FAQ — sales, home IT & business support

You talk to Ian directly. When he is available, you chat through the problem then and there. If he is with another client or driving, he takes your name and number and calls back — or you can send a text if you cannot get through.

Remote support is $66 per 30 minutes (inc GST, invoiced in 30-minute increments). On-site support is $150 per hour (inc GST) across the Gold Coast service area. See the contact page for full details.

On-site work is charged at $150 per hour inc GST — there is no separate call-out fee on top of that for standard visits within the Gold Coast service area.

Many software, email, virus, and configuration issues can be fixed by phone and secure remote access — often the same day. On-site visits are booked when hands-on work is needed.

Office hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. You can call outside those hours — if Ian is available he will answer; otherwise leave a text with your name and what you need.

Gold Coast Computers serves the Gold Coast from Coolangatta in the south to Hope Island in the north, and west toward Clagiraba, Advancetown, and Springbrook. See the service areas page for the full list.

Both. Computer sales — especially HP and Lenovo commercial-grade systems — are a core part of the business, alongside home IT support and small-business IT. Ian also supplies other brands when they suit your needs and handles the full migration from your old PC.

Yes for the problems most people mean by computer repair or PC repair: slow machines, crashes, viruses, software issues, tune-ups, and honest advice when a new system is better. Ian does not do hardware board repairs or screen replacements.

No. Gold Coast Computers focuses on computer sales with full setup (HP, Lenovo, and suitable alternatives), plus IT support and computer services for homes and small businesses — not a walk-in shop for spare parts.

Yes. Slow computers are one of the most common home and small-office calls. Ian diagnoses the cause, cleans and tunes what can be saved, and is straight with you if replacement is the smarter spend. Many jobs are done by remote support the same day.

Ian does not do hardware repairs — no screen replacements, solder work, or component-level fixes on PCs or Macs. He helps with software problems, tune-ups, virus removal, setup, migration, networks, email, backup, and replacing old systems with new ones. For hardware repair, he can point you in the right direction.

Yes — for software and configuration work: macOS setup and updates, email and iCloud, migration from an old Mac, backup, Microsoft 365 on Mac, Wi-Fi and printer issues, and general troubleshooting. Ian does not do Mac hardware repair (screens, logic boards, etc.).

Ian does not perform lab-level data recovery himself. Call him first — he will assess what happened, advise what to do immediately, and refer you to a trusted specialist partner when professional drive recovery is needed.

Yes. If you are unsure about a call, text, or email, call Ian before you pay, share passwords, or allow remote access. The scams page has warning signs, first steps, and official Australian reporting links.

Yes. Gold Coast Computers helps small businesses with networks, Microsoft 365, backup, virus and security incidents, new workstations, and ACSC Essential Eight-style controls where they fit. You call Ian directly — no ticket queue — when you need practical business IT support.

The ACSC Essential Eight is a set of practical cybersecurity controls for businesses. Ian helps security-conscious small businesses — accountants, bookkeepers, professional offices — assess their setup and implement proportionate controls. It is not typically needed for basic home user support.

Gold Coast Computers is built around direct, as-needed support — call when you need help. Ian does not offer open-ended managed services contracts like a large MSP, but he does help with backup planning, networks, Essential Eight, and ongoing advice for small businesses.

Often yes for remote support — many software, email, and virus issues are sorted the same day when Ian has availability. On-site visits are by appointment across the Gold Coast service area.