I accept Cash or Cheque as payment and provide receipts for all services provided.

I chose computer repair and web site design as my full time job because it’s what I love to do. Fixing computers is my hobby, and it’s what I do for fun. I have 12+ years of experience providing technical support at IBM, SMART Technologies ULC, and several smaller companies. I am a Certified Helpdesk Analyst through HDI – the Helpdesk Institute, which requires me to have detailed and through knowledge in troubleshooting and providing technical support.

Fast, Friendly, Dependable? Yes, certified, dedicated and local too! Give me a call, I’m happy to help! ]]> http://thevagabondgeek.com/2010/05/how-dedicated-is-your-computer-repair-tech/feed/ 0 http://thevagabondgeek.com/2010/05/test-post-to-podcast-category/ http://thevagabondgeek.com/2010/05/test-post-to-podcast-category/#comments Wed, 19 May 2010 02:12:47 +0000 admin http://thevagabondgeek.com/?p=40 Download audio file (001-Virus-Removal-Adventure-MP3.mp3)

This week I had to remove the My Security Engine virus from a computer. This was quite an adventure!

Among other things, I discovered the AVG Live CD, the Image File Execution Options registry key (yikes!), and CCleaner. I also used RKILL and HOSTSPERM.BAT which are two great utitlies. I was eventually able to remove the virus and finished with another happy customer. Another day’s work well done.

Lately I’ve been doing some computer repair house calls.  I’m bad with directions and am always sure to ask for the customer’s address so I can figure out how to get there on Google Maps.  You know it’s going to be an interesting trip when you ask for the customer’s address, and they say… well, go about 5 miles out of town, turn left at the pink house.  Ours is the house with the blue rock on the lawn…. Trust me, that’s not something you can type in Google Maps!

I’m enjoying it though. It is so much fun to live in Taber and to be able to get to know each and every one of my customers.  I think having a personal relationship with your customers is so important – in any business but especially in the computer repair business.  Let’s face it, when you call me you’re already frustrated, and maybe a bit angry, because your computer isn’t working.  Would you rather talk to a friend who understands your problem and genuinely wants to help you, or to some nameless PC repair technician who’s just there to make a buck?

• Virus, Spyware
• Running slow/Error Messages
• Slow Internet connection or Can’t connect to the Internet?

Do you just need some help with your computer, or need a friendly person to sit down with you and show you how to use it?

• Do you need someone to come over and set up your iPod, your iPhone, install software for you, set up a wireless network (or make sure it is secure)?

• Are you just looking for some advice on what computer or gadget to buy?

Contact Dave Holowiski The Vagabond Geek at 403.360.2843 now!

I live in Taber, Alberta and will visit your home or business for no extra charge. I have over 12 years of experience providing technical support through companies such as IBM and SMART Technologies. I am A+ certified, I have a valid Town of Taber Business license, and am a member of the Taber Chamber of Commerce.

I understand that having problems with your computer can be frustrating, and I am dedicated to making your repair experience as pleasant and satisfying as possible.  In addition to treating all of my customers like family, I will solve your problems as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Let me guess… your computer is running kind of slow and you keep getting all of these popup ads. When you try to go to a web site, half of the time you end up on some other web site, and sometimes you can’t even get on the internet, right? Well, chances are your computer is infected with a virus (or probably several viruses).

Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. A virus infection does not mean the end of the world. You don’t have to get a new computer, and you probably don’t even have to reinstall Windows. However there are several things you should not do with your computer, until your computer has been cleaned:

Do Not:

• Shop online
• Access your bank accounts
• Use any accounting software

Once your computer has been infected by a virus, any personally identifying information that you enter or access can be viewed by hackers. People can, and have had their identities stolen by entering personal information on infected computers.

If your computer has been infected, contact Dave Holowiski (The Vagabond Geek) to have it cleaned. I am an authorized reseller for several anti-virus programs and have over 10 years of experience providing technical support.

I do make house calls, but cleaning a virus properly usually takes 1-2 days. I charge a flat rate for virus removal rather than an hourly rate which would cost you, the customer too much money.  I will come to your house and pick up your computer, take it back to my office to clean the virus, and bring it back to your house (and re-connect all of those wires) for you when it’s done.  How’s that for full service?

So don’t delay. Give me a call at 403-360-2843 at any time of the day or night, and I’ll have your computer running like new!

TeachmeWP.com – Wordpress and New Media howto screencasts
OutsourcingEbook.com – Outsourcing and using a Virtual Assistant for Fun and Profit. Also available on Amazon.com
Zenwikiapp.com – The Zen Wikipedia Viewer for your iPod touch/iPhone