Welcome !

The services offered here are local within 30 miles of my shop. (Kelso, Washington)

Explore the services, feel free to contact me if you have questions.

If you are having trouble with an old or new computer I may be able to help.

Free 1 hour consulting is provided in your home.

My site is under Construction some links may not work yet.

PCFIXS©2009

REPAIRS

Is your computer lagging? Screen colors look shabby? Everything is running so slow you can get coffee before they load up? It's time for a check up. Maintenance is critical to a smooth operating computer. Like keeping your car tuned, your computer needs regular maintenance to run at peak performance. After scanning your system I will optimize it to bring it up to peak performance.
If you are within 30 miles of Kelso, Washington I can come to your computer and do a major tune-up on your system and bring it back to life or tell you if it's a lost cause!

As I do the repairs and maintenance I can walk you though the process, show you a few tricks and leave you a manual Titled "Easy Step by Step Computer Tasks" written by a blonde (my wife) . This manual is a great help for maintenance and some basic time saving computer tasks.

What will it cost you? 1st Hour is Free

Hourly rate $32.00 with a minimum of 1 hour. Average Cost has been about $50.00 If you need downloads from the internet it's going to take time if you have a slow connection speed. I'll bookmark the sites for you and then let you do it at your leisure. New drivers can be found for your old equipment and maybe give it a new life.

PCFIXS©2009

Building, Maintaining and Updating Web Sites.

Free price quote after understanding your needs. Keeping your information up to date, adding new products, adding photos, cleaning up out dated pages takes time. With a maintenance and update contract this all can be done quickly with very little of your time.

How it works

Maintenance and Update Contract $45.00 a month includes:
Up to 2 hours of Maintenance or updating time every month.

Scanning
Picture editing
Adding Graphics
Text
Emails
Links
CD of web pages
Uploading to your site.

Free page Addition from your Templet (new design extra).
Easy and time saving for you. Just email the changes you want made on your page and within 72 hours the page is updated. Faster if it's urgent (at no extra charge). Don't have a digital camera? Just mail photos and they will be scanned and returned to you. All Web sites come with a free CD of your site. A new CD is sent with all updates under a maintenance contract. Don't Plan to update often? No problem and no contract required.
$32.00 an hour plus CD will cost you $5.00

PCFIXS©2009

Anti-Virus

Virus scanners operate by searching your hard drive(s) for files which might be infected by a virus. This method is never 100% secure, since only known viruses (or known virus patterns) are detected. That is why you update your anti-virus often. If an infection has been detected in a certain file, the virus scanner might be able to clean the file, but very often this is not the case. In that case, you can try another scanner to clean the file, you can try to replace the file or - as a last resort - delete it.
However, if many important operating system files are affected, it might be the best solution to reformat the hard drive and install the operating system from scratch. Back up all files on a CD, flash or thumb drive or another external hard drive.
There are even viruses that can not be cleaned by mere hard drive reformatting. The boot-viruses infects the boot-sector of disks, and will very often not be removed by simply reformatting the hard drive. In this case you will need to repair the boot-sector. Your first line of defense is a firewall, next is an updated anti virus program. There are many anti-virus programs, they can cost you lots of $$$. I use a free antivirue program from Gibson Research Corps. I've used it for a number of years, found it very user friendly. It can be set to auto update, or you can check for updates at anytime.

AVG Antivirue's can be installed for free. It will be set up to scan and update daily.

Firewall

Cable, DSL and dial-up Internet access are susceptible to hackers. The best way to protect yourself is to install a firewall. Some firewall's are hardware-based, they're actual boxes (routers) you purchase and hook up to your PC. Software firewall's are another alternative.

Free firewall's are available for installation. Microsoft also has a built in Firewall that can be used, but it is very basic. Your needs can be evaluated and the right type of firewall installed.

PCFIXS©2009

PHOTO ARCHIVING

Scanning your photos and burning them to CD will protect your family memories. Photos being on disk can be viewed on your computer, printed on your home printer or taken to a photo shop and paper prints made. You can copy your CD and give it to family or friends.

Since your photos are now in digital form you can also have a slide show created that can be played on most newer DVD players and viewed on your TV. The show is formatted to fit a standard TV (4:3). Music can be added to your show, but since music files are quite large you will be limited to 350 picture on one CD. You must provide the original music CD for copyright reasons. I will convert them to mp3 so they will play on both DVD and computer. Timing the music with the show may make the slides appear longer or shorter or I may have to fade the music out before it ends. If you opt for no music just pop in your own CD and play your selections while your show is on. Before you decide we can sit down and find out what you want and how you want it presented. You will know best since it's your family history. Scanning the back of photos that have valuable information and then queue it so this identifying information is displayed immediately before the picture. This can be a vital part of preserving your family history.

Pricing

50-100 Pictures	40¢ a picture without Slide Show	25¢ a picture with scanning
101-200 Pictures	35¢ a picture without Slide Show	20¢ a picture with scanning
201-300 Pictures	30¢ a picture without Slide Show	15¢ a picture with scanning
300 and up	28¢ a picture without Slide Show	12¢ a picture with scanning
Music Added		$5.00

PCFIXS©2009

MUSIC

Convert those wonderful oldies from vinyl albums to CDs

LPs 33 Records 45s Oldies 78s

Straight Transfer of one album up to 12 tracks or titles. Must be playable.	$14.00 USD
13 or more tracks or titles $1.00 for each Track	$1.00 USD
Sound Clean-up (reduction of clicks,pops and hiss) deep scratchs and other damage not repairable	$5.00 USD
CD case	Free
Titles hand write on CD with no labels or track list	Free
CD Case Album artwork scanned and fitted to case with track list on back	$5.50 USD
Label artwork on CD	$5.50 USD
Return Shipping of Albums and CDs 1-5	$8.00 USD
Return Shipping of Albums and CDs 6-10	$11.00 USD
Return Shipping of Albums and CDs 11-20-over 20 please call 1-800-313-1941	$14.00 USD

 

PCFIXS©2009

• Randy Lancaster
• Kelso, WA
• 360-501-6988
• 1-800-313-1941
• Email pcfixs@pcfixs.com

PCFIXS©2009

Computer Help

This page is to help you with basic computing and security. If you read and follow the instructions your computer should run as it was designed. These tips are free, most are common maintenance and tweaks. Use this information at your own risk. If you READ and follow the directions you should not have any problems. The links provided are for free security programs to help reduce the costs of computing.

Windows Updates

Microsoft operating systems are used by most computers world wide. Because of this it is the main target for hackers and virus writers. By keeping your computer up to date you can avoid many problems. Windows comes with a link loaded on your computer to take you to the web site provided by Microsoft for updates. Direction are as follows:( >) this arrow is used to show you the next step to go to, Example: (Click) Start>All Programs>Windows Updates. This is a link to the Windows Update Web site. Follow the directions, download and install all critical updates. Other updates my be available you need to read though them and decide for yourself if you want them. You can set Windows to Auto update.

Click on this link AUTO UPDATES to learn how to set auto update.

 

Firewall

Cable, digital subscriber line(DSL) and dial-up Internet access are susceptible to hackers. The best way to protect yourself is to install a firewall. Some firewall's are hardware-based, they're actual boxes (routers) you purchase and hook up to your PC. Software firewall's are another alternative.

Zone Alarm, from Zone Labs, is such a creature. It's relatively simple, very effective, and free for personal or nonprofit use. Zone Alarm effectively bricks up your electronic back door to prevent unauthorized access. It also ensures that you can safely engage in all your normal online activities, including e-mail, chat, software updates, and of course, the all-important automatic downloading of CD track listings for your media player.

Once the file is fully downloaded, run the setup program to install your firewall. The first dialog box you'll see asks for your name, company name, and e-mail address. I know, I know: Registering a product is like reading a manual--nobody wants to do it. Well, don't be a goof. Make sure you do register, and put something in each field--even if it's none in the company field. Give Zone Labs a real e-mail address (the company says it won't share it with any outside party). That way, Zone Labs can keep you informed of updates and strategies that may help you to prevent future attacks. That's an arrangement that makes sense.

To a certain extent, that's all you need to do. After you've installed Zone Alarm, it runs whenever you start up Windows. It goes into action every time you connect to the Internet, and it protects your system the whole time, appearing as a small square icon in your task bar's system tray, next to the clock. If you are a beginner say so! Do the setup slowly and read, read, read the information it provides.

To download Zone Alarm free version click here: Zone Alarm

Anti-Virus

Virus scanners operate by searching your hard drive(s) for files which might be infected by a virus. This method is never 100% secure, since only known viruses (or known virus patterns) are detected. That is why you update your anti-virus often. If an infection has been detected in a certain file, the virus scanner might be able to clean the file, but very often this is not the case. In that case, you can try another scanner to clean the file, you can try to replace the file or - as a last resort - delete it.
However, if many important operating system files are affected, it might be the best solution to reformat the hard drive and install the operating system from scratch. So always keep you important files backed upped on a CD or floppy or another external hard drive.
There are even viruses that can not be cleaned by mere hard drive reformatting. The so-called boot-viruses infect the boot-sector of disks, and will very often not be removed by simply reformatting the hard drive. In this case you will need to repair the boot-sector. Your first line of defense is a firewall, next is an updated anti virus program. There are many anti-virus programs, they can cost you lots of $$$. I use a free anti-vi rue program from Gibson Research Corps. I've used it for a number of years, found it very user friendly. It can be set to auto update, or you can check for updates at anytime. You must register to get the download and have a valid email to receive the password to install it. Spam blockers may stop the email sent so disable it or allow the email address on the registration page.

To Get AVG click here: AVG anti-virus and anti-spyware

 

Easy Step by Step Computer Tasks

My wife wrote this little book to help friends and family with tasks on there computer. Firewall and anti-virus are repeated here but we think they are the most important items for surfing the web. You can read by clicking here: Computer Tasks

 

Links to Helpful Web Sites

All links are safe to use or download programs.

To run a full systems check: PCPitstop

Free Microsoft Security Scan: SCAN NOW

Check your connection upload and download: Speed Test

To Scan your system online for viruses: Trend Micro

If you have Children using the internet you need to read this: Cyber Tips

Microsoft has released "FREE" software for safe surfing for children:The Shared Computer Toolkit

Digital photos organizing program "Free Download"Picasa

Replacement Program For Paint Shop Pro 8 and Lower Paint.Net

Safe Blogging: How to run a Blog and to protect yourself. Safe Blogging

GCFLearnFree.org is passionate about learning.

That's why we offer all our learning opportunities at no cost whatsoever!

Computer Training /Basic Math

 

 

Computer Help From Kim Komando

Wonderful Artwork

Humor with a Conservative Twist

Microsoft Reader for Desktop and Laptop PC

Microsoft Reader for Pocket PC

FREE EBOOK LIBRARY

E-Asia E-books from U of Oregon

ATTORNEY'S ADVICE on ID Theft

PCFIXS©2009

Papermaking Fact and History

First Known Paper

Because earlier paper-like remnants have been found in China resently, the date of paper's invention has been moved a least two centuries earlier by some historians. At what point the first paper was made will probably never be known, but Ts'ai-Lun most likely deserves recognition at least as one who refined and/or popularized paper as a material for writing

 

The invention of paper is usually attributed to Ts'ai Lun, an official in the Chinese royal court, in A.D. 105. The invention of paper solved a pressing problem of the time. Back then, scrolls of silk were being used as books. But the development of calligraphy and the animal hair brush, and the resulting proliferation of literature, created the need for a writing material that was cheaper and more practical than pure silk. In fact, part of the Chinese ideogram character for "paper" means "silk." Ts'ai Lun's paper was made from rags, used fishing nets, hemp and China grass. The invention of paper was so important to China that the Emperor made Ts'ai Lun a noble.

The Arabs got papermaking 600 years later as one of the spoils of war. The Central Asian city of Samarkand was fighting the Chinese and captured a number of prisoners, two of whom were papermakers who were released in exchange for teaching the Arabs how to make paper. The Arabs wasted no time in improving papermaking techniques - they were probably the first to make paper from linen - and they spread the techniques throughout the Middle East and into Spain.

Europe, however, didn't start papermaking until several centuries after the Arabs began making paper. The Christians who took over the Arab paper mills after driving the Moors from Spain were far less skillful and made inferior papers. And although trading cities such as Venice imported paper from the East and some mills in Italy produced outstanding rag papers, the rest of Europe was slow to embrace the new technology.

 

Papermaking

Papermaking was introduced to the North American colonies by William Rittenhouse and William Bradford. they founded the first North American paper mill in 1690 at Wissahickon Creek, near Philadelphia. By successfully collecting, separating, cleaning, and recycling old cloth rags they make America's first writing papers more than 500 years after the Arabs had brought the craft from Europe. The paper-mold--the principal tool of hand-papermaking--was the sieve-like frame in which each sheet was formed. A removable wooden border or "deckle," made a shallow wall around the frame. To produce a sheet of paper, a papermaker dipped the mold into a vat filled with liquid paper pulp, let the water drain away, lifted the deckle off, and then "couched," or transferred the fresh sheet from the mold onto a felt blanket. A stack of alternating sheets and felts was called a "post." After pressing the sheets together to squeeze out more water, the papermaker hung each sheet up to dry. The traditional laid mold consisted of a wooden frame crossed in one direction with closely set brass wires and with wooden ribs for support in the other direction. In the 1750s, the English printer John Baskerville introduced the wove mold, which has a mesh of woven wire. Wove molds were less expensive to make than laid moles and produced equally fine paper, but for some years laid paper with its characteristic pattern of lines remained very popular. A watermark is the impression made in paper by a wire design sewn onto the of the mold. Paper mills used watermarks to identify their products. They can be seen by holding the paper up to the light.

In the early 1800s, Nicholas-Louis Robert of France invented the Fourdrinier, a machine that produces paper on an endless wire screen. Fifty years later, papermakers began successfully using wood fiber to make paper, a process that was introduced in the United States in the early 1900s.

In 1866, an American named Benjamin Tilghman developed the sulfite pulping process. The first mill using this process was built in Sweden in 1874. This was the dominant pulping process until 1937. At that time, kraft pulping became the dominant chemical pulping process and still is today. A German chemist, C. F. Dahl, developed the kraft (from the German word meaning "strong") pulping process in 1879. The first kraft mill in the United States was built in 1911 in Pensacola, Florida. The kraft process had several distinct advantages: the chemicals used to dissolve the lignin were recoverable and tremendous amounts of energy were produced during the recovery process, and the process could pulp pine trees, a predominant forest species in the United States. The Kraft process allowed the United States to become a major producer of paper products.

The development of paper signaled the beginning of the modern communication era. Later innovations incorporating paper would include the development of the Gutenberg Press, which allowed for mass production of printed materials thus increasing the demand for and production of paper.

Nicholas-Louis Robert's Paper Machine

In 1798, Nicholas-Louis Robert, an employee of the French publishing company of Leger Didot, devised his first machine for making paper by the roll. Perhaps it was intended for making wallpaper, the only use at that time for long lengths of paper. The quality of the paper, though, was inferior to handmade paper, and the machine was far from perfect. In 1801, Robert and his brother-in-law John Gamble patented the machine in England. They divided the patent rights with their financial backers, Henry and Sealy Fourdrinier. The Fourdriniers' engineer, Bryan Donkin, built an improved machine. The "fourdrinier," as it was soon known, made high-quality paper and by 1807, with further improvements, it was put on the market. The Fourdrinier brothers went bankrupt in 1810, but Donkin continued to manufacture the machine. In 1827, the first two fourdrinier-style paper machines in the United States were set up at Henry Barclay's mill in Saugerties, NY. Another type of paper machine, the cylinder mould, was introduced by the Gilpin brothers in Delaware in 1817.

 

Industrial Hubris: A Revisionist History of the Papermaking Machine by John Bidwell
Presented at the Book & Paper Group Session, AIC 28th Annual Meeting, June 8-13, 2000, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Received for publication Fall 2000

Between 1801 and 1810, the London stationers Henry and Sealy Fourdrinier organized and financed the development of the first viable papermaking machines on the basis of a crude prototype patented by Nicolas Louis Robert in 1798. Although the Fourdriniers did not invent the machine, they deserve the credit for introducing it in the English market at prices papermakers could afford. Historians of technology admire their achievements but never question their motives or methods, which were irregular at best, if not plainly fraudulent at times when they were running low on funds. Like many early industrialists, they tried to accomplish too much too soon, yet they did manage to remain solvent and discourage competition long enough to be singled out for recognition by the public and by the British government. Most papermaking machines are called Fourdriniers in their honor. This revisionist history reveals their less honorable business practices and shows how their schemes influenced the diffusion of machine technology both in Britain and America.

PCFIXS©2009

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