Now that I have
retired from the day to day routine of a
real job I am able to do what I have always
enjoyed the most. Helping my
technologically challenged friends survive
in today's high tech environment. I
ask nothing from them in return but a simple
thank you. The satisfaction I receive
from making their lives richer is payment
enough.
Please don't hesitate to
contact me if any of the topics below spark
your imagination or have already become a
major annoyance. For most usage
problems I am able to provide phone support.
For more complicated configuration issues I
provide in home support. Training in
the use of hardware or software is
also available. For you seniors out
there on a fixed income, please don't worry
about the cost. You can afford it.
Most of the web
design that I do is for non profits. I
provide a web presence for them and do my
best to keep it fresh and interesting or
just a static page or two to provide basic
information. I have been a FrontPage
user since 1998 and have recently started
using Swish to include Flash movies on the
page. Coupled with web design is the
support of URL registration that provides
you with your own web identity. Both
URL registration and Web Hosting is very
inexpensive costing as little as $60 a year
to have your own site and unique e-mail
address.
Today's home
computers are closely tied to the world wide
web making them an invaluable tool to
retrieve information, manage finances and
improve communications. The down side
of that connectivity is that the home
computer becomes the target of malicious
people who bombard you with spam, computer
viruses, bots and adware. These
unwanted gifts can bring your computer to
its knees and make it useful for little more
than a paperweight. Management of the home
computer can be intimidating to those who
barely know enough to send and receive
e-mail. To this group of people I
provide in home restoration of their
computer. My focus is largely on
senior citizens who struggle the most with
all this new stuff.
Home entertainment is a rapidly growing and
changing market. The rapid
approach of High Definition TV and surround
sound systems that provide close to an in
home theater experience have greatly
complicated the installation and usage of
what used to be a simple radio, television
or record player.
When properly designed and integrated with a
good remote control, these systems are
easier to use than ever before. The
new remote controls that operate based on
function rather than device are the key to
simplifying usage. If you are having
trouble, let me help you simplify your
system.
I don't like to walk into a dark house.
I'm also very bad about remembering to turn
lights off. Using X-10 modules and a
controller that is programmed from the
computer, it is possible to turn lights on
and off anywhere in your house
automatically. I particularly enjoy
having background lighting that is set at a
low level in each room. There is just enough
illumination that you can easily navigate
with complete safety. All the lights
in the system can be controlled by a
wireless remote control and even integrated
into the home theater system to provide the
proper ambiance when watching your favorite
show. When I'm away, the lights
continue to operate automatically which
gives the home a "lived in" look that will
discourage unwanted guests. The X-10
system requires no special wiring and can be
retrofitted in almost any home. It is
a cost effective solution to all your
automation needs.