Critical Computer LLC

02/22/2025

I agreed to be scheduled to a customer's site this Saturday to install a new internet line. It was the best time as they are closed - so no interruption of business. Internet company was supposed to come between 2p and 5p.

Their automation called me at 12:15p and said, "Good news! Our technician is arriving early. If you're not there, we will reschedule.

HECK.

So I immediately drive to the site. Nobody there. I text the internet company. "Oh that alert means they could come at any time. The ETA is 3:30p". Grr, fine, I go back home, arriving 12:45p.

You see it coming? 12:50p, I get the text "Hello this is the tech. We are here can you come now"? Grr again. Drive back on site. This time they are here. Now I just need to wait until they terminate the line in the building, test it, then back home.

How's your Saturday?

08/01/2024

I have entered phased retirement! As a self-employed IT professional, I will be navigating multiple transitions of responsibility with each customer in the months ahead. My goal is to be fully retired by the end of the year.

I will always be deeply grateful to those who have trusted me not just as an IT provider, but as a valued partner, much like a dedicated employee. That's what makes this part of the retirement process hard.

09/04/2023

In an attempt to create more separation between Brian’s ‘work-life’ and the rumored to exist ‘not-work-life’, we’ve created a new phone number for the business: 612-367-6840. You can call, text, or leave messages at this number. The response time will be the same as before.

As long as you’re here, let’s recap some of our frequently asked questions.

I got an invoice from [email protected]… is that you? Yes. We send our invoices out electronically using that email address

Can I refer you to a friend/another business who needs your help? No. We are not accepting any new customers at this time, nor any time in the foreseeable future.

Do you do electronic-parts level repairs? No. We’d just replace the component with a new one. It’s not cost effective to invest time into a replaceable component.

I’m a salesperson and I want to sell you something. How do I get in touch. You don’t. We don’t need anything… except Girl Scout Thin Mints.

07/22/2023

Just another Saturday. Lisa and I are out and about, doing physical cleanings. Keep cool, computers!

03/15/2023

Shields up! For the 8 of you who follow this page, Brian will not be available for on-demand support until Monday, 3/20. Email screenshots of errors to us and we'll respond sooner if we can.

Image credit: https://www.laserfirecreations.com/

01/10/2023

Buckle up for safety, XTANK server!

09/22/2022

Don't feel bad. I didn't know either until I looked it up.

12/13/2021

This is that post I told you to read if you wanted to know my position on Windows 11.

To 11 or Not to 11, That is the Question Brian Hayes Posted on December 13, 2021 Posted in Uncategorized Windows 11 looks so pretty Windows 10 users are certainly aware that Windows 11 is ‘out’. Microsoft, in their infinite generosity, have made it easy and convenient to upgrade to the new versi...

12/04/2021

I like it. Go Grandma.

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