COMPUTER CLUB of ROSSMOOR

Walnut Creek, California
HOUSE CALLS FAQs

Q: Who are the Computer Club technicians? Are they paid by the Club? 
A: None of our technicians are paid. They are all volunteers who want to assist other members of the Rossmoor Community. The Club's Technical Director screens each volunteer to ensure he/she has sufficient experience and expertise to become a House Call technician. 

Q:  Does the House Call technician come to my home? 
A:  During the Covid-19 pandemic, some House Call techs have been providing in-person service while others are using remote-access software instead. For in-person visits, both the tech and member must be comfortable with this arrangement. Please click HERE to read more about this option. 

Q: If in-home service isn't an option for the technician and/or me, what is remote-access support? 
A: Remote-access means that you allow a technician to remotely see your screen and operate your computer by connecting to it over the internet. Many computer problems can be solved in this manner.

Q: Is the remote-access service secure?
A: Yes! Many tech companies, such as Dell, HP and Apple, have been using this type of software for many, many years. In some instances our techs will use "Team Viewer" software to provide this service. Team Viewer (www.teamviewer.com) is a well-known, reputable company used by many businesses to provide remote technical support to their employees. It may be used with Windows PCs or Macs. For PCs, our techs may also opt to use a "built in" Windows application to provide remote service.

Q:  How does the remote access service work? 
A:  One of the Computer Club's technicians will call you to determine if your problem can be handled remotely. If so, the tech will walk you through the simple steps to launch "Team Viewer" (for Windows PCs or Macs) or the Windows remote access application (for PCs). Once it's installed, you will need to verbally provide the technician with a system-generated code that allows him/her to access your system and fix many types of problems. Note that the code ensures that you have complete control over who gets access to your system. The technician can not see your screen and/or operate your computer until you provide the code. 

Q: How do I protect my privacy after the remote access software is installed? 
A: Upon opening the software, it generates a special, one-time-use access code. The technician can only access your system after you verbally provide him/her with the code. Once the session concludes, the technician can only get back into your system if you re-open the software and provide him/her with a new code.

Q: Do I have to buy the remote access software or pay a fee to use it? 
A: No, there is no charge for you to use Team Viewer software. If you have a PC, your Windows 10 or 11 system already includes the remote access application. However, only paid-up members of the Computer Club may request a House Call. See the Members/Volunteers page about joining the Club and/or paying dues online. 

Q: If the technician has me install the Team Viewer software, do I have to set up an account and remember a password? Will I get junk mail from them? 
A: You do not have to setup an account or remember a password. In fact, you never provide your email address during the installation process, so you will never receive advertising or junk mail from Team Viewer. 

Q:  I need immediate assistance or a type of service you don't handle, or can not be handled via remote access. Can you recommend someone else?
A:  Yes, if you submit a House Call request and the technician determines it can not be handled remotely, the technician can provide you with names of reputable "for hire" technicians who may be able to help. If you need a type of service that is outside the scope of the House Call program, such as a new-system setup, please email us at [email protected]

Q: I need help learning how to use software, such as MS Word or macOS. May I request tutoring?
A: Unfortunately we are not able to provide tutoring, as it simply uses too many tech hours. If you need to learn how to use a specific software, Acalanes Adult Ed offers many computer classes. And, the Computer Club offers Flash Classes right in the Gateway Computer Center (subject to Covid-19 constraints) or via Zoom.

Q: I've used the House Call Service in the past. May I request a specific technician?
A: Yes, you may include this request when you enter your the description of the problem you're having.

Q: I'm not a member yet. If I join today, may I immediately schedule a House Call? 
A: Only active members may submit a House Call request. If you pay your dues online with a credit card, your membership will be instantly activated and you may immediately submit your House Call request. If you pay with cash or check, it may take up to a week to activate your membership. 
ALL ABOUT HOUSE CALLS
Please click the red button, below.  Then follow these easy instructions (if you are unable to log onto the internet from home, please come to the Computer Center in the Gateway Club-house for assistance):

  • Log into our Member portal by using the email address that is tied to your Computer Club membership
  • Enter the password "flashclass" (or the password you set up for your account)
  • Then, click the grey "Register" button to follow the simple process to enter your request
Types of components / devices we handle:
  • PCs and Macs
  • Windows 8 and 10
  • macOS
  • Printers
  • Wifi connections / routers

Types of service we do not perform:
  • Hardware repairs (replacing a hard drive, installing
       a new video card, etc.)
  • New system set-ups
  • Disassembling or moving a system
  • Data recovery
  • Tutoring
  • Virus removal
  • Fixing Comcast internet problems 
  • Upgrading PCs to Windows 10
PLEASE NOTE: 
When you submit your House Call request, you will be asked to agree to the following statement:

 “I understand and agree that neither the Computer Club of Rossmoor nor its volunteers may be held liable for direct or consequential losses resulting from damages to my equipment or from lost / corrupted data."
The   Computer  Club  offers free onsite "House Calls" (subject to Covid restrictions) to paid Members who are also residents of Rossmoor. Members who are not residents may schedule a remote access service call.  House Calls are limited 
During the Covid pandemic, our volunteer Technicians have the option to provide in-home technical support to Members. Please click HERE to read more about this option. We will continue to offer support services using screen sharing software. This is the same type of software used by major tech companies and provides technicians with secure access to the Member's system. 
TO SCHEDULE A HOUSE CALL
to solving software  problems or  connectivity  issues (such  as connecting to the internet or to a printer). Depending on demand and volunteer availability, we can generally respond to a House Call request within a week.