He began teaching his fellow high school students how to have fun with computers back in 1968, back when they used punch-cards.
Now he works full-time as a computer specialist, but in the evenings and on weekends he answers questions, provides training, and solves problems regarding home computers, Windows, and the Internet.
He can help advise you on planned purchases. He can set up and configure your computer and modem, and install programs. He can resolve hardware conflicts and software problems. He can provide customized executive-level training in a wide range of topics, including: Basic Hardware, Safe Computing, Using Windows, Word Processing, Microsoft software (including Word, Office, Front Page, etc.), Using the Internet, Networking Your Home, Maintaining a Web Site, etc. He can provide ongoing support, and answer questions and solve problems as they arise.
Yes! He can help you select Internet Service Providers to meet your needs and budget. He can install and configure your Internet connection software, and teach you how to use your Internet tools -- mail, Web, news, file, and chat -- to make the most of your time online. If desired, he can also provide consultation on the use of the Internet for personal, adult, recreational purposes.
No. Sorry. Having a Web Page sometimes does that to a person. I'm all right now.
Initial conversation, and answers to easy questions, are free. Basic consulting is $100 per hour, by phone or in-person, regardless of topic. There is no charge for travel within San Francisco. Troubleshooting by phone usually costs $25 to $50. If the problem is not solved, there is no charge, of course. Ask about special fixed-price packages, and discounts for computer User Group members, and for people with a special need for Internet access.
Because the phone company offered me 642-xxxx when I asked for an ISDN-ready number, and that was the best word number I could think of that worked, and wasn't taken.
And because I remembered the old Robert Benchley essay, "Ask That Man" (It's a fable, sexist but charming, where She always tells Him to Ask That Nice Man for directions, until He takes Her on a trip through Hell following That Man's advice, after which She never again suggested asking for directions... but He finds himself constantly asking for them.)
Of course, on reflection, it's a dreadful business name, hardly one to inspire trust. In point of fact, I have an extremely naughty mind, and will also reply to e-mail addressed to NastyMan@nman.com.
But, when all is said and done, yes, you will find me polite, easy to deal with, a good listener and a patient teacher.
So someday, when you are frustrated with your computer and are
willing to pay $100 an hour just to have someone to talk to about
about it, you may remember that silly little San Francisco phone
number, and call and ask for that nice man.
Oh, and my name is David Hyman. Happy now?
For best results, please call (415) NICEMAN (415/642-3626). I am often at home between 7:00 and 11:00 p.m. Pacific Time on weekdays, and all day on weekends. But if I am out, please leave voice-mail, and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
If you prefer using e-mail, just click here or use your favorite e-mail program. Address your e-mail to "niceman@nman.com" and — to make your message stand out from all the spam — please include the word "question" in the Subject of your first e-mail message to me.