Residential Services

I also offer residential support services for Windows-based desktops and laptops. This includes all minor and major hardware servicing for laptops - from upgrading RAM modules to replacing keyboards or an LCD screen.

However, there are some notable differences from my B2B services.

First, I don't cap my support rate at $45 per hour for residential support, I cap it at $15 per hour. I find that more often than not, residential customers have different needs that require less time and less expertise to resolve.

However, that does not apply to laptop repairs, where the amount of time required is generally an hour or more. That retains the same $45 per hour maximum charge as commercial support.

(For more information about common laptop problems, and what's involved in resolving them, please click here first.)

I also don't generally offer contract or remote software support to residential customers. If you require long-term software support, which requires a contract, I would be more than happy to discuss some options with you.

I also won't generally offer performance support for systems that are more than five years old - whether the system was constructed that long ago - or is one that contains components that old.

In my experience, a system which is performing poorly - and is of an advanced age - isn't having software or hardware problems. Rather it's using components too far below the threshold necessary to handle today's more advanced software demands, and requires a complete overhaul or replacement.

To assist customers with systems such as these, I offer an on-site consultation to discuss upgrade, custom build, or mainstream replacement options. Unlike business consultations, this is a chargeable service call (but only requires one hour or less to complete).

I also don't (as yet) offer certified support for Windows Vista or Microsoft Office 2007. These particular programs are very new, and in the case of Vista, may be superseded by a new operating system from Microsoft as soon as the beginning of 2010.

I can, however, offer some general support for Vista-based systems depending on the nature of the issue.

Finally, contact prior to scheduling an appointment will allow me to give you an estimate of the time required to resolve your questions, and therefore the total cost of a service call before making a commitment.

I know times are rough, and support such as I offer can be expensive, so I will do whatever I can to make any service call as expedient and economical as possible for a residential customer who requires quality computer assistance.