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
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.