Home & Senior Computer Help in Winchester, VA

Patient, friendly tech support — same tech, every visit. Jerry's been doing this since 2005, with some clients 15+ years and counting.

Call Jerry: 540.303.2410
Quick answer: SKTS provides patient, plain-English residential computer help for homes and seniors in Winchester VA, Frederick County, and the Shenandoah Valley. Owner-operated by Jerry Hickman (MCSE, CompTIA A+) since 2005 — same technician every visit, with some clients of 15+ years. Virus removal, computer setup & tune-ups, Wi-Fi troubleshooting, data backup, printer setup, and remote support. Standard rate $125/hour, same-business-day response. On-site, remote, or drop-off. Call 540.303.2410.
Skits the Handyman

Hey there, I'm Skits. I know technology can feel overwhelming sometimes — especially when it changes faster than you can keep up. That's exactly why Jerry and I are here. Whether you're a retiree who just wants email to work, a parent trying to keep the home network safe, or someone whose computer has slowed to a crawl — we'll take the time to help you, explain what's going on, and make sure you feel comfortable before we're done. No rushing, no jargon, no judgment.

A note from Jerry

Skits is an amazing technician and can help you with most things over in his office — but he still can't drive, so I'm the one who shows up.

That's the deal here. When you call SKTS, you get me. Same tech every visit, same person who answered the phone, same name on the invoice. No rotating crew, no “your regular tech is unavailable, we're sending Steve.”

I've been doing this in Winchester since 2005, and a number of my residential clients have been with me for over 15 years — not because they had to be, but because they don't have to wonder who's coming or whether the next visit will undo what the last one did. If you'd rather have a real relationship with one technician than a rotating cast from a chain, you're in the right place.

What We Help With at Home

If it plugs in or connects to the internet, there's a good chance Jerry can sort it out.

Virus & Malware Removal

Pop-ups everywhere? Computer acting strange? Jerry will clean things up, remove the junk, and set up protection so it doesn't happen again. He'll also show you what to watch out for next time.

Computer Setup & Tune-Ups

New computer? We'll get it set up right — your email, your printer, your files transferred over. Old computer running slow? A tune-up can make a real difference without buying anything new.

Wi-Fi & Network Help

Dead spots, slow speeds, can't connect — Jerry's seen it all. He'll figure out what's going on with your home network and get every device connected reliably.

Data Backup & Recovery

Photos, documents, tax records — the stuff you really can't afford to lose. Jerry will set up a backup that actually works and help recover files if something's already gone wrong.

Printer & Peripheral Setup

Printers, scanners, external drives, webcams — if it's supposed to work with your computer and doesn't, Jerry will get it talking.

Remote Support

A lot of problems can be fixed without anyone coming to your house. Jerry can connect remotely, see what's going on, and fix things while you watch. It's fast, safe, and convenient.

Especially for Seniors

We've worked with hundreds of older adults in the Valley. Here's what makes us different.

Skits tip

Skits says: I hear this a lot: "I'm not good with computers." That's fine — you don't have to be. That's literally why we're here. Jerry will explain things at your pace, as many times as you need, and he won't make you feel silly for asking. Ever.

  • ✓ Jerry goes at your pace — never rushed, never impatient
  • ✓ Plain English explanations — no tech talk unless you want it
  • ✓ Jerry writes things down so you can remember later
  • ✓ Help with email, video calls, photos, and staying connected with family
  • ✓ Scam protection — Jerry shows you how to spot the fakes
  • ✓ The same Jerry every visit — not a different tech each time
  • ✓ On-site or remote — whatever's most comfortable for you

9 Things People Get Wrong About Tech Support

We hear these all the time. Let's clear them up.

"I'm too old to learn this stuff."

Nope. Age has nothing to do with it. You learned to drive a car, use a microwave, and program a VCR back in the day. Computers are just another tool — and Jerry's a really good teacher.

"It's probably not worth fixing — I should just buy a new one."

Maybe, maybe not. A lot of "dying" computers just need a cleanup, a little more memory, or a fresh install. Jerry will be honest about whether a repair makes sense or whether it's time to move on.

"Tech support is too expensive for a home user."

Jerry's rates are fair and transparent. Most home visits or remote sessions run between $50 and $125. Compare that to buying a whole new computer you might not even need.

"I'll just have my grandkid fix it."

Your grandkid probably knows TikTok, not network security. They mean well, but there's a difference between being comfortable with a phone and actually knowing how to diagnose a computer problem. And the bigger thing: your grandkid lives somewhere else now. When something breaks next Tuesday, Jerry will already know your setup, your printer, your email, your password situation. A number of his clients have been with him 15+ years — that history is worth something when you call.

"I don't want someone I don't know on my computer."

Totally fair. Jerry's been doing this in Winchester for over 20 years. He's background-checked, insured, and most of his clients came from word of mouth. You can sit right there and watch everything he does.

"My computer is slow — it must have a virus."

Sometimes yes, but more often it's just full of startup programs, browser toolbars, or old updates clogging things up. Jerry will figure out the real cause and fix it — not just throw antivirus software at it and hope.

"I'll just take it to a big-box store."

You can. But you'll wait in line, hand your computer to a stranger, and get it back whenever they get to it. With Jerry, you're working directly with the person doing the work. He'll call you, explain what he found, and give you options — not a sales pitch.

"I don't really use my computer enough to need support."

If you use it for email, banking, shopping, or video calls with family, you're using it enough to need it working right — and secure. Even light use deserves a computer that's safe and reliable.

"Remote support sounds sketchy."

I get it — the scammers who call and ask to "remote into your computer" have ruined it for everyone. But when you call Jerry, it's completely different. You initiate the connection, you can see everything he's doing on your screen, and you can disconnect anytime. It's actually the fastest, safest way to get help.

"I've been using Jerry for about 20 years now, and I live 150 miles away. That tells you something. He handles everything remotely, he's always patient, and he never makes me feel dumb for asking questions. I wouldn't trust anyone else with my computer."

— Roger
Skits the Handyman

Need a Hand with Your Computer?

Whether it's a slow machine, a confusing error message, or you just want someone to walk you through something — Jerry's happy to help. No judgment, no pressure, fair prices.

540.303.2410

Common Things Folks Call Us For

Click any of these for the details — honest pricing, plain English.

Virus & Ransomware Removal

Pop-ups, slow machine, ransom screen, or a gut feeling something's off? Honest diagnosis first, then careful cleanup. Files usually preserved. Typical residential cleanup: $125–$375.

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Data Recovery

Lost files, drive that won't boot, accidentally deleted photos? Free assessment first — you know what's recoverable and what it'll cost before any work starts.

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Senior Computer Classes

Free 10-minute online courses, plus patient on-site tutoring for individuals or groups. No jargon, no rush, no pressure. Great for seniors and adults new to computers.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do you make house calls in Winchester VA?

Yes. Jerry comes to your home throughout Winchester, Frederick County, Clarke County, and Stephens City for setup, troubleshooting, virus removal, Wi-Fi help, and senior tech tutoring. On-site visits have a 1-hour minimum at $125/hour. For many issues, remote support is faster and cheaper — Jerry will tell you which is best for your situation.

How much does home computer repair cost in Winchester VA?

Standard residential rate is $125/hour, billed in 30-minute increments for remote work or with a 1-hour minimum for on-site visits. Most home tune-ups, virus removals, and tech help sessions run $50 to $250 total. Free assessment first on virus removal and data recovery — you'll know the cost before any work begins.

Can you help with Wi-Fi problems and home networking?

Yes. Jerry handles slow Wi-Fi, dead spots, connection drops, router setup and upgrades, smart-home device connectivity, mesh networks, and security configuration. He'll figure out what's actually wrong (router placement, ISP issue, interference, old equipment) and recommend the right fix — not just upsell you a new router you don't need.

Do you work on Mac/Apple computers?

Windows is Jerry's primary expertise — he's MCSE-certified and has 40+ years on Windows. He can handle basic Mac tasks (setup, email, file transfer, simple troubleshooting), but for deep Mac repair or hardware issues he'll be upfront about it and may refer you elsewhere. Always ask first.

Can I drop my computer off for repair?

Yes. Drop-off at SKTS (1521 Martinsburg Pike, Winchester VA 22603) is welcome by appointment. Call 540.303.2410 first to schedule so Jerry can plan time for the diagnosis. Most drop-off repairs are turned around in 1-3 business days; same-day is often possible for simple jobs.

How fast can you fix my computer?

Most issues are handled same-day if you call during business hours (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm). Remote support is often immediate. On-site visits are typically within 1-2 business days. Urgent situations (ransomware, business down) get priority — call and explain what's happening.

More from SKTS

Small Business IT

Run a business from home or have a small office? Jerry offers managed IT plans starting at $35/month to keep things running smoothly.

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Non-Profit IT Services

Serving a local non-profit? We offer budget-friendly IT support tailored for mission-driven organizations.

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Free Microcourses

Learn at your own pace with free, self-guided lessons on topics like file management, staying safe online, and using Zoom.

Browse Courses

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