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Danville Patch Tech Guy

Learn how nudging from a mentor led to a resource for Patch readers to get free tech support advice. Looking for a place to get a technology question answered? Now is your chance.

A mentor once told me that sharing your vocation is a good thing. This was as I had been less than enthusiastic about helping some presenters at my Rotary club get their laptops and projectors working. IT people will tell you that they get called on to do many things just because something has a cord they assume it’s an IT function. I now realize we are fortunate to have this opportunity.

I’ve discussed starting a blog on the Danville Patch several times over the last couple years. The most recent discussions with and led me to find a format that would allow me to share my vocation and contribute to this amazing community. The format will allow you to direct my writing to a specific topic or question. Are you interested?

How this works:

You get access to a local technology entrepreneur and business owner of 15+ years to ask ANY question related to a broad scope of topics. Consider me your CIO, IT Manager and local computer/tech geek rolled into one. In addition to being involved in supporting technology in a business capacity, I also enjoy blogging, Podcasting and technology in general so feel free to let those questions roll too.

How to ask:

The simplest way is via the comments immediately following this article. Alternatively you can send me an email using this contact form (be sure to mention the Danville Patch and what city you are from). Simple answers might just get added via a comment response, but I will pick a question each week to answer in blog or video blog format.

You know you’ve been dying to ask that IT guy at work something, now is your chance to ask. :)

-Joe

David Lehman May 26, 2012 at 03:45 pm
This sounds like a very helpful thing you will be doing. It will do a few things for the community. 1) the most important thing is it will help educate all in the community on various IT Topics. 2) it will help all of us progress with the future and not fall behind. 3) it will allow us to have a better understanding of what IT really means. 4) It will make all of us better people when it comes to IT and not be so afraid of technology.
I am sure i will have m fair share of questions so i look forward to the Blog. Thank You in advance for this service David Lehman
Eve Pearlman (Editor) May 29, 2012 at 01:00 pm
Hi! I don't know if this in your area of expertise. I have a password management issue. I have dozens of personal passwords, everything from Amazon to the airline miles programs to top secret banking passwords. And then I have more for various work applications. How tricky should these be? How often should I change them? Is it OK to use the same one for many accounts? And what is the best place to store them? -Eve
Joe Hackman May 29, 2012 at 02:13 pm
Thank you for your kind words David. Based on the responses I've already received it would seem there is a need for this.
Have a great day - Joe
Joe Hackman May 29, 2012 at 02:14 pm
Great question Eve. I've received several questions offline and I'll be getting back with you soon. - Joe
Mrs G May 29, 2012 at 09:28 pm
What's the best way to remove your personal data before disposing of a PC? Thank you.
Joe Hackman May 30, 2012 at 02:43 pm
Excellent question Mrs G. I will be responding to all the requests tomorrow even if your question is not featured on the blog post.
Joe Hackman June 1, 2012 at 10:33 pm
I authored the answer for this week and it is pending approval. I will post a link to it when it is online. Thanks to everyone who sent questions.
Joe Hackman June 4, 2012 at 02:01 pm
Hi again Mrs G. I chose your question for this weeks column. It posted today because of the approval process: http://danville.patch.com/blog_posts/removing-your-personal-data-before-disposing-of-a-pc I hope that article helps.
Joe Hackman June 4, 2012 at 02:02 pm
This is a great resource for that particular question Eve: http://www.pcworld.com/article/237113/password_management_idiotproof_tips.html
Lydia August 25, 2012 at 11:40 am
If I have a one person ecommerce business with a lot of multitasking is there a security suite that you could recommend?
Joe Hackman August 26, 2012 at 06:27 pm
Hi Lydia - I did already address your question right here on the Patch. You can get my answer here: http://danville.patch.com/blog_posts/the-best-antivirus-software
Thanks for asking! Joe

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Just a short thought to get the word out quickly about anything in your neighborhood.
Share something with your neighbors. Write a new post... What's up? Make an announcement, speak your mind, or sell something
AG June 18, 2013 at 02:49 pm
never seen a plane that big fly so low. our dogs went nuts
Alex Gronke (Editor) June 18, 2013 at 03:40 pm
David et al: Here's what the FAA said: "Radar replays show an F18 flew right over DanvilleRead More northeast-bound at 3,500 feet at exactly 10:45, and then started to climb, which would create more noise as the pilot applied more engine power."
kcburroughs June 18, 2013 at 03:49 pm
I live pretty close to Mount Diablo and two (they looked military) planes came up over the mountainRead More and then almost flippin hit our house. It threw me out of bed.
zenmom June 14, 2013 at 12:27 pm
yes we are at Greenbrook & Morninghome & we heard it too--very loud & booming. Woke usRead More up.
Jim June 14, 2013 at 01:27 pm
Ok.... Glad it was not just us. I should have called DPD but we did not til this morning and theyRead More did not get any calls about it. Wonder what it was?