How to find farang computer consultant ?

[RLAretired]

.

How to find farang computer consultant??

 

I see posters here on TV who describe themselves as computer consultants. How to find one to help with specific projects?

 

To be specific, now I am looking for consultant to:

- show me how to manage my VPS on Digital Ocean

- advise on Internet security for my Mac Powerbook

 

In future will have different topics. Willing to pay consulting fee.

There must be other farang in Thailand who want computer consulting help from time to time -- and are willing to pay for it, but where to post consulting projects like this?

 

Not seeking free advice on this forum or any other forum.  Don't want to "roll the dice" using Google or Quora or something like that.

 

Already searched here on TV for “computer consultant”: Nothing.

TV classifieds: “no ads in this category”.

Tried Craig's List Thailand. Three replies: all scammers with hidden agendas.

Tried “upwork” and “elance” web sites, but replies mostly along the lines of, “Hire me. I'm the best.” but no evidence of needed skills.

Technicians in shops like those at Pantip Plaza, well, just not suitable.

 

Please advise.

 

 

Edited October 13, 2017 by RLAretired

[sirmud63]

iv seen many jobs like this going on face book . 

lots of groups dedicated to just this.

[RLAretired]

26 minutes ago, sirmud63 said:

iv seen many jobs like this going on face book ... lots of groups dedicated to just this.

 

"Lots of groups" among farangs in Thailand are dedicated to computer consulting?

Would be helpful to have links as examples.

(If links to FB are not allowed on this forum, tell me and I'll send a PM to you.)

 

 

 

Quote

 

Edited October 13, 2017 by RLAretired

[KittenKong]

1 hour ago, RLAretired said:

I see posters here on TV who describe themselves as computer consultants. How to find one to help with specific projects?

 

To be specific, now I am looking for consultant to:

- show me how to manage my VPS on Digital Ocean

- advise on Internet security for my Mac Powerbook

 

In future will have different topics. Willing to pay consulting fee.

There must be other farang in Thailand who want computer consulting help from time to time -- and are willing to pay for it, but where to post consulting projects like this?

 

Your problem is that most so-called computer consultants here do not have work permits that would permit them to do what you want legally. They are "digital nomads" which to me is not far removed from those well-tanned people who knock on your door asking if you want your driveway relaid or your roof tiles cleaned. They are probably the "hire me, I'm best" ones you mention.

 

Anyone decent who is worth his salt would probably be doing a proper job in the West for a proper salary. Personally I was a self-employed consultant in Europe until I retired, and I would not put my retirement extension here at risk by working here. Thankfully I dont need the money anyway so the question doesnt arise.

[RLAretired]

59 minutes ago, KittenKong said:

They are "digital nomads"

 

Good idea.   A digital nomad could be ideal for my projects and likely good for other farang with similar needs, too. 

 

So, how to find digital nomads here?

 

(I am capable of judging if their level of skill is suitable, or not.)

____________________________________________________

 

On a side note ... about Craig's List (mentioned in my OP).

In past years I found some excellent consultants on Craig's Thailand.

One, a highly skilled Macintosh consultant (retired from Canada).

Another, a PhD student in Food Science (at Mahidol University) to help me research vitamins and supplements.

But in recent years responses from Craig's List Thailand have changed, much for the worse.

So I'm posting here.

Should be easy, but, so far, not so.

 

Edited October 13, 2017 by RLAretired

[KittenKong]

3 hours ago, RLAretired said:

So, how to find digital nomads here?

 

The desperate ones will find you.

[RLAretired]

 

Any other ideas about how to find farang computer consultants?

 

This is turning out to be more difficult than expected.

 

 

 

[balo]

Today we use remote connections so it doesn't matter if the computer technician are based in Thailand or outside. 

 

I am a digital nomad myself, but my customer base is in Europe and I do not want any customers from inside of Thailand due to problems with the Thai law.

 

Just google "remote technician" and you will find 100's of people willing to help you. 

[RLAretired]

1 hour ago, balo said:

Today we use remote connections

 

No thanks to that.

As mentioned in my opening post, I've already tried various on-line work sites (dozens of projects over several years).

That experience taught me -- and I'll pass this on to others who might want computer consulting help -- to trust consultants only in person:

No remote connections.

Sure, okay for teams doing programming, but absolutely no remote connections for any consulting regarding my personal computer.

 

So my question remains, how to find farang computer consultant (English speaker), in Thailand, with specific computer skills?

 

No "just Google", please.

Googling misses the point.

Consultants most useful probably don't have any web presence; not listed on any job sites; probably don't even think of themselves as consultants.

More likely some old, retired guy, or a digital nomad, who thinks, "I have some experience on that topic, and I'd like to earn some extra money pizza / beer / new mobile phone / paid hotel in BKK for a weekend get-away."

He won't be found with Google.

5-10 years ago could find easily on Craig's List Thailand, but not any more.

 

 

Edited October 14, 2017 by RLAretired

[KittenKong]

50 minutes ago, RLAretired said:

As mentioned in my opening post, I've already tried various on-line work sites (dozens of projects over several years).

That experience taught me -- and I'll pass this on to others who might want computer consulting help -- to trust consultants only in person:

No remote connections.

Sure, okay for teams doing programming, but absolutely no remote connections for any consulting regarding my personal computer.

 

I think you are wrong there. I managed PCs remotely for individuals, and also for fairly large companies, for years. Never had any trouble at all of any type, and all my customers were pleased with the service they received.

 

Of course, it does all rather depend on who you are dealing with, but in my case it was all by personal or professional recommendation.

[KittenKong]

56 minutes ago, RLAretired said:

Consultants most useful probably don't have any web presence; not listed on any job sites; probably don't even think of themselves as consultants.

More likely some old, retired guy, or a digital nomad, who thinks, "I have some experience on that topic, and I'd like to earn some extra money pizza / beer / new mobile phone / paid hotel in BKK for a weekend get-away."

 

As I mentioned earlier in the thread, most of the people you describe will not be interested because doing what you want could put their tenure here in jeopardy. They would need a work permit and these are incompatible with regular visas and extensions.

[RLAretired]

34 minutes ago, KittenKong said:

in my case it was all by personal or professional recommendation.

 

That's the problem.

Where and how to find those recommendations?

(Among English-speaking farang here in Thailand.)

As I mentioned earlier in the thread, was very easy to find in years past, but not now. 

So I'm posting here looking for alternatives.

 

Edited October 14, 2017 by RLAretired

[RichCor]

I think, if you want to actually find someone you can meet in person, you'll have to 'network' the actual 'people' in your area who might venn diagram your specific need and arrive at your solution.

 

The problem with looking for asking/looking here on ThaiVisa is the membership is not specific to your actual physical location (where ever that is). Sure, we collectively might be able to give you someone who might offer 'remote desktop' support, but that isn't what you want. And we can only offer references (if we have them), the members can't solicit (for a variety of reasons) outside of ThaiVisa Classifieds or being an Advertiser. 

 

What you want requires finding

English Speaking People

In Your Geographical Location

Who Have Computer Issues similar to yours

Who Have Sought Out On-Site/Local Technical Support

That Can Communicate In English

Who Knows What They Are Doing

Who Has Performed Satisfactory

 

...and this might be found by networking your local expat groups (wherever they might meet)

 

You might also check out any local Technical Colleges/Universities that have students taking computer coursework or has IT Staff providing services.

 

Conversely, there are people right here on ThaiVisa who are intimately familiar with setting up and managing VPS on Digital Ocean, or can give sound advise or point to a security forum for your Mac Powerbook questions. You just need to ask.

 

I know how you feel. I 'retired' 10 years ago but still have clients in the US because the replacements don't work out or move on. Trying to find honest competent technical consultants is a pain. You almost have to hold 'auditions' using computers with planted issues that you already know how to fix if you want to find the right person. I've had some minor luck finding University IT staff who are willing to moonlight, but I wasn't working with a potential language fluency handicap.

[RLAretired]

Thank you,

1 hour ago, RichCor said:

The problem with looking for asking/looking here on ThaiVisa is ...

 

Thank you, RichCor, for your thoughtful post describing the problem.

Other posters on this thread have also described the problem, in other ways.

And I'm already well aware of the problem.

 

What I'm hoping for here is a solution.

 

Until a few years ago, the solution was quick and easy (described above).

But no longer.

 

I posted here thinking there was an obvious solution that I'd missed.

But nothing yet.

 

-------------------------------------------------------------

Side note:

Looking again at my title for this thread, it could be improved by

changing "consultant" to "consultants" -- plural.

The goal is not to merely find one consultant, on one topic, but rather to find a method to find various consultants, on various IT topics, over time.

IT support here in Thailand is not what it is in The West.

We farang here could benefit by finding IT assistance that was truly helpful for specific topics and problems.

There used to be a way that worked very well -- and was specific to Thailand -- but it's not working any more.

 

.

 

Edited October 14, 2017 by RLAretired

[RLAretired]

1 hour ago, RichCor said:

...there are people right here on ThaiVisa who are intimately familiar with setting up and managing VPS on Digital Ocean... You just need to ask.

 

Okay, I just did that.

New thread posted in IT/computers.

I hope it gets helpful results.

.

 

[JSixpack]

10 hours ago, RLAretired said:

 

That's the problem.

Where and how to find those recommendations?

(Among English-speaking farang here in Thailand.)

As I mentioned earlier in the thread, was very easy to find in years past, but not now. 

So I'm posting here looking for alternatives.

 

 

 

It's only a problem because you're making it an unnecessary problem. 

 

You don't need no personal house calls and hand-holding by an English-speaking farang for what you're doing. Any qualified person would be rightly afraid you're going to be too difficult, waste a lot of time & probably pester him to death with useless questions to which you can't remember the answers anyway. If you find one, please show him this thread as a "reference" for yourself so that he can charge accordingly.

 

Mac Powerbook security is trivial, ask on any Mac forum.

 

It all seems a little weird, as if you really want is to ask some questions so "private" about the application of your VPS that you don't feel you can ask over the internet.

 

On 10/13/2017 at 7:19 PM, RLAretired said:

Not seeking free advice on this forum or any other forum.  Don't want to "roll the dice" using Google or Quora or something like that.

 

The advice https://www.webhostingtalk.com/ is often excellent and surely all you need.

 

On 10/13/2017 at 7:19 PM, RLAretired said:

Tried “upwork” and “elance” web sites, but replies mostly along the lines of, “Hire me. I'm the best.” but no evidence of needed skills.

 

Actually the good freelancers on those sites DO offer the evidence via a portfolio and references. Plus they have ratings and recommendations clearly shown. Many of those hired guns are some of the best you'll find anywhere. All in all, if I were you, I'd trust them more than anyone you're likely to meet here. So this is just an excuse.

 

Edited October 15, 2017 by JSixpack

[watcharacters]

8 minutes ago, JSixpack said:

 

It's only a problem because you're making it an unnecessary problem. 

 

You don't need no personal house calls and hand-holding by an English-speaking farang for what you're doing. Any qualified person would be rightly afraid you're going to be too difficult, waste a lot of time & probably pester him to death with useless questions to which you can't remember the answers anyway. If you find one, please show him this thread as a "reference" for yourself so that he can charge accordingly.

 

Mac Powerbook security is trivial, ask on any Mac forum.

 

 

The advice https://www.webhostingtalk.com/ is often excellent and surely all you need.

 

 

Actually the good freelancers on those sites DO offer the evidence via a portfolio and references. Plus they have ratings and recommendations clearly shown. Many of those hired guns are some of the best you'll find anywhere. So this is just an excuse.

 

 

 

So he don't need no stinking badge either?

 

I  do appreciate the OP's dilemma.

[Peterw42]

11 minutes ago, JSixpack said:

It's only a problem because you're making it an unnecessary problem. 

 

You don't need no personal house calls and hand-holding by an English-speaking farang for what you're doing. Any qualified person would be rightly afraid you're going to be too difficult, waste a lot of time & probably pester him to death with useless questions to which you can't remember the answers anyway. If you find one, please show him this thread as a "reference" for yourself so that he can charge accordingly.

 

Mac Powerbook security is trivial, ask on any Mac forum.

 

It all seems a little weird.

Yes I agree, OP seems to be floating around between "wanting training" so he can do it himself or paying someone to do things.

Either get some training and do it yourself or pay someone to do it. The "consultancy" approch seems a little strange.

 

A consultant will advise on hardware/software for you needs, not show you how to do it, or do it for you.

 

I dont want to learn to drive and I dont want to catch a taxi, I want to pay someone to sit in the passanger seat while I stuff around.

[manarak]

On 13.10.2017 at 4:04 PM, KittenKong said:

 

Your problem is that most so-called computer consultants here do not have work permits that would permit them to do what you want legally. They are "digital nomads" which to me is not far removed from those well-tanned people who knock on your door asking if you want your driveway relaid or your roof tiles cleaned. They are probably the "hire me, I'm best" ones you mention.

 

Anyone decent who is worth his salt would probably be doing a proper job in the West for a proper salary. Personally I was a self-employed consultant in Europe until I retired, and I would not put my retirement extension here at risk by working here. Thankfully I dont need the money anyway so the question doesnt arise.

 

I have a work permit and can do the job, at least the VPS. No idea about mac security.

 

The main problem will be the hourly wage - anyone with skills will be able to get more than 1000 baht/hour working for himself.

[muratremix]

if you explain why you need to manage digitalocean vps, perhaps we can help?

my only use for digital ocean vps at singapore node is reverse proxying (nginx) to my download server in france and OpenVPN/Proxy

[jenny2017]

1 hour ago, manarak said:

 

I have a work permit and can do the job, at least the VPS. No idea about mac security.

 

The main problem will be the hourly wage - anyone with skills will be able to get more than 1000 baht/hour working for himself.

Something seems to be wrong with the OP. It's just a gut feeling, but be careful out there. The internet is full of weirdoes. P.S. Not saying that the OP is a weirdo!!

Edited October 15, 2017 by jenny2017

[KittenKong]

1 hour ago, jenny2017 said:

Something seems to be wrong with the OP. It's just a gut feeling, but be careful out there. The internet is full of weirdoes. P.S. Not saying that the OP is a weirdo!!

 

I'll say it for you if you like.

[KittenKong]

2 hours ago, manarak said:

 

I have a work permit and can do the job, at least the VPS.

 

You are the exception that proves the rule. I'm sure you will agree that many here do not have a work permit or even any visible means of support.

[RLAretired]

On 10/15/2017 at 9:47 AM, manarak said:

I have a work permit and can do the job

 

Thank you, Manarak, for taking your time to post.

 

But, to quote the current US President, "You're fired!"

You don't know how to apply for a job.

Just claiming, "I can do the job" is guaranteed to not get the job (from me, anyway).

 

 

On 10/15/2017 at 9:47 AM, manarak said:

The main problem will be the hourly wage - anyone with skills will be able to get more than 1000 baht/hour.

 

What made you think that is a problem?

I've carefully avoided all mention of payment.

 

The problem is where to find farang consultants with required skills.

This thread has been up on this forum since Friday evening.

So far, not even one suitable reply -- although I'm still optimistic, because there are many talented farang here in Thailand.

 

For other farang who are reading this thread, and interested in finding computer consultants in Thailand, I have started contacting digital nomad web sites.

Response (so far) is fast, clearly on topic, and very helpful.

So, maybe it was a mistake to post on this forum.

But I'm patiently waiting to see if might get better results here.

.

[KittenKong]

3 hours ago, RLAretired said:

Thank you, Manarak, for taking your time to post.

 

But, to quote the current US President, "You're fired!"

You don't know how to apply for a job.

Just claiming, "I can do the job" is guaranteed to not get the job (from me, anyway).

 

I knew it wouldn't be as easy as that. :)

[manarak]

5 hours ago, RLAretired said:

Thank you, Manarak, for taking your time to post.

 

But, to quote the current US President, "You're fired!"

You don't know how to apply for a job.

Just claiming, "I can do the job" is guaranteed to not get the job (from me, anyway).

 

 

 

What made you think that is a problem?

I've carefully avoided all mention of payment.

 

The problem is where to find farang consultants with required skills.

This thread has been up on this forum since Friday evening.

So far, not even one suitable reply -- although I'm still optimistic, because there are many talented farang here in Thailand.

 

For other farang who are reading this thread, and interested in finding computer consultants in Thailand, I have started contacting digital nomad web sites.

Response (so far) is fast, clearly on topic, and very helpful.

So, maybe it was a mistake to post on this forum.

But I'm patiently waiting to see if might get better results here.

555

what makes you think my post was directed at you?

 

are you some kind of primary school teacher? you certainly sound like one!

 

[Rimmer]

Two troll posts have been removed

[ExpatDraco]

1) What exactly do you want/need to know about managing a VPS on digital ocean? What kind of VPS is it? Linux/Windows and what is it's purpose?

2) A Mac Powerbook? Are they still functional/secure? Maybe you need to buy a new or more recent Mac? :)

A question of my own: digital nomads websites? Which ones are you contacting? Just curious.

Sent from my SM-G955F using Tapatalk

[RLAretired]

.

Okay, problem solved -- in a useful way.

 

Responses from digital nomads have been helpful, intelligent, polite.

In future, I'll look there for computer consultant help in Thailand.

 

I'll disconnect from this thread now.

[ExpatDraco]

.
Okay, problem solved -- in a useful way.
 
Responses from digital nomads have been helpful, intelligent, polite.
In future, I'll look there for computer consultant help in Thailand.
 
I'll disconnect from this thread now.

Where is 'there'? Too bad you did not tell more.

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