Computer Techs??

[Nichole74]

Just a quick ? on how much everyone pays for a computer tech to come into your salon. I am not that at fixing anything on our set up and we pay $95 per hour for a computer tech that knows nothing about helios.

[Chippp]

Why do you need him?
What are you trying to do that helios tech support can't help you with?

[CancunRayz]

I would say that the going rate for a good computer Tech is between $65-150 an hour depending on what tasks are required.
Hardware support $65-$85
Network Support $75-150
Microsoft Access Database $75-$100
Microsoft Operating Systems (XP, 2000, NT, 98) $75-125

You will be hard pressed to find local support in any city, village, town for Helios or any small business related software because most techs have experience in PC hardware and Microsoft Software. In the case of someone to help you with Helios I would suggest a tech with a background in Microsoft Access databases and Microsoft Operating Systems. If you have to place a call to Helios at least that person can "walk the walk and Talk the talk with the software techs on the other line.

My background is in Computer Technical Architecture, Web Consulting, PC Server consulting and Internet Application Consulting since 1986. I am working on starting a new salon with my significant other and we will be selecting a software package to use in our salon shortly. I will be monitoring this board and I will gladly lend assistance to anyone on the forum having computer related troubles. I will do my best to help and I won't know all the answers....

[Nichole74]

It isn't helios we have a problem with. It is usually hard drive or net work problems with our other businesses.

[CancunRayz]

For hardware related problems, I would suggest looking into obtaining a Service contract form a local computer store.

Most computer outlets will sell you a service contract (read - Insurance Policy) even if you didn't buy the equipment from them. A typical contract should annually cost you 15% of the list price that you would have paid for your equipment.

IBM Global Services organization will even cover every item in your location and a tech will show up with the right part. You will find having a support contract will help in the long run and prevent you from being "taken for a ride..."

As far as the network goes, the best bet is to find a Network Consultant that you can trust (they do exist) and pay him/her to evaluate your network, and then ask for a support contract to bail you out Monday through Friday during normal operating hours (when you are bound to lose the most money from being down).

The reason for the network evaluation is two-fold, the consultant will find existing problems with your network, and that person will have the baseline knowledge to support you in the future when a problem does arise. You don't have to take the consultant's recommendations right away, but after you experience network issues, you may want to look at the recommandations and pick the most cost effective ones to start.

Hope this helps...

	Superior UV

	Insurtec