Free computer advice and repairs

by The Computer Café volunteers

"Got a problem with your PC? You’ve come to the right place.”

These words greet every visitor to the completely free computer service – Computer Café – in the basement of the Ashram New Roots shop on the corner of Spital Hill and Hallcar Street. It’s open from 12–3 on Saturdays and staffed entirely by local volunteers, most of whom have a weekday job in IT or are studying to get one.

We kept on meeting people with computers that they weren’t using because they were ‘broken’. What most people didn’t realise is that by cleaning up the software and occasionally replacing a chip or two these computers can often be brought back to life.

The Computer Café has screens, keyboards, mice and cables so you can just bring your computer box along – but do remember to bring your discs/product keys if they might be needed.

Only a few weeks after opening we are already struggling to keep up with the sheer number of computer problems. “We try to help everyone who comes in – although sometimes we can’t finish everything in one visit and people might need to come back again” explained Gareth Coleman, a regular volunteer.

“Recently there’s been an epidemic of spyware and other internet problems – and it takes a while to clean them off a computer. Afterwards we usually install free anti-virus and firewall programs to protect them – and we explain how to prevent it happening again.”

The Messenger website has details about this problem and how to protect your computer – visit www.burngreavemessenger.org.uk and click on the ‘Surfing Safety Net’ link.

The Computer Café is keen to recruit more volunteers – and you don’t have to be an expert so long as you enjoy teaching others what you have learnt. “It’s a great place to be because of the variety of problems we get – I enjoy a challenge!” says Gareth.

Phone 272 8008 or email cafe@burngreave.net for more info.