Ellusoft: fixing computer problems

My fascination with computers began at a young age, and by the time I was in high school, I considered myself a genuine computer nerd with considerable knowledge in the field. Despite my love for technology and spending time behind the screen, I also felt a strong desire to connect with people and provide assistance.

Combining my technical skills with my desire to help, I came up with an idea to offer a computer repair service. I printed notes introducing myself as a high school student ready to fix computer problems. I distributed these notes in the neighborhood, with my website and phone number included.

It didn't take long for the phone calls to start pouring in, and soon my weekends were fully booked, followed by weekday jobs as well. I encountered a diverse range of computer issues, some complex and challenging, others straightforward like installing a printer. Regardless of the difficulty, I found joy in solving these problems and witnessing the satisfaction on people's faces when I finished.

Not only was it a profitable venture, earning me €20 per hour, but it also brought valuable experiences and connections. I could now afford to buy my first laptop, which further enhanced my toolkit for customer visits.

Although my work was similar to that of a Dutch company called Student Aan Huis, I started my business two years earlier (2008) then they did (2010). I eventually had to discontinue the service when I went to college and shifted my focus to HackFlag. However, I still occasionally visited old customers who needed my help and had become dear to me.

Reflecting on this part of my journey, I cherish the memories and the unique interactions I had with customers, like the time I taught an elderly lady the difference between Caps Lock and Shift while she delighted in showing me her cherished photo albums. The experiences were priceless, leaving a lasting impact on me.

Though I miss that line of work at times, other meaningful projects have filled that void, keeping me engaged and enthusiastic about new opportunities.

To provide an overview of the wide range of computer problems I resolved, here are some examples:

• Troubleshooting and fixing internet connection issues
• Replacing or installing new hardware components
• Conducting computer cleaning and maintenance
  to optimize performance
• Implementing diverse techniques
  to speed up the computer
• Reinstalling the operating system
• Removing malware, viruses, and other security threats
• Resolving printer connectivity and functionality problems
• Assisting with software installation and setup
• Assisting with computer backup and recovery processes
• Retrieving lost or deleted data
• Fixing display and graphics issues
• Addressing sound and audio-related problems
• Troubleshooting software compatibility and driver issues
• Solving power and battery-related concerns
• Email setup and solving email problems.
• Helping with application setup
• Troubleshooting software crashes and freezes,
  including Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors
• Repairing overheating and cooling problems
• Helping with lost passwords.
  Sometimes this meant hacking into their Windows account.
• Optimizing computer security settings and recommending antivirus solutions

And of course, I was happy to provide people computer lessons.

Throughout this project, I acquired a multitude of technical skills. However, the skill that holds the utmost value to me is the ability to communicate technical concepts effectively with individuals who lack technical knowledge. Learning how to present complex ideas in a comprehensible manner, prioritizing understandability over technical accuracy, has been immensely valuable. Additionally, I honed my listening and empathy skills when interacting with non-tech-savvy individuals describing their problems. Acknowledging their frustrations and understanding their true needs played a key part in finding solutions. This ability to talk to customers without technical expertise will undoubtedly be advantageous in future job roles that involve direct customer interactions.

Another valuable lesson I learned about myself was the joy I found in assisting others with their problems. The ability to be a source of help and support made me feel like I was genuinely making a positive impact in the world. This is one of the things I miss the most now that this project has come to an end. Fortunately, I have other ongoing projects, like HackFlag and my educational websites, which provide me with new avenues to continue making a positive impact and fill that void.