Common Questions
My Mac seems slow. Can you help me throw away unnecessary items from the hard drive to speed it up?
This is a common misconception. A computer hard disk is a magnetic storage medium, much like an audio cassette tape (remember those?). If you erase one song on the tape, it will not make the other songs play better/faster. However, if I find that your hard drive (or SSD), is almost full, then yes, we need to remove some files urgently to give your Mac some "breathing room." Other perceived slowness usually has other causes, which we can look into.
Should I be using anti-virus software?
I don't, and I also recommend most people don't. The only virus (or "malware"), I've ever seen on a Mac is when your web browser keeps going to some unintended page (often with tons of ads on it). This is rare, but if it happens, I just download a free app called Malwarebytes, which fixes the problem. (I can do this for you.) If, however, you are frequently sharing files with Microsoft Windows users, you might install antivirus software on your Mac as a courtesy to them, to intercept potential viruses which may be embedded in MS Word or Excel documents.
What's your attitude about pirated software?
If you use a piece of software fairly often and benefit from it, then, if you have the means, I think you should buy it. However, if you just want to try something out or will use it only a few times, then I personally don't see anything wrong with installing it.
Have you ever reported anyone for using pirated software?
No. That's none of my business.
Are you an Apple authorized technician?
No. I work for myself.
Do you do hardware repair?
No, sorry. Search for "Apple repair" in your area.
Can you come to my home or business?
Yes, if you're in the greater Seattle area. We can also do an online session using Zoom or similar app. (I can talk you through setup over the phone.)
Can you discount if I pay for several hours in advance?
Yes. It depends on how many hours and what sort of work it involves.
Can you provide IT support for my small business?
Yes. I can help with most Mac issues/maintenance, peripherals, Internet, LAN network, servers, backup, etc. I do not call myself a Windows expert, but I can handle many of the same issues on a Windows computer that come up on Macs.
My computer skills are very low. Can you help me get a better understanding of how my machine works without leaving me in the dust with rapid-fire technical explanations?
This is one of the things I do best. I was not a computer major, but an English major. Most of the people I've helped have been impressed with my patience and ability to communicate clearly.
I really don't want to know anything about my computer, I just want it to work right. Can you fix it so it does, while I go watch TV or something?
Sometimes. But I much prefer to work together with people, so they can understand why something isn't working how they want, and the solution to it. I also often need to know passwords and other information in order to set things up in the desired way.
Can you help me decide which Mac/iPhone/iPad to buy?
Sure. If your needs are basic and you don't mind not being able to install the latest software, then a used machine might work for you. However, if you can afford to buy a new model, that should remain viable for the next 5 to 10 years.
Can you upgrade my operating system?
Yes, usually. If you're using apps that are critical to your business (say), then we should make sure they will be compatible with the new operating system before changing or upgrading. Remember to always back up your entire system before making a major change like this.
I have an older Mac, but I'm hoping I can upgrade it somehow (put in the latest operating system or programs), so I can get a few more years out of it before buying a new machine. Can you help me do that?
We can take a look at your current machine, what error messages are coming up, and what you're hoping to do. But honestly, the answer is often no. In some cases a machine that is, say, more than 5 years old can not support many of the newer programs and technologies that have come out since it was new. Internet technologies, in particular, evolve so quickly that tech gear needs to be updated fairly regularly to take advantage of them.
Can you show me how to download music, movies and applications?
Sure.
Do you mind if I watch you work on my computer?
Actually, I hope you will! Some things I will just do for you, for the sake of time. But (depending on your ability), I will offer to talk you through something, so you can improve your knowledge and skill.
Do you know most everything about the Mac?
Absolutely not! I know a lot, but no one knows it all.