What systems does Brainstorm work with?

I work on all systems Macintosh, Windows, Unix/Linux, I'm not picky. Contact me and I'll be happy to discuss your need in detail.

What services does Brainstorm provide?

Note: Brainstorm is not a vendor of any kind of hardware, parts or supplies. I can, however, help you decide what to purchase.

Hardware and Software installation, troubleshooting, and repairs (I don't do much in the way of component level repairs, and I'm not an Apple Certified Repair Center), upgrades, software installations in small or large installations.

Networking: wireless or wired, routers, modems, switches, gateways, firewalls, servers.

Design and Publishing: I am very experienced with all areas of the printing and publishing industry. Do you need help designing a flyer for your school or publishing that new coffee table book on ancient cheese making practices you've always dreamt of? You'll have to provide the information about the cheese, I can help with the rest. Has your printing or publishing provider given you a list of requirements that you just don't understand?

Web/HTML/PHP/SQL Design and Programming: I can help you write a simple web page for your family or small group. I can help you design your fully dynamic database driven web page, catalog, photo gallery, or just about any other project you've been envisioning. I may even be able to assist you in creating it on your own with coaching and tutoring.

Do you need some help installing that new combo printer/fax/copier/scanner/coffeemaker/stapler/shredder/time-machine (that you just purchased at that big warehouse store) and configuring it to talk to your desktop computer, or the rest of your office.

You recently purchased a NAS device (Network Attached Storage - Basically, a small "appliance" that plugs into your network and acts as a file server) or similar server, and would like assistance installing or configuring it.

Do you need a new or updated cable modem or DSL modem or internet router installed or configured?

Have you decided to register your own domain name, and your internet service provider (I.S.P) is asking you questions that you don't know the answers to? Or would you like to register your own domain name and don't know where to start?

You don't know what a TCP/IP address is, or why having one is necessary for your computer to talk to the internet?

Are you a grandparent that wants to get into the 21st century and e-mail with your kids or grandkids.

Are you a small company that needs to find and communicate with a new internet service provider and don't know where to start.

Did you recently switch from Windows to a Macintosh, or a Macintosh to Windows and need to move your data?

Are you concerned that people are using your wireless network without your permission and would like to make it more secure?

You are thinking of, or you just bought a new hard drive for your system and the installation is not quite as easy as you thought? Or you would like help adding a second (third, fourth) hard drive to your system to keep your data.

You know you need to back up your data, but would like some help planning a "backup strategy".

You would like to back up your data to an "off site" location but don't know where to start.

Are you planning a move to a new office and need help with planning and logistics of the move or preparation of the new office.

Do you need help deciding whether or not you need a new computer, or upgrade the old one to meet your needs.

The hard drive, power supply, video card, fan or other part in your PC died and you don't know to select a replacement or install it.

You just opened an e-mail or web page that infected your computer with a worm, virus, malware or other harmful program and you don't know how to fix it.

Where do I work?

I work from your location in King, Snohomish, or Pierce county - home or office. I'll travel further away for larger projects. Depending on the type of work to be done, I can also work from my office in Auburn. Some types of work can also be done by phone or by remote connection.

How do I work?

Unless otherwise required and negotiated, I work on an hourly basis.

Different services have different rates, for example, programming your dynamic database driven web site has a higher hourly rate than setting up your wireless network, which has a higher hourly rate than setting up your printer.

I bill a minimum of one hour, and in 15 minute increments after the first hour . I charge travel at half of the hourly rate beyond 30 minutes. All services are COD, however, I have, in the past, bartered technical work for cleaning, handyman or other services it's not out of the question.

My basic on-site rates start at $50/hour for things like hardware and software installation, or basic networking and go up from there.

Please contact me with your need and I'll be happy to discuss it with you.

How do you contact me:

Please contact me directly by e-mail here.

Please leave me a phone number (with the best time to call) or e-mail and a description of your issue. I will contact you as soon as possible and discuss your need.

Thank You.

Michael