Services
"So, what is it exactly that you do?" Good question. What I do, really depends on each of my clients, because each of them has a different set of
expectations. ... In general, and in the simplest English I can manage, I am prone to fixing computers in all their varying sizes (from netbooks to servers),
and with all their assorted accessories (from wireless mice to networked printers). ... Some clients want me to handle everything for them, all the way from
project planning and purchasing of equipment, through installation and configuration, and finally continuing on maintaining the setup. Others only want me to
perform a specific task, like patching their servers or getting rid of some nasty viruses on a laptop. I can AND DO do all of these assorted tasks for my
clients.
"What do you charge?" A favorite question, and usually the first one, as if price were the only factor to consider. SOAPBOX
ON / So many things are now commoditized for the masses, where the only driving factor of differentiation is price. Computer fixing
is an art, just like tattooing, replete with permanent risk. There's a certain amount of requisite knowledge and tools that are
necessary, but after that, it is a changing, morphing, adapting-type activity that, while drawing heavily on skill and knowledge,
occurs thoughtfully and carefully, customized to each problem with each machine. SOAPBOX OFF / So, the local and typical
range for an IT consultant (like myself) is between $75 and $250 dollars an hour. My normal, everyday rate for business work is
found HERE. Discounts are available in specific circumstances, like buying a 25 or 50 hour block of time or having a recurring
agreement for service. Residential clients are also priced lower (again, see HERE). Some tasks are a flat fee instead of hourly, if
you bring it to me. More info on that can be found (you guessed it) HERE.
"What are your qualifications?" This is a good question, and one that most people don't ever ask, actually. They don't usually ask it because of two
reasons: 1) they wouldn't know what qualifications I should have, and 2) because they don't care. You see, computer repair people (technicians, IT
consultants, etc.) aren't really licensed in the same way a doctor or a lawyer is. For potential doctors and lawyers, there is a certain education proscribed for
these individuals along with a test (or tests) that determine whether or not they've met the professional standards of their trade. If they have, they get a title
and some initials behind their name. If they don't, they get to take the test some more.
Computer fixer-type people don't have to meet that same standard before they can begin fixing computers. There are people who fix computers for pizza and/or beer, and there are people who fix computers that charge north of 300 bones an hour. Those two segments will not likely have the same credentialing, but unlike a physician, both of those segments can still legally fix your computer, because there is no mandatory professional trade licensure for fixing computers.
With all that being said, there are some certifications that are considered "industry-standard" and include CompTIA's A+ course and CompTIA's Network+ course. I, do indeed possess these, in addition to the CompTIA Security+, as well as the MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional) and the SBSC (Microsoft Certified Small Business Specialist). All these certifications mean is that I passed the courses and have kept up required continuing education (for instance of the SBSC). Just having these certifications though, doesn't mean that a technician or consultant is on top of their game. It means they passed the test. This works the same way in most fields: you've no doubt been exposed to physicians who are awesome and physicians who are not awesome, though they both have the same credential.
Computer fixer-type people don't have to meet that same standard before they can begin fixing computers. There are people who fix computers for pizza and/or beer, and there are people who fix computers that charge north of 300 bones an hour. Those two segments will not likely have the same credentialing, but unlike a physician, both of those segments can still legally fix your computer, because there is no mandatory professional trade licensure for fixing computers.
With all that being said, there are some certifications that are considered "industry-standard" and include CompTIA's A+ course and CompTIA's Network+ course. I, do indeed possess these, in addition to the CompTIA Security+, as well as the MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional) and the SBSC (Microsoft Certified Small Business Specialist). All these certifications mean is that I passed the courses and have kept up required continuing education (for instance of the SBSC). Just having these certifications though, doesn't mean that a technician or consultant is on top of their game. It means they passed the test. This works the same way in most fields: you've no doubt been exposed to physicians who are awesome and physicians who are not awesome, though they both have the same credential.
Copyright 2000-2012 todd hickerson computing ltd
"And, do you come here, or am I supposed to bring it to you?" You don't have to go anywhere you don't want to go :). Most of the time, I
come to your location and fix the issue on-site. Sometimes, however, clients will prefer to drop it off to me, for instance with a trojan infected laptop or a
completely dead computer to take advantage of some set fees (instead of billing by the hour), for instance, hardware diagnostics, or virus removal. ... Also,
in cases where we have an established relationship, often times neither of us has to go anywhere! With your approval for remote access, I can perform many
tasks from afar (remotely from my office or my home office). This requires some software to be installed on your computer to allow me access to do that,
and obviously your approval.
"And who do you do it for? Like, who's your target client?" My primary target is a small business, privately owned (not a subsidiary of a
larger corporation), that has an actual office somewhere on the North-ish side of Columbus, has up to about 12 employees, and has a server. That is my
IDEAL client. However only some of my clients fit into that category. I currently have clients all over central Ohio, with sizes ranging from single employees
to well over a hundred, though not all have computers. I currently have clients whose business is a branch of a larger business located somewhere else in
the US, and I have clients who don't actually have an office anywhere. And apparently, THEY HAVE NICE THINGS TO SAY. :)
todd hickerson computing ltd