Remote Access.

Problems and questions are often able to be handled more quickly and cheaply by my connecting to your computer remotely from my workshop rather than arranging a visit to you.  The (free to you, biannually licensed by me) software that enables this must be setup first and the program of choice is TeamViewer.  This may be setup in one of two ways:

• By default I will set the program to run in the background permanently.  I will retain a note of the static password and connect using it when requested - this must be verbally authorized by you on each occasion.  At this time the desktop wallpaper will temporarily become solid blue and a popup balloon will appear at the bottom of the screen informing you of the connection. 


• Alternatively it may be installed such that when a remote connection is wanted, the owner must execute the program and pass the dynamic password to me.

E-mail.

When I set up accounts I will enter a username and password and retain a record of them.  If you forget your password I am then able to remind you.  When I have your computer in the workshop I do not run e-mail clients (e.g. Outlook Express or Windows Mail) unless I am asked to address a problem relating to them. 

Domain Registration and Website Hosting.

Reminder messages are sent to the administrator's e-mail address (usually at 60, 30 and 15 days) before renewal payments are required to enable clients' e-mail addresses to remain valid.  I forward these on to the domain owner.  Some people find this process complicated so I offer to do this and pass the charge on in my invoice. 

Computer Applications.

Where I get to know the password and product activation keys for programs (e.g. Skype, Internet security, Office) I retain a record of this as I am then able to offer password reminders where necessary and when a program needs to be reinstalled, it can be made functional in the shortest time.

Backups.

When I repair computers I generally take an image of the entire disk before I start.  This is retained securely for a short time after the computer is returned to the owner then overwritten.  When I give a routine preventive maintenance service to a computer I offer to retain the backup on my secure server for 12 months.  This can be encrypted and password protected at the client’s request.

Credit/Debit Card & Bank Details.

I do not retain financial information.  When setting up Internet accounts I do need to collect this information to pass it on to the providers, but if you need any services after that I will need to invoice you each time.

Internet and Telephone Service Providers.

I generally retain a record of usernames and passwords and am listed as an 'authorised user' to enable me to monitor faults and other conditions as described below.  Messages are normally e-mailed to the address associated with the account which will be mine unless you ask for it not to be so.  I also undertake broadband/phone reviews periodically which entail my examining aggregated usage patterns and recommending plan switches where a cheaper product of no less functionality is available.