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Carbonated_Brains · 01-20-2005, 02:02 PM

So here's the deal: I am severely hard up for cash at the moment, and things are mounting. I'm posting this to ask if anyone has had any experience doing freelance computer repairs and servicing.

I'm an avid hobbyist, you might say, so I'm not certified, which poses a large problem; I can't really join a company and work for them doing basic computer repairs. Not to mention nobody in the area is hiring.

I can only really do Windows and PC repairs, everything from advanced antivirus and spyware removal, windows networking, wireless, email/internet setup, advanced backup services (including things like automated backup scripts), data recovery, and full installation of new operating systems and service packs, notably I've spent the last few months fixing every conceivable problem with the SP2 install.

On top of this, I've built dozens of computers and I am fully able to perform upgrades, builds, and hardware troubleshooting. Most of the software services I can do remotely using any of a number of virtual desktop applications.

On top of all of this, I've had great success in doing computer tutorials. Anything from the most basic computer usage to tutorials on more advanced applications, rudimentary web design, how to buy and install hardware, etc etc.

The thing is, I've been doing this for friends and family, regularly, for YEARS. Dozens and dozens of jobs.

What I'm asking is how can I apply this knowledge and make some cash with it? How does one just start freelancing, with no past professional history? All my jobs thus far have been in the engineering field, so I don't exactly come off as an experienced computer user.

Any anecdoes/help anyone can provide would be great.

01-20-2005, 02:02 PM	#1
Carbonated_Brains Does it show up here when I type? Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Between the smoky layers of a prosciutto sandwich! Posts: 355	Has anyone dabbled in computer repair? So here's the deal: I am severely hard up for cash at the moment, and things are mounting. I'm posting this to ask if anyone has had any experience doing freelance computer repairs and servicing. I'm an avid hobbyist, you might say, so I'm not certified, which poses a large problem; I can't really join a company and work for them doing basic computer repairs. Not to mention nobody in the area is hiring. I can only really do Windows and PC repairs, everything from advanced antivirus and spyware removal, windows networking, wireless, email/internet setup, advanced backup services (including things like automated backup scripts), data recovery, and full installation of new operating systems and service packs, notably I've spent the last few months fixing every conceivable problem with the SP2 install. On top of this, I've built dozens of computers and I am fully able to perform upgrades, builds, and hardware troubleshooting. Most of the software services I can do remotely using any of a number of virtual desktop applications. On top of all of this, I've had great success in doing computer tutorials. Anything from the most basic computer usage to tutorials on more advanced applications, rudimentary web design, how to buy and install hardware, etc etc. The thing is, I've been doing this for friends and family, regularly, for YEARS. Dozens and dozens of jobs. What I'm asking is how can I apply this knowledge and make some cash with it? How does one just start freelancing, with no past professional history? All my jobs thus far have been in the engineering field, so I don't exactly come off as an experienced computer user. Any anecdoes/help anyone can provide would be great.