‘Computer Guy’ Can Figure It Out

Armed with a packet of compact disks, Roger Nichols is ready to go to work.

Nichols, a self-taught computer expert, comes to the aid of personal computer users who often are desperate for help.

Nichols bought his first computer 18 years ago. It was a Sinclair kit he put together, with help from a friend who taught him about the new machine. “It was fairly limited in what it could do, especially by today’s standards,” he recalled in a recent interview, shaking his head.

“I’ve always tinkered with electronic stuff,” he said with an air of modesty. “Electronics has been a hobby of mine since I can remember.”

About six years ago, he purchased his first “new” computer, a Compaq PC-486. “Like everybody, $2,000 went out the door for it.”

He tinkered with it an average of four to 10 hours a day. “I would call the tech support so often that they quit taking my calls,” he said with a chuckle. “I had impetus to figure things out myself when they started charging me $35 a call.”

Before becoming “The Computer Guy,” (a name given him by his clients and friends) Nichols worked in construction, building new homes. “One guy I built a home for was a computer buff. He taught me a lot.”

He helped Nichols build a computer and gave him a catalog to a supply house. “The rest I just figured out,” he said.

Later, he accepted a part-time position with Energy Products of Idaho (EPI) in Coeur d’Alene doing network technical support. He worked on the hardware and software as well as network systems.

He decided to step out on his own and is in his second year in business, operating as Talisman, Inc. But he is known widely as “The Computer Guy.”

He makes repairs and re-builds computers as well as performing multi-media upgrades on systems. He offers his service to individuals as well as businesses and works on site.

“I do a lot of Y2-scare stuff for people,” he said. “You’re led to believe your computer is old and outdated,” he said with caution. “What I find everyday is people working with Windows 3.1. It’s normal not to be on Windows 95, let alone 98. The most common year-end problems will be with your spreadsheets and accounting systems.”

His advice: “A computer that is 3 years old has a good chance of having issues with the century date. I have software and system bios that handles the date thing for you. It’s easy to check it out.”

He works on-site with large networks for companies or the individual computer. He also sells computers, offering a warranty and technical support.

“I don’t sell the budget PC’s, but carry high-end components and build them to be easily upgraded in the future,” he said. “I also train the buyer to use it.”

Nichols and his wife Lisa moved from Flagstaff, Ariz., six years ago. They live in Sandpoint, where she’s employed as a social worker for Sandpoint’s CEDU Educational Services, working with at-risk teenagers.

Nichols also has worked in social services. In 1995-96 he served as a board member for Hospice in Sandpoint. They have four children, Sean, 16, and Marty, 4, at home. Their two adult children live in Flagstaff.

Nichols willingly became an at-home dad when he decided to work out of his home. Marty often accompanies him during the day when his schedule allows it.

Nichols can be reached by pager, at (208) 444-3052 or by e-mail at rogern@televar.com.