Lawrence O. Johnstone
On-site Computer Services

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 ten 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 now 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.

I can also 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'm well versed in most 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 offer you two options:

  1. Purchase the parts yourself.  I'll install them, and charge you only for the labor.
  2. If you're not comfortable purchasing computer parts yourself, I can purchase parts for you.  I will not mark up the price or otherwise profit from this -- I will present you with the vendor's receipt for reimbursement, plus a bill for the labor involved in installing them.  If research time is involved in locating a vendor for the parts, I will include that time in the labor billed to you.

Please note that if I have to order parts for you (rather than purchasing them locally), it can sometimes take a week or more after the order date for them to arrive.

Rates

My current labor rate is $60 / hour for labor of all types.  For jobs located outside of the immediate Ukiah area, I will charge travel time one-way, so the time billed will be from the time I leave my front door (or previous job) to the time I leave yours.

Payment is due at the time the service is performed.  Cash or checks only -- I am not equipped to process credit cards.

Contact Info

Lawrence O. Johnstone
801 Lake Mendocino Dr. #11
Ukiah, CA  95482

Phone:  707-462-0239
Email:    loj@pacific.net
Web:     www.pacificsites.com/~loj

I do not have a fax machine.  I do have a cell phone, but I do not make that number publicly available.  If I am not at home when you call, my father will contact me and I'll get back to you ASAP.

 

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