DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am looking for a person to teach me simple computer skills. Someone who comes into my home and helps me learn more on my own computer. — Julie Therrien, Livermore, 897-2787

ANSWER: Sun Spots usually recommends adult education classes, but obviously they don’t come to your house. A previous inquiry in Sun Spots for a different kind of computer help turned up several potential helpers. Read on for some possibilities. Sun Spots hopes you get a similar response..

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I read the request for computer assistance in the Aug. 5 column.

I am a retired computer person in the Lewiston-Auburn area. I do computer maintenance, repairs, upgrades, etc., for family, friends and acquaintances on a volunteer basis.

I have been involved with computers for approximately 35 years and have experience with laptops, personal computers, netbooks, server-based computers, etc.

If I can be of assistance with your computer problem, I would be more than willing to offer my expertise for your consideration at no cost.

If you are willing to send me an explanation of your computer problems via email, I will analyze the response and get back to you with my perceived requirements as to the efforts required to adequately resolve your problem.

I offer this service on a limited basis because I still enjoy working on and solving computer problems and like to keep my brain challenged. — vecchio (old guy), G. H. Morin, vecchio_3@yahoo.com

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am writing in response to Helen Boyce’s Aug. 5 request for computer help in her home. My very close friend David is a computer expert who goes to people’s homes, and his fees are reasonable.

He owned his own computer company in California before moving to Maine and still retains some of his clients from there.

He may be reached at 956-0604, and you may leave a message on his voicemail if he’s not available. He will return your call because he is considerate and conscientious. He is semi-retired, so he has the time. — Bonnie, Bryant Pond

DEAR SUN SPOTS: My inquiry for a computer repair person who would make house calls appeared in your Aug. 5 column. Thanks so much for the great response that I received. I appreciate all the emails from so many computer repair persons. — Helen Boyce, mele@roadrunner.com

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have a Windows 95 computer that I want to get rid of. Do you know how I can get rid of it?-

I also have a computer stand to give away. If anyone wants it, they can call me at 784-3934. Leave a message if I’m not at home. Thank you very much. — No Name, Lewiston

ANSWER: There is a group of Lewiston High School students who refurbish old computers for use by Longley students, but the teacher adviser has said anything older than Windows 98 is really too old. Much has changed in the last 15 years. A Windows 95 would be incapable of running many current applications. But you never know. Someone might want it and call you.

There is a movement to make manufacturers reclaim and recycle old computers, which contain a lot of heavy metals that are bad for the environment. Readers can check with their individual transfer stations as to how they are currently handling these electronics. 

DEAR SUN SPOTS: In the Aug. 19 column there was a request for Androscoggin-based home learners. I am writing to say there are many, many of us! Please call or email me. Thank you. — Tamra, 576-3184, tamra_hartley@yahoo.com

DEAR SUN SPOTS: On Saturday afternoon while I was crossing the Veterans Memorial Bridge from Auburn to Lewiston I noticed something fly off a pickup truck. I picked the article up and brought it home. It is the cover of a new wastebasket. It may be picked up by the owner at my house at 1091 Main St, Lewiston. — Hollis Bates, Hswad@aol.com

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be e-mailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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