Frequently Asked Questions

Answers:

  • What do you do?

    I optimize Macs and teach people to use them. Among computer consultants I am known as an "integrator." It's my job to make sure that hardware, software, people and the business process all understand each other and work well together. I primarily work with individuals and small businesses with Macintosh computers, but I also provide Macintosh support to IT departments and help clients integrate Windows into their mostly-Macintosh networks.

    As a former teacher, technician, technical writer and trainer, I help people understand and analyze their needs to find a solution which works best for them. I work with computers, certainly, but most of my focus is on people: helping them understand things through individual tutorials, seminars, classes and documentation.

    As a certified Apple Macintosh and PowerBook technician, I can repair and upgrade Macs. If it has anything to do with a Macintosh, I can either do it or find someone who can help you. I also help people analyze their current business needs, evaluate their choices, manage projects and select the appropriate technology for now and in the future.

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  • Where are you?

    I am based out of Vancouver (Washington) and primarily work in the Portland (Oregon) metropolitan area. Most of my clients are in Clark, Multnomah, Clackamas and Washington counties, with a few as far north as Centralia, south to Corvallis, east to Hood River and west to the ocean. Short-term and remote contracts are also possible (particularly for training materials) but are not my main focus. I also travel to assist clients with training or trade shows a few times a year.

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  • Do you work with Windows?

    Yes, but I prefer not to, for a variety of reasons. Mainly, I find Windows inelegant and ugly on many levels, although I'm happy to do occasional work for current clients with Windows machines. My strong preference is to work with other, dedicated Windows experts, especially on more complex security issue. Although my experience is that Windows XP is fairly secure when properly patched, the diversity of vendors leads to a lot of finger-pointing, and architectural issues such as DLL's, IRQ's and diverse services makes Windows problems less solvable. Everyone has things they enjoy more than others, and I feel more confident that a Macintosh problem once solved will stay solved, saving everyone money and frustration.

    Having said that, I am fluent with Windows 98, NT 4 and XP, including Microsoft Office and other cross-platform products such as those from FileMaker and Adobe. For clients who need to occasionally work with Windows programs, my strong preference is to use Microsoft Remote Desktop into a local XP Pro machine or to take advantage of the virtualization Apple's new Intel Macs make possible. This solves many of the hardware incompatibilities Wintel is prone to and minimizes ongoing Windows problems such as viruses. A lot can be done to make Windows more secure by avoiding Internet Explorer and Outlook for alternatives such as Mozilla and Firefox, but Windows is unlikely to ever be as secure as OS X, Mac OS 9 or Linux.

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  • Will you come to my home or business?

    Absolutely! A lot of real-world problems are best solved in situ, where network conditions and workflows can be most appreciated. As an independent contractor, I have the flexibility to travel pretty much anywhere, although for some locations outside the Portland/Vancouver area I sometimes charge travel costs or other expenses, as agreed beforehand.

    Then again, if you'd like a month-long Macintosh intensive in the French countryside or Belize, I can probably be persuaded...

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  • What are your rates?

    Rates vary by location, prep time and project, with a modest hourly rate and flat-fees available. My basic rate since 2004 is $75 per hour for locations within ten miles of the Interstate Bridge, with a one-way dollar-per-mile trip charge for distances much beyond that. Although it is rare for most visits to last longer than an hour or two, maintenance contracts are available at a reduced rate, as are equipment leases and flat-fee project quotes. I also offer half-day ($250) and full-day ($400) rates, all designed to make things as fair and accessible as possible.

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  • I want to learn a particular program or project. Can you help?

    Certainly! As a long-time teacher and Mac user, I know a lot about individual programs and program types, from the simplest word processor to spreadsheets, databases, web sites, image scanning, digital photography and video editing. I can help improve your current systems, train your employees and develop documentation to cut down on training time and costs. My knowledge of learning styles and the available training aids makes me uniquely qualified to help assess your needs and come up with a logical learning plan.

    In my experience, most people learn best by doing something immediately relevant that interests them. This makes learning a particular program or project the ideal way to learn quickly. Usually I like to plan out a course of study, with a plan, a schedule and assigned "homework," meeting every week or two for a limited number of 90-minute sessions.

    I think that most people learn best this way, and I've yet to find a client who couldn't learn and grow happier and more productive with their Macintosh.

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  • Can you fix my computer?

    As a certified Apple Macintosh and PowerBook technician, I am qualified to solve both hardware and software problems, including upgrades and integration of a variety of Macintoshes, from the Mac Plus and LaserWriter through the current iMacs, eMacs, G5's and Intel Macs.

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  • Can you sell me a new computer?

    As a consultant and trainer, I sell my services. Pushing boxes or making money from hardware seems to me a conflict of interest, but I can help you design and find a good system at a fair price, should you so choose. (And set it up or train you when you've found it.) I understand how the distribution channel works for computer hardware, who the players are and how product cycles play out. This translates into knowing how to find the finest quality at a fair price. Although I do not sell hardware through MacRory.Com, I can help guide you to quality people who do, and make sure that you get the best value for your money and not just an expensive box full of promises.

    Don't get fleeced by grandiose promises and high-pressure sales tactics. When you make a good purchase you feel better and better about it with each passing day.

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  • Do you do warranty repairs?

    Not as part of MacRory.Com. Apple has clear rules and overhead requirements for warranty work, including a fairly hefty bond and a guarantee to be open for certain hours each week. As a small business, I prefer not to get into this, so any warranty work I do is as part of an affiliation with other, certified Apple Service Centers.

    As a certified Apple tech, I can only do warranty repairs as an employee of such an Apple Service Center, never on my own.

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  • How do I get the most from a consultant?

    There are several ways to best prepare for a consultant and to get the most out of your time with one. Among these are:

    • Have a clear idea of what you wish to accomplish
    • Write down as much beforehand as possible and take notes
    • Record or videotape your time with the consultant
    • Review your notes and immediately practice what you've learned
    • Ask for followup resources such as books or web pages

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  • Do you ever work for less?

    Rarely, but as a long-time Mac user I try to be generous with my time, doing demonstrations at retail locations and taking part in user group activities, free clinics and presentations. There are huge amounts of free help around town and on the web, and I'd be happy to tell you about those in detail, if you wish.

    I do take part in public service regularly, including free demonstrations and presentations to groups and pro bono projects as I'm able. I am also willing to exchange services with others, on a case-by-case basis. Please ask.

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  • Is Mac better than Windows?

    Everyone's situation is different, so no one computer is best for everyone any more than a particular diet would be. Sometimes a Windows machine is the best choice and sometimes a Macintosh is. Sometimes the answer is a Linux box, a Palm device or no computer at all. I'll be happy to give you my honest best opinion on your situation, but my experience is that Mac users tend to enjoy their computers more, upgrade less often and experience fewer troubles. Businesses with Macs tend to need less technical help, making for a better return on investment and lower total cost of ownership over time. Various studies bear this out, but if Windows is what you enjoy, stick with it!

    For many folks Windows is "almost as good as Macintosh" and for those who have learned on one system or another, the path of least resistance may just be to stick with that. Just ask a seasoned DOS or Windows 3.x user if learning a new operating system is a productive use of their time. Anything new is difficult at first, so "better" is perhaps not the best word.

    If you like to tinker with things, Windows helps you tinker more, and there are certainly more shooting games for Windows users. Then again, there are lots of great games for PlayStation and X-Box, and if I wanted to tinker with things I'd buy a British sports car...

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  • Who are your clients?

    My clients vary from individual senior citizens to small businesses, school districts, non-profits and corporations. The huge variety of this work is what I enjoy most. That and the freedom.

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  • Will you help my child or grandmother?

    Yes, I'd love to! As a former schoolteacher, I love the satisfaction of teaching a child something that may help them long after I am gone. As a grown-up, I love working with seniors, who are generally more interesting and motivated people than their younger, more stressed-out children. Quality time with children, teens and elders helps to feed the soul and encourage balance. So yes, I'd be happy to help your child or parent.

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  • Can you do an inservice training for my staff or faculty?

    Yes. As a former teacher myself, I appreciate how little time educators have to learn new technology, and how much technology can add to a well-designed curriculum. Whether it is integrating technology into the current curriculum or using the Mac to better manage paperwork and time, I've taught several inservices over the years, including applications, internet skills, web page design and digital video.

    Best of all, I can design and deliver an inservice tailored to your particular building and equipment. No techno-fix gizmo can really teach, but we all can work smarter. Knowledge is power. Learn to use what you already have!

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  • Can you do "x" (where "x" is some particular task)?

    Probably, but I can also help you find someone else to do it. I'm not an accountant, but I know accounting software, and several accountants who will work with you and your Mac. I do web sites, but for e-commerce and database hosting I know when to hand you over to a specialist. If I can do it, I'll tell you and give you an estimate. If I can't, I'll help you to find someone good who can.

    No one can do everything, and no one is an island. I don't even try to be.

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  • Why do you do this?

    I love the Macintosh and truly believe that it can help to make the world a better place. I've seen lives changed by getting online, acquiring new skills and minimizing drudgework. People connect with others and their own lost interests, document their history or research their past. They plan for the future and discover new loves.

    In this work I get to meet new people and work with them to improve their lives. At the same time I have my freedom and I get to work with the best computers in the world.

    What more could anyone want?

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