WiFi mesh setup and optimization, cloud backup management, on-site and remote support, device setup, cable management, and the stubborn driver and licensing issues. I work on Linux, Windows, and Apple machines.
Networks & Connectivity
// WiFi & Mesh Networks
I’ve set up Eero, Asus, Google Nest/Mesh, TP-Link, Netgear Orbi, and the prosumer Ubiquiti UniFi systems. I have a Wi-Fi analyzer and will examine the optimal placement across your office or home configuration. No more dead zones, and have one network instead of multiple network extensions. It’s a minor quality-of-life thing, but a really nice one.
// Router & Firewall Setup
pfSense, UniFi Dream Machine, consumer routers. We can always build a custom router with open-source firmware. But maybe you just have an all-in-one WiFi modem router and want to turn it into a pass-through device, using a mesh system you have more control over.
// VPN Setup
Tailscale, WireGuard, or a commercial VPN configuration for home and small business. Maybe you need a travel VPN setup, so that it looks like you’re working from home, regardless of where you are in the world. Or maybe you want your home router to run on WireGuard VPN, so every device in the network automatically runs through a secure VPN automatically.
Devices & Support
// Mac & PC Support
First-time setup, general troubleshooting, optimization, data migration, and OS reinstalls. Weird Windows issues? Just get a corporate home-office setup and need help? I’ve helped doctors who work remotely over secure networks, as well as those in biotech, figure out how to enroll their new corporate devices and get started.
// Mobile Device Management
MDM setup for iPhone, iPad, and laptops. MDM enrollment, Apple Business Manager configuration. Windows MDM (usually Dell machines) setup as well.
// Printer & Peripheral Setup
Ink and laser printers. All-in-one machines or simple printers. Setting up scanning from a computer. I’ve also done a lot with Dymo and Zebra label printers and integrating them with Sortly and Lightspeed catalogs. If you need true fax functionality (usually for medical, federal, and legal professions), I can help set that up with email-based fax services, since landlines are nearly nonexistent now.
// Driver & Licensing Issues
The stubborn problems — activation failures, missing drivers, and software conflicts. I am a great problem solver and can track these down. Once in a while, there is a firmware bug with high-end but small-production hardware. With that, there is little I can do until someone patches the bug, unless you want to go down the experimental path of having AI patch the firmware if the project/support has been abandoned. I’ve done it successfully, but I can’t guarantee results; your mileage may vary. I’m not a true coder, so I can’t vet the code at this level. Fortunately, these tools are making veteran programmers more productive and enabling them to pump out patches more frequently.
Cloud & Productivity
// Cloud Storage Setup
Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud, NextCloud, Backblaze — setup, migration, organization, and troubleshooting for business and personal use. I’ve helped offices that were sharing active warehouse databases by sharing an Excel file to migrate to a cloud system. I’ve built my own cloud server for photos, gps tracking, and media servers (Plex). You can host your own version of Dropbox/Google Drive, or remotely monitor your 3D printer’s camera feed, from your phone, anywhere you are, using Tailscale.
// Note-Taking & Personal Management
Getting started with Obsidian, Notion, or Heptabase for notes and personal knowledge management. These tools are powerful but have a learning curve — I’ll get you set up, introduce you to the foundation, and then you can tweak to meet your personal needs. Ultimately, this is about serving the workflow you use.
// Cable Management
Clean, organized cable runs for home offices, desktop builds, servers, and A/V setups. A great job is tedious, but it will increase airflow and prevent overheating in small cases, look nicer, and just feel good. 😎
// Security Cameras
Security camera setup and installation for home and business. I generally don’t do massive in-wall cable routing, but if there is attic or crawlspace access that makes it possible, I’ll consider it. But if you have security cameras that you self-host (really the only way to go), I can help mount and install them. I’ve set up many Ring, Google Nest, Eufy, TP-Link, etc cameras. I would advise against using any camera that goes to external servers (looking at you Ring/Amazon), due to very dubious and murky privacy issues.
// Get Started
Need IT help? eric@digitalrivets.net
IT & Network FAQs
Can you fix my WiFi?
Almost always, yes. Most “bad WiFi” problems are actually router placement, mesh configuration, or interference issues — not your ISP. I’ll diagnose what’s actually wrong and either fix the existing setup or design a proper mesh network.
Can you set up a VPN for me?
Yes — both commercial VPN services for privacy, and self-hosted WireGuard if you want secure remote access to your own network. I can also set up Tailscale so you can reach your home-network devices from anywhere.