Home
About Tricia
Menu of Services
Treats
Contact Tricia

 

tasty tech tip
treat of the week:

Practice Safe Computing.

Always use anti-virus software and update the file it uses to recognize viruses; use a firewall and keep it updated; and, keep Windows updated.

Keep all of your software updated, especially any programs that access the Internet (Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office, web browser, email program, anti-virus, firewall, instant messengers, Adobe Reader, etc.).

It's only a matter of time before you get a virus, worm, adware, or some other malware program. Be prepared.

Keep multiple backups of critical data. (I believe in healthy paranoia when it comes to computers!)

You don't have to backup your programs, only your data files and system files (in other words, files that change or that you create).

About Tricia
 

What People Are Saying

"Tricia has more than the coolest tricks up her sleeve - she also has the ability to make things simple, so you can act on them immediately. Her passion for her work translates into great results for her clients."

Vickie Sullivan
President
Sullivan Speaker Services Inc.
 

Click here to see what others are saying about Tricia.


Computer Experience

Beginning with a programming class in college in 1975, Tricia has used the computer in a variety of situations. As an officer in the United States Air Force, she performed management analysis and worked with programmers to make the organization as effective and efficient as possible. At a bank, she was the key person in transitioning all 52 branches from a manual to a computerized accounts payable system. In graduate school (where she specialized in computer applications in planning), she assisted in developing a geographic information system for a regional land use plan. As a self-employed professional, she has used technology to run her own business. And, she has helped thousands use technology to perform their job functions at the highest levels.


Real Life Experience

Since her first job in the restaurant business at the age of 16, Tricia has supported herself and paid her way through a bachelor's and two masters' degrees. She has lived and worked all over the United States in different settings. Since 1989 she has been bringing all of that experience to bear in understanding her clients, their businesses, and the challenges they face.


Communications Skills

The most brilliant solutions are worthless if they can't be explained in a way that makes sense to the people who have to implement them. With her background in social work, a master of divinity degree and experience in helping people cope with life's challenges, Tricia can explain things in everyday English, not geek-speak. In a discussion about communications skills among computer professionals, one client called her an "anomaly!" (She thinks he meant that as a compliment!!) She is equally comfortable talking one-on-one or interacting with large groups (she obviously got over that fear of public speaking thing!). And, if you find the articles on this website well-written, she can write, too.


Unique Characteristics

"Creative common sense" – that's what Tricia has been told she has. She uses her keen analytical ability to develop creative solutions to your challenges. She combines her skill with technology and her counseling experience to help people gain a sense of control over technology. Fundamentally practical, she "takes the technical out of technology" so it becomes a useful tool, not an expensive toy.

Yes, Tricia really does love to cook. It's about the only hobby she seems to have time to indulge. And, she have several generations of chefs in her family. So the whole computer chef brand is a fun one for her.


Resume

Want more specifics? Here is a resume for Tricia Santos.


Education

  • Master of Regional Planning, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, 1991
    I completed the coursework in 1988—I was just too busy building my business to finish that darn Masters Paper! This is where I discovered computers—and the rest, as they say, is history.
  • Master of Divinity, Duke University Divinity School, 1985
    Now you know why I deal so well with people in crisis—all that crisis ministry training.
  • Bachelor of Arts, West Virginia University, 1979
    My party years. I even learned a few things.

              

Since 1989, through training, speaking, writing and consulting, Tricia has lived her passion of helping small business owners and professionals use technology to market and grow their business and get more done in less time (and eventually with less effort!) by taking the technical out of technology.