What do would you want from a computer expert?

[enjourni]

Hello warriors, my name is Dan- I'm an A+ Certified computer tech with a genuine passion for understanding and communicating technology to people.

I've been thinking about how I can turn my passion into products or services which generally help people. In general when talking about computers, it seems people want different things:

(A) I just want you to make this program work or fix this specific problem so I can get back to what I'm doing (requires access to their computer and IT work on their specific setup)

(B) I want to know how to maximize my efforts with X program (aka "X Program for Dummies")

(C) I don't know what to do to achieve X with my computer, but I want to (my favorite, requires access to their computer AND training)

Type A can be any type of person (either a newbie or an expert who just wants to get past some issue.) Type B tend to be experts but desiring specific knowledge for business or professional field they are in. Type C tend to be newbies looking to get off on the right foot with some product or computers in general.

I would like to ask the community- what would you desire from a computer expert? Since many of you are likely of the Type B sort, are their specific programs you want help in, and you can get that help from the designers?

I have done research on many programs for windows, I know some of the best available for most situations (hint: they are almost all free.) For example, do many of you know the best programs available to help you with product creation? Do you desire a custom software setup that I can install that would get you started? (With your permission, I can remote into your computer for IT work, from anywhere in the world.) What about having a system on your computer that makes it impossible for viruses/spyware/bad things to ever enter into your system?

I have considered an idea which would be a monthly subscription whereby I would remote into your computer once a month- install latest software updates, scan for malware, perform cleaning tweaks to keep your computer running as fast as possible, etc. I'm not sure if people would want such a service.

Anyway, I would appreciate it if you would let me know what your needs are! Thanks.

[B.J. Johns]

as tina mentioned, i also have a problem with someone accessing my pc. once dell did it and although i was a bit concerned i figured that it's dell so i'll prolly be ok. i wouldn't just let a computer repairman for hire type do it. now, if u have developed a long lasting relationship with ur costomers then it may work. for this u may want to consider a monthy informative publication, which could be free (at least initially) or have a low monthly cost such as to set up a continuitiy program. once u delelop a relationship and establish urself as a trusted expert u may find it much easier to solicit further business. i've never bought the program and really don't know much about it but supposedly frank kern's mass control teaches something similar to this.

[enjourni]

Yes, I understand that. It's difficult to get people to trust someone they don't have direct contact with. Especially if the computer contains private business-related information.

Releasing free information is good, I'm working on an ebook on virus/spyware elimination and prevention right now. Maybe I will give that away free, I'm not sure.

Maybe if I simply made a series of videos where I provide valuable computer information for free? So you could see who I am, and that I can be trusted because know what I'm talking talking about? I like what Eban Pagan does with having a blog with free informative videos.

Tina, what do you think about any of these?

- How to secure my wireless internet from snoopers/hackers
- Tips to prevent spyware/virus infection
- How to roll-back negative changes to your computer
- How to speed up your computer in 5 steps
- How to encrypt my private files
- What free software can help with product creation
- How to navigate your computer faster
- Reviews of productivity software (you can find a lot of these on the internet already)?

I appreciate your feedback, thank you.

[archer29]

Yup, I'd never let anyone remotely plug into my computer. My husband is an IT guy with 20 years experience with online sales of PCs and local service. The number one problem is spyware and people that have McAffe or Norton installed. The #1 tip on your site should be 1. Install AVG 8.0 and 2. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware software, free from download.com. Malwarebytes picks up nasties that AVG leaves behind but both are useful. You could use those 2 programs to drive traffic to your site.

[Steven Fullman]

I'm an MCSE, if that means anything here...

Don't believe me...?

Go here:

https://mcp.microsoft.com/authenticate/validatemcp.aspx

TranscriptID: 680631
Access Code: 1fullman1

Good luck, Dan.

Carve yourself a niche, fella. The world (increasingly) needs the skills you have to offer...

Steve.

[GeorgR.]

i once knew someone who was going for an A+, he didnt know what a CAT5 cable is...

Anyway...i would do such things locally, and go to people's houses, get rid of spyware, scan computers things like that.
There are people who pay PREMIUM to the dumbass nerds from geeksquad who dont know squat. $200 for "sorry, we have to format your computer since it is infected"-kind of things.

[dhsemp]

Good thread guys.

[artwebster]

Hi, enjourni,

I don't have any trouble with people remotely accessing my machines if I know who they are, where they live and that they are fully qualified.

A major problem I have is that nobody who comes to fix my machine does anything that I don't know how to do myself. (The last person who came even used the software on my computers that I use myself on a regular basis!) They certainly don't fix the problem.

The strange thing is, I know exactly what the problem is and I always tell the local expert (was a drip, now under pressure) who assures me he can fix it.

This is how computer technicians get their reputations destroyed - all these numbnuts trying to rip people off.

My problem is very simple - my ISP 'chokes' my ADSL line by limiting the capacity. What should be a 6Mb connection is actually a 725Kb connection for 90% of the time. This can be fixed if an expert can talk to the ISP (in Spanish) and argue the technical details.

It will now be fixed by my ISP because I have managed to talk them into giving me a 10Mb connection with a 2-3Km range router and agreeing to become a 'hot spot' for others to have a metered connection to the net. I did not know this solution was available and neither did any of the experts who have been to 'solve' my problem. (I might even make a profit on the deal since I will get 70% of the charges! I can only spend a limited time online so it should work out well.)

My own opinion is that there aren't enough teachers out there prepared to visit homes and teach the things that you plan to do - so that we can do them ourselves. This might sound self defeating from your point of view but, to give you an example, a local guy visits clubs, church groups, training colleges and schools as well as homes and gives basic lessons in most aspects of owning and running a computer. I won't say he is making a fortune but he is certainly not complaining.