1986
First Computer
Paul's first exposure to computers came through the Atari 130XE. Simple word processing and database tasks started a fascination with what computers could do.
Meet Paul
Computer experience is useful. Knowing how to explain it is what makes the difference.
Paul has worked with computers and software since the 1980s, supported customers professionally, and spent years teaching adults how to use technology with greater confidence.
Why Computer Tutor Paul?
A teaching style shaped by being frustrated as a student
When Paul was first learning computers, he encountered instructors who moved too quickly and assumed too much. He eventually found a self-paced course and repeated the material until the concepts finally made sense.
That experience stayed with him. When Paul later began training coworkers, supporting computer customers, and teaching adult community education classes, he focused on keeping explanations understandable and giving people enough time to actually learn.
Today, that same approach guides both tutoring and troubleshooting: listen first, explain clearly, and adapt the help to the person sitting at the computer.
Paul's computer timeline
From learning computers to helping other people learn them
1987
Paul Learns Computers
Frustrated by fast-moving instruction, Paul found a self-paced course and repeated it at his own speed until the concepts made sense. That experience later shaped the way he would teach others.
1988
Trainer at Disneyland
As a trainer for the Disneyland Custodial Department, Paul co-authored a major training-manual revision and gained deeper experience with Microsoft Word and Lotus 1-2-3. More importantly, he began developing a way of explaining procedures that people could follow.
1994
Packard Bell Support Technician
As a hardware support technician, Paul helped customers with widely different technical backgrounds troubleshoot their own computers. His hardware work led to CompTIA A+ certification in 1995.
1995
WordPerfect Support Technician
Paul moved into professional software support for WordPerfect, using emerging internet and email tools to troubleshoot customer problems. He also expanded his networking knowledge and earned Novell CNA certification in 1995.
1999
Community Education Instructor
Paul began teaching adult computer classes through University of Utah Community Education and later other locations along the Wasatch Front. His approach emphasized simple explanations, practical exercises, and written instructions students could use after class.
2001
Personal Computer Tutor
Students increasingly asked for individual help, so Paul began providing on-location personal tutoring. That grew to include computer purchase advice, upgrades, troubleshooting, setup, and personalized instruction.
What you can expect
Help that adjusts to the person, not the other way around
- Patience.Questions are part of the process, not an interruption.
- Plain language.Technical terms are explained when they matter, not used to make things sound complicated.
- Practical focus.The session centers on what you actually want to accomplish.
- Personal attention.One-on-one sessions can slow down, speed up, repeat, or change direction as needed.
- Useful follow-through.Written step-by-step instructions can be provided when they will help you repeat the process later.
What students say
Patient, understandable computer help
Paul's teaching style is built around clear explanations, individual attention, and giving people the confidence to do things themselves.
★★★★★Paul has excellent teaching skills and has patience, enthusiasm, and a fun sense of humor. Wonderful teacher.
★★★★★Your classes helped me get my current job. I use the knowledge I gained from your classes every day. Thanks for teaching in a format that is quick and easy to understand.
★★★★★I'm excited that I am finally not afraid of the computer. It will be my friend.
★★★★½He adapted well to the immediate needs of individuals. He covered the material very well. I learned a lot!
Ready for personal help?