Service Charges

Hourly rate - $60
Minimum fee - $30
Travel Time is charged at $30 - $60 depending upon travel distance. $30 minimum fee applies.

My business is all about giving you a decent service so, with your permission, I will check to see what else can be fixed or improved whilst I'm there.

Many people's machines are not protected sufficiently, with out-of-date anti virus software or no spyware protection. You may still be using and outdated version of Internet Explorer and not even realise it so I can update this to the latest version; or, better still, install Mozilla Firefox, the global No.1 internet browser, and far far safer than Internet Explorer will ever be.

Over the years of visiting people's houses and seeing many different machines, there are some key issue that arise all the time. When I pay a visit, it is these things that I will also have in mind to fix, time and preference permitting. Most people are pretty happy to just have someone show up and not treat them like an idiot so most people make the time to let me 'soup up' their machine - as long as it's not going to take half a day!

Virus Removal - Initial charge: $120, capped at $300

If your machine does get infected by a Virus, or a Trojan, then this can be a pretty big deal. Many people are surprised, and confused, why their Anti-Virus program (that they pay loads of money for each year) didn't even notice when the virus got in. Sadly, it doesn't surprise me at all - time and again I have seen AV programs fail to spot a multitude of things, even if they are completely up to date with their virus definitions; Norton products are the most susceptible, then McAfee, eTrust and down the list it goes.

Removing a virus or trojan usually involves a long methodical process to eliminate it. This can take quite a while to resolve so generally I will take the machine away in this instance so I can work on it without long gaps waiting for things to happen. It doesn't make sense for me to be sitting in your home, reading a magazine, waiting for scans to finish on your time. It's easier for me to do everything off site instead.

Cleaning a virus from a computer usually means installing a third party anti-virus application (I use AVG FREE exclusively) and an anti-spyware program and letting them both perform a full scan. It can also mean lengthy trawling through the internet to find a solution.
90% of the time AVG spots the virus within the first few minutes of being installed but it's always best to let the scan runs it's course. Then the anti-spyware software mops up the remains.

On the odd occasion the virus is so entrenched that it is a really difficult job to remove it successfully. On these occasions I will advise the customer and charge an hourly rate accordingly, with a capped rate of $300. Believe me - it can take many long frustrating hours to remove a virus sometimes. Sometimes it's easier - and cheaper - to format the computer and start again.

Computer Rebuild - $300

When you're computer is really REALLY stuffed and won't even boot into Windows in safe mode then this is what is needed. I could spend several hours trying to restore Windows but a lot of the time, it is far easier to rebuild it.
What does this involve?
1. Backing up your data onto an external hard disk drive  or DVDs (documents & pictures, bookmarks/favourites, email & signatures, etc)
2. Format the hard drive
3. Reinstall Windows
4. Installing service packs for Windows and other licensed Microsoft products
5. Installing Anti-Virus, Anti-Spyware and a few handy extras I have discovered over the years to protect your system
6. Install other essential software, such as Mozilla Firefox; and other software as required. (Microsoft Office, MYOB, Quicken, etc)
7. Running Windows Update - re-downloading and installing all the updates that you lost form the format
8. Restore your data
9. Configure the computer for regional settings and personal preferences
10. Return computer to customer

It is best to make sure that all data is backed up prior to a rebuild because once it's gone, it really is gone. It is essential to make sure that all the software installed on your computer is accounted for.

CDs and DVDs must be presented prior to a rebuild, with licences. This includes Microsoft Windows and/or Office.
No dodgy copies accepted.

Should you have any other applications that need to be installed, the discs will be required for them too. Try and remember those little applications that you use once in a blue moon - if you don't have the disc for them, we need to work out how to get hold of them.

I should mention that accounting packages, such as MYOB and Quicken, do involve a longer process. Depending on the version, I need to reinstall the software and then call the company to re-register the product. Sometimes this has been an issue because people registered ages ago and their business name, and/or address, has changed since then. So, all information must be provided beforehand.

I bill for five hours. The rebuild process can sometimes take significantly longer than that - it can be a lot of work to build a machine.