Lawrence JohnstoneOn-site Computer Services
801 Lake Mendocino Dr. #11
Ukiah, CA 95482
Phone: 707-462-0239
Email: loj@pacific.net
Email: loj@loj.name
Web: www.loj.name
For ten years (1994-2004) I worked as a computer technician at Computer Scene in Ukiah, CA. After founder Alec Rorabaugh sold the store in 2003, I eventually decided to leave as well. I hadn't intended to strike out on my own when I started -- but the employment situation in Mendocino County soon made it clear that that was my best option.
Services
I am now able to bring my more than sixteen years' of experience in computer service and troubleshooting to your location -- no need to disconnect your computer and bring it to a service center. I am equipped to perform on-site hardware and software diagnostics on your computers. Additionally, I can evaluate software conflicts, remove viruses, and perform network maintenance and system upgrades (see the note below about parts).
Windows Update downloads. I have a high-speed internet connection through Pacific Internet DSL. If you haven't been downloading Windows security updates because it takes too long over your dialup connection, I can connect your computer to my home network and do the update for you much more quickly. In most cases, it takes an hour or less.
While
I am not a graphic artist and don't do e-commerce, I do occasionally
dabble in website design and maintenance. (As you can see from
this website and a few others!) I can help you with setting up a simple website, and can suggest domain and hosting providers.
I am also fairly well-versed in the Delphi programming environment and can perform some types of custom computer programming. Contact me for details.
(Note: I can only work on Windows- or IBM-compatible computers -- I'm not trained for Apple equipment.)
Tutoring
Being trained as a mathematics teacher has its advantages! If there are aspects of operating your computer or some of its installed programs that don't quite make sense to you, chances are that I can help you. I've used a number of versions of Microsoft Word, use several different spreadsheet programs, and have had varied experience in numerous other types of software -- including database, graphics, page layout, and communications. Tell me what you're trying to do and I can show you how to do it, either in plain English or as close as it's possible to come!
Parts
I am not equipped to be a reseller of computer parts and hardware. If your computer requires replacement of parts in order to function properly, or if you wish to have your computer upgraded, I can advise and assist you in selecting and purchasing the parts, and then install them for you. However, with recent changes to the tax laws, I can no longer purchase parts for you as your agent— you must make the actual purchase, either at a local store or through online/mail order.
Rates
My current labor rate is $60 / hour for labor of all types, with a minimum charge equivalent to one hour. For jobs located outside of the immediate Ukiah area, I will charge travel time one-way, and add this to the service call charge -- i.e., a call lasting an hour or less with a half hour of travel would result in a charge of $90.
Payment is due at the time the service is performed. Cash or checks only -- I am not equipped to process credit cards.
Availability
| Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
| 2pm to 5pm Evenings often available |
10am to 4pm Evenings may be available except on 2nd and 4th Tuesdays |
2pm to 4pm Evenings not available |
10am to noon Afternoons available when Konocti Kickers are not dancing. (Usually that means December thru April.) (Currently available) Evenings not available |
2pm to 5pm Evenings often available |
Weekends: Call for availability. I sometimes travel out
of town on weekends due to square dance calling committments, but when
I'm home I will usually make myself availabile for service calls.
Contact Info
Lawrence O. Johnstone
801 Lake Mendocino Dr. #11
Ukiah, CA 95482
Phone: 707-462-0239
Email: loj@pacific.net
Email: loj@loj.name
Web: www.loj.name
No faxes, please -- I don't have a fax machine, and have to be home to disable my answering machine and arm my computer to receive a fax.
I do have a cell phone, but the number is private and for family only. Please call the home number listed above, or use email -- if I'm not home when you call, the machine will take a message (up to 1 minute) and I'll get back to you as soon as I can. I can generally read and respond to email wherever I am.



