IT support and services for businesses in Elizabeth City and northeastern North Carolina include systems installation, maintenance, computer repair, web design, networking, consulting, and training; just to name a few. Business customers do get priority and I can often respond that day if it is urgent. Most business support is provided on-site, although I may take equipment back to the office for service if I find it necessary. Drop-offs at my office are also welcome for common tasks like hardware repair, troubleshooting or virus removals.

So what kind of businesses do you serve?

Dozens of companies throughout the area, some with up to 25 employees, rely on me to keep their PC's and servers up-to-date, secure, backed up, and functioning properly. Not only do I support Windows and Mac computers, but several of my customers run uncommon systems like proprietary point of sale software, industrial embroidery machines, vehicle alignment machines, security camera systems, and CNC machines, all of which rely on computers to get the job done. So if you have a problem with that odd piece of computerized business equipment, don't hesitate to ask.

Are you looking for help with your home computer, wifi network, multimedia entertainment system, or need some other form of technical assitance? If so, I have solved problems for hundreds of residents throughout northeastern North Carolina. I am available for on-site service or you can drop your PC off, depending on the problem or situation. On-site service is ideal for tasks like network configuration, new computer or printer setups, common software support and training. For possible hardware repair or virus removals I do recommend having the computer dropped off at my office. If you want to drop off your PC, please call first to make sure I am in.

Many of the computer repair services I perform include diagnosing and replacing failed parts such as hard drives, power supplies, RAM, CPU's, motherboards, LCD screens and other various components. I can fix all brands of Windows based laptops and desktops, even Macs. Along with the physical repairs I also can troubleshoot software, remove viruses, recover data, tune-up the computer, or completely reinstall the operating system from scratch if needed.

Do you do computer upgrades?

Most computers these days come with more than enough processing power, hard drive space, and main memory to accommodate the average user. Just don't go to cheap on the initial purchase. If an upgrade is necessary for a reason, then yes. Otherwise, don't expect me to try and sell you anything.

Do you repair phones and tablets?

No. Although I am familiar with both Android and iOS devices, I do not repair them if they are physically damaged.

So I need you to repair my computer, now what?

If I suspect the computer is suffering from hardware failure, I do prefer it to be brought in for service. Some diagnostic tests can take hours to run, and sometimes parts need to be ordered depending on the model. If necessary, I can pick up and drop off the computer for an additional fee.

When it comes to computer networking, I have set up and help maintain both wired and wireless networks for numerous businesses and homes throughout northeastern North Carolina. I have worked with many different makes and models of modems, routers and switches, and have even set up a few high powered outdoor antennas for long range wifi coverage. Whether you need that new wifi printer set up properly at home, or want some assistance with your private business network, give me a call and I will be glad to discuss your requirements and find what works best for your situation.

If you have ever owned a Windows PC for an extended amount of time, then you have probably experienced the unpleasant side-effects of a virus or malware infection. Even people with paid or free, up-to-date Anti-Virus software can easily fall victim to one of the numerous exploits on the web. For those of you who are less fortunate and contract such an illness, there may be hope! I have cleaned hundreds of PC's, sometimes several a week and usually can issue them back with a clean bill of health within 24 hours.

Don't expect that program that your buddy tells you to download from the web to get the job done either. With a serious infection, it takes a lot more than just a malware or virus scan to be sure that the threat has been removed. It takes experience. My virus removal process includes first a manual check, followed by scanning with several reputable removal programs, a system file check to verify the operating system integrity, verification that the Windows update system is functioning properly, updating any third party software that is known to be exploited, and whatever else I deem necessary. I don't only clean the virus, I do my best secure the computer to help prevent further infection.

So how do I know if my PC has been compromised?

Signs of malware infection can include pop-ups, poor performance, malfunctioning software, complete encyption and theft of your personal data, or even nothing at all. Once infected if you continue to use the computer, the problems will probably only get worse. If you or a loved one is suffering from any of these symptoms, let Daniel at Top Hat Computing give your PC the care and attention it deserves.

PC Tune-Ups

Honestly, I have tuned up more computers than I could ever desire, but it is all part of the job I guess. Because I have cleaned up so many PC's, I can quickly determine what should or should not be installed on the computer and I also know what to disable to improve performance. In reality, any PC brought in for service, regardless of the purpose gets at least a general checkup at no additional cost.

PC Restoration

I often find businesses and individuals want to re-purpose their old computers or give them away to friends and relatives, but want to make sure all private information has been erased. In these cases, I can wipe the hard drive, reinstall the operating system and install basic applications. I will even clean out the dust bunnies. This service is not generally performed on-site because of the time it takes to reinstall and update everything. I generally bill one hour of service per PC unless pickup and delivery are required.

Is it time for a new PC but find yourself a little intimidated about setting it up and adjusting to the latest version of the operating system? Do you need help moving all of your important stuff from your old computer to the new one? If so, let me help. I have assisted hundreds of people and businesses with setting up their new computers on-site, migrating their data, installing software, configuring additional hardware, and will answer questions to the best of my knowledge about the new computer.

Do you build custom or gaming computers?

Generally, no. I can... but no. You are more than welcome to purchase any brand of computer you like and I can help you with it, but I do not build custom computers, unless you can financially motivate me to do so. If you are interested in custom or gaming PC's, I recommend learning to build one yourself.

My advice for backing up is simple. Anything important not backed up is data you should be prepared to lose. All of your documents, databases, pictures, videos and music are retained in a binary pattern, written either magnetically to disk or stored in solid state memory cells, and can completely destroyed within seconds. With that in mind, did I mention that I am not responsible in any way for data loss?

On the other hand, I have helped many people recover information from dead computers and failing hard drives. Usually I do have quite a bit of success. Unfortunately once or twice a year I do have to give someone the bad news, that I am not capable of recovering their lost information.

So how do I back up my data?

Backing up your data, what used to be a complicated process for many to understand is now easier than ever. Modern versions of Microsoft Windows and Mac OSX have easy to use backup tools built right into the operating system, allowing you to back up to external devices or other computers on your network. There are also many dependable cloud based backup services that store your important data on their servers, so if your house burns down and everything digital is lost, there is still hope.

Generally I recommend at least one backup plan, and for businesses, at least two. If you would like me to attempt to recover data from a failing device, or need assistance in setting up a backup to prevent future data loss, contact me.

IT Consulting

For many of my customers, I will consult with them to determine the type of hardware or software they should purchase to meet their needs. This includes computers, network equipment, printers, servers and sometimes multimedia audio/video systems. I do not sell or keep in stock a lot of hardware, just standard replacement parts. In these cases I help decide on and order the right equipment, and bill for the time it takes to help make these decisions.

Training

It is common for me to get calls from customers that have a list of questions and would like to just sit down with me and go through them, so they can get a better understanding of the hardware or software they are working with. While I cannot always answer every question, I can help with most. Not only am I a tech guy, but I did teach IT Continuing Education courses at College of the Albemarle for a few years, where I gained experience working directly with students who were interested in learning more about computers and technology.

For my web design customers I also provide training for managing certain aspects of their website. This includes updating content like news, photos, documents, and general page text. I often make them a list of instructions to reference for the simple tasks, or I will make screen captured videos with audio for the more complicated update processes.