Computer Service and Repair, Portland Oregon | Windows PC & Macintosh + networks

Computer service / computer repair / network consulting, in Portland, Oregon. New expanded hours: 8:00a.m - 6:00pm Monday through Friday. Saturday hours: 10:00am. to 3:00pm. 2256 N. Albina Ave. Portland, OR. Corner of N. Interstate at Albina.

Metro Computerworks is a "concierge" class computer service and repair shop near downtown, Portland, Oregon, plus we provide on-site service at your business or home. We practice a personalized, high customer service oriented approach for support of computers and networks – both the Windows PC and Apple Macintosh. We're experts on how PCs and Macs work together on a company network or home network. We're available for on-call single-issue service as well as ongoing support and maintenance through a scheduled service agreement.

With certified experts for both platforms and many years of experience, we are an ideal resource for homes and home offices as well as small to medium sized business that need assistance, but do not want to hire a full-time IT support person.

Portland Oregon computer service options are numerous. In the last three years we count at least four or five franchise-type on-site computer service companys –all with the word geek in their name– have come into the area. It appears they've all tried to capitalize on the public's general frustration with outsourced technology support that most of the computer manufacturers use to service their customers. The "geeks that come to you" business model is kind of clever, but now seems overused and demands high volume to succeed. Hardly any of them have shops to fall back on when a computer needs more involved attention, and resriction to a menu of services and policies doesn't allow for the occassional guerilla tactics and tricks needed to overcome some of the countless service and support scenarios that may be encountered.

We work hard on really great service - same day or next day response, spurning voicemail, offering thoughtful advice over the phone, and offering pickup and delivery for close-in neighborhoods and downtown Portland. We're neither PC nor Mac zealots, just guys with a equal passion for technology and working with people and businesses to keep things running well. We appreciate the strengths of both Windows PCs and Apple Macintoshes, and also have a keen understanding of the occasional frustrations of both.

We can help with Windows 2000 Server, Windows 2010 Server, Microsoft Exchange, Apple OS X Server, Windows XP and the new Windows 7 operating system. However, we no longer service Windows 98 and Windows Millenium Edition computers.

Thanks to our experience gained through a special contract with Dell, we have performed many new Microsoft Windows 7 computer setups.We can consult on upgrading to Windows 7, and help with moving data properly from your old computer to the new computer.

We can help with any problem with older Macs running any version of Apple's operating system, from MaC OS 8 and 9, and any version of Apple OS X, from 10.2 (Jaguar) to 10.6 (Snow Leopard)).

Contact Gene (owner) or Clem (Service Manager) at 503-289-1986 for any Portland computer service and network consulting. Carry-in service is available in the shop six days a week.

Commonly asked questions and answers:

Q: Why use Metro Computerworks for on-site computer service, repair and consulting?
A: Simple - High quality one-on-one personalized service from experienced experts that you can reach as easily as if they were next-door.

Computer consulting can be a tedious racket for a small business and homeowners. There are an intimidating number of choices out there when you need fast help in an emergency, or if you're looking for a relationship with someone that you know will be competent and reliable.

Our emphasis on high-end service is special in many ways:

• We don't like voicemail much more than you do. We try our best to answer every call directly, so you can talk immediatly to a technician.
• Shop visits are really consultations. You will get our full attention at the time of service. Or if you just want to drop it off quick and have us contact you later in the day that's fine.
• Free telephone phone consultation and advice (limited to 10 minutes).
• Response time for local emergency on-site service usually within one hour, and non-urgent calls almost always same-day.
• Our specialists are very friendly and personable, with many years' experience.
• Quick diagnostic in the shop is free. (limited to 10 minutes).
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Q: What brands and kinds of computers do you service?
A: Post-warranty work for Apple Macintosh, and all Windows based PCs and laptops, including Dell Computer (Dimension, Inspiron XPS and others, Gateway Computer, Compaq Computer (Presario), Hewlett Packard (Pavilion), eMachines, - HP Computer, Sony Viao, IBM - also, any home-built, or custom built computers.
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Q: Do you do warranty repair for these brands?
A: No. If your computer is still under warranty, you need to contact the manufacturer directly. Apple Macintosh warranty issues can be handled by local Apple resellers, which are required to provide warranty service, and Dell warranty issues can be handled by contacting Dell.

However, we can facilitate the process between you and your manufacturer by helping to formally diagnose a hardware problems.
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Fees here do not include any hardware replacement or upgrade that may be needed. Don't hesitate to call ahead to discuss your situation first.
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Q: What forms of payment do you accept
A: Cash, local check with required identification, all major credit cards - Visa card, Mastercard, American Express. We do not accept Discover.
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Q: Do you have support contracts, service agreements?
A: Certainly. On-site, on-call service can be purchased in blocks of time for a lower hourly rate. For example:

5 hours per month: $90 per hour
10 hours per month $85 per hour
15 hours per month $80 per hour.

These scenarios are perfect for companies that do not have enough need to hire a full-time IT person, yet still need very reliable relationship-based support.
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Q: Where is your shop located?
A: Metro Computerworks is located close-in North Portland in the historic Gotham Building, next to a restaurant called the Gotham Tavern, along the North/South Yellow Tri-Met Max line. The address is Gotham Building, Suite 181, 2256 N. Albina Ave. Portland, Oregon 97227.

This is right on the corner of Interstate and Albina. Albina Ave. normally runs parallel to Interstate, but as Interstate curves South toward dowtown it intersects Albina Ave.

To newcomers, the location can be tricky. Here's a mapquest link if you need to print directions. We are where Albina Ave. meets Interstate Avenue, between the Broadway and Fremont bridges, along the new Max line heading north. That's two blocks South of Widmer Brewing Company and the Widmer Gasthaus, and other fun establishments like Mint and McMenamins White Eagle. The locale is very close to downtown Portland and the Pearl District (just over the Broadway Bridge). The Gotham building is a 100 year old building that underwent a major renovation.

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Q: What kinds of services do you offer?
A: On-site OR carry-in computer consulting, service and repair,
Including, but not limited to:

• Operating system upgrade or reinstall - download / install device drivers and current updates. Wipe partition, reformat, reinstall, backup and restore critical data.

• Microsoft Server 2008, 2003 Standard and Small Business Server setup, configuration and support. Microsoft Exchange setup and support. Server consulting and maintenance.

• Network setup, configuration and consulting. Setup of routers, switches, firewalls, hubs and cabling in Apple Macintosh and Windows environments.

• Wireless (WIFI) setup, configuration including security encryption or other security.

• Computer tutoring and training - one-on-one, at your home or business. We can meet with you for one to three hour clinics for just about anything you'd like to learn about - basic computer operation, maintaining your computer, working with digital cameras, scanners and video, or working with email and internet.

• Troubleshoot startup issues, hardware and software problems.

• Test and replace failed components - Most common: power supply, hard drive, motherboard (logic board).

• Hardware Upgrades - additional memory (RAM), larger or additional hard drives, video cards, CPUs., add PCI cards for ethernet or wireless networking.

• Backup solutions - Make sure the right stuff is getting backed up to the right place and that it's verified.

• Data recovery - We can attempt data recovery from corrupted hard drives or from hard drives rescued from dead computers. If your hard drive has physically failed (makes a clicking sound or won't spin up) please call to discuss options.

• Apple iPod/iPhone consulting. Recover iTunes to new computer or from backup or get your iTunes library and songs folder straightened out. Macintosh or Windows. For broken iPods or iPhones, and iPads we recommend Matt Moore and Wired iRepair (www.wiredirepair.com). His shop located close-in NW Portland.

• Personalized coaching / training for just about any computer network topic.
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Q: Do you only service Portland or do you go out to other areas?
A: Metro Computerworks specialists will go anywhere in the greater Portland area (West Portland and East Portland, including Beaverton, Tualatin, Hillsboro, Lake Oswego, Milwaukie, Clackamas, Gresham and Wilsonville, and Vancouver Washington, as well as outlying areas in Multnomah County, Clackamas County, and Washington County.

Q: Should I buy an Apple Macintosh or a Windows PC?
A: This is the question that has confounded new-comers to computers for years. The answer of course, is different for each individual. You MUST answer this on your own if you care to develop a relationship with your computer, that is if you plan to take it on as a hobby and want to get to know a lot about the Operating System.
If you don't care at all and just want to get a box on the shelf, for e-mail, web browsing and word processing, then I'd have to recommend Windows PC, since a basic box is more economical. Just make sure you also buy and install a good virus program. Viruses are rampant in Windows, and almost unheard of on Macs.

The good news is that mail and document compatibility between PCs and Macs really is no longer a problem, so that should not be an issue. Microsoft Office file formats work between platforms. More consumers choose a Windows PC for games. There are more games and better games, and better hardware for games for PCs running Windows. This is irrefutable. It's why I got into Windows after being a Mac guy for so long. Sure, there are some great Mac games, but the Windows camp is where it's at with high end gaming. End of story.
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Q: What about the other things you hear? Macs are easier to use, cost less to service, etc.?
A: In my opinion, Apple Macintoshes and Windows PCs are equally easy to use. That comparison has evened out over the years.

Windows web browser Microsoft Internet Explorer will handle more of the planet's web pages without error than Mac's MS web browsers. I know this from browsing the internet with both for a long time. More web sites are built and tested to work only on MS Internet Explorer. Why? That's what most people use, and a lot of site builders never bother to make sure their web sites work on Macintosh web browsers. As time marches on though, this is less and less of an issue.

Here are some additional factoids and opinions that may help with your choice:

• Macs and PCs are both easy enough to use
• Windows PCs cost less than Mac tower models, but to be fair, a comparably equipped PC costs about the same. There are no end Macs it seems.
• PCs with Windows get more viruses, spyware and malware. Macs almost NEVER do. If you get a PC, You MUST get good protection from one or more utilities. We like AVG, AntiVir, Ewido, and Trend Micro's PC-Cillin, or if your computer came with it use Norton Antivirus or McAfee Virus Scan. I have had countless calls to resurrect a Windows system infected with viruses. I have not seen a virus infected mac in several years. Why is this? I suppose since Microsoft has the largest operating system market share at over 90 percent, their Windows operating system is target for most of the bad guys developing and distributing infections.
• Macs can certainly transfer the virus to PC users, but the virus rarely affects the Mac itself.
• Apple iMac models with built-in displays usually similar in price as comparable PCs.
• If gaming is your thing, get a PC with lots of memory and a great game card.
• If you love Apple Macintosh, that's great. They're finer today than they've ever been.
• Apple is NOT going out of business. Areyou kidding? So don't let that stop you.
• If your goal is to be a Photoshop/Quark/Illustrator/InDesign person, get a Mac that's what most of those in the field use, and the programs are extremely well groomed for and many designers say that overall workflow is better on the Macintosh.
• If Enterprise (business) networking is your goal (say you need a machine that will connect easily to you corporate network in a different city), get a Windows PC, The IT support guys at the home office will love you for it. It's not that Macs can handle the job, just that most IT support guys have never seen a Macintosh and won't be able or willing to help you.
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Q: Won't I save money if I build my own computer?
A: Yes, you might, but usually you won't. If you don't factor in your time and effort (labor) and, if you buy a hard drive that includes an Operating System, and if you assume that the build will go perfectly and rarely need support. In my opinion, unless your objective is the pride of doing it yourself or learning, there is no value in building your own computer. If you need a good machine that works and will last several years, just buy a good one with a good warranty. And this is a great era to buy a computer. You get so much for you money today in terms of processing power, storage and features, todays nicely equipped Windows PC costing $800 (no monitor). would have cost over $2,000 three years back, and is phenomenally more powerful.

For most wire-heads and gamers, they pretty much know which processor, chipset, mainboard, vid card, etc. they want and they have a ball searching, pricing and building a custom computer. Building your own computer can save some money, but there are gotchas. First, it can be a huge excersise in frustration if you wreck a part during install. Next, unless you've done your homework carefully, there's a chance your chosen components won't work together. Next, you get no overall warranty or support. Even so, it's fun, educational, and rewarding to have success with a build-your-own, and you will know your system intimately.
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Q: I need a new computer. What's a good deal on a PC? [mid 2010]
A: The good news is this is the best time in history to buy a new computer, in terms of what you get for your money. Competition, the economy, and economies of scale and efficiency improvements have cut consumer PC prices a lot. And an entry-level PC has so much horsepower and storage, you almost can't go wrong. You can get a new Dell, HP, Gateway, etc. with Windows 7 and a great processor, memory and enormouse storage for about $500, even less sometimes. This all holds for an average user who wants to do web browsing, email office work and light gaming.

Above this, if you have special needs for computing, like high end gaming, design, photography editing, you will want to customize up to and around your specific needs.

Metro Computerworks builds custom workstations and servers for customers who prefer a locally built, locally supported computer with parts selected by hand after careful consultation with you and your type of work. This is to us the best "value". in terms of putting your dollars into hardware that will be just what you need and be serviced and supported efficiently here in Portland.

To summarize:
• Any multiple core processor Intel or AMD processor
• 4 Gigabyte RAM (memory)
• 500 Gigabyte hard drive (storage)
• PCI Express video (or slot ready to upgrade later) (PCI Express built into the motherboard is not upgradeable unless different card can be added later).
• DVD RW Drive (burns anything, reads anything, CD or DVD)
• 450 or 500 watt power supply
• Keyboard, mouse, modem, USB ports almost always included
• Floppy disk drive? Normally needs to be requested - extra $20. No longer necessary.

Throw in a nice 20 or 22 inch flat panel monitor and you have a great system for less than a thousand dollars.

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