I'm still using a five-year-old entry-level computer with a memory and hard drive upgrade - the sort of thing you'd buy on TradeMe for $100. If I recommend an upgrade, it'll be because I think you need it, not because it's the latest thing.
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