Broken Computer Image (CorelDraw clipart) Lawrence Johnstone
On-site Computer Services

801 Lake Mendocino Dr. #11
Ukiah, CA 95482
Phone: 707-462-0239
Email: loj@pacific.net
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 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 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'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 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, 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
First and Third:
Not available

Others:
2pm to 5pm
Evenings may be 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.)

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
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.