A visit with a local entrepreneur Joe’s Computer Repair
As a result of the viruses, he found he was spending whatever money he made online on getting his computer up and running properly again.
He mentioned this aggravating state of affairs to his wife who promptly responded that he should be fixing computers himself, and that is when Joe began exploring the ways and means available to him of becoming a computer technician.
Joe found a great online PC Repair course and signed up. He had completed high school with an electrical background so he had basic knowledge of how computers work.
The online course consisted of studying, learning and being tested over the duration of two years, but could be completed at your own pace.
Joe had plenty of time: He had been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and was unable to do any physical work so he studied full time 5 days a week from 9 to 5.
The practical part of the course was that you had to take what you had learned and apply it to your own computer, which included making alterations to different parts of it and writing your exam online. Joe says it was a bit intimidating at first!
It took approximately one year at his own pace to complete the course. He had worked over 20 years in retail sales previously, so he found that he really missed interacting with folks. Starting a small home based business was a great way to reconnect with old customers, meet new ones and to be at home to help with his daughter.
Joe tells us it’s not just about the money aspect of his business… he tries to help people with programs and internet related problems whenever possible!
Computer technology has changed significantly since 2006. It was primarily dial-up back then and dialer viruses became a big problem. The viruses at the time mainly travelled through email, which made them easier to detect and avoid as you could just delete any suspicious looking emails.
Joe says that today no one should go online for any time at all without some sort of anti-virus program.
It is easy for malware to infect your computer, which then opens up your computer to a variety of malicious software. There are several free anti-virus programs available to download online. They give the user basic protection but there are viruses out there that can get by even the most expensive anti-virus protection available. They are disguised as a legitimate file when they enter the computer, but then they open up and begin to alter programs and create pop-ups and generally make you think your PC has become possessed!
Joe’s Computer Repairs fixes many different computer problems from virus removal, hard drive replacement and upgrades, RAM upgrades, software, video cards, sound cards, video & sound problems, wireless installations, wireless cards, wireless dongles, error repairs, power supplies, screen replacement for laptops, re-format of hard drives, motherboards, DVD/CD roms and readers.
Joe also does PC Tune-ups which cleans out temporary, dat., set-up, service pack and other files as well as physically cleaning fans and inside cases, including laptops which help your PC perform to its best ability.
Computers, when they first came out commercially back in the 1990’s were big bulky boxes. They have consistently gotten smaller and more powerful as time has progressed with the newest units including Tablets, E-Readers, and cell phones with internet capabilities.
Joe sees these changes as yet another opportunity and in the coming year of 2013 will be offering repairs to several types of Tablets, I-Pads, E-readers and higher end cell phones such as the Iphone 4, 4s, 5 and Samsung Galaxy, X-Box and Play Stations.
Joe carries some computer parts in stock such as desktop power supplies, desktop DVD drives, wireless cards, keyboards & mouse, hard drives as well as a few common cables like Ethernet and printer cables.
He can order almost any part for even the oddest make of computer with a down payment. Laptop power supplies can be ordered and are usually cheaper than from the manufacturer and arrive in a week or less.
Joe’s Computer Repairs is open Mon-Fri 9-6, Sat 9-12 and closed on Sundays. Drop off or pick up can easily be arranged by calling 273-4130 or 481-0587.
At this time no debit or credit cards can be accepted.
Joe would like to thank all his customers since the business was begun for all of your kind words and encouragement and to wish a Very Happy New Year to All!
S. Kelley
