About Me

My Resume, in MS Word format

My name is Robert Ricketts.  I left Houston Texas, with its crowds, noise, long commute, and bustle, and moved to Columbia to join other family members already living here and to enjoy small-town mid-western life.

I am offering Windows network and computer consulting services to companies and individuals.

Why should you hire Columbia Computer Consulting?

• I have a long and rich history of computer support experience.  I can administer your network and computers so they give you better service with fewer headaches.
• Columbia Computer Consulting is a locally-owned business, so money paid for our services stays in Columbia and doesn't go into the coffers of a large national outfit.
• You will see a familiar face every time you need consulting service, because you are hiring the owner of Columbia Computer Consulting who will personally perform the needed consulting services -- not a random employee.  Ergo, a long term relationship is possible!

A Bit of History
I have worked in the computer industry since 1980, starting my career developing system software on Sperry*Univac (now Unisys) 1100 Series Mainframe "Big Iron" computer systems.

When the first IBM-PC was launched in 1981, I knew this was the future of computing.  I bought that first PC at a cost of nearly $4,000 including modem, extra memory (256KB total), and second diskette drive.  That was the best $4,000 (in 1981 Dollars) I ever spent!  You could buy a new car for not much more than that.

It would take a few years before personal computers made significant inroads into corporate America, so I continued my mainframe software development.  But I also began learning how these wonderful new microcomputers could be useful.

A few years later, in 1988, I joined Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line Company (an interstate natural gas pipeline operator) where I served as a network administrator, and more recently, focusing on end-user workstation architecture for an installed base of over 2,000 personal computers.  I was the lead Technical Specialist of a six person team responsible for all aspects of maintaining 2,000+ personal computers for the enterprise, distributed over a dozen-plus states across the country.

"All Aspects" means:

• Evaluating PCs from various vendors, then making our selection based on cost, parts availability, and service.
• Creating a uniform OS image for these computers, then loading them.
• Creating automated software installs to rapidly speed software deployment according to company standards.
• Deploying the computers to our end-users.
• Performing break/fix service work.
• Swapping out computers for newer technology as the computers reach end of life.

As a consultant, I have specified and setup Windows servers and networks for workgroups and small companies.

I'm also part time professional photographer.  I shoot for pleasure and for hire:  Weddings, graduation photos, head shots, product photos (for brochures, etc.)  I converted to all digital in 2000.