The Computer Doctor makes house calls
When your desk-top computer is ailing, it is not always an easy chore to pack it up and take it to get help. Older model machines can be quite bulky and jostling them in an out of an automobile could even create more problems. The solution is to place a call to the local computer doctor who makes house calls. Anole Computer is the answer to many island residents’ dilemmas when it comes to fixing or upgrading a home or office computer.
Owner and computer tech Larry Boyd said he is called on mostly to troubleshoot problems with software issues, replacing hardware, cleaning out viruses and networking issues.
“The thing I enjoy about this type of work is that there is always something different to deal with,” said Boyd. “I also have the opportunity to meet some of the most interesting people. If you take the time to listen, everyone has an interesting story to tell. I feel very privileged to live and work here on the island.”
Boyd has been working on computers for 30 years after becoming interested in the workings of these machines at age 16. He holds a degree in applied science and electrical engineering and was employed for many years for Nortel, the largest communication specialists in the world.
“After many years with Nortel, I decided to quit the corporate world ,and after moving to St. James City permanently, I spent the first two years earning a living by cutting grass. I really enjoyed cutting grass because when I was done I could look back and know that I had accomplished something,” he said. “Then my situation at home changed and I decided to jump back into the computer repair business.”
Among his responsibilities with Nortel, Boyd did a lot of emergency work during several disaster recovery efforts throughout the country.
“Many times we would be among the first responders after a disaster such as a hurricane or tornado. It was up to us to get computers and networks up and running as quickly as possible so that other agencies such as FEMA and the Red Cross could begin to do their part in the recover effort,” Boyd said. “It was very satisfying work and I was exposed to a lot of unusual situations as a result.”
Boyd also spent six years training others in not only computer repair, but customer service as well.
“It was important for those that I was training to understand that often times when a customer is angry, they are not angry at you, just frustrated by the situation,” Boyd said. “When you are able to realize that the customer’s anger is not directed at you, you can calmly apologize and explain things in terms that they can understand.”
Busy all year round, Boyd said that in the month of January he was called by 150 customers, and his busiest months are November and in December just after the Christmas holiday.
“In November, when residents are returning from their summer homes, they often call about problems that were caused by humidity or power surges,” said Boyd. “But, perhaps the biggest problem most of my customers face are problems that were created when allowing grandchildren to download new software. I just tell them don’t let the kids play with your computer.”
Another service Boyd provides to his customers is advice, covering everything from which system to purchase to what high-speed service to connect to.
“I have been asked which is better, Mac or IBM. The answer is simple, what do you need it to do? If you are a business interacting with other businesses, then a Windows-based computer would be best, and if all you plan to do is surf the Internet, read e-mails or play with your photos, then a MAC might be worth the additional expense,” he said. “As for a high speed connection, I ask the customer to remember back to Hurricane Charley. How long did it take you to get your phone back and how long was it before your cable service was restored? Phone lines are always a priority over cable.”
Among Anole Computer’s satisfied customers is Dolores Granito from St. James City.
“Larry is my guy to call. He is very knowledgeable, available and speaks computerese that anyone can understand,” said Granito. “He is easy to talk to, will help you get the programs you need, makes recommendations and tells you what to buy if you want to shop yourself.”
Another project Boyd has taken on is providing local, up to the minute, weather forecasts.
“I have set up weather stations in St. James City and in Bokeelia to monitor the weather 24/7,” Boyd said.
Both stations are quality checked for accuracy and the data collected at each location is submitted to the National Weather Service and NOAA. On each of the weather Internet sites, visitors can view records dating back to 2003, obtain canal temperature readings and wind speeds and view the Web cams that record images every 30 seconds. The St. James City station can be accessed by going to pineislandweather.com and the Bokeelia station is available via the Internet at bokeeliaweather.com
“The weather stations are my way of giving something back to my community. Pine Island reminds me about the place where I grew up. It is a community in every sense of the word. When anything comes up the people here get involved because they care at least enough to get involved,” said Boyd.
For more information about Anole Computer, call Boyd at 282-0158.