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View Full Version : want to start fixing peoples computers


tony g
01-06-2006, 05:30 AM
hey all im new here and have been reading posts on these forums for a while now and studying them and learning lots.


I like cleaning up my friends computers and making them run fast again (like they should) so anyway i think im going to run an add in my local paper tommorow (there are none) , charging 70$ per home computer fix to start off, instead of like $70 per hour. cause nobody likes a slow/sluggish computer with pop ups everywhere, so i think id be in demand, and word of mouth will spread. I'd only be fixing home computers using windows xp and ones that you can actually start up.

what i do when i fix my friends computers is this usually takes me 3-5 hours:

1. download microsoft antispyware beta (this program works wonders for windows xp ive found) update def files. run scan, restart

2. download new microsoft windows xp updates install restart.

3. DELETE norton or macafee if they have it. download antivirus program ( either avg, or antivir, sometimes avast! but the userface seems more complicated to me) update new def files, run scan, restart comp.

4. go to add/remeove programs and start removing the non sense, including kazaa or limewire. restart

5. download a firewall keiro? is what ive been using

6. download and install free ram xp 1.5 ( love this program)

7. run a program thats says what programs are needed at start up and which are not.

should i use any of these? cleanup! or windowscare ? am i missing anything.

i dont know how to read log files or hjt, so as of now i wouldnt use ewido or hijack this.

the 3 computers that ive worked on are real fast now and im glad. so i must be doing good for them, and it makes people very happy. just wondering if the order i do things in looks good to you pros, cause i'd like to be as professional as i can. or if anybody has any sugestion tips or advice, your feedback is priceless to me. thanks for reading this. tony

Budfred
01-06-2006, 09:23 AM
Welcome to http://www.pcguide.com/ubb/pcgubb.gif

I suggest you do a lot more work for free before you start charging... If you offered to do the routine you are describing on my computer, I wouldn't let you near it... I don't want someone coming in, removing my programs and installing what they consider to be their favorites... If you encounter a computer with serious malware issues, the approach you are describing will not work... You do need to be able to work with HJT and a number of other programs if you are going to take on malware... Ewido can be used even if you don't read the logs, so that would certainly be a good addition to your routine... You will probably miss rootkits and any number of other infections even with all of the tools you mentioned, however....

I have helped clean hundreds of computers and built 3 computers by hand, but I still would not offer my services for pay... If I did decide to make that jump, I would put together a solid service contract so that I didn't have to pay for replacing a computer or lost data when something goes wrong... Do you have the resources to replace a $1000 computer??

jcnoernberg
01-06-2006, 03:19 PM
Caveat Emptor is right

it doesnt sound like you'll be incorporating anytime soon, so just use it as a learning experience. that being said, 70 sounds like a lot to tell you the truth. make sure you know what you're getting into if you destroy data or something.

you'll save a lot more time by performing data backup, OS restore/installation, MS updates, AV/Firewall, etc... that is a lot easier and usually quicker than repairing an infected PC

Why not start by advertising free work to the first 10 customers?

and a contact is crucial... be sure people know the risk...

tony g
01-06-2006, 04:03 PM
ok, i decided not to run the add today lol. I'm gonna learn alot more first before i do anything. thank you for your replies.

Ace Card Jones
01-07-2006, 09:01 AM
I agree with Budfred I wouldnt let you near my pc.Lol
I got my computer upgraded and wiped and all viruses and spyware removed and ALL my old programs put back on by a professional for 80Euro Whitch is like $100 So thats a good idea learn alot more.People have programs like limewire by choice why would they want tou removing things they want?