You are currently browsing the Fixya Blog weblog archives for the year 2008.

After 30 years in the computer industry, Abrsvcs has seen it all. From punch card computing to top of the line AV equipment, this Expert is ready to put his vast experience to work for you. And after contributing 1753 solutions, he’s even become something of a mind reader.

Q: Tell us about yourself:
A: I have a background working with computers in a support role. I am primarily a diagnostician. I cannot create anything worth a darn, but give me something that doesn’t work and I’ll “fixit”. A college of mine and I adopted the saying seen occasionally on T-shirts: “By definition, if I can’t fix it, it ain’t broke!!”

In detail, I have 30 years of computer work behind me from punch cards and paper tape to modern PCs. I have taught college courses in programming and supported academic computer centers. Most of my work has been at the architecture and assembler level. In other words, at the machine code level. I have taught computer performance and have done performance modeling too. While pursuing this as a full time job, I had my own electronics repair business on the side providing repair services for 10 dealers. Currently I work for an AV rental company testing and repairing broadcast level equipment. While interesting and always fun, sometimes working on gear worth 100K or more gets a bit nerve-wracking.

I’ve been thinking about product “solutions” lately. I’ve been thinking about how there are so many customer service “solutions” that consist of a team of telemarketing employees with an up-sell agenda, or worse, a shrink-wrapped software package.

I catch myself using Silicon Valley tech lingo to wax poetic about the benefits of crowd sourcing and web 2.0 technologies. At the end of the day, I know that FixYa’s strength is not its technology, but its code of craftsmanship and individualism. In essence, our strength is that behind every question and answer, there’s a human being.

One of our great Experts, Worldvet, has served his country at home, abroad, and now online at FixYa.com. After providing 648 solutions and achieving an impressive 90% rating, Worldvet has established himself as someone who our users can turn to for help in their time of need.

Q: Tell us about yourself:
A: I served with a H3 helicopter Search and Rescue detachment in Vietnam. We flew Angel Air Guard for the POWs that were released from Hanoi. I was unsettled by my exposure to War and later did things that made little sense, like hitchhike from one side of the US to the other six times. I use the moniker Worldvet on FixYa and elsewhere, as I feel I’m a veteran of the world now.

Times are tough. By helping families and businesses repair, rather than replace their belongings, the FixYa community is ensuring that members save money. So before we talk about anything, please accept a heartfelt thank you from FixYa’s staff members. Your contributions as experts and community members are helping improve the quality of life for millions. Really. Millions.

IrishDruid has 2197 solutions and a wide range of experiences and occupations behind him. He may be a Gemini, but he’s one of a kind. This guru, who is also a qualified physiotherapist and acupuncturist, just might be the cure for what’s needling you.

Q: Tell us about yourself:
A: I am from Dublin, Ireland. I would best describe myself as a “Jack of All Trades”. My professional career includes working as a cashier in a supermarket, waiting on tables, computer repairs and assembly, freelance web designing, a member of technical support at IBM and later at Logitech, doing professional editing and proofreading services – the list goes on… I also have a certificate in basic hardware and networking. I am a Gemini and am always on the move, looking for new adventure and challenges.