If you already understand the differences in I.T. specialties then no need to read this post, but if you think you should ask a graphic designer to fix a virus issue on your computer or think a “computer guy” means they can do anything that touches a computer, then you should probably read on.
Hopefully we will answer your questions regarding service providers. While we will be using generic examples, we hope this helps.
Computer running slow or my computer may have a virus:
Anything that really starts with “My Computer” and then fill in the issue….
This is going to be a PC or MAC repair person, depending on what type of computer you have. Yes, we recommend you use the technician that matches your hardware.
None of us can get on the network or check our email:
If the problem affects multiple people, then this points more to a network issue. While it could still be a virus, I would look to talk to whomever supports your server for work.
If this is only at your home, then it might be an internet router issue, in which case I would recommend unplugging the router for 10 seconds and then plugging it back in.
We want to add a jack for a new computer location:
You could call your network or telecommunications company as you will need someone with a low voltage license to legally and safely run the cable. In some cases you could use a wired router, if you only need an additional jack, but I would not recommend installing any hardware if you are unaware of what you are doing.
For home use, there are some fun Ethernet over Powerline options that can help you carry your internet at faster speeds throughout the home, but remember to pay attention to speeds and not just price.
Business phones:
This one can start to get tricky. Now that VoIP is so popular, this can be a number of people. For a large office, I recommend going with a traditional telecom company, but if you are pretty small, then there are some good affordable options.
I am not going to be selling telephone services here, but if you are without an office, then providers like grasshopper, ring central or mighty call might be good options. For those that have offices, you could look at your ISP like Comcast, 8×8 or Ring Central.
Make sure whoever you choose that you can port your number if you switch and that they offer the features that you actually need before you sign up.
How to I do _________ on my cell phone:
While we all use cell phones these days, this is a specialty and not really related to computers in a general troubleshooting sense. Please take it to your cell carrier for troubleshooting.
Security Systems:
Again, this is one of those subjects that has gotten more broad, but I recommend using those who specialize first, unless you are absolutely sure that you are staying with Comcast or someone like that for as long as you will be at your office or home, having flexibility can be a bonus.
I need a website:
It is a good idea to know what you need before trying to get a quote. Meaning, know how complicated of forms you do or don’t want, are you going to have a shopping cart, do you need custom graphics or logos, do you have all the content and images you need?
Many people do not think about it, but if you have marketing materials, you probably have a lot of the content you need to put together a basic website. Although the terminology and the fine tuning will always be more complicated. Do you really have the time and energy to learn and do something else? Like, do you want to learn about domain names, CMS, backbones, SSL certs, html, css, etc…?
Once you have figured out the answers to that, then you can call a web designer like us to help you get the project accomplished. Just make sure to have access to all information for your site, in case you ever decide to make a change.
NOTE: If you need an application built specific to your site that will link to proprietary data or want something develops specific to you, then you may need to find a web developer beyond a designer.
I need a mobile app:
Unless you want to learn this skill, you will want to know what you need and either pay for a pre-existing app that does what you need or find an mobile app developer to have your app built. Good apps are generally costly and require updating to keep up with new versions of mobile operating systems and new phones.
Graphics, Video and Audio:
Depending on your need, these may be 3 different people. Graphics are generally by a graphic designer, but if you are looking for a logo or a car wrap you may need to check what types of graphics that they offer.
For video, you need to know where you are looking to post the video and the type of video. Green-screen live video is different than animated or basic text and so on. You may want to pay for a bit of consulting and planning with a marketing person to make some big picture decisions before paying for a video to be created.
Audio can also be a specialty depending on what you want to do. There are voice over specialists that can help with recording a professional voice to narrate your video.
My printer won’t work:
If you have a copier, you probably have a service contract and I recommend calling them. If you are referring to smaller printers, it will really depend on the problem and what type of printer. If the printer is less than $600, I would look on YouTube for answers or just buy a new one. Hourly rates and parts will generally end up close or more than just replacing the printer. Especially if the issue is excessive noise and a simple set of tray 2 rollers doesn’t fix it. I also recommend that you do not put labels through these printers and they will almost always end up stuck in the printer.
Conclusion:
While this doesn’t tackle everything, hopefully this has shown you that there are very much more than 1 tech type and to understand that asking the person that seems good with computers every question about every issue will only frustrate the both of you.