Specials Posted

I’ve created a specials page covering a couple of key service packages typical computer owners tend to need and be price-sensitive about.

No offense, but the special prices listed are probably what people expect to pay as ordinary prices, but are in fact dramatically discounted. Each of the separate ones represents at least a $41 discount; almost 50% off. Thus the time limit, even though I expect to go easy on overages.

Malware removal can take four hours or more, but it’s worth having a demarcation at which you can evaluate progress and decide how far you’re willing to go, versus the alternatives, and balanced against retaining your environment reasonably intact.

I am pondering additional specials, all of which are in an effort to build momentum and word of mouth, while testing service options. For instance, I want to offer general support in the form of answering questions for which I needn’t be present, or even taking remote control of a computer. How do I do this? What does this error mean? How should I troubleshoot that myself? The kinds of things one can ask and answer via e-mail or phone.

But what’s a question worth? Depends on the question. I keep thinking I ought to be able to offer a bundle; so many questions or incidents, so much time, that sort of thing, with support I don’t have to drive to being discounted versus on-site.

Pricing is tough. Defining services in marketable packages is tough.

What is Malware?

Malware is a generic term I’ve long used primarily to mean adware, spyware and trojans, and which can also be construed to mean more traditional viruses. Basically it’s Bad+softWare, which you presumably don’t want and at a minimum means one more thing running and using resources on your computer, potentially slowing its performance.

We’re talking about unwanted programs, though unwanted tracking cookies are related and usually lumped in with the rest. These can be programs that deliver popups or other forms of advertising. The advertising can include phishing scams, or can try to fool you into installing other malware. These can be programs that “phone home” and report information about you, more actively than mere cookies. These can be programs that allow someone to take over control or make background use of your computer remotely. These can be programs that merely propagate and spread themselves, or that change settings, modify files, or cause other system damage.

You may see no overt sign anything is there, while your system slows noticeably. In a way, that’s the gentle way to be infested, but it’s insidious, frustrating, and a productivity drag.

Now With OnForce

I am now an approved service provider through the OnForce marketplace