An IT professional moved his computer sales and repair business from his home to a store.
Pete Coe, who works for a government contractor, has opened Catoctin Computer Repairs and Services at 133 E. Main St.

Coe started his home-based business in 1996 in Gaithersburg and continued the business when he moved to Thurmont in 2003.Opening a store gives him a face people can recognize, Coe said. Thurmont is a word-of-mouth town, and he thinks if he does good work, word will get around.

Coe builds and repairs old and new computer systems and installs upgrades. He installs networks, designs Internet sites and offers data loss protection.Recently, Coe has been spending a lot of time removing viruses.

"I'd rather see broken parts," he said. "Viruses cost businesses and consumers billions of dollars in the long run. Unless the government steps in and takes drastic steps, the problem will continue."When people buy a used computer, the serial number can determine if the warranty is still in effect, Coe said.

"You don't want to void the warranty; any shop can use the serial number to look up the warranty information," he said. Many manufacturers' websites provide the same information.If a computer is out of warranty and needs repairs, Coe thinks he can get the parts and do the work faster than a big box store, which sometimes has to ship the computer for some repairs.

Coe said he is certified to make Dell repairs, including those under warranty.Because of his long-term relationship with Dell, Coe may be able sell a new Dell for less than a big box store.

"I may or may not be cheaper than the store, but I make sure the software is what the customer wants rather than the trial software that often comes with new computers," he said.Manufacturers offer trial software for a specified time, such as 30 days, and buyers would have to pay extra to continue using the software.

Coe is considering repairing Apple products because the new Intel architecture for Macs allows the user to run Microsoft software.He thinks the Intel architecture will increase Mac's popularity with businesses and gamers. Before Intel was adopted, the Mac games were more expensive and in less demand.