Services
How I can help you ...
My name is Mike Levey. I've been around the block a few times — as you can tell from my grey hair 😊. I enjoy helping people embrace and use technology (that's been my career for many years), and I feel happiest when those I help are comfortable in using and applying the skills they've learned.
I've trained all types of people, including millennials (some of whom just want to touch on things so that they can rush on to the next). I understand that you could feel pressured when working with them, and I take care to make sure you're comfortable with what I'm explaining. These are some of the services I can help you with:
Social Media
Facebook, Instagram, Google Photos, Flickr (yes, without the "e"), gmail — other emails. You've heard all these terms bandied about and maybe you'd love to explore and learn how to use some of these systems. Why? You can:
- keep in touch with family and friends, share and send photos
- join groups with similar interests to you — there are many available and you do not even have to leave your home
- keep up with news that is trending
- what else can you think of? Tell me and I'll be able to advise you
Communicating with Friends and Family
Most people complain of being rushed, too busy — and it is easy to lose touch with family and friends.
I will learn from you how you would like to communicate and keep in touch with loved ones, and then I can help you set up the easiest way to do this. It could be:
- email: how to keep track of your emails, sort them into folders so that they're easy to find
- how to check if a message is safe before opening it, how to detect spam or unwanted emails
- how to send messages on Facebook, Instagram
- how to use Skype to keep in touch with friends, and find contacts
- how to best use a "Smart Phone" for communicating (aren't all phones smart, you might think?)
- how to switch your "regular" landline telephone to a VoIP (voice over IP) phone that gives you free calling to almost anywhere in Canada
How to best use your computer
So you have a computer (laptop, tablet, notebook — there are lots of words for a personal computer): do you wish you could get more out of it? I can help:
- check your plan with your Internet Service Provider: are you getting the best deal?
- do you worry about internet viruses? Is your computer adequately protected?
- passwords! Oh, how to keep all these sites safe from intruders who are out to steal your personal information! I can give you good advice on how to protect yourself and get you set up with a system to keep track of them all — safely.
- need help with setting up a printer, or maybe a scanner? What about good sound on your computer? I can help with that.
- is your computer old and slow, not working as it used to? Don't throw it out: maybe with a few tweaks it can regain its speed and functionality. If it's too old for the latest version of Windows, maybe it will run just fine with another system. I can set that up for you and show you how to use it: I did this for my wife and she's managing just fine!
Setting up a Smart Home
What's a Smart Home?, you ask. It's usually a home that enables you to remotely control lighting, heating and other electronic devices by phone or computer.
Now you don't have to have all of that, but wouldn't it be great if you could talk to a friendly electronic assistant to:
- learn what the temperature is today, or what the weather is going to be tomorrow?
- hear the latest news
- set a reminder, either for a few minutes ahead, or for a future date in your calendar
- call a friend, anyone for free in Canada/USA — either by telling it the phone number, or by having it check your contacts in your email system
- turn on a light, or turn it off — either by just telling your electronic assistant, or by programming it into the system
(Installing certain types of wall switches may require the services of an electrician, but setting up a plug-in wifi receptacle is no problem.)
There are so many things you can ask the assistant, and get an (almost instant) reply without even having to leave your chair. I can help you get that set up!
Organizing Documents and Papers
Do you struggle with keeping all your records, paperwork and receipts in an easy-to-find location? I can show you how to scan and save these either to your computer or online, to categorize the folders — you don't even need a scanner if you have a smart phone.
Small or Home Office IT Support
You may be struggling with computer issues that need resolving, or maybe you just need help with protecting your data, backing up to a secure site. There could be many other issues that you just need a little help with, such as how to more effectively use Word or Excel. Whatever it is, there's a good chance that GreyTech can help you.
Fixing/Replacing Things?
Maybe you have something in your home that needs attention, perhaps something as simple as changing a few lightbulbs, or some other light maintenance. If it's something that doesn't require the services of a contractor (and no, I don't climb ladders to high places) it may be possible to fix it during the home visit. Let me know and I'll tell you if it's something I can help you with.
Keeping in Touch
After you've gotten started using some of the services listed here we will keep in touch with you, at least on a monthly basis, to make sure that you're enjoying using the technology available to you, and to find out if you would like to broaden your experience even further.