Sometimes I’m asked to look at people’s computers for them as a favour, usually if they have a problem with it.

Unfortunately I often have to politely direct them elsewhere as in recent times I have been very busy with work and other commitments.

Very occasionally I have agreed to look at a someone’s computer for them.  However I now have some “rules” about the computers I will and won’t look at.  I may have directed you here to look at them.  If so please read the following very carefully:

• You must accept the possibility that I may not be able to solve the problem, and that, in attempting to do so data may be lost.  So take a backup of everything you want to keep before bringing the computer to me.
• If I find any “adult” material, on your computer 1) I will not continue to work on it 2) depending on the nature of the material I may have to report it to the authorities without informing you.  Even if you don’t think that this will apply to you consider:
  • I may be able to see browsing history or emails that you thought were deleted.
  • Are you the only person who uses the computer? If not, do you know the sites the other users may have visited?

  If you think that there is a possibility that someone else may have visited such websites on your computer, then it is probably best for you to take the computer to a computer store.  If this is the reason why you want me to look at the computer for you (to remove content you know is there and want to get rid of), make sure you explain the situation clearly before bringing the computer to me.

• If I find any illegal software or pirated material on the computer I will either:
  • Delete/Remove/Uninstall the illegal software or
  • Stop working on your computer then or in the future

  Illegal software or pirated material is usually any software/material that has a price, but that you didn’t pay for, e.g. a friend copied it for you, or you downloaded a “cracked” version off the internet.
  Many people have illegal copies of Microsoft Office or Adobe programs, or copyright material such as films or music that they haven’t bought.
  To avoid misunderstandings or embarrassment, please don’t ask me to look at your computer if you have any such software or files on your computer.

• You must accept that I may change some of the programs on your computer for those that I prefer or recommend.
• Please make sure that you give me any usernames or passwords that are required to access your computer or areas of your computer.
• If your computer is a desktop, I will not need the monitor, but I will need the base unit, keyboard and mouse.
• If your computer is a laptop/notebook computer I will need the power pack/mains lead.

Finally, some people seem to have the impression that because someone “knows about computers” they will be able to do everything quickly.
I wish that were the case.  If your computer is slow, or if there are many problems with it, it may take me many hours to sort out the problem.  Often I need to wait for a scan to finish, or a program to uninstall or install before I can begin looking at the next issue.  During this time I would need to sit in front of the screen just in case a prompt appears on the screen requiring some user input.  It is tedious, time consuming work.