Comments on: A Quick Reference Guide to Effective PC Maintenance / Service.

By: aardmangeek

aardmangeek — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 08:26:24 +0000

Trust is always a big issue, whether customers talk about it or not. Let’s face it, a computer tech has unprecedented access to very sensitive info. Leaving as small a footprint as possible should be a part of our professional responsibility as well as a mark of respect to our valued customers.

IMO, Nathan’s practices remind me of a used car salesman. It’s the sales pitch with a false veneer of benefit and as a savy consumer, I am both quick to pick up on it and quick to take my business elsewhere.

Trust used to be a priority in business, but hasn’t been for a long time. I’m still enough of an idealist to hope it will make a comeback.

By: Chris Robertson

Chris Robertson — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 19:35:51 +0000

I almost forgot;
window+pause (system properties)Advanced>Preformance>settings>custom and turn on the last 3.
c:\drive rightclick properties>turn off allow indexing service.
start>run>msconfig turn all of – turn only necessities on.

I ask first about the antivirus

By: Chris Robertson

Chris Robertson — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 19:08:27 +0000

I do nearly the same thing (except for branding explorer) and never have a complain. They comment how it was luck that I put a label with my number on their computer.
In addition I also (for $30.00!)
latest pdf reader
latest flash
latest .net
updates
Install a backup program (backups weekly/monthly) if drive is available and they are ok with it.
I use anvir to do most of that other stuff.
No skype, no sales stuff.
I also install my remote program, and they are incredibly appreciative of that!
From there I can remote in and do cleanup every quarter (3 months)
I then email them with what I’ve done and bill them.
bty adaware doesn’t come close anymore. I had to quit using it. either super anti-spyware or xoftspy.

By: Dave

Dave — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 18:27:16 +0000

I agree with most here in that Nathan’s maintenance/clean up routine is WAY overkill. I have a local friend/competitor who employs a similar approach in that he always does more work than is necessary and positions himself to sell accessories as part of the deal. I know, to each his own and the bottom line is satisfied customers. He and I argue over fundemental strategies constantly as my approach is always simple, honest and addresses only issues that I can qualify. Friendly expert advice on problems is good P.R., puts people at ease and gains customers without going far beyond overboard.

By: Computer Repair

Computer Repair — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 01:22:20 +0000

Wow… I’d agree not to add programs other than the basics and always ask permission before changing any end users settings.

By: San Diego PC Repair

San Diego PC Repair — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 22:07:51 +0000

Interesting discussion. Unless I’m missing it, do you do any sort of data backup for the customer besides setting the system restore point? My biggest fear in working on other people’s machines is losing their data (sometimes it’s not even your fault). Everything else can be replaced.

I’ve been using Drive Image XML (free) and have been very pleased with it. It runs quickly and I haven’t had any problems with the drives that I’ve restored. It sure beats paying for multiple licenses of Ghost, Acronis, etc. Has anyone else used it?

By: gunslinger

gunslinger — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 17:16:16 +0000

I’ll also post my views about maintaining/repairing customers PC’s and my own.
As for rates the average yearly income here is under $25,000. Even the local shops only get about $50 an hour. I have to compete with them. Most people here just will not pay someone $50 an hour or more thats why they call me. I’d say about 70-80% of my customers have called the bigger shops here first and then me. When you make $10 an hour working at a factory, $13 per hour as a police officer or $14 as a nurse, you don’t want to pay someone $70 per hour for anything.

By: Blogging HQ

Blogging HQ — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 06:56:31 +0000

I’m definitely going to save this for later as I have my own methods of maintaining/repairing my PC, but nothing as concrete as this.

In fact, I think *most* computer users should have a resource such as this because far too often expensive computers break down, or suffer from sub-standard performance due to lack of maintenance, mostly because the majority of computer owners out there know nothing about maintaining a computer for long-term use.

And, this is even more of a problem since the world has seemingly gone “broadband”, which is by no means a bad thing, but increases the risk for computer “infection” by far.

By: crlutes

crlutes — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 00:52:02 +0000

@gunslinger – as far as rates, that’s a pretty reasonable rate here in Louisville. The things I do run about 1 1/2 hours and my rate is $60. I based my rates on 50% of the Best Buy/Circuit City/Comp USA crowd and do all work on customer sites. Not defending the rate, just pointing out that once I saw how people were being ripped off by the big box stores, I’d offer something at much less cost. To the best of my knowledge I haven’t lost a client because of the rates.

Also, I agree with you about not installing a lot of software on the client machine. If I have to leave any that I might need in future visits, I created a folder with my company name on it and store them there. I make sure none are triggered at startup time. These are typically informational programs like driver or process displays, or one of the programs that displays detailed info about the pc. That sometimes helps me answer a question over the phone in the future, for which there is no charge to the client.

By: gunslinger

gunslinger — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 14:16:39 +0000

I don’t agree with installing lots of software on a customers PC. Thats why most of the programs I use are portable. As for branding, I can see it if I build the PC. I also love to see some of the rates being tossed around on here. $90 for a clean up? Wow, thats about what the local shops get for a reinstall here. If you quoted someone that price here they would laugh you out of town. The cost of living is much lower here. Its very rare to see anyone making more than $20-30 an hour for anything.