Who Is Avanti Computers?

Tom and Dawn first started off in business with a store called Media Maze in 1997. Media Maze was a store that sold computer software and new and used video games. Decatur had a need for this type of business so Media Maze was founded to fill that niche. Tom’s passion was really computers so in 1998 Avanti Computers was purchased from the existing owner. In 2001 we bought Pruitt Office Machines to also add some additional benefits and opportunities for us and our customers.

Right from the start we decided to be a different type of Computer Company. Tom and Dawn were with the Decatur Area PC User Group for 13 years and one of the goals of the computer group was education. So, when we started in the computer business we decided to do a few basic principles:

1. Educate the public. Don’t treat people like they’re stupid. Explain to them in normal terms.
2. Quick turnaround time on computer repair. We saw computers in other stores for weeks at a time. In today’s society that is unacceptable.
3. Quote a price up front. If there is a change we will call first and explain the additional work and cost, then you decide. No surprise bill at the end.
4. Provide friendly, competent on site service at a reasonable rate and at an acceptable time frame.
5. A friendly atmosphere to do business in. We are willing to TALK to our customers.
6. We are a family run business and we treat people how we would like to be treated. Golden Rule!
7. Common sense applications. Our goal is to help the customer first. We will not try to sell you something you don’t need and will often tell you that it’s better off going in a different direction.
8. Hire competent technicians. Most of our technicians play with computers even in their off time. Many times trying new products and applications.
9. Offer great support. We are a local company and you can just come in and talk to us. We help many people make computer decisions for no charge. It comes back to the educating the customer principle.
10. Offer computer parts for sale for the Do-In-Yourself person. If we don’t have it, we can get it or show you were it can be purchased from.

Avanti Computers has been in business now for over 10 years with the current owner. When we first took over the business we were mostly servicing residential customers and a few businesses. Now we still do residential but have expanded into a lot more businesses, churches, doctors’ offices, schools, local government offices, restaurants and military support organizations. We have a retail store front and also make service calls. We will work on any make or model computer.

We currently employ 5 ½ people (the ½ is a really small person…) and we can pretty much do anything that you need a computer to do. This includes:

• Replace computer hardware parts
• Installing Windows or other software programs
• Setting up home networks
• Setting up Business networks including Exchange Server and other high end applications
• Contacting 3rd party technical support to resolve issues
• Running computer wiring in offices
• Setting up wireless networks and with security
• Removing ad-ware and spyware
• Working with various national computer support companies to assist large corporations
• Build computers for home, office or business use
• Special order parts (such as industrial printers, cables, hardware) which are not available at the local retail chains
• Work on laptops
• Trouble shoot problems and come up with solutions to resolve the issues