fix my computer - FAQs
1. What can you fix?2. How much do you charge?
3. Why do you charge less?
4. What is the most you will charge?
5. Do I get a guarantee?
6. What areas of Auckland do you work in?
7. What do your previous clients say about you?
1. What can you fix?
If you don't see your computer problem below, give me a shout anyway as I have a large amount of experience fixing all kinds of computer related issues. Chances are I will be able to help you fix whatever problem your computer is having.Windows
I am a very strong user of Microsoft Windows and know how to fix most of the problems you will come across when using a Windows PC. I can help you upgrade your Windows PC to Windows 8, remove viruses and spyware, fix your Internet connection, make your PC run faster, set up your printer or scanner, set up your email account and install upgrades. I also have experience fixing applications such as Microsoft Office and Microsoft Money.
Mac
I know my way around a Mac and can help you get up and going with iWork, iTunes and set up your email account. I can help you migrate from PC to Mac. I can get your Mac running again if it refuses to start up. I have also had experience replacing Mac hardware, so if your hard drive is failing or you want an upgrade I can do that for you. If your Mac needs parts replacing, I can diagnose the issue and install the new parts for you.
Ubuntu
I have done some work on Ubuntu systems, including repairing broken Grub installs and setting up a CUPS print server. If you need assistance using Ubuntu, or something isn't working right, I can help you out.
Desktops and Laptops
I can work on both desktops and laptops. If your computer is slow, won't boot up, overheats or has a virus, give me a call. I can work with both PCs and Macs.
Data Recovery and Backups
If you have accidentally deleted your files and folders, I will try to recover as much of it as I can. If your PC or Mac has died, I can extract your data from the hard drive for you. I can also extract data from a damaged hard drive in some situations. If I cannot extract your data then at least you have tried a much cheaper alternative before taking it to expensive repair places, and I won't charge you if this happens.The best way to prevent data loss is to back up! I can set up an automatic backup system for you, either to an external hard drive or to the cloud (5GB free, larger plans available)
Internet and Virus Problems
I can restore your Internet connection, set up your Broadband or wireless (WiFi) network, replace your old router with a high quality one, connect PCs to each other and secure your network against threats.If you don't already have an antivirus program I will set one up for you and perform a full scan on your computer. If your computer is infected with a stubborn virus, I have tools that will get rid of it for you and will get your computer running back to it's old self again. If I cannot remove an infection, I will not charge you a cent for that job.
Hardware Upgrades
Is your computer or laptop running slow? I can install extra RAM in to your computer to make it run much faster. I will determine what type of RAM you need and install it for you.
I can upgrade or install a new hard drive in your desktop, giving you extra space to store your photos, videos and documents.
If you need any other hardware upgrades, such as a new graphics card to play the latest games, or even making your desktop connect to your wireless network, I can do those too!
Forgotten Windows Password
If you've forgotten the password to that old machine that you haven't used in years, I have a tool that can remove the windows login password of your computer and get you back in without losing any files or folders.
New Computers
Did you just get a new computer? Or do you want me to help you find your next PC? I can give you advice on which computer to choose, and find the best one that suits you for as cheap as possible. If you've just got a new computer, I can help set it up, transfer all your data from your old pc, get it connected to the Internet, and protect it against intruders.
Alternatively I can build a new computer for you customised to your specifications and budget. This service is charged differently to my normal work, but is at a very competitive price. To request a free quote, click here.
Old Computers
Has your old computer finally given up? Do you want to just get rid of it? I can dispose of your old computer for you, as well as securely wipe any personal data on it that you wouldn't want getting in to anyone's hands.
Home Entertainment
I can help you set up your new TV, DVD player, surround sound system, XBOX, PS3 or Wii. I will teach you which channels your home entertainment is on and how to use it.
Confidentiality
You can rest assured your data is safe with me. I will not make any copies unless you authorise it, and will not keep any copies made. Any CDs or DVDs I make will be yours to keep. I never keep copies of my client's data. I will also never access any files on your computer without permission, ensuring your privacy.2. How much do you charge?
My flat rate is $40 per hour up to a maximum of $160 per job. (Excludes travel time and parts). The travel time charge is $20 per hour. If I can't fix your problem you don't have to pay a cent. If I can fix your problem you get a 6 month guarantee on my work. For a full breakdown of how much I charge, see the Pricing page.
3. Why do you charge less?
I can charge less than other companies (who can sometimes charge up to $120 per hour!) because I am a one man show. I don't have to deal with the overheads and expenses of a large company, and as such can pass the savings directly on to you. My price is fair and reasonable, and in my eyes it accurately reflects the type work being done.
4. What is the most you will charge?
The most I will charge for a job is $160 (excluding travel and parts costs). This is because computer repairs can become very expensive when the time it takes to fix a problem spirals upwards. With me you'll never pay more than $160 no matter how long the job takes. This means that any work done after 4 hours is completely free! A job refers to one computer with one problem, i.e removing a virus and upgrading to windows 7 would be considered two jobs.
5. Do I get a guarantee?
I stand by my work, and as such you will get a 6 month guarantee when I fix your computer. If the same problem arises again within that time (including viruses and spyware), I will fix it again completely free of charge (excluding parts).
6. What areas of Auckland do you work in?
I work in the entire Auckland region, right from Wellsford down to Naike. See Google for the Auckland region borders. I am based in Beach Haven, North Shore.7. What do your previous clients say about you?
"Just like to say Eddie managed to fix the 'unfixable' laptop. The laptop was unable to reconnect to the internet and other IT guys had tried to do so but failed. Last resort, before tossing it away (after several months under the bed) was to consult Zephyr PC (Eddie). Took him 39 minutes to find the corrupt files, write a simple flowchart so if it happens again we can fix it. Excellent service. Thank you."
Computer problem: Laptop connected to wireless but not to Internet D. Berry, Albany.
"I contacted Zephyr PC to set up my new computer and transfer data from the old to new. Eddie responded promptly and arrived on time. He took a list of what I wanted and methodically worked through them until everything was working to my satisfaction. He did not mind us asking dumb questions and explained all I needed to know to get the most out of my computer. He set up Skype and showed us how to use it. He was polite, careful and patient and he left everything running perfectly. His costs were extremely reasonable. Thank you for the prompt and efficient service and I would have no hesitation in recommending Eddie to anyone."
Computer problem: Setting up a new Mac and transferring data from the old one G. Ferguson, Beach Haven.