Last Updated: 01-Aug-2009
System Rebuild Service: £180.00 (£207.00 inc. VAT @ 15%)
A System Rebuild may prove necessary if your computer is too severely infected with viruses and spyware (see Virus Disinfection Service on the left); or if your Windows operating system has been so badly corrupted that an in-situ repair is not possible (see Full Service). It is also possible that a System Rebuild may be required if you wish to upgrade from an old version of Windows (see Windows Upgrade Service)
For a fixed price above, the System Rebuild Service consists of the following tasks as a minimum:
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Cloning your existing hard disk contents to ensure that a) all your data is preserved and b) if necessary I have a way back in case of later problems. Your saved data will include documents, spreadsheets, emails, address book, photographs, music, videos, etc.;
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Re-formatting and testing your hard disk(s);
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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;
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Installing a fresh copy of Windows (possibly an upgrade if required);
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Installing all the latest Windows updates and patches;
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Optimising Windows, Internet Explorer and other settings both for best performance and for Internet security purposes;
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Installing a firewall (e.g. Zone Alarm, which is free for personal use), if your do not have your own;
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Installing antivirus software: if you do not have your own, the free AVG program could be used, but I recommend Norton Antivirus 2006 at a cost of £20-£25 including 12 months virus definitions updates subscription);
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If you require parental control over Internet and instant messenger usage by the younger members of your family, I recommend Norton Internet Security 2006 at a cost of £27, as a combined firewall and antivirus application with password-protected internet access constraints;
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Optimising your Internet security settings and installing anti-spyware software, such as Microsoft Windows Defender (Windows XP only), Spyware Guard, Spyware Blaster, Spybot Search & Destroy, and Ad-Aware, all free for personal use, with their respective latest updates;
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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 and feel like their MS Office counterparts; it also includes a drawing module and dictionaries for most modern languages.
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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 a couple of 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.
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Installing your peripherals (e.g. printer, scanner, camera), after downloading the latest Windows drivers if necessary.
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All your data will be transferred back ready for use on the new computer.
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Re-instating your Internet connection if applicable.
In essence, while the fee is fixed as above, the services that this includes are flexible within reason; thus anything else not explicitly stated above that could and should be part of the rebuild exercise, and which would only involve minimal extra effort, will be included in the fee (you only pay for the cost of the item). For instance it might be appropriate to increase system memory (RAM); to add a second optical drive and/or a second hard disk; to add USB 2.0 functionality via a PCI card, possibly with a front-access panel.
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.
If necessary, this will be followed by a further one-hour visit some two weeks later to “top and tail” the system, and deal with any queries and minor issues that may have arisen in the meanwhile.
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 arrange the second "top and tail" visit to coincide with the corresponding activation date, normally some 10 working days later.
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.
Important Caveat: We take very seriously our promise that all clients should obtain best value for money; hence if we feel that you would be better advised to take the opportunity of swapping your (old) poorly computer for a (modern) new one, even though our fee income would thus be less, then we shall certainly do so. The conundrum is that although your value for money might be optimised this way, the total cash outlay will be greater after including the cost of a new computer. However given the incredibly low cost of new computers nowadays, this strategy is far more likely to be affordable that even 12-18 months ago.
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Last Updated: 01-Aug-2009