Secret Simple Computer
FAQs
Our Most Common and Frequently Asked Questions
*Pricing & How Billing Works *
1) How much do you charge?
I charge based on the type of help needed (onsite vs remote, complexity, urgency, travel, and whether we’re dealing with one device… or an entire “home ecosystem” of devices that all hate each other). Most clients hire me because they want it fixed correctly, securely, and without wasting days.
2) Do you charge hourly or flat rate?
Often hourly for troubleshooting and hands-on work. For certain common services (setup, tune-ups, migrations, security checkups), I can offer flat-rate packages once I know what we’re working with.
3) Is there a diagnostic fee?
Yes — diagnosis is real work. You’re paying for 20+ years of experience so we don’t “guess and stress.” If you move forward with the repair, the diagnostic cost is often applied toward the work (depending on the situation).
4) What if I decide not to proceed after the diagnosis?
No problem. You’ll only pay for the time spent diagnosing and documenting options. I’ll explain your best next steps so you can make a clean decision.
5) Can you give me an exact quote before you start?
Sometimes, yes — if it’s a straightforward service. For most troubleshooting, I can give a range up front, then confirm the best plan once we see what’s actually going on.
6) Why are you more than “a guy on Craigslist for $50”?
Because I’m not competing in the “hope it works” category. You’re hiring me for reliability, speed, professionalism, privacy, and correct fixes—especially when your computer affects your income, business, or family.
*Appointments, Onsite, and Where We Meet*
7) Do you offer onsite help?
Yes — onsite is one of my specialties. I work with clients at:
Homes
Business offices
Assisted living / senior communities
And yes, if you prefer, we can meet at a third-party location (like a coffee shop) when appropriate.
8) Do I have to bring my computer to a shop?
Usually, no. Many issues are best solved where the problem lives (Wi‑Fi, printer, router, multiple devices, password sync issues, etc.). Onsite saves you from unplugging 14 things and praying you can plug them back in.
9) What areas do you service?
I provide onsite support across Central Texas (with travel considerations depending on distance). If you’re unsure, ask—if it’s drivable, it’s doable.
10) Do you offer remote support too?
Yes. If it’s safe and practical to do remotely, that can be the fastest and most cost-effective option.
11) How soon can you get me in?
Turnaround depends on the week, but I aim for faster response than the “we can schedule you next month” crowd. If it’s urgent, tell me—there may be priority options.
12) What’s your cancellation/reschedule policy?
Because appointments reserve real time, I ask for reasonable notice. (You’d be shocked how often computers “magically start working” 10 minutes before I arrive.)
*What You Help With (AKA: “yes, I can handle that too”)*
13) Can you help with printers?
Yes. Printers are basically tiny rage machines with paper. I troubleshoot and set up consumer and business printers, including:
Printer offline issues
Wireless printing
New printer setup
Scanning issues
Multiple computers/devices printing reliably
14) Can you help with passwords and locked accounts?
Yes — this is a huge part of what I do, including help with:
Apple ID / iCloudGoogle / GmailMicrosoft / Outlook / Microsoft 365
Facebook account issues
Password manager setup & recovery planning
(If you’re thinking “I wrote it down somewhere”… you’re not alone.)
15) Can you remove viruses or stop popups/scams?
Yes. I can clean up infections, secure browsers, and help you recover from scary popups and scam attempts—and then harden things so it’s less likely to happen again.
16) Do you help with email problems?
Yes — sending/receiving issues, spam overload, hacked accounts, and getting email working properly across phone + computer.
17) Can you help with Wi‑Fi and home office setup?
Yes. Many “computer problems” are actually:
Router/Wi‑Fi issues
DNS issues
Device-to-device syncing problems
Network printer issues
I fix the system, not just the symptom.
*Older Computers, Replacements, and “Should I Even Fix This?”*
18) My computer is over 5 years old—should I repair it or replace it?
Great question. I’ll give you a straight answer based on: your model/specs/what you use it for/cost-to-fix vs value-to-keep security and reliability. Sometimes we extend the life; sometimes we don’t throw good money after bad.
19) Can you help me buy a new computer (and set it up)?
Yes — and this is where you avoid the classic mistake: buying the wrong thing and spending 6 months annoyed. I can recommend, source, deliver (where applicable), and set up your new system—including migration of files, email, and printing.
20) Can you transfer everything from my old computer to the new one?
Yes. I handle data migration for Windows and Mac, and I focus heavily on:
Photos
Documents
Email
Accounts
Browser
Password
Sync printers
Business tools
Logins
*Trust, Privacy, and Peace of Mind (important for adults with real lives)*
21) Will you see my personal files or photos?
I respect privacy and only access what’s necessary to complete your service. If anything sensitive needs review, I’ll ask first.
22) Do you offer any kind of guarantee?
I stand by my work. Some outcomes depend on hardware condition, third‑party vendors, or account providers (Apple/Google/Microsoft), but I’m clear about expectations up front.
23) Do you work with seniors / assisted living residents?
Yes — and I’m patient, respectful, and used to explaining things clearly without making anyone feel “behind.”
24) Can you help if my business depends on this computer?
Yes. I specialize in issues that affect income and operations, and I’ll prioritize the fastest path to stable, secure functionality.
“Before You Book” Questions (that save everyone time)
25) What should I have ready before our appointment?
Helpful items:
device passwords (or at least the best guesses)
email addresses tied to Apple/Google/Microsoft
charger(s)
any error messages (screenshots help)
list of what “stopped working” and when
26) What if I don’t know any of my passwords?
That’s common. Don’t panic. We’ll start with account recovery steps and build a plan so this doesn’t keep happening.
27) Can you help even if I’m “not good with computers”?
Yes. That’s literally the point. If you were good at this, you wouldn’t need me… and I’d be doing something tragic like trying to become a barista.
28) Do you offer the cheapest price in town?
No — and that’s intentional. I provide premium onsite support for people who value:
fast resolution
professional service
security and privacy
business reliability
clear communication
If you want the lowest price, I’m probably not the right fit. If you want it handled correctly, you’re in the right place.
1) How much do you charge?
I charge based on the type of help needed (onsite vs remote, complexity, urgency, travel, and whether we’re dealing with one device… or an entire “home ecosystem” of devices that all hate each other). Most clients hire me because they want it fixed correctly, securely, and without wasting days.
2) Do you charge hourly or flat rate?
Often hourly for troubleshooting and hands-on work. For certain common services (setup, tune-ups, migrations, security checkups), I can offer flat-rate packages once I know what we’re working with.
3) Is there a diagnostic fee?
Yes — diagnosis is real work. You’re paying for 20+ years of experience so we don’t “guess and stress.” If you move forward with the repair, the diagnostic cost is often applied toward the work (depending on the situation).
4) What if I decide not to proceed after the diagnosis?
No problem. You’ll only pay for the time spent diagnosing and documenting options. I’ll explain your best next steps so you can make a clean decision.
5) Can you give me an exact quote before you start?
Sometimes, yes — if it’s a straightforward service. For most troubleshooting, I can give a range up front, then confirm the best plan once we see what’s actually going on.
6) Why are you more than “a guy on Craigslist for $50”?
Because I’m not competing in the “hope it works” category. You’re hiring me for reliability, speed, professionalism, privacy, and correct fixes—especially when your computer affects your income, business, or family.
*Appointments, Onsite, and Where We Meet*
7) Do you offer onsite help?
Yes — onsite is one of my specialties. I work with clients at:
Homes
Business offices
Assisted living / senior communities
And yes, if you prefer, we can meet at a third-party location (like a coffee shop) when appropriate.
8) Do I have to bring my computer to a shop?
Usually, no. Many issues are best solved where the problem lives (Wi‑Fi, printer, router, multiple devices, password sync issues, etc.). Onsite saves you from unplugging 14 things and praying you can plug them back in.
9) What areas do you service?
I provide onsite support across Central Texas (with travel considerations depending on distance). If you’re unsure, ask—if it’s drivable, it’s doable.
10) Do you offer remote support too?
Yes. If it’s safe and practical to do remotely, that can be the fastest and most cost-effective option.
11) How soon can you get me in?
Turnaround depends on the week, but I aim for faster response than the “we can schedule you next month” crowd. If it’s urgent, tell me—there may be priority options.
12) What’s your cancellation/reschedule policy?
Because appointments reserve real time, I ask for reasonable notice. (You’d be shocked how often computers “magically start working” 10 minutes before I arrive.)
*What You Help With (AKA: “yes, I can handle that too”)*
13) Can you help with printers?
Yes. Printers are basically tiny rage machines with paper. I troubleshoot and set up consumer and business printers, including:
Printer offline issues
Wireless printing
New printer setup
Scanning issues
Multiple computers/devices printing reliably
14) Can you help with passwords and locked accounts?
Yes — this is a huge part of what I do, including help with:
Apple ID / iCloudGoogle / GmailMicrosoft / Outlook / Microsoft 365
Facebook account issues
Password manager setup & recovery planning
(If you’re thinking “I wrote it down somewhere”… you’re not alone.)
15) Can you remove viruses or stop popups/scams?
Yes. I can clean up infections, secure browsers, and help you recover from scary popups and scam attempts—and then harden things so it’s less likely to happen again.
16) Do you help with email problems?
Yes — sending/receiving issues, spam overload, hacked accounts, and getting email working properly across phone + computer.
17) Can you help with Wi‑Fi and home office setup?
Yes. Many “computer problems” are actually:
Router/Wi‑Fi issues
DNS issues
Device-to-device syncing problems
Network printer issues
I fix the system, not just the symptom.
*Older Computers, Replacements, and “Should I Even Fix This?”*
18) My computer is over 5 years old—should I repair it or replace it?
Great question. I’ll give you a straight answer based on: your model/specs/what you use it for/cost-to-fix vs value-to-keep security and reliability. Sometimes we extend the life; sometimes we don’t throw good money after bad.
19) Can you help me buy a new computer (and set it up)?
Yes — and this is where you avoid the classic mistake: buying the wrong thing and spending 6 months annoyed. I can recommend, source, deliver (where applicable), and set up your new system—including migration of files, email, and printing.
20) Can you transfer everything from my old computer to the new one?
Yes. I handle data migration for Windows and Mac, and I focus heavily on:
Photos
Documents
Accounts
Browser
Password
Sync printers
Business tools
Logins
*Trust, Privacy, and Peace of Mind (important for adults with real lives)*
21) Will you see my personal files or photos?
I respect privacy and only access what’s necessary to complete your service. If anything sensitive needs review, I’ll ask first.
22) Do you offer any kind of guarantee?
I stand by my work. Some outcomes depend on hardware condition, third‑party vendors, or account providers (Apple/Google/Microsoft), but I’m clear about expectations up front.
23) Do you work with seniors / assisted living residents?
Yes — and I’m patient, respectful, and used to explaining things clearly without making anyone feel “behind.”
24) Can you help if my business depends on this computer?
Yes. I specialize in issues that affect income and operations, and I’ll prioritize the fastest path to stable, secure functionality.
“Before You Book” Questions (that save everyone time)
25) What should I have ready before our appointment?
Helpful items:
device passwords (or at least the best guesses)
email addresses tied to Apple/Google/Microsoft
charger(s)
any error messages (screenshots help)
list of what “stopped working” and when
26) What if I don’t know any of my passwords?
That’s common. Don’t panic. We’ll start with account recovery steps and build a plan so this doesn’t keep happening.
27) Can you help even if I’m “not good with computers”?
Yes. That’s literally the point. If you were good at this, you wouldn’t need me… and I’d be doing something tragic like trying to become a barista.
28) Do you offer the cheapest price in town?
No — and that’s intentional. I provide premium onsite support for people who value:
fast resolution
professional service
security and privacy
business reliability
clear communication
If you want the lowest price, I’m probably not the right fit. If you want it handled correctly, you’re in the right place.
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