New PC Setup & Transfer Service: £170.00
(£195.50 inc. VAT @ 15%)
Important: see also "New PC
Setup & Transfer Service with Windows 7 Upgrade"
This service takes all the difficulty and problems
out of buying a new computer to replace your existing one. However if
this is your first computer, the fee will be reduced to £150, and you
should interpret the text below accordingly where it refers to
transferring stuff from an existing computer.
In summary, it consists of the following:
-
Assisting you with selecting a new computer;
-
Likewise with any further items of hardware such
as a printer or scanner;
-
Setting up the new computer, not least ensuring
that it is secure;
-
Transferring all your personal data from the
current computer;
-
Installing and testing everything in your home,
including a generous hand-over session.
Thus for the fixed fee above, the PC-FirstAid.com
New PC Set-up and Transfer Service consists of the following tasks as a
minimum:
-
Completing the Windows set-up routine;
-
Installing all the latest Windows Service Packs,
Updates and
Patches;
-
Optimising Windows and Internet Explorer
settings both for best performance and for Internet security
purposes;
-
Installing a firewall (e.g. Zone Alarm, which is free
for personal use);
-
Installing anti-spyware software such as
Microsoft Windows Defender, Spyware Blaster, Spybot
Search-and-Destroy, all free for personal use, with their respective latest
updates;
-
Updating the antivirus software if
pre-installed; if you do not have your own, the free AVG program
will be used.
-
If possible, partitioning your hard disk into at least three
partitions: the first partition for Windows and Programs; a
dedicated “utility room” partition for the Windows Swap File,
Temporary Files, and Temporary Internet Files, thus minimising disk
fragmentation in the main (first) partition; and a partition solely
for all your data, including Favorites, email and address book, My
Documents, My Pictures, etc., so that backing up is simpler.
-
If appropriate and feasible, the hard disk from
your current computer will be transferred to the new computer, in
which case the partitioning arrangement will be different: this
second disk will be partitioned into two with the “utility room” as
the first partition, which will help make the system more efficient
and thus faster; and your data on the second partition. The
corresponding partition on the main disk will then become a
data-backup partition (free backup software will be installed),
which will address the main risk in computers, viz. hard disk
failure. Note that if your existing hard disk is not suitable, a new
compatible hard can be procured (at cost) and installed instead.
-
Installing all your main programs (e.g.
Microsoft Office) and downloading the latest updates; note that I do
not install games. Also if you do not have a Microsoft Office CD, I
can install Open Office, an open-source (and thus free) suite that
mimics the Microsoft product and can open and save files in Office
formats. Open Office includes word-processor, spreadsheet, and
presentation components that look an feel like their MS Office
counterparts; it also includes a drawing module and dictionaries for
most modern languages.
-
Installing a number of free additional programs
that I have discovered over the years, that serve to increase your
productivity and/or enjoyment when using your computer. These would
include alternative Internet Browsers with a number of additional
features; an electronic Windows Desktop “Post-it Note” program; and
a program that will catalogue all the picture files on your hard
disk in one easy-to-use interface.
-
Installing your peripherals (e.g. printer, scanner,
camera), after downloading the latest Windows XP or Vista drivers if
necessary.
-
All the data on your current computer (including
emails, address book, Favorites, photographs, music, videos, etc.) will be
transferred ready for use on the new computer. This assumes that
your current computer's hard disk is not dead and thus unreadable.
-
Re-instating your Internet connection if
applicable.
In essence, while the fee is fixed as above, the
tasks that this service includes are flexible within reason; thus
anything else not explicitly stated above that could and should be
part of the transfer exercise, and which would only involve minimal
extra effort, will be included. For instance the floppy and/or CD
(or DVD) drives from your current PC may warrant transfer to the new
computer as well.
All the processes above will be carried out in my
workshop; I will collect all components from your premises, and you
should allow around a week between collection and delivery.
“Delivery” will take between one and two hours,
during which time I will set up and test the whole system including your
Internet connection, and give you a comprehensive demonstration of the
new features, functions and programs on your new system.
This service includes a three-month set-up warranty,
and in any case all my clients are entitled to indefinite free email and
telephone support (see left for more details).
If you wish to upgrade to a broadband
Internet connection at the same time, as described under Broadband on
the left, my normal Broadband Installation Service fee will be reduced
to £25+VAT. In which case we would sign up to your preferred Broadband
Service Provider (BSP) during the delivery visit, and after the
requisite activation period,
normally some 10 working days later, I will return to complete the
process.
You might also wish to consider purchasing you own
web domain and email service, as described in Personal Email Domain (see
left); my fee for organising this is as part of the New PC Set-up &
Transfer Service will be reduced to £20+VAT.
Finally it is my policy that all components,
software any other purchases made on a client's behalf are invoiced at
no profit to PC-FirstAid.com Ltd, thus preserving the integrity of
any recommendations I may offer.
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