Home PC and Mac Support in Pavia

At a glance

A computer that is stuck, slow or infected does not wait for an appointment at a shop. I visit you at home or in your office in the province of Pavia, find the cause and fix the software side, on Windows and on Mac, usually on the same day or the next.

What is included

• A house call in the province of Pavia and the first hour of work
• Diagnosis of the fault in the first half hour, with an honest answer before any long job starts
• Cleaning of viruses and malware, update errors, slow starts and freezes
• Printer, scanner and home Wi-Fi set-up
• Windows 11 upgrade checks and a clean upgrade without losing files

What is not included

• Replacing physical parts such as screens, keyboards, hard drives or RAM, and soldering
• Visits outside the province of Pavia without a call-out fee agreed in advance
• Hardware faults: I will tell you honestly what to do, but I do not repair them

Frequently asked questions

Do you only work in Pavia itself?

Pavia is my operating base, the place I can get to fastest, often the same day. That said, I'm also open to longer trips: it depends on my schedule at the time and how we agree on price and timing.

Do you come further out, or for a real emergency?

Yes, for genuine emergencies I almost always try to find room, even when my schedule is full. Distance and any urgency surcharge don't follow a fixed price list: we talk about it directly on WhatsApp, I check my real availability, and I give you an honest answer about when I can arrive and how much it costs.

Can you take my computer to your workshop instead of working here?

In most cases I fix everything on-site, in front of you. But for longer or more delicate jobs, a full reinstall, in-depth research on an unclear fault, I may suggest taking the computer to my workshop instead of occupying your desk for hours. I don't run a shop open to the public: it's a personal workspace, and the computer comes back to you as soon as it's done, usually within a few days. This only happens with your agreement, and it's never the first choice.

Why do you only fix software problems and not hardware?

Since I mostly work on-site, I bring the tools to fix freezes, viruses and system settings. Replacing physical parts requires a proper workbench, waiting time for spare parts and transport risks I'd rather avoid, so I focus on speed of service instead.

What happens if you find out mid-job that it's a hardware issue?

If, during the first thirty minutes of diagnostics, I find a physical component has burned out, I stop immediately. I explain clearly which part is broken and advise you on what to do next, so you don't spend money on hours of work that wouldn't fix the problem.

Can you fix an Apple Mac or an iPad?

Yes, for Mac. I specialise in Windows, but I increasingly work on Mac too, here in Pavia, more and more families use only Apple products. The Mac is a fairly closed system on the hardware side, so most requests are about settings (language, keyboard, accounts), installing programs, or reinstalling the operating system, which I handle well. I don't offer support for iPad or iPhone: they're too different from a computer.

Do I have to switch to Windows 11? My Windows 10 still works fine.

No one is forcing you, but keep in mind Windows 10 no longer receives feature updates, and security support will end soon too. If your computer meets the requirements, upgrading now avoids future issues and security vulnerabilities.

If I move to Windows 11, will I lose my photos or documents?

No. Before touching the operating system, I always check and back up your important data. The upgrade is done while keeping your personal files intact.

Do you reinstall the operating system while keeping my photos and documents?

Yes, on both Windows and Mac. Before any reinstall I check what needs saving and back up your important files, so at the end everything is back in place, with a clean, faster system.

Do you work with older people who don't have much computer experience?

Yes, and it's a part of the job I particularly care about. You don't need to know technical terms or already know what the problem is called: just describe what's happening, in your own words. When I arrive, I explain each step calmly, without rushing and as many times as needed.

My Mac or computer ended up entirely in another language, can you set it back to my language?

Yes, this happens more often than you'd think, especially on Mac, where the language and keyboard settings aren't always easy to find. I know exactly which parts of the system to check to fix both the system language and the keyboard layout.

My grandkids changed all my mouse and wallpaper settings, what do I do?

It's one of the most common requests. I restore mouse speed, double-click settings, wallpaper and icons to how they were before, and if they accidentally installed any program, I remove it safely.

My daughter or son changed my iCloud password and now the computer won't sync with the phone, can you fix it?

Yes. I see this often: a family member changes the Apple or Google account password for security reasons, and the devices stop talking to each other. I restore access on the computer and check that photos, contacts and files start syncing with the phone again.

Can you create shortcuts on the desktop for the programs I use most?

Yes, it's one of the first things I fix: I create desktop shortcuts for the programs and sites you actually use, so you never have to search for them again.

Can you organise my browser bookmarks with my bank, email and newspaper?

Of course. I organise the bookmarks bar with the sites you use most, bank, email, newspaper, WhatsApp Web, so they're always just one click away, without typing anything.

Can you teach me how to video call my grandchildren?

Yes, gladly. I set up WhatsApp, FaceTime or Zoom on your computer and show you step by step how to start and answer a video call, repeating it until you feel confident.

Are you patient about explaining things more than once?

Yes, it's completely normal to need a step repeated two or three times before it feels natural, and that's fine by me. There's no rush: the goal is for you to stay independent after I leave, not just for the problem to disappear for a day.

Do you install programs like Word and Excel? Are the licences safe?

Yes, I can install the Office suite or similar programs, on Windows and Mac, using original, permanent licences. Through dedicated channels, I can find safe activations at a much lower cost than retail price.

How much does it cost to install Word and Excel with a genuine licence?

The licence cost varies depending on the Office version and the number of devices, and is always well below Microsoft's retail price. Message me on WhatsApp telling me what you need (just Word and Excel, or the full suite with Outlook and PowerPoint) and I'll give you an exact figure before we proceed.

My new mouse or keyboard won't connect, can you help?

Yes, whether wired, Bluetooth or wireless. I check drivers, device pairing and system settings until the mouse and keyboard work properly.

My printer stopped printing from the computer, what do I do?

Message me and I'll come take a look. Printers often lose their Wi-Fi connection when the modem changes or after a power cut. I restore the network connection and set it up so you can print from both the computer and your phone.

My modem stopped working after a power outage, can you fix it?

Yes, it's a very common problem after a blackout or a storm. I check the modem and router settings and restore the connection on every device at home, including the computer.

Can you help me organise the folders and files on my computer?

Yes. If photos, documents and downloads are all jumbled together, I create a simple, clear structure, folders for photos, documents, work, so you can easily find everything again on your own, in the future.

Do you clean the dust out of the inside of the computer?

No, I don't open laptop casings or internal components for physical cleaning with compressed air, since that falls under hardware work. I only handle the logical cleanup of the system, removing unnecessary files that slow the machine down.

What exactly does the initial €50 fee include?

The fee covers my travel to reach you at home or at the office, plus the first full hour of on-site work, including the initial diagnosis.

What if the job takes an hour and fifteen minutes? What do I pay?

If we go a little over the first hour, I try to be flexible, especially if the work is almost done. If instead a full extra hour is needed to finish a deep clean, I apply the next €25 rate, based on the actual time spent.

Is there a maximum number of hours for a single visit?

I generally try never to exceed three hours of total on-site work. If I notice a computer needs more time than expected, I let you know within the first half hour so we can decide together on the best approach, including a possible move to the workshop.

My computer turns on but shows strange text on a black screen. Is that fixable?

Very often this is a Windows boot-sector error caused by a sudden shutdown or an interrupted update. It's a software problem that's usually fixed on the spot, without reformatting.

I'm worried about my privacy. How can I feel safe?

This is the main reason why, in most cases, I work at your desk, in front of you: you see every folder I open and every command I type. In the rare cases where I suggest taking the computer to my workshop, I only do so with your explicit agreement, and you'll find the full details in the Terms of Service.

Do you also handle email setup?

Yes. If you're having trouble setting up Outlook, Mail (on Mac), Thunderbird or your provider's email on the computer, I fix the server settings and check that sending and receiving work correctly.

Do you also support businesses, shops or professional offices?

Yes, I work with both individuals and professional practices, offices or businesses that need to unblock a work computer or set up a local network without stopping operations.

What should I prepare before you arrive?

Just have a free table or desk near a power outlet ready, and keep your computer login passwords and, if needed, your home Wi-Fi key handy.

Do you work alone or send an assistant?

I always come in person. Whoever answers you on WhatsApp is the same person who shows up at your door to fix the computer. No middlemen.

Why do you prefer first contact by WhatsApp message rather than a phone call?

Because messaging lets you send me photos of error codes or the back of the computer while I'm already busy on another job. That way I can look at your situation calmly and get back to you accurately as soon as I'm free.

If my modem isn't working, can you still download what's needed?

Yes, I always travel with my own independent data connection. If your internet line is down or unavailable, I can connect my own device to download the updates or programs needed for the job.

How long does removing a virus usually take?

It depends on how deep the infection is, but in most cases a thorough scan, cleaning infected files and restoring security functions takes between one and two hours of work.

What happens if a problem comes back the day after your visit?

Message me right away on WhatsApp. If it's a detail related to the same fault that got missed, we go back and check. Transparency and customer satisfaction come first for me.

How can I pay at the end of the job?

We agree on this directly during our WhatsApp conversation before I arrive, so you already know how to handle payment on the spot, comfortably.

Are you a freelancer with a Partita IVA (VAT number)?

Yes, I operate as a freelancer with a Partita IVA dedicated exactly to this kind of work. I'm not a shop or a support centre with several technicians: you always work directly with me, from the first message to the end of the visit.

Do you only handle home PCs, or also bigger projects like networks and servers?

The home PC is the heart of this site, but in my work I also take on bigger projects: networks for small offices, business email setup, server maintenance and WordPress sites. These follow a different pace than an urgent computer visit, so if you're interested, message me and we'll talk it through.

I have an emergency right now, what do I do?

Message me straight away on WhatsApp explaining what's happening. I'm often busy with other jobs, but I almost always manage to find a gap for someone who's really stuck. I'll be honest with you: if our schedules line up, I'll come as soon as possible; otherwise I'll tell you clearly when I might be available.

My PC keeps restarting in a loop, what do I do?

Almost always a driver or a corrupted update. It's usually fixed in safe mode, without losing data, in most cases.

Blue screen with an error code, is it serious?

Depends on the code, but in most cases it's software: drivers, RAM misread by the system, or an interrupted update. I check and tell you with certainty.

"Disk not found" at startup: have I lost everything?

Not necessarily: sometimes it's just a boot partition issue, fixable without touching your data. Worth having it checked before assuming the worst.

The computer turns on but the screen stays black.

Could be the graphics card, but it's often a system service stuck at startup. I check before calling it a hardware fault.

My PC was fast when new but got slow after a year: why?

Usually a buildup of startup programs, temporary files and updates never cleaned up. A maintenance pass brings performance close to day one.

Should I add RAM or reformat?

Depends on the symptoms. If the PC is full of unnecessary software, a cleanup is often enough. I give an honest opinion after checking, not before.

The fan always runs at full speed: is that normal?

Usually not, it means something is using too many resources in the background. I identify the process responsible.

Chrome is using all the computer's RAM.

Extensions and too many open tabs are the most common cause. I optimise the browser and show you how to keep it light.

I clicked a suspicious link, what do I do right now?

Disconnect the PC from the internet and message me. Acting fast usually limits the damage a lot.

My antivirus says the PC is clean but something feels off.

Free antivirus tools don't always catch everything. I run a deeper scan with professional tools.

I got a phishing email and entered my password. Am I in trouble?

Change the password right away from another device, then message me: we'll check together for any other signs of unauthorised access.

The browser opens on its own with ads.

Almost always an extension or unwanted program installed by mistake. I remove it safely.

Wi-Fi works in one room but not another.

A signal coverage issue. I assess whether repositioning the modem is enough or whether a repeater is needed.

The router needs restarting every day or keeps freezing.

Almost always a configuration issue or outdated firmware. I fix the configuration so you don't have to do it manually anymore.

How do I know if someone is using my network without permission?

I check the connected devices and, if needed, change the password and strengthen the router's security.

The Mac keeps asking for the Apple ID and I can't sign in.

Often it's just a matter of syncing date, time and connection correctly. If it persists, I check the account status.

I bought a used Mac: how do I reset it properly?

I restore the system from scratch, making sure it's no longer linked to the previous owner (Find My, iCloud), before setting it up for you.

Can I install Windows on a Mac?

Yes, with Boot Camp or a virtual machine, depending on what you need. I recommend the option that fits your case.

The printer prints blank pages.

Almost always clogged print heads or nearly empty cartridges. I check, and if it's a software driver issue, I fix it on the spot.

The computer doesn't recognise a USB drive.

Could be the port, the driver, or the drive itself. I check the actual cause before telling you to throw it away.

The second monitor isn't detected.

I check the cable, video port and graphics driver: in most cases it's fixed within minutes.

Is it worth repairing this PC or buying a new one?

I give you an honest opinion based on age, repair cost and what you need it for. I have no interest in selling you anything you don't need.

How much is worth spending on a new office PC?

Depends on use: browsing and email need far less than heavy video editing or graphics. I help you decide without wasting money.

My gaming PC shuts down under load.

Often overheating or an undersized power supply. I identify the cause before talking about replacing components.

Do you come outside Pavia city too?

Yes, across the whole province every day. Outside the province I assess case by case, with a higher call-out fee based on distance.

Do you also work remotely, without coming in person?

For some software issues, yes, if you already have a working internet connection. We discuss it on WhatsApp to see if it's the right fit.

Can I pay by card, or only cash?

We agree on the most convenient payment method before I arrive, via WhatsApp.

Do you also work with companies with multiple workstations?

Yes, for small offices I also handle networks and configurations across several computers, with a dedicated quote based on the number of workstations.

What happens if the problem turns out to be hardware, not software?

I tell you clearly within the first thirty minutes, without charging you for hours of work that wouldn't fix anything, and advise you on what to do next.

Next step

Tell me what you need. Support is available Monday to Saturday, 09:00 to 18:00, Rome time.