FHD Sonoma - Services

PC Support

We are available for email & telephone support, quick questions, even a friendly "Howdy, Hi!"  We support home, small business, and non-profit organization users with on-site or drop-off computer repairs, diagnostics, tune-ups, add-ons, troubleshooting, software installations, instruction, and more.  We give one hour of free initial consultation.  Our rates are $100 per hour, however we do make special accommodations for NPOs, & individuals with special circumstances.  AND, our support rates for clients who receive our training are up to 30% off the standard hourly rate.  FHD Sonoma is not a computer parts or supply store, although we have developed good relationships with such providers to whom we'll gladly refer you.

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Instruction

A tool is only as good as the skill level of its user.  How skilled are you?  We have watched with amazement the tremendous increase in computer acquisition for home and business use, and we have been just as amazed how few PC vendors include or offer computer training. Can you imagine letting your teen get behind the wheel of the family SUV without drivers' training?  Would you hop into a Cessna 172 and take off without flight instruction? Yet we all know how current PC marketing themes bombard us with promises of  how "user friendly" these systems are and how "easy these computers are to use"?

While earlier versions of  Windows, notably version 3x, were fairly forgiving to the untrained user, subsequent versions presented an even more interesting paradigm:  they "looked" much easier, yet their operation is truly much more complex.  Now, with the release of Windows XP we believe that owners will be faced with some of the most daunting problems & tasks Windows owners have ever known.  The earlier Windows were based on FAT and FAT32 operations - Operating Systems that are inherent is small, micro-computers.  XP, on the other hand, is based on NTFS - Network File Systems, the Operating Systems of networked computers. True, Microsoft has moved forward in platform stability, system recovery, interconnectivity, and PnP performance.  Users will be tempted to further Explore their new XP environs (a good thing...); we invite you to contact us for the requisite training so your Explorations will be enjoyable, not a virtual episode of the TV Show!

Add to this picture factors that include small home-based LANs, "always on, high speed" DSL, cable-modem & Internet connection sharing.  Top it off with the astronomical increase of computer hacking, computer viruses, and identity thefts.  The outcome of this formula is a disaster in the making - especially for the un- or under-trained computer user.  Why not take charge of the situation and bring your knowledge base & skill level up to par with that fast, powerful computer system sitting in front of you.  

We provide training in:

• Introduction To Windows & Microsoft Applications (especially MS Office Professional & Business suites)
• PC Maintenance, Troubleshooting, & Repair
• Internet & Local Area Network operations
• Beginner to Intermediate User levels tailored to the individual needs of the client

Take a quick quiz or two and see where you stand.  This link will open a new window at online sites that offer free computer competency tests.  When you're done with those tests, come back to our site and contact us to arrange for your computer training, or call us directly at 707-938-9382.  (Click here to go to test site link page.)

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Repair & Upgrades

For the truly inquisitive and advanced user we can arrange hands-on training in PC repairs and upgrades.  Most Pentium II (and above) Class systems allow for Intermediate Users to perform several repair and/or upgrades. Plug And Play, diagnostic, and installation software combined with the humoungous amount of InterNet-based download support and technical documents, make these "under the hood" (Bezel) tasks do-able by the user.  (Note, that environments wherein there is only one computer make it particularly difficult to access the InterNet for downloads!) We will work with you from the Planning to the PnP'ing of your Windows computer repairs and upgrades.  Hourly rates depend on the scope and complexity of the task and student.  Call us (707-938-9382) or email and let's get this discussion started.

 Networking We're excited about the growing interest in networking; no longer is a LAN just the prerogative of the business market, or the very well heeled!  Networking solutions have come well within the reach of any place where there are two or more computers! One of the most frequent reasons why families in particular are leaning towards LAN is the desire to share that now single Internet Connection. Internet Connection Sharing, a fixture in Windows 9x, is one of the more prominent features in the newly released Windows XP.  

Our professional and personal preference is for hard-wired LANs, although we are more than able to support wireless, cable, and other LAN or WAN platforms.  We also support DSL installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance.  FHD Sonoma has solid relationships with local cable and wiring installation providers. We encourage you to contact us to discuss solutions for your home and small office networking needs.

HELP DESK:  Network clients receive on going support, including a Round-The-Clock Help Desk, as provided on an individual contract basis.  Help Desk is available to all FHD Sonoma clients for the initial 60 days, upon completion of our Introduction Windows training or FHD-approved competency.