:::::::::   MISS PIXEL™ COMPUTES   :::::::::

BETTER than a GEEK!™
SUPPORT • REPAIRS • UPGRADES • TRAINING
Expert Mac and Windows Computer Help Since 1985

:: BETSY BERLIN ::
   Email Miss Pixel™

If email is not practical, please leave a message at (202) 683-9577

:: Who I Am ::

• A geek, fixing computers of every kind and training users since the earliest Apple and IBM eras. I have vast experience and can fix virtually any problem.
• An artist with nearly 20 years of graphic design experience. I began to focus on tech support when freelance design rates plummeted. I miss design.
• A gadget geek since childhood, I help my customers with their countless tech gadgets, from smart phones to TV systems to streaming devices and beyond.

:: What Makes Me Different ::

• I possess a unique combination of deep hardware and software knowledge as well as extensive experience as a graphic designer, using both design and business software—on all platforms.
• I am especially good at troubleshooting. And listening. I'll figure out the problem and fix it. I will assess your needs and make recommendation for addressing them. I will install hardware and/or software upgrades, and set up your system or your network to suit your needs, not somebody else's. I'll cure your viruses. I will recover your data from your failed hard drive.
• I will never talk down to you, and I won't tell you more than you really want to know. I understand that most people just want their computers to do what they want; they're not interested in how they work!

:: What I Do ::

Mac and Windows Computer Support. Setups, repairs, upgrades, and personalized training. I am expert with both Mac and Windows hardware, and I have extensive knowledge of a vast array of software applications. Services include:

• Set up and configure new computer systems, wireless networks, Internet TV systems, smart home devices, tablets, smartphones, printers, scanners, etc.;
• Transfer data between old and new systems (anything), recover data from crashed hard drives;
• Make sure Internet connections and email are functioning properly;
• Set up synchronization between your computer, your handheld devices, and cloud services (e.g., Dropbox, iCloud);
• Make sure printers, scanners, and other peripherals (including wireless) are working as they should;
• Diagnose and correct software problems (including curing your Outlook woes);
• Remove viruses and other malware;
• Upgrade and replace hardware components including memory (RAM) and hard drives;
• Devise a backup plan that works for YOU;
• Teach you to use your various electronic devices, in addition to your computer;
• Provide tutoring tailored to your needs and interests, delivered patiently and in plain English.

Graphic Design. More than twenty years experience in design and production of books, technical manuals, journals, newsletters, brochures, advertisements, invitations, business cards and stationery, event program books, promotional materials, proposals, slide presentations, instructor guides, quick-reference and help materials, and websites.

:: Software Expertise ::

Operating Systems

Mac OS
Windows
DOS
Ubuntu Linux

Applications

Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Dreamweaver)
Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Office 365)
Quicken & QuickBooks
Legacy apps: FrameMaker, PageMaker, QuarkXpress
Myriad other commercial and open source apps

Additional

Pretty much anything else you wish to throw at me. I'm a very quick study. I've been at this a long time.

:: Experience ::

March 1998–present

Freelance Mac and Windows Support and Training Consultant

Technical consultant and troubleshooter serving individual, business, non-profit, corporate, and government clients.

February 2003–February 2011

Support Technician and Trainer, macUpgrades, Bethesda, MD

On-call technician for on-site setups, repairs, upgrades, troubleshooting and training for store customers. (Sadly, this beloved store closed its doors in 2011.)

December 1999–August 2005

Art Director, Acoustical Design Collaborative, Ltd., Ruxton, MD

Sole designer and production artist for a comprehensive textbook and technical guide to electronic sound system design for architects, covering all aspects of acoustics and equipment. Other projects included attention-getting, bid-winning proposals, presentations, advertisements, and other collateral materials.

July 2000–November 2001

Print to Web Conversion Specialist Biodiversity Support Program (BSP) World Wildlife Fund, Washington, DC

Awarded a contract to convert a large library of printed materials (research reports, project summaries, textbooks, handbooks, etc.) for posting on the Web and inclusion on a CD documenting the BSP program. Original materials included QuarkXpress, PageMaker, Microsoft Word, and other files created on both Macs and PCs (in several languages), as well as hard copy only. Sole responsibility for determining the optimal conversion options. Final online products were HTML, PDF, GIF, JPG, or any combination--whichever would make each individual publication easiest for the public to view and/or download. (Program funding ended November 2001.)

1999–2002

Webmaster and Graphic Artist, Center for Media Education (CME), Washington, DC

Sole responsibility for CME website, including redesign, maintenance, production of graphics, updates, anything. Designed printed materials produced by the organization. Provided on-site hardware and software technical support.

1998–1999

Graphic Artist, National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA), Gaithersburg, MD

Provided design and layout for bimonthly professional journal, promotional and instructional materials for continuing education courses, and all materials and giveaway items for national convention. Produced graphics for Web site.

1998–2001

Graphic Design Consultant, Electronic Learning Facilitators, Inc. (ELF), Bethesda, MD

Same as below, but I worked from home as a consultant.

1994–1998

Graphic Designer, Electronic Learning Facilitators, Inc. (ELF), Bethesda, MD

Provided design, desktop publishing, and editing for ELF’s computer technology courseware including student manuals, instructor guides, and quick-reference/help materials. Produce internal newsletter, PowerPoint presentations, Web graphics, advertising, promotional brochures, and invitations. Set style standards for ELF courseware, working closely with project managers to meet client needs.

1987–1994

Consultant, Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, Washington, DC

Designed and programmed an elaborate database system for keeping detailed histories of theatre attendance and subscriber activity, tracking fundraising efforts and contributions, and maintaining mailing lists. Originally created the database on a PC system and later converted it to Macintosh. Had complete responsibility for designing and producing theatre newsletters and playbills using PageMaker on an early Macintosh desktop publishing system. Trained staff in the use of desktop publishing, word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.

1988–1990

General Manager, Balance Sound Studios, Bethesda, MD

Scheduled bookings, determined hourly and package rates, selected and purchased studio equipment, and developed and implemented promotional schemes for a professional 24-track recording studio, back in the analog days. Responsible for all billing, payroll, bookkeeping, and cash flow. Computerized all financial and other studio records.

August–November 1986

Director of Computer Operations, Bob Edgar for US Senate Campaign, Philadelphia, PA

Managed all aspects of data processing at state campaign headquarters in Philadelphia. Developed databases for tracking statewide campaign contributions, organizing fundraising events, preparing Federal Election Commission (FEC) reports, and generating mass mailings. Trained staff and volunteers to use database, word processing, and spreadsheet applications. Introduced desktop publishing, which resulted in unexpected savings on print production costs.

Spring 1986

Consultant, American Civil Liberties Union Washington, DC

As part of a consultant team, installed the first personal computer systems at the ACLU. Designed and programmed databases for subscription records for numerous publications and for monitoring fundraising efforts. Designed and programmed a standard user interface integrating all installed software. Trained staff to use databases and word processing applications.

Summer 1985

Assistant Instructor, Smithsonian Resident Associate Program, Washington, DC

Assistant to instructor of 3-D Graphics, Business Graphics, and Presentation Graphics courses. Courses were developed and taught by the Computer Arts Forum, New York, NY.

July–November 1984

Traveling Computer Specialist, Mondale/Ferraro Committee, Washington, DC

Provided computer services to Geraldine Ferraro and her senior campaign staff. During the 1984 vice presidential campaign, was responsible for extensive electronic communication from the road with Washington headquarters, sending and receiving drafts of speeches, emergency memos, and daily campaign travel and event schedules. Responsible for formatting and distributing these materials to staff. Maintained computers and printers for traveling speechwriting staff.

:: Memberships ::

American Mensa (since 1985)
DC Web Women (since 1998)