June 29, 2001
Computer repair store may keep people from quacking up
By Greta Hale
Staff Writer
His logo shows a duck getting ready to wack a computer with a sledge hammer.
It includes a circle with a line through it, similar to a non-smoking sign. It encourages people not to beat their computers during moments of frustration.
Don Knaur, the owner of Help Desk, Ohio, uses the slogan, "Don't strike and key, come to Help-Desk, Ohio instead."
Help-Desk, Ohio, 231 S. Sandusky St., is a computer consulting and service business that opened in May. It offers in-home servicing of computers as well as other services.
Knaur got his logo from Microsoft clip art.
"The duck's been around for a long time, almost as long as I've been in the business," Knaur said.
Knaur has been fixing computers since 1996. Such work can take from 10 minutes to five hours, depending on the problem, he said.
When fixing a computer, Knaur looks for the obvious first, he said. He checks to see if it is plugged in or if there is a bad power chord.
Knaur's average charge for fixing a computer is about $100, he said.
His business offers computer repair, programming, networking and upgrading services on personal computers.
He will upgrade memory or hard drives or do a complete computer "make over," he said.
Knaur also helps customers purchase computers that are within their price range and have the capabilities they need. A person can get a good computer for less than $800, he said.
Knaur specializes in data conversion. He can take data from an old Macintosh database and convert it to Microsoft Access.
But how can people avoid needing to call Knaur for service?
One way to protect a computer is to run a vacuum hose over the back vents of the computer every month, Knaur said. Dusting the inside of the computer also is a good idea, he said. Knaur recommends buying a surge protector with phone capabilities to avoid meltdowns during lightning storms.
He also suggests backing up work.
"I hate hearing the words, 'I meant to back up, but...'," Knaur said.
His business provides in-home warranty work for businesses like Staples and Best Buy.
Knaur graduated from Tiffin University in 1985 with a degree in computer programming and has 16 years of experience in the field. He was out of work in the early 1980s during a recession and decided to go to college. He worked for a software company in Marion for eight years after graduating from TU.
Knaur writes a bimonthly article on computers for the Tiffin Area Chamber of Commerce newsletter.
He spends about 10 to 15 hours a week reading about changes in the field so he can stay on top of technology, he said.
If he doesn't identify or fix the problem, Knaur won't charge a fee, he said.
Knaur's wife, Karen, also helps with the business in the summer while she is not teaching writing at Fostoria Middle School.
"Don just loves to help people fix problems," Karen said.