M & J Peters Enterprises, LLC
The standard rate is $48 per hour. Time is billed in 15 minute increments with a one hour minimum charge. Feel free to ask for a quote though. I can often give you a better deal than the straight hourly rate.
There are some pricing exceptions (in your favor) which are noted under the applicable links.
*There is be an additional $5 charge for on-site work. That is a one-time travel surcharge and not per hour.
I offer a variety of computer-related services. The list below is by no means inclusive, but should give you a good idea of the types of things I can help you with. Please click each link below for more information.
Types of Services Offered
- Install a new computer system
- Transfer files between computers
- Set up a wired network
- Set up a wireless network
- Set up new equipment (printer, scanner, digital camera, mp3 player, etc.)
- Install new hardware (hard drive, video card, RAM, DVD Burner, etc.)
- Verify all necessary Windows updates are installed
- Optimize computer performance (see Optimization Package)
- Troubleshoot any manner of computer problems
- If you have repetitive tasks or perhaps a game that needs automating, let me know what you're trying to do. I've written macros for both of those issues plus others using AutoHotkey. There's no guarantee I'll be able to automate what you're trying to do, but if I can't get it working to your specifications, you don't have to pay.
Optimization Package
| Service | Description |
| Running Process Optimization | Remove unnecessary startup programs. These use extra memory and processing time, potentially causing Windows to boot and run slower. |
| File Tuneup | Check virtual memory settings, remove unneeded files, check Windows Update settings, defragment. |
| Registry Cleanup | Remove invalid entries from the registry. |
| Spyware Scan & Removal | Remove unwanted Adware / Spyware programs. These extra programs can decrease computer performance and potentially be a security risk. |
| Virus Scan & Removal | Remove viruses that may be installed. Viruses can decrease computer performance, potentially be a security risk and may also infect others. Install free antivirus software if you aren't currently running any. |
Install Windows
If your system has completely crashed, your hard drive failed or you have a virus that just can't be cleaned, then Windows needs to be reinstalled. I'll do a fresh install of Windows along with all drivers, service packs and updates.
Computer formats aren't priced hourly to make it cheaper for you. Reinstalling Windows without backing up data is $75. With a data backup it's $100.
- It is very helpful if you can provide the Windows installation media.
- You need to have a valid Microsft Windows software key. If you do not have this, I will let you know the additional cost to purchase a Windows license.
- If you choose to have your data backed up the Desktop, Internet Favorites and My Documents folders (or the equivalent in Vista/7) will be backed up by default. If you have data in locations other than these that needs to be saved, you need to let me know ahead of time.
- Only data can be backed up, not programs. All software will need to be reinstalled, so be sure you have access to the installation disks for any needed programs.
- If faulty hardware caused the crash, such as a bad hard drive, I'll let you know of any additional expenses to replace the hardware before proceeding.
- The prices above are for installing Windows only. If you need help installing additional software or hardware, there may be an addtional charge.
Software
Computer Setup
- Remove from boxes and hook up all components.
- Configure for your existing internet connection.
- Install Windows service packs and updates (if you have an internet connection).
- Install a free antivirus program if you don't have any.
- Hook up any peripherals, such as a printer or scanner.
- Copy data from an existing computer to your new one.
- By default the Desktop, Internet Favorites and My Documents folders (or the equivalent in Vista/7) will be copied if you choose this option . If there's any information in other places, you need to let me know the specific directories so it can be copied also.
- Only data can be copied, not programs. All software will need to be reinstalled, so be sure you have access to the installation disks for any needed programs.
- Install additional software.
- Anything else you may need help with at the time of installation.
Data Backup
You probably have a lot of important data on your computer. If you have a digital camera, you may have thousands of pictures. Unless you don't mind potentially losing all of that information, I highly recommend you have some type of backup solution in place. Working in a corporate environment, I've seen many hard drives fail. Laptops are especially susceptible because they are bounced around more while the hard drive is spinning.
Spending a little money up front to back up your computer will give you the piece of mind that your data is safe. Data recovery on a failed hard drive can cost from $500 to over $1000 by a specialized recovery company. On a personal note, the backup method I use is an option you can use too. It has saved my wife's data once, including 1000's of pictures.
If you already have an existing spare hard drive with enough capactiy, I can configure your computer to back up to that drive. By default your Desktop, Internet Favorites and My Documents folders (or the equivalent in Vista/7) will be backed up. If you need any additional folders backed up, just let me know. If you need a drive, I'll let you know the cost, then purchase an external USB hard drive for you.
This method only backs up data. In the event your system crashes, your operating system and any additional software would need to be reinstalled. If you'd like to do a full backup where you can restore your entire system without having to reinstall Windows, there is software for that also.
Wireless Networking