Computer, Network and GIS Solutions

NEW PRICING CONCEPT!

Let's haggle! Some peoples' budgets are tighter than others, particularly in this economy. Additionally, the same service is worth different amounts to different people for different reasons.

So here's the deal: let's make a deal! Choose the service, make an offer, or I'll pitch an offer to you and we'll see where it goes.

*All prices below exclude parts and proprietary at-cost software, if needed and unavoidable. Parts and software will be added to total at my cost for their purchase.

Initial Phone, Email or Face-to-Face Consultation and Evaluation 

Phone support, if it is a problem I can walk you through.

Troubleshooting 

Secure hard drive deletion/wiping/"shredding"/purging 

     Getting rid of an old hard drive through trash, recycling, or resale? Sending your child off to college with a fresh install of an operating system? Deleting files and "formating" hard drives does not securely delete the information on the drive. In fact, with electron microscopy, an expensive and hardware-intense method, it is possible to recover data already overwritten several times; therefore, secure clearing of hard drives is a very deliberate process. Most people shouldn't have to worry about that level of threat, but secure deletion of a drive is important, as any malicious hacker who has physical access to your "deleted" drive can use a myriad of tools to recover your personal data.

Computer Tuneup (Windows, Debian-based Linux) 

     I will clean out the garbage on your computer, remove memory-hogging start-up and background programs, verify correct settings or install new virus protection, add additional free programs for spyware/malware prevention and removal, tweak your security settings and do it all while explaining the steps in layman's terms. The end result is a faster, more reliable, more secure machine that you will be able to maintain that way for an extended time without further assistance or cost.

At-work Workaround

    Do you need to get around your irritating IT department's firewall (without getting busted), because, seriously, they need to mind their own business? Have you ever forgotten a file on your home computer that wouldn't be a big deal if you could only connect to it? Extremely secure and customizable, based on your needs, your home configuration and just how stingy your tech guys are.  

Operating System & File recovery 

     "Operating System Not Found"? Blue screen of death? Accidentally delete your term paper or your vacation photos? If its recoverable, I can probably get it back. Obviously, if you've already had your hard drive securely wiped, this is not feasable.

Home Server setup 

    Don't pay through the nose for Windows Home Server! The same central server for your home network and Internet accessibility can be had for only the cost of the hardware!  Microsoft charges in tiered levels for their operating systems, based on scalability, extendability and utility, and that includes the Home Server line. Professional-grade server hardware and operating systems are generally out of the reach of private persons. If you have an older machine that's collecting dust, I can set up a central repository for all of your home or small business community files, or backups, with secure access from home intranet or external internet, generally with very little or no additional cost! Want to setup a simple website or blog based in your home? I can get you ready to go and show you how to begin!

Home Network setup 

    Want to share computer resources or have multi-computer access to a shared MP3 collection while minimizing storage space utilization? Want to share a printer or scanner? Is your current wireless configuration open to the world or easily hacked? I'll set up a solid, secure network for your home or small business, while opening up connectivity as much as possible within your network. 

Dual-boot Windows/Linux or convert entirely to Linux 

    Tired of Microsoft's or Mac's iron grip on your wallet and your life? Do something about it! Today's Linux isn't just for geeks anymore; most flavors are incredibly user-friendly and much more secure alternatives to the 2 Operating System giants! But the best part is, even for 3rd party programs that don't have Linux-compatible distributions (which are few and far between these days), there is probably a free alternative that works just as well and intuitively for Linux. I'll get you hooked up and running with all of the must-haves. I'll even leave Windows on your machine and let it default-boot into that, with the option to boot into Linux instead, if you so desire. Scripting support for Linux in Python is heavily integral to the system, so I can also make mundane and complicated tasks easy with custom push-button scripts to take care of it.

Cloud Computing Conversion 

    Find out what all the buzz is about surrounding cloud computing. Get your critical data off your hard drive and into the "cloud," accessible from anywhere you can access the net, and safe from laptop theft, drive crashes or operating system failures. I take a global approach to getting most of your data and common applications securely integrated from the cloud with your daily computing life.

Secure computing and networking package 

     Prevent leakage and theft of your personal information, both from physical computer theft and via internet infiltration. Full hard drive encryption, peripheral device encryption (thumb drives, SD Cards, etc), web proxy & IP address anonymizing, disposable email address setup, web browser tweaking. I can make your drives uncrackable by the NSA, send junk email into nothingness, and make your browser look like it is sending site requests from France. Many browser-based threats today are based on active content running on malicious web pages (ie, just visiting a site could put spyware on your machine) - I'll give you simple and intuitive control of opt-in or opt-out setups so that you get all the functionality you need on the web, while minimizing the threats.

    Other services available on request, prices based on work required: VPN setup, comprehensive or holistic consulting, program or OS training. If you're wondering about something, ask me: chances are, I can offer a cheaper or a free alternative to suit your needs.