Year Old Business Offers Computer Jargon Relief
WARE – "Invalid system disk," "error of Type 3," "fatal exception." These and other computer error messages can seem more like a foreign language to some. That’s where Turcotte Data & Designs comes in.
"We focus on being able to break down computer jargon," said Jason Turcotte, owner of the local business that marks its first year in business Aug. 2. "And we understand that technology doesn’t always come easy or naturally to those using it."
Whether equipped with a single computer or a network of them, TDD offers information technology and design services for smaller to medium companies throughout western and central Massachusetts. Among services offered, the company specializes in computer and operating system repairs, troubleshooting, and virus and spyware elimination and cleanup. The company can help with implementation of a new computer network or updates for an existing one, and can assist with setting up wireless networking. Making sense of wording and error messages, along with teaching clients about various computer-related issues, are also specialties of the company. "Some people just want us to get the [computer] to work," Turcotte said. "Some people want to learn how to fix the problem in case it happens again."
TDD, located on Clifford Avenue in Ware and with phone numbers convenient for those either in western or central Massachusetts – (413) 303-1533 or (508) 425-7274, additionally offers a variety of network design and implementation services, graphic design, Web site solutions, and even hosting services for Web pages. "Things are going very well," Turcotte said.
TDD has worked with a number of companies throughout this area, including in Ware, Belchertown and Holland, and as far away as the Springfield and Worcester areas. A member of the Quaboag Valley Chamber of Commerce, the company has worked with several public safety departments, namely in Northampton assisting with a mobile data project, and helping to revamp and improve the computer infrastructure within the Southampton Police Department.
An Easthampton native, Turcotte, who resides in Ware with his wife, said his knowledge of the local town and surrounding communities helps, as does the experience he gained prior to establishing TDD.
Turcotte is a graduate of Smith Vocational Technical High School in Northampton, where he studied computer technology. From there he was "primarily self-taught" in the subject after working at various companies, and now has more than 20 years of experience under his belt. He later served for five years as director of the technical support division for a large public safety software company based in Grafton, which he said deals regularly with more than 600 customers nationwide.
Through his more than two decades of experience in the information technology field, working with customers of all computer skill levels, Turcotte quickly came to understand that part of his job is to “treat customers with respect and dignity.” He said that too often a lack of trust exists between customers and those specializing in information technology and basic computer issues, and hopes that TDD’s approach has the opposite affect.
According to the company’s Web site – www.turcottedata.com – its mission is "to provide quality information technology solutions to our clients using an approach of honesty and integrity while utilizing forward thinking ideas." Turcotte noted that all clients are treated with respect, as he understands that "technology does not come natural to all those using it."
*Article reprinted from the August 8, 2006 edition of the Ware River News, a Turley Publications newpaper.
