Home Help for PC Owners

Local service only: Poole, Bournemouth and surrounding areas.


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Call-out rate: £25 per hour

Emergency Call-Out

Computer crash or loss of internet connection.


There can be any number of causes for a PC to crash or fail to start. Likewise with your broadband connection to the internet. Elsewhere on this site you will find an article covering some of the more common causes and some first-aid measures you can take to recover the status quo.

Failing that, there is a telephone number in the right-hand column of this page for an emergency call-out. I am currently working from Tuesday to Thursday in a 9-to-5:30 daytime job but am usually available at other times for call-outs in my local area. My rates are £25 per hour plus travel if outside a 5 mile radius.

Home Tuition


If reading through the articles on this site - or any other - is not for you, then I can take bookings for two or three-hour home tuition sessions. Online articles are fine and those who write them try hard to anticipate questions, but we all take certain things for granted and there will always be questions that remain unanswered in the online text. If you are at the stage where you can manipulate the mouse and manage basic WWW navigation, then a few hours of tuition might be just the thing to help you make the most of your hardware investment.

Hourly rates are the same as shown above but, in this instance, I would prefer initial contact via email if possible. This is because I can't guarantee to be close to the phone all of the time and I can always pick up my emails on a regular basis.

Broadband and Wireless Installation


The big names such as BT or Tiscali might seem to be a safe bet if you are short on experience in the Internet Service Provider (ISP) marketplace but buyer beware ... before making your decision, take a moment or several to consider the options. As for Wireless, do you know how to secure your wireless router (or access point)? Are you sure that you are not providing free internet access for your neighbours? Again, if you are local, I am able to visit your home to advise and, if necessary, help with the installation and configuration of your home network.

Internet Security


An essential but often overlooked aspect of the online experience is security. This is especially true where children are concerned - more so if the kids have unfettered access via their own PC's. There are internet security suites of software available as well as dedicated "nanny" programs. Which should you use? Are your home computers adequately protected right now? Contact me for a security check-up and advice.

PC Hardware Builds and Upgrades


Sometimes - especially for non-specialised use - pre-packaged PC deals from online vendors, or big retail outlets such as Tesco or PC World, are a cheaper option than attempting to build a computer from components. Remember that these packages almost always include the Operating System (usually Microsoft) which can account for a big slice of the do-it-yourself price. However, there are times when the pre-built machine is just not up to the job that you have in mind. For example: gamers would typically build their own "rig" and - like custom car enthusiasts - are often more interested in the specifications of their components than actually partaking in the gaming.

Between these two extremes are people who would like to have a machine capable of, perhaps, running advanced 3D graphics applications but are not technically inclined towards building a PC from the ground up. I have been building and upgrading my own PC's for at least 12 years and will do so for you too upon request. For this service, I will discuss your requirements and quote a price up-front. This will include the cost of components, delivery charges and a charge for my time. There would also be a certain amount of free telephone support for technical questions after installation.

The PC Paramedic Alliance


PC ParamedicThis is an established and growing alliance of computer consultants and technicians along the South coast of England. While we are all independent traders, we can share resources and arrange to cover each other's locality when required. The co-ordinator of the alliance, Chris Livingstone, is an IT manager with many years of valuable experience.

I have known Chris for some years and have recently joined the alliance as the agent for the Dorset area.