Computer Support

Along with doing the TEE program, here in EG, I am doing computer technical support for many of the missionaries and pastors here. Some missionaries and pastors have not had much computer training and having to work with their machines in such extreme conditions makes it even tougher. The weather here is very, very hot and humid; and also the electrical source is not real good an it takes a toll on electrical equipment and even more so on computer equipment. One of the biggest problems here is the corrosion of electrical connections due to the extreme humidity. That along with the heat and inconsistant electricity, puts a heavy toll on computer equipment.

A typical corroded RTC battery connection on a laptop motherboard.

A little about my experience:

I am an A+ certified computer tech since 2002, but have been working on PC’s since the late ‘80’s. I also have experience with web site development/graphics/audio/video and working with AutoCAD computer drafting for 7+ years.

Here are my current credentials.

Also, I have some resources that I recommend for those in the ministry.

If you need some help with your computer please visit, MissionaryTechSupport
They have many resources to help you with you computer problems. They have a very well put together manual, in Adobe PDF format that has general information about using and taking care of your personal computer. If you can download it and read it. We really appreciate all the help that they have given us.

One of the most important things I tell people is to back up your data. If you do not have a current backup of you data right now, may I suggest that you make one ASAP. Remember computers are electro-mechanical devices and are prone to have problems. A good rule of thumb is to remember that you need to be prepared when the computer messes up, not, if it messes up, because when you least expect it, it will. The other thing is to do a back-up of your data on a regular basis. If your data is important and you cannot do without it, then it is to your benefit to regularly back up your computer data yourself.

Another important thing is security for your computer. An anti-virus program, firewall and anti-spyware are all good things to have. If you do not have these on your computer, take this as a reminder to get these loaded on your machine ASAP. If you go to the Microsoft website, they have a 1-2-3 step process listed to help you make sure your computer is protected.

Also, if you have any good computer resources that you can share with me, I would be glad to know. I need to know some resources where I can buy good, computer parts at reasonable or discount rates to missionaries, and/or places that will donate good working laptop equipment. Also webs sites or forums that have good info on troubleshooting problems and or access to some good diagnostic software tool downloads.
It is difficult here to get parts and equipment at all, not to mention at a reasonable cost or that even work.

A current need
It is June 2007 and I really need some help right now in the way of operating systems. It seems many pastors and missionaries have been to the states recently and have returned with computers that have the operating system in English. This is not good because many do not know or cannot read English. I do not know why people donate them computer equipment they cannot efficiently use, but it causes a lot of problems? Anyway, I have been looking for a program that Microsoft has that supposildy will change the language of the current operating system to one that you want (ie..Spanish), and will let you still keep the same OS. I think they are called something like language packs, but I am not sure. The problem is I do not have not the resources here to research this too much. If anyone knows anything about this please write me and give me some information concerning this. I would like to know how much it costs; if there is discount for non-profits; what operating systems can it be used on; and how many computers can it be used on at one time, or does it need a license for each one?? I would really like to have a copy(ies) of this to help the ministries here be able to use thier computers. The only other option would be to maybe have some people out there donate us some fully working copies of Windows (XP or Vista and Office) in Spanish. Let me know if you can help with that? I hope that by this time next month, many will have responded and we will have a solution. I will keep you all updated.

UPDATE as of August '07 - I had a few responses to my need above and I appreciate all who responded, however the need is still there as some mis-understood what I was needing or we have realized that such and undertaking may be too costly. Please pray about this and if there is still anyone with any information please write.

Update October '07 - I have had the opportunity to consider Ubuntu (Linux) type operating systems and have been looking into how it might work here for the people we work with that want computers in Spanish. However my children say they are not fond of Ubuntu, not sure why. If anybody knows anything about Ubuntu and Spanish programs, especially Spanish Bible programs, please contact me.

Update January '08 - Well we finally got a OS we can use to help the people here and are very grateful for all who helped look for solutions. Thanks.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you can help, or have further questions.

Write me here at my e-mail address directly Petra_fied@msn.com or see my Windows live space for my computer and other things blog> Petra-fied's Space
or see our contact link, (above - left).

Thank You.