We’re Back to Recycling Again

May 13, 2020 by doctordave

For our Kansas City, Topeka, and Lawrence clients, computer recycling has been a valuable service we provided. We take those computers, remove any personal information, and work with Connecting for Good to help make sure we can bridge the digital divide.

The Need is Greater Than Ever

Then the pandemic hit. This situation caused two problems. One, we had to be very cautious about computers being contagion vectors. While we have advanced procedures to protect our clients, recycling poses a unique challenge. At the same time, the need for computers is greater than ever. They’re in short supply even to buy, and with schools closed, families need these devices more than ever.

Over the past few weeks, we’ve chatted with our recycling partner as well as other computer repair places not just in Lawrence, but all over the world, and we’ve got a solution that we think will work.

We’re going to start accepting recycling from clients – with some caveats – for the immediate future.

Our New Recycling Policies:

Just Computers And Flat-Screen Monitors

(desktops and laptops)

In the past we could take all electronics, and that included old TV/CRT style monitors as well as printers. Connecting for Good charges a small fee for that, but right now, we need to keep their focus on getting computers in the hands of families so we are not taking tube monitors or other non-computer electronics. We can make recommendations when you contact us for recycling those other devices.

Even if it’s old, not-working, cracked, damaged, or whatever, we can take the flat screen computer monitor and the cords that go with them. Laptops are in very high demand right now because they have webcams that can be used for distance learning.

By Appointment Only at Our Office

Until the pandemic, we were happy to take recycling during onsite or office service calls. It’s part of the excellent service we provide our clients.

Upon evaluating the risks, we don’t want to take a device from a client’s home, put it in our car, and then go someplace else. Although the risk is small, we are working to eliminate as much risk as possible.

Therefore, you’re welcome to make an appointment to meet us at our office. Give us a call, and we’ll set it up. No charge of course

Wrapped and Kept Outside

When you decide to recycle your computer, laptop and monitor, please place each one in a trash bag outside for 3-5 days. A back porch is fine. Don’t leave it on the front porch because we don’t want things stolen. If you don’t have a front porch, a garage is the next best thing. If you’re in an apartment, that’s okay. This procedure is a precaution, not a requirement. We do need it put in a trash bag before your appointment.

Leave it Wrapped for Your Appointment

On arrival to your appointment, we’ll direct you to leave it on the sidewalk as we watch it. After you enter your vehicle, we’ll transfer it directly to our vehicle. To prevent cross-contamination, we’ll only accept one client for recycling a day, and it will be the last person we see to minimize the time in our vehicles. We’ll spray it with a sanitizing solution and wrap it again. While it should be sanitized anyways and the virus lives on plastic bags less than metal, we’re doing the extra step. Going the extra mile to keep our clients safe is part of everything we do!

Now’s the Time to Search the Basement and Garage

With so many people spending time at home, lots of people are doing spring cleaning. I know I have. Why not securely get rid of your computers and help a family in the area work and learn from home?

We’re here to help our community!

We’re Still Fixing Computers at Your Home or Office!

March 25, 2020 by doctordave

To fully comply with current the current Douglas County Emergency Order as well as other metro orders, we’re outlining our functions to the community as well as our action plan to keep people safe from Coronavavirus and Covid-10.

We’re Essential, But You Already Knew That

First, we already know that DoctorDave provides essential services to keep desktop and laptop computers, smartphones, tablets, printers and internet connections up and running for those working and learning from home. Service from DoctorDave Computer Repair falls under “Essential Activities” as specified in section 1.b.ii

“To obtain necessary services or supplies for themselves and their family or household members, to obtain supplies they need to work from home, or to deliver those services”

This means clients can visit us and we can visit clients as people who work from home need working technology. Further on in section viii the order allows operations by those who support

“Internet, and telecommunications systems (including the provision of essential global, national, and local infrastructure for computing services, business infrastructure, communications, and web-based services)”

We are specifically listed as essential in Section 1.e.xv “Businesses that supply products and services needed for people to work from home; as well as xvi “Businesses that supply other Essential Businesses with the support or supplies necessary to operate;” Section Two of the order requires us to have a plan in place to ensure compliance with Social Distancing, having cleaning products available, having separate hours for vulnerable populations as well as online and remote access. We’re breaking this up into a few sections.

Full Compliance:

Remote Access

three black remote controls on wooden table

While we’ve always been by appointment, this business model is particularly relevant. We will do an over-the-phone diagnosis before initiating any service call. With our experience we can ask questions to determine if remote support, an office visit, or an onsite visit is necessary. Whenever possible, we are going to do a remote support visit whereby we control your computer (with your permission and consent) from our offices or homes. We use above-industry-standard levels of security and encryption for that.

Office Visits

At our office at 810 Pennsylvania we’re establishing the following protocols. Remember these services are by appointment only and we do not accept walkins. On arrival, a client will be greeted at our glass door. The building is always locked so we’ll be avoiding any direct contact. The door will be pushed open enough to unlatch, but the door will act as a barrier for interaction. Once the client grabs the handle, we will walk up our stairs. The client will then go to the elevator with their computer. Once the elevator reaches the second floor, the client will be instructed to go to our sanitation station. They’ll leave their devices and sign our intake form. Our technician will wash their hands and put on gloves in the restroom. That station will have a cloth and spray bottle with 70% isopropyl alcohol. First the station will be sprayed down. Anything brought in by the client will be wiped down. As the technician approaches the station, the client will then be instructed to wash their hands as well. The pen used by the client to sign will also be sanitized. The technician will then bring the computer into our office. A chair will be placed six feet from that desk. A HEPA air purifier is placed between the client and the technician. After work is complete, the technician will place the computer at the sanitation station and then go to the restroom to remove gloves and wash hands once again. The client will be instructed to take the computer from the sanitation station and go down the elevator.

Separate Operating Hours

To minimize any cross-contamination, the first appointment of the day will be reserved for vulnerable populations. Since we don’t see more than one client at a time, there is no risk of interacting with others at our office or onsite.

Onsite Appointments

Onsite appointments will be discouraged unless in our professional opinion it is the only way to resolve the client’s issue. We will remind clients of the stay-at-home order and be reminded of their duty to try other options. Whenever possible, we will encourage remote or office appointments.

person in blue and white jacket holding silver faucet

Our technicians will use hand sanitizer in their car. Upon arrival to a client, we will ask the door to be opened and the client to stand six feet away. We will then ask for a sink in which to wash our hands. After washing our hands, we’ll place gloves on. The computer, mouse and keyboard and any area the technician touches will be wiped with a cloth and spray bottle with 70% isopropyl alcohol. The client will be instructed to stay six feet away at all times. Upon completion of the work, the technician will return to a sink to remove the gloves and wash hands. The client will then open the door for the technician to leave and will keep a distance of at least six feet the entire time. As we’ve said, we take our duty as an essential service to work, education and recreation very seriously. Your computer is your connection to all of this and we’re going to keep it up and running while protecting you and ourselves.

Apple Expanding Repair Options for iPhones

September 17, 2019 by doctordave

I recently wrote about Best Buy doing warranty repairs on Apple products. Apple continues to expand repair options to allow any approved company to do out-of-warranty repairs on iPhones. While I applaud Apple’s efforts to empower people to fix their own devices, I have significant concerns.

Apple Won’t Sell Directly to Individuals.

To get approved to buy official Apple parts, the applicant must be part of a company. Individuals cannot apply, and everyone has to pass a test.

It’s your computer though, you and others should have the rights to buy parts for it. Apple has been fighting Right to Repair in various states. Their argument is that tools, in the wrong hands, can be dangerous. You could pierce the battery and cause the iPhone to explode. Of course, the risk is reduced if you can buy genuine parts and read service manuals.

Apple Sets the Price

In a free market, you’re able to buy goods at various price points. With Apple’s controlled system, everyone buys items at the same price. Unless the program changes, no matter how much you buy, you’re paying the same price. Moreover, you’re not allowed to sell it to individuals to do their own repairs.

The price Apple will charge for those parts is roughly the same prices it charges individuals to do in-shop repairs. In other words, Apple is competing with independent repair shops to do the same type of repairs. They are setting pricing high enough on the parts so they can guarantee they are the cheapest in town. That’s just unfair.

Apple Restricts Independence of Independent Shops

When I first started full time with DoctorDave Computer Repair in 2003, I looked into becoming an official Apple Authorized Service Provider. The reason I didn’t was simple: I’d be working for Apple. Instead of doing what was in my client’s best interest, I’d have to do what my client wanted to keep my certification. That’s not right. Apple would restrict what products and services I could offer customers. That’s a big no-no in my book.

We’re Applying Anyway

In spite of all this, I’m still going to apply to have DoctorDave do iPhone repairs. It’s free, after all. I want to support this small step by Apple to empower people to repair their own devices.

I think of it as the first iPhone. You have to start somewhere!

New Place to Get iMacs and MacBooks Repaired

August 8, 2019 by doctordave

Recently Apple has authorized Best Buy nationwide to do warranty work for Apple computers. Overall I think it is great to have more warranty options to do repairs, but as someone who does computer repair on Apple computers, I have some opinions about it!

Apple Retail Stores Want You to Buy New Rather Than Fix

Apple has been accused more than once of pushing new purchases over repairs and our client stories are consistent. The retail stores are a disaster lately and suffer from substantial turnover, even at the top. You’ll rarely get the same person and get a consistent answer. It takes days to get an appointment, and Apple employees are accidentally deleting customer data too often.

Sometimes at the store, you’ll get pushed to purchase a new product even if yours is less than a year old. As soon as they introduce a new product, they’re pushing you away from the old one.

This upselling isn’t just an Apple thing, but tends to be everywhere inretail. Places want to sell you stuff, that’s the definition of retail, right? Office Depot was caught using deceptive sales tactics to sell people things they don’t need. They were fined $25 million for that violation. Office Depot is a well-known brand, and they violated consumer trust by doing this.

They Can Outright Refuse to Help

Apple Geniuses are bound by Apple rules and will follow the “company line” regarding support. On distressing example is someone who accidentally lost pictures from their iPhone. Apple refused to help! That’s wrong. However, they’re Apple; they don’t have to earn your business. They’re more focused on selling rather than support.

They Don’t Know How You Use the Product

One unique quality of using a small, independent computer repair company is we’ll take the time to understand how you use the computer. Individualized services yield individualized results. Apple frankly gets repairs wrong sometimes. Recently they replaced a customer’s MacBook Pro three times because they misdiagnosed a problem of a screensaver! The replacement didn’t cost Apple anything since they make the computer. The customer didn’t pay because it was under warranty, but what about his time and lost productivity? As a small business owner, I understand downtime is money lost. Retail employees don’t always think that way.

Pick Someone Focused on Service, Not Sales

We’re not out to sell you stuff, only to fix the stuff you have. If we tell you it is time to replace it rather than repairing it, we’re talking ourselves out of work. Sure it’s a loss of a short-term profit, but we’re in this business for the long haul. If it’s under warranty, we’re going to refer you to someplace like Best Buy since Apple will cover the repair. If it’s out of warranty, we’re going to help you ourselves.

Small, Local, Independent Business

I’m a big believer in support of local business. Larger retailers don’t have to earn your business, we do. We live and work in your communities. If you’re in Lawrence, obviously I hope you’d pick us for computer repair, but if not, please support a local business. Thanks for all your support over the years and let us fix your Apple computers (as well as PCs)

Virtual 360 View of Our Office in Lawrence

July 8, 2019 by doctordave

Have you ever seen those virtual 360 tours online? We’ve got one now of our office in Lawrence!

It’s live on Google Maps. If you’d like to see a full view of our office explaining all the cool stuff in it, check out this link. Inside you’ll see lots of Doctor Who stuff along with other interests Dave has. If you’d like a detailed view of the office, not hosted on Google, this link explains all the stuff in the office.

At 4105 West 6th Street is a small office we use to meet with our clients. It’s small for a few reasons. Since we do most of our work onsite, we don’t need a big space. We pass those savings along to our clients. We also don’t have any retail sales. We focused solely on computer repair. We don’t sell computers; we don’t repair mobile phones. We do one thing and do it really well: computer repair.

You can also see in that office we don’t have storage space for computers waiting to be repaired. That’s by design. Sure, we might need to monitor a system overnight or do an extensive data transfer from an old computer to a new one. For the most part, though, we work on your computer right then and there. You walk in with a computer needing to be repaired, and you walk out with it fixed — no sitting on a “rack” for days or weeks at a time. We don’t have the room! It forces us to be efficient and not waste your time.

All service, unless specified otherwise, is by appointment only. We just don’t have the room to see more than one person at a time or store their computer after all.

The Smallest Acts of Kindness From Our Clients

June 6, 2019 by doctordave

If you’ve read our reviews on Google, Facebook, or Yelp, you’ll see a phrase over and over again-” they helped us for free over the phone.” We often help people at no charge over the phone even if they aren’t a client. We know computer repair is expensive, and if it’s a simple fix, we want to get you up and running as soon as possible. We’re in the computer repair business for the long haul, so we’ll forgo the short term billable hours for the long-term relationship investment.

Sometimes people will send an email of thanks, but it’s rare you get a written card today. This one showed up in the office recently.

What made it unique for me is it’s honestly something I tell people all the time about shutting down their computers. At first glance, it wasn’t a big deal. It’s advice I give all the time. ‘Take two aspirin and call me in the morning,” as the old-time doctor would say. However, if aspirin got rid of the headache, then it was great advice.

It’s nice to take a pause every so often to remember what’s easy for us, and that which we often give away for free is vital to someone struggling with those computer problems. Keeps those cards and letters coming because they make my day. Of course, please send those computer repair questions as well.

Free Loaner Computers for Tornado Victims

May 31, 2019 by doctordave

With the recent tornados and storms out here in Lawrence as well as Kansas City, many victims have suffered severe damage to their homes. While I may not be handy with a hammer and nails, I am handy with a screwdriver and anti-static wrist strap.

I wasn’t sure how I could help until today. I got a call from someone who had been displaced from their home and needed a computer. They wanted to know if we sold used ones. The bad news is we don’t sell new or used computers. We strictly focus on computer repair. That keeps us unbiased and focuses us on just computer repair.

However, we do have a computer recycling program. We refurbish computers when we can and work with Connecting For Good to help in their mission. We’ve also donated them to local non-profit organizations and their clients. Some of these computers we reserve as loaners for clients in our DoctorDave wellness program. I was delighted to offer one of these loaners to a very appreciative person who gave me the idea of opening this up to everyone.

If you’ve been displaced because of the storm, please let us know if you need a loaner computer. We have mostly desktop computers but do have a few laptops. They are usually five years old or more, but they work for email and getting online. They’re also great for entertaining the kids. All we ask you do is return it to us when done, so we can direct them back to Connecting for Good. Of course, there is no charge for these loaner computers.

It’s a small thing we can do to help families in this time of need. If you need a computer, please contact our office at 785-841-8766 or 816-301-4335.

We Can Help With Voice-Over-IP (VoIP) Phone Systems

February 17, 2019 by doctordave

A few months ago, we switched many of our phone systems over to FreedomVoice. We’re now a partner of FreedomVoice and can get you set up.

What I like about FreedomVoice is it gives you advance call features like auto-attendants and phone trees for a small monthly fee. It can do faxing and even a “follow-me” function so when you aren’t at your desk, your mobile phone rings.

Our toll-free and emergency numbers are fully managed “in the cloud” for a low monthly fee. The feature I like best is when someone has an emergency the system can send out emails, text messages and push notifications so I’ll never miss that call. Seriously, when we get an emergency line call come in, red lights flash in my home.

If you’ve got a small office or a home office, let’s talk about your phone systems. I can get you set up with a rep from FreedomVoice to see if it would save you money. Heck, they even offer an Amazon gift card just to see if FreedomVoice is a fit.

You’ve got nothing to lose to check it out, unless of course, you like people having trouble reaching you! If you rely on your phone systems to interact with clients, lets talk!

Black Friday/Cyber Monday Special: Pre-Payment Discount and Free Gift

November 22, 2018 by doctordave

Since we’re not a retail shop, it’s harder for us to participate in the fun of Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday.

It might be harder, but we’re still doing it. Here’s’ some deals we have for you.

Pre-Payment Discount

Our normal rate is $90 an hour, but we’re selling blocks of time at a discount. You can buy two hours of service for $160. That’s a savings of $20, but for this weekend we’re selling them at $150 for an extra $10 off. You can use these in as little as 15-minute increments if you’d like remote support. They can be used for any of our services like

Wellness checkups (recommended every year)
New computer setups
Virus and malware removal
Upgrades, installs, and configuration of things like printers, wireless routers, scanners as well as software

If you purchase it anytime this weekend we’ll include a password book to track your passwords. Proper password management prevents you from getting taken in by scams and hacks. Go here to take advantage of the offer. After midnight on Monday they go back up to $160, which is still a good deal.

Free Checkup When you Join Our Monthly Wellness Program

Normally we charge $80 to join our Wellness program which includes your first checkup. If you sign up this weekend we’ll come out and do your first checkup for free. You must sign up and pay your first month’s fee of $25 to take advantage of this deal.

Some key benefits of our monthly wellness program are:

Wellness security and problem prevention checkups twice a year
Discounts on labor and anti-virus software
Free assistance through email or our DoctorDave™ iPhone app
Free installs of hardware, software and new computers
Free virus detection scans
Free checks for updates to hardware and software
Free Assistance with problems caused by scammers
Free Membership Appreciation Clinics and Parties
Free consulting on new hardware and software purchases
Free monthly tips and tricks newsletter
Free recycling of old computer equipment, including securely erasing or destroying data

To take advantage of this deal, you’ll first need to go here.

Malwarebytes Antivirus Protection for Macs or PCs (50%)

We’re offering this only to existing clients. Normally this product retails for $40, but we give a discount of $5.00. For Black Friday, we’ll discount it another $10.00. You’ll get one year of protection for just $25. To take advantage of this deal you’ll need to already be an existing client and email. Call us at 785-841-8766 to take advantage of this deal. No online sales.

Stocking Stuffer: Password Management Book $5.00

Normally we sell these for $7.50 (or get them free if you purchase a pre-payment block of service). They’re great

Whether it’s Black Friday, Small Business Saturday or Cyber Monday, help support local business and protect your computer!

Some ISPs Give you Mandatory Ads

March 4, 2018 by doctordave

When you go to some websites, you expect ads. That’s what pays for the site. Just like commercials on TV. Some Internet Service Providers add their own ads to your browsing experience.

Comcast was caught doing this last year. They were adding information to web pages you visited encouraging you to upgrade your cable modem. This hijacking was before the recent change by the FCC to repeal Net Neutrality.

Now it could be a completely acceptable and encouraged way of giving you web pages. That’s kind of how TV works now with cable. Cable companies add their own commercials to shows — even though you’re paying them for service. They get money both ways.

Photo by jbcurio