At RDPShop IT Services, we understand that every home user and small business has unique technology needs. This page is designed to answer your most common questions about our computer repair, local SEO services, website building solutions and our other services. Whether you need help fixing a slow or malfunctioning computer, improving your local search presence, or building a professional website, you’ll find helpful answers here to guide you.
We focus on practical, real-world solutions that save you time and protect your technology investments. Each section below is organized by service so you can quickly find the information most relevant to you. From in-home computer support and virus scanning to website design and local SEO strategies, our goal is to provide clarity and confidence before you reach out for assistance.
Use the navigation below to jump directly to the Frequently Asked Questions for each RDPShop Service. Computer Repair, Local SEO & Website Services, Computer Training, Graphic Design, Networking, Backup - Disaster Recovery and Business Applications/Software . Each section includes answers based on real experiences from our clients and practical tips you can apply immediately.
Even though this information can be figured out when on location, if you have the information can decrease the time on site. Driver and common issues with your computer can be downloaded or figured out before coming to your location. Serial numbers can allow me to get a history and drivers for your computer before coming on-site. However, this isn't mandatory.
Even though my experience with MAC's is not as extensive as with PC's, I will work on them. If I do not feel I can fix your issue, I do not charge you.
I can install most kinds of software, however there are some engineering software that often require extensive setup that has to be collaborated with the software manufacturer. I have installed many kinds of software and applications. Anything from MS Office Suites, Adobe Products, Video Games, Video Software, Camtasia to AutoCad.
The charge is $80 for the first hour, However, there is no 1-hour minimum charge. There is a $30 service fee, which is applied to the time that is one hour or more. The service fee is for anything less than 30 minutes. If I am at your location for less than 30 minutes, you are only charged the Service Fee. Often, RDPShop will charge by project, which means savings for you. For example, if a tech goes on-site and finds that your audio isn't working because the speakers were turned off, the charge could be only $10 total. Also, RDPShop IT Services will not charge you if the issue can't be resolved.
We will setup any kind of printer. We can do small repairs on some printers; many are not worth the time for repair and is best to buy a replacement. Many of our calls on printer issues are not the printer itself. Quite often, the operating system will go stupid and forget the printer or the printer driver. This is also a free analysis, if we do not feel we can fix your issue, we will find someone that can, this is usually for businesses.
Under normal circumstance No. However, if you are a business with an emergency, or the weekends is the only time we can help you at home. We will do our best to help you out. This applies to both residential and businesses, however businesses will take priority. Feel free to contact me and ask, I try to work with all my customers
Sluggish performance is usually caused by one of three things: a lack of RAM, a failing or cluttered Hard Drive, or Malware. In many cases, we find that older computers still using traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDD) can be "reborn" by upgrading to a Solid State Drive (SSD). We offer "PC Tune-Ups" to clear out background "bloatware" and optimize your startup settings to get you back to top speed.
Not necessarily! If there are no lights or fan noises, it’s often a Power Supply Unit (PSU) failure or a loose internal connection. If you hear beeps or see lights but the screen stays black, it could be a memory (RAM) or motherboard issue. We recommend checking your surge protector first. If that doesn't work, bring it in for a diagnostic; it’s often a much cheaper fix than buying a brand-new machine.
There is the "50% Rule." If the cost of the repair is more than 50% of the price of a comparable new computer, it’s usually better to replace it. However, if your computer is less than 3–4 years old, a simple hardware upgrade (like more RAM or a new battery) can often extend its life for several more years at a fraction of the cost of a new device. Of course in today's times, not everyone can afford a new computer, so we will give you your best option before saying to trash the old and buy new.
In most cases, yes. Even if your computer won’t boot into Windows or macOS, your data often lives on a separate part of the hardware. We specialize in Data Recovery from failing drives. However, to prevent future stress, we always recommend the "3-2-1 rule": 3 copies of your data, on 2 different media types, with 1 copy stored off-site (like the Cloud). We can help you setup proper backups so you never loose your info again.
Almost certainly not. This is called Phishing. Large companies like Microsoft, Google, or your bank will never ask you for your password or social security number via email. Look closely at the sender's email address—if it’s a string of random letters or doesn't end in the official domain (e.g., @microsoft.com), delete it immediately.
Pro Tip: Never click the link in the email. Instead, go directly to the company's official website in your browser to check your account status, meaning not through the link in the email!!
Spam is a numbers game for scammers. To reduce it:
Don't panic, but act fast:
"Quishing" is the newest trend in 2026—it’s phishing via QR Codes. Scammers send emails with a QR code, claiming you need to scan it to "verify your identity" or "view an invoice." Because security software has a harder time "reading" images than text, these often bypass spam filters. Treat an unexpected QR code exactly like a suspicious link: Do not scan it.
We use hosted WordPress to build websites. We have built many for people that want to blog, for home businesses, mom and pop type shops to small local businesses. In these days and times, if you want to keep real business flowing, you need your own website. Many feel that Facebook is all they need but having your own website gets you in front of real targeted customers, to let them know exactly what you offer and how you can help. Full SEO and marketing strategies are offered with this service.
Costs vary based on complexity, number of pages, custom design work, features required, and ongoing support. We provide custom quotes after understanding your needs and can explain pricing before any work begins. RDPShop understands budgets and can work with you. Here is a general price list but prices will vary based on your customization. Check Price List HERE
Typical small business website builds, take between 2 to 6 weeks from kickoff to launch. This depends on how quickly content, images, and approvals are provided. Once the scope is defined, we will give you an estimated timeline that fits your schedule.
Yes. We build websites on easy-to-use platforms like WordPress, where you can update text, images, and content without technical skills. We also provide basic training so you feel confident managing your site after launch.
Yes. Every website we build is optimized for search engines with clean code, fast performance, mobile responsiveness, and basic on-page SEO settings. You can also add our Local SEO services to further improve search visibility.
Basic features typically include a homepage, and a contact form, mobile-friendly design included. We offer a step-up feature that include the basic plus more pages and SEO setup, with analytics tracking. Additional services like e-commerce, blog sections, or custom graphics can be included based on your needs. Every build is totally customizable and all options are discussed. Depending on what the site is for, it may need to be a one-page site. While others may need a homepage, service page, about page, contact page and a blog post page. A quote will be generate for you with no surprises or upsells, everything is transparent, nothing hidden.
Absolutely. You can share design examples or preferences you like, and we tailor your website to reflect your brand identity and style. We work collaboratively to ensure the design matches your vision. However, some designs require more intensive page builders that will cost. Most sites can be built with what is provided from hosting or free programs. Although there have been some request that free and cheap just can't do.
Yes. All websites we build are mobile-friendly and responsive, ensuring they display properly on phones, tablets, and desktops. Mobile responsiveness is standard because search engines and users expect it.
You own your website and all content once it is built and published. We provide access credentials and all necessary files so you are in full control of your site. This is where the free website builders differ. You are in their world and they own everything you build. Even after you start paying for features on these website builders, you still can't take your content, images or data with you if you leave. Hosted WordPress sites can be downloaded into a few files that you can take anywhere to anyone or any hosting. It is your property.
We offer optional support and maintenance plans to handle updates, security, backups, and content changes. You can choose ongoing support at any time, but it is not required. If you prefer to do it yourself, we offering training to teach you how to maintain your site.
Before we begin, we need your:
Free website builders often come with limitations that can hurt your business long term. Many place ads on your site, restricted features, or control of the design so you cannot move it later. A professionally built, hosted WordPress website gives you full ownership, better credibility, and flexibility to grow. You are not locked into a platform that can change rules or pricing without warning.
Yes. A domain name is your business’s online identity and digital address. While free subdomains technically work, they look unprofessional and are harder for customers to remember. Plus a subdomain on a free website builder will not rank on search engines, so you will never be found. Owning your own domain builds trust, strengthens your brand, and ensures your business name belongs to you, not a third-party platform.
Yes. Building a website involves multiple steps, including domain setup, hosting configuration, and installing the right tools to run everything smoothly. We handle the entire technical process from start to finish. You focus on your business, and we take care of getting your website live and working properly.
Yes. We build websites using a user-friendly system that makes updating content simple. You can add blog posts, change text, update photos, or adjust business information without technical experience. We also provide basic guidance so you feel confident managing your site after launch.
If you are thinking about getting a website, you should look over this quick checklist to ensure you are ready to have one built.
Google ranks local businesses based on relevance, distance, and prominence. Relevance comes from how well your Google Business Profile matches the search. Distance is how close the searcher is to your business or service area. Prominence is built through reviews, photos, consistent business information, and overall online presence. Fully optimizing your profile and earning regular reviews are the fastest ways to improve visibility.
No. Creating and maintaining a Google Business Profile is completely free. You do not pay Google to appear on Maps. Many businesses choose to hire a professional to optimize the profile, manage reviews, and post updates so they remain competitive in local search results.
If you serve customers at their location, you are considered a service-area business. Google allows you to verify using a home address while keeping it hidden from public view. You can then define the cities or regions you serve without displaying a storefront address.
Some improvement can happen shortly after optimization, as quick as 2 weeks. But meaningful local SEO results usually take 3 to 6 months. Consistent reviews, new photos, accurate citations, and regular profile activity help rankings improve steadily over time.
Yes. Your website helps Google confirm what services you offer and where you provide them. Strong website content supports your Google Business Profile and increases your chances of showing up for specific service searches.
You cannot remove reviews yourself. Fake or spam reviews can be flagged for Google to review. For legitimate negative reviews, responding professionally is the best approach. Thoughtful responses build trust and show potential customers that you care about service quality.
An SSL certificate secures your website and displays the padlock icon in the browser. Google prioritizes secure websites. If your site is not secure, it may negatively affect user trust and local search visibility.
This is done by creating service area pages on your website. Pages dedicated to specific locations help Google understand where your business is relevant and allow you to appear in searches beyond your main city.
Posting photos or updates once or twice a month is recommended. Regular activity signals to Google that your business is active and trustworthy. Profiles with recent photos often receive more clicks and engagement. We recommend posting articles at least once a week to get better results.
Citations are online listings that mention your business name, address, and phone number. When this information is consistent across directories, Google trusts your business more. Inconsistent details can hurt local rankings. Citations are things like Yelp, Yellowpages, Angi, Chamber of Congress, Thumbtack and more.
Yes. While I provide in-home computer training in Knoxville, TN, I also offer one-on-one remote computer training via Zoom for clients anywhere in the United States. Remote sessions are fully interactive—I can see your screen and guide you step by step in real time. This makes professional computer training accessible and convenient, no matter where you’re located.
My goal with Computer Training at Home is to help you use technology comfortably and confidently in your daily life. Common training topics include basic computer skills like using Windows or macOS, organizing files, possible ergonomic needed mouse and keyboard. I also teach practical tasks such as online shopping, paying bills safely, using email, and staying connected with family through popular internet communications, or social media. For work or personal projects, I offer training in Microsoft Word, Excel, Google Docs, photo organization, and even starting a blog.
No special equipment is required. I tailor every computer training session to the device you already own, whether it’s an older desktop, a new laptop, a MacBook, or an iPad/Tablet. For remote training, if you don’t already have Zoom installed, I’ll walk you through the setup step by step before the session begins so you’re never left feeling stuck.
Absolutely. I specialize in beginner-friendly computer training with clear, jargon-free explanations. We move at your pace, and there’s never pressure or judgment. Every lesson starts with what you already know and builds from there, helping you gain confidence and feel fully in control of your computer before moving on to new skills.
Yes, this is one of the most important parts of my training. As part of Computer Training at Home, I provide a personalized Digital Safety Audit. You’ll learn how to recognize phishing emails, avoid online scams, deal with suspicious pop-ups, and manage passwords securely. These skills help protect your personal information and give you peace of mind when using your computer.
Yes. Security is always my top priority. I use professional, encrypted screen-sharing software for all remote computer training sessions. You remain in full control at all times. You must approve access, and you can end the session instantly with a single click. I also teach you how to recognize legitimate remote support so you’re protected from scammers in the future.
Most Computer Training at Home sessions last about 60 minutes. This length allows enough time to learn, practice, and ask questions without feeling overwhelmed. It’s the ideal balance between productivity and comfort, especially for beginners. If more time is required, we do discount rates. We are here to help, not empty your wallet.
Yes. After every session, I provide a personalized cheat sheet or summary of what we covered. For remote Zoom sessions, I can also record the lesson so you can replay it anytime. This way, you always have clear instructions to refer back to when practicing on your own.
For Knoxville clients receiving in-home computer training, yes. Training isn’t just about learning,it’s also about making sure your technology works properly. If your printer won’t connect or your Wi-Fi signal is unreliable, we can use part of the session to fix those issues so you can focus on learning without frustration.
Every client’s needs are different. Some people only need one or two sessions to complete a specific task or solve a problem. Others prefer ongoing weekly or bi-weekly computer training sessions to gradually build skills and confidence. There are no long-term contracts, you can schedule training as needed, based on your goals and comfort level.
I can create logos; however, this is a joint effort. Usually, it works best if the customer can provide several drawings of ideas of what they want. I can also provide samples and variations to help if you just don't have an idea where to start. Branding is important and logo can be used on business cards, letter heads and on your website.
When it comes to marketing, your brand and or business, you will find you will need more than just a logo. Often you will want to branch off into video advertisement such as YouTube. You may just want to stick to using social media such as Facebook. All these types of formats require thumbnails, headers, video intros and backgrounds that need to be specific sizes. Also, they need to look professional to help create your brand, I can create all of these as needed.
A logo is just one part of your brand. It’s the visual symbol people recognize first. A brand identity, on the other hand, is the complete visual system behind your business. It includes your logo, color palette, fonts, image style, and overall look and feel. A strong brand identity ensures your website, business cards, social media graphics, and marketing materials all look consistent and professional, helping your business appear trustworthy and established.
Cheap or automated logos are often built from generic icons and templates that are reused by hundreds or even thousands of businesses. This makes it difficult or impossible to stand out or protect your brand. With my custom graphic design services, your logo and brand visuals are created specifically for your business, your audience, and your goals. A professionally designed brand builds credibility, trust, and recognition from the very beginning.
Yes. This is commonly called a brand refresh. If your logo feels dated or doesn’t reflect your business anymore, I can modernize it while keeping what still works. This may include updating fonts, refining colors, simplifying the design, or improving how it looks on websites and mobile devices. The goal is to keep your brand recognizable while making it look current and professional.
You’ll receive a complete, ready-to-use brand design package. This includes your logo in multiple formats for web and print, such as high-resolution images, vector files, and transparent versions. You’ll also get color variations (full color, black, and white) and different layout options like horizontal or stacked logos. Most projects also include a brand style guide that explains your colors and fonts so your branding stays consistent in the future.
Brand colors are chosen strategically, not randomly. I use color psychology to help influence how customers perceive your business. Different colors create different emotional responses. Some convey trust and professionalism, while others feel energetic or creative. I also consider your industry, your competitors, and your target audience to ensure your color palette helps your brand stand out while still feeling appropriate.
Yes. Once your brand identity is established, I can apply it across all your marketing and promotional materials. This includes business cards, flyers, letterheads, website graphics, social media headers, and post templates. Consistent design across all platforms helps your business look polished, credible, and easy to recognize.
Yes. Files used for professional printing are very different from images used online. I provide print-ready, high-resolution files in the correct color format and vector designs that can be resized without losing quality. Whether you’re printing business cards, banners, shirts, or signs, your files will be ready for professional production.
My graphic design process is collaborative. I typically present 2–3 initial design concepts based on your brand goals and preferences. After choosing a direction, we refine the design through a set number of revision rounds to make sure the final result matches your vision. This approach ensures quality without rushing the process.
Before starting your project, I’ll ask you to complete a short brand discovery questionnaire. This helps me understand your business, your target audience, your competitors, and the personality you want your brand to convey. The clearer the direction, the stronger and more effective the final design will be.
Most branding and logo design projects take between 2 and 4 weeks. This allows time for research, concept development, feedback, and refinement. Taking the proper time ensures your brand identity is thoughtfully designed and built to last, rather than rushed and generic.
A favicon is the small icon that appears in browser tabs, bookmarks, and search results next to your website name. While it’s small, it plays a big role in branding and usability. A custom favicon helps your website look professional, makes it easier for visitors to recognize your site, and reinforces your brand identity across the web. I design favicons that match your logo and brand colors so everything stays consistent.
I will analyze your current WIFI or cabled network to see if there is a way to improve it. I also setup new networks such as WIFI, Access Points, modems and routers. Will work with your internet providers to get you setup and run cable if needed. Also, can work with third party companies as a project manager for businesses that require a larger amount of cabling for both network and telephony.
A tech will analyze your current WIFI or cabled home network to see if there is a way to improve it. We also setup new home networks such as WIFI, modems and routers. Will work with your internet providers to get you setup and will run cable if needed.
This is one of the most common networking problems I see in homes and small businesses. Wi-Fi signals weaken when they pass through walls, floors, appliances, mirrors, and even plumbing. Many internet provider routers simply aren’t designed to cover an entire home or office. I solve this by improving router placement, installing additional access points or boosters so you get fast, reliable internet in every room, not just next to the router.
Yes. Most cable and internet companies charge a monthly fee to rent basic modem/router equipment, which adds up quickly. I help clients choose and install personally owned networking equipment that often performs better than rental units. In many cases, the equipment pays for itself within a year while giving you better speed, coverage, and reliability.
While Wi-Fi is convenient, it can be affected by interference, congestion, and signal loss. A hardwired Ethernet connection provides the fastest and most stable performance available. For home offices, business workstations, gaming systems, or 4K streaming TVs, hardwiring eliminates lag and dropped connections. I can professionally run clean, discreet cabling through walls, attics, or crawl spaces to give you rock-solid connectivity.
Out-of-the-box router setups are rarely secure enough for businesses. For my small business networking clients, I implement stronger security measures such as network segmentation, secure firewalls, and proper password management. This keeps guest Wi-Fi completely separate from business systems like computers, file servers, and point-of-sale equipment, reducing the risk of data breaches.
Most basic home routers struggle once you exceed 15–20 connected devices and that count includes phones, tablets, smart TVs, cameras, thermostats, and smart bulbs. If your internet feels slow even though you’re paying for high speeds, your router may be the bottleneck. I design and install modern networking systems that comfortably handle 50 or more devices without slowing down.
A Mesh Wi-Fi system uses multiple access points placed throughout your home or office to create one seamless wireless network. Unlike Wi-Fi extenders, which often create slower secondary networks, mesh systems allow your devices to automatically connect to the strongest signal as you move around. Mesh networking is ideal for larger homes, multi-story buildings, and many Knoxville properties where standard routers fall short.
Yes. Smart homes and smart offices rely on a strong, properly configured network. I help integrate smart thermostats, security cameras, doorbells, lighting, and other connected devices so they stay online reliably. I also configure the network so these devices don’t interfere with work computers, video calls, or business systems.
Absolutely. In addition to installations, I provide network troubleshooting and diagnostics. If your internet keeps dropping, speeds are inconsistent, or devices won’t connect, I can identify the cause whether it’s faulty cabling, failing hardware, network misconfiguration, or an issue with your internet provider’s signal and get you back online quickly.
Since I have started helping local small businesses, I have found they are not properly backing up crucial data. Many back up onto an external USB hard-drive and that is a little backup. But to maintain your business properly, you need off-site backups. There are many avenues to securing your backups and I can work with you on all your options.
Disaster Recovery has a lot to do with backups. So first you have to have a solid backup of all your data. However, the disaster part is really a question and you have to have an important answer. What happens if your business is destroyed? Tornadoes, fires, floods or a huge truck drive right through your location. The question is, how and what is it going to take to get you back up and running on the technology side? How do you ensure you can keep your status with all your customers with minimal downtime. Of course, you would need to look into getting another location or a temp location but the data, all your customer's and transactions have to be put back in place with minimal loss of time. I can offer help and support in this area.
Cloud storage services like iCloud, Google Drive, or Dropbox are designed for file syncing and convenience, not true data protection. If a file is accidentally deleted, corrupted, or infected by malware, that change is often synced immediately to the cloud. A professional backup and disaster recovery plan creates secure, point-in-time backups of your data. This allows your entire system or files to be restored to a clean, working state from before the problem occurred.
Yes. The 3-2-1 backup rule is still the gold standard for reliable data protection. It means having three copies of your data, stored on two different types of media, with at least one copy kept off-site. This approach protects your files from hardware failure, accidental deletion, cyberattacks, and physical disasters like fire or theft in your home or business.
Backup frequency depends on how often your data changes. For most home users, daily backups are sufficient. For businesses that handle invoices, customer records, or active projects, more frequent backups; hourly or even real-time, are recommended. During setup, I determine your Recovery Point Objective (RPO), which defines how much data loss is acceptable, and configure your backup schedule accordingly.
Yes, poorly designed backups can be targeted by ransomware. Many modern attacks specifically look for connected backup drives. To prevent this, I implement air-gapped or immutable backup solutions. These backups are either physically disconnected when not in use or protected so they cannot be altered or deleted by malware, ensuring a clean and reliable recovery point.
Recovery time depends on your Recovery Time Objective (RTO) and quickly you need to be back up and running. File-only backups may require reinstalling the operating system and software, which can take days. My services focus on image-based backups, allowing your entire system, programs, settings, and files to be restored in hours instead of days.
Yes. While Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace keep their platforms running, they do not fully protect your data from accidental deletion, cyberattacks, or account compromise. I provide backup solutions that protect email, cloud storage files, calendars, and contacts, giving your business or personal data an extra layer of protection beyond what these services include by default.
External USB drives are a good starting point, but they are not a complete backup solution. Drives eventually fail, get disconnected, or stop working without warning. Many people don’t discover the problem until they try to restore data. My backup services include active monitoring, which alerts me immediately if a backup fails, allowing the issue to be fixed before data loss occurs.
A backup is only valuable if it can be successfully restored. As part of my backup and disaster recovery services, I perform regular restore testing. This means actually restoring files and verifying system integrity, not just checking that backups completed successfully. This ensures your data is usable and your recovery plan will work when it matters most.
I can install most kinds of business software, however there are some engineering software that often require extensive setup that has to be collaborated with the software manufacturer. I have installed many kinds of software and applications. Anything from MS Office Suites, Adobe Products, Video Software, Server Based Applications, Communications Applications, even Piping Programs to AutoCad.
Many medium to large businesses usually has to purchase or have developed applications that allow different departments to share information keeping certain securities in place. Even some small businesses require these type applications. A software is usually a "purchased out of the box" program designed to do one thing inside its own world. Applications are complex programs designed to talk to other software or other applications to store or create data from multiple sources. I have over a decade in this type of area and have worked with many developers to create such applications. I can provide support in this area for far less cost than some of the other agencies.
Business applications are software tools designed to help you run your business more efficiently. They replace scattered spreadsheets and manual processes with centralized systems for tasks like accounting, customer management, scheduling, and project tracking. With the right business applications in place, you can save time, reduce errors, and get a clear picture of how your business is performing in one organized dashboard.
You’re not alone, there are hundreds of business apps, and most businesses don’t need half of them. I start by performing a workflow audit to understand how your business currently operates. We identify time-wasting steps, duplicated work, and areas where information gets lost. Based on your priorities and comfort level, I recommend practical, cost-effective tools that fit your business instead of forcing you into overly complex software.
Yes. Data migration is a core part of my Business Application Services. I carefully transfer customer data, financial records, inventory, and historical information from spreadsheets or outdated software into your new application. This process ensures your data is accurate, organized, and ready to use so you can switch systems without disrupting your business.
Not necessarily. Many modern platforms are designed as all-in-one business solutions. Tools like Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace can handle email, documents, collaboration, and light project management. My goal is to keep your technology stack simple and efficient, only adding specialized applications when they clearly improve productivity or provide a return on investment.
Yes. This is called software integration, and it’s one of the biggest advantages of modern business applications. I can connect your systems so actions in one app automatically update another, for example, recording a payment in your invoicing software and syncing it to your accounting system. This reduces manual data entry, saves time, and minimizes costly mistakes.
Absolutely. Installing software without training leads to frustration and low adoption. I provide custom training sessions for business owners and staff, tailored to how your team actually works. I also create easy-to-follow cheat sheets for common tasks so your employees have ongoing reference materials after the training is complete.
Security is a critical part of any business application setup. I ensure that cloud applications use strong encryption and multi-factor authentication (MFA). I also configure user permissions so employees only have access to the data they need to do their jobs. This protects sensitive financial and customer information while still allowing your team to work efficiently.
A CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system helps you track every interaction with your customers, from initial contact to final payment. It stores emails, notes, follow-ups, and customer history in one place. If you’re forgetting to follow up with leads, losing track of conversations, or relying on memory to manage customers, a CRM is one of the most valuable tools you can use to stay organized and grow your business.