Kevin's NorthWest
Technology Services
Providing Dedicated Technical Support
For Windows and Apple Computers
About Me The Tech:
My name is Kevin B. I am a college graduate from Oregon State (Go Beavs!) and have an extensive background in technology. I have 6 months of work experience working at Xerox/ACS, a call center for Apple, performing software troubleshooting for laptop and desktop computers. In addition, I have 5 months of experience working with Dell / Unisys performing hardware repairs and troubleshooting on Dell’s lineup of laptop and desktop machines for business and residential clients. I also have years of “learned from everyday general use” knowledge from using an Apple PC at home and school.
Additionally, I know Microsoft Windows and PCs (non-Apple computers) as well. I have 4 years of working with Windows PCs on campus, and have completed CS 101 Computers: Apps and Implications relating to use of common office software and mitigating security risks. Currently, I am studying to become a CompTIA A+, Network+, and CISCO CCNA certified IT Technician, and am also furthering my expertise with an internship with FreeGeek, a computer recycling, repair, and refurbishing nonprofit business.
My Tech Philosophy:
I enjoy helping customers, and am a firm believer that nothing beats 1-on-1, in-person support and hands-on teaching in order to address technical problems. Call centers, as much as I enjoyed working at one, by their nature limit the support they can provide due to costs and company mandated metrics, which limit how much individual attention can be given to each customer.
Being able to sit down with an individual, in-person and genuinely be able to take as much time as needed to address the technical issue they are experiencing is what tech support should be.
I also believe in providing tech support that is genuine and has my customers best interests at heart as my business policy, even if it is not as profitable. I personally guarantee that I will provide you the honest-truth-no-bull answers regarding your technology questions. Many IT businesses attempt to push customers into purchasing specific products or services that are, often, unnecessary. My philosophy is to provide the customer with as much information as possible, before letting them make their own decision, free from any pressure one way or another.
Limitations And Disclaimers:
The one thing I do like about not working through a company (like GeekSquad for example) is that I am not limited by company policy with regards to which topics a can and cannot troubleshoot for customers. But this can be a double-edged sword in that there will be issues I run into that, despite my expertise, I am not qualified or able to properly troubleshoot or teach.
This comes into play more so when dealing with networking technical support. Setting up a modem, router and/or wireless base-station can often be difficult. I can attest, speaking from what I’m learning from the CompTIA Network+ certification, things don’t always go smoothly. I am more than willing to attempt to address networking issues, but on occasion will need to refer you to an a more specialized IT business to address your needs in some situations.
Additionally, regarding my user guide service in order to provide the highest quality and to avoid errors and mistakes, I need to fully understand the process I am writing a guide for. As that saying goes: "You can't teach a subject without understanding the subject first!". This means that, unfortunately, there will be subjects that customers request technical guides for that I do not feel comfortable and confident enough to write based on my limited knowledge of the subject in question.