Bay Area Computer
Consuting System Consultation
When buying a new system for your home or business, it's always
a good idea to evaluate your requirements before you make
a purchase. Do you have a preference to Dell or Hp? Have you
already purchased software that will only run on Windows XP
and not on Windows Vista? Do you need a fast machine for gaming
or one just for email and word processing? If you already
have a machine, can it be upgraded? Below is a brief list
of the hardware services I can perform.
-Evaluation and purchase consultation
-New PC system procurement
-PC system set up and configuration
-Troubleshoot to determine if the problem is Hardware or Software
related
-System component upgrades - RAM/CPU/Hard Disk/CD/DVD etc.
-Faulty component replacement
-Custom built Workstation
-Printer install/configure
-Semi-annual internal dust removal
Related Information:
Black Issues in Higher Education, Sept 12, 2002 by
Reid Goldsborough
Say you need to upgrade a half dozen PCs in your office.
Or you would like to install a network connecting a new computer
in your home to an existing one to share its cable modem and
printer.
You can do it yourself, listening to vendors who want to
sell their products or services, reading whatever you can
find on the subject, and taking advice from those who have
undertaken similar projects. Or you can ease your burden by
hiring a computer consultant.
"Good computer consultants spend years acquiring knowledge
in their areas," says Al Cole, president of the Independent
Computer Consultants Association (ICCA) and a consultant from
Windham, N.H. "When you hire a consultant, you get use
of this knowledge. You don't have to spend time following
the trends and tracking the state of the technology."
Computer consultants typically specialize in one or more
areas. Areas of specialization include specific categories
of hardware and software, specific types of clients such as
medical or legal offices, general office automation, networking
and Web services. Most consultants target their services to
businesses, but some work with home users.
How do you know if you need a consultant? Ask yourself these
questions, says Leigh Weber, a computer consultant in Maple
Glen, Pa., who helps clients reduce paperwork. Are you confused
by all the technology choices out there? Do you lack the in-house
expertise to install, learn, or troubleshoot computer products
or services? Have you run into a wall in undertaking a project
yourself?.
The best way to find a computer consultant is through referrals.
You need to be careful in choosing a consultant, say Cole
and Weber. Ideally, you should work with someone who has experience
with your type of problem and who has no financial interest
in individual products or services.
This doesn't mean you should never go with someone who's
getting up to speed. You can in fact save money by helping
a consultant gain experience with a new area. But the consultant
should disclose this up front so you know what you're getting
into. The consultant should also disclose if he feels someone
else may be better suited for your particular project than
him.
Some consultants also act as resellers on behalf of computer
manufacturers, getting a commission for selling the company's
products or services. Having financial ties like these doesn't
necessarily mean that the consultant will favor these products
or services over others that may be more appropriate. But
consultants should disclose any ties, and you can decide how
to use the information.
The biggest problem that people run into when working with
computer consultants, say Cole and Weber, occurs when what
the client wants changes during the course of the project
from what he wanted initially and what the consultant agreed
to do. This can lead to disagreements and incompleted projects.
To prevent this, as a client, make sure you understand the
problem you want to solve and that your expectations are realistic.
Not all problems can be fixed with technology.
You don't necessarily have to know the scope of the project
initially, but you should discuss your thinking in detail
with the consultant. Before the consultant begins work, you
should have an agreement in writing spelling out everything,
including the timetable, compensation and contingencies--what
happens if you make additional requests before the project
is completed.
Also, make sure the consultant has a track record of finishing
projects by asking for and checking references. Pose probing
questions. Many people are reluctant to admit that a project
went bad.
If possible, interview more than one consultant before choosing.
Does he listen? Does he ask questions about your situation
and plans? Does he tailor his solution to your problem? Do
you understand what he's saying?
If all goes well, and it should, you won't regret paying
the bill, having saved time or money. Depending on the project,
a computer consultant may charge by the hour, presenting a
bill each time he reaches a milestone. Alternatively, a consultant
may charge by the project, often asking for one-third of the
payment up front, one-third when half done and one-third upon
completion.
It has been said that a computer lets you make more mistakes
more quickly than any other invention in history, with the
possible exceptions of handguns and hard liquor. A good computer
consultant can help prevent mistakes from happening in the
first place.
--Reid Goldsborough is a syndicated columnist and author
of the book STRAIGHT TALK ABOUT THE INFORMATION SUPERHIGHWAY.
727-433-0692
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