Computer Doctor Makes House Calls By Frank Ruggiero He’s the man behind the net. Or, in this case, the Doug before the net. Doug Franklin, owner of the local Dougnet Computer Consulting. Photo by Frank Ruggiero Doug Franklin, owner of the local Dougnet Computer Consulting, serves as a sort of computer doctor – complete with house calls and drive-side manner. Born and raised in Boone, Franklin’s interest in computers began around 1998, prior to which is what he considers the dark age of computers. The computers with which he grew up included models like Apple IIE and later the 286 PC. “I probably got my first real computer in 1998, when Windows 98 came out,” Franklin said. “From then on, I would just work on upgrades, trying to make it go better and faster, and it just took me in – kind of like a mechanic that starts working on a car.” While attending Appalachian State University, faculty and staff would often ask Franklin to help with system troubles. Franklin obliged and not for the grades, though he may have appreciated a C+. “Once I was in that position, it just started growing and a spark turned into a blaze of fire,” he said. “It just kind of took off in 2001.” Though still in school at the time, Franklin honed his skills until a veritable business. In 2003, Franklin graduated with a bachelor of science degree in information systems and established Dougnet, though he worked part-time as a hardware technician for Samaritan’s Purse. When the business crossed the hump of self-sufficiency in 2006, Franklin began operating full-time. And that includes over-time. “I probably work 15 to 16 hours a day, but I love doing it — it doesn’t get tiring,” he said, attributing his devotion to his vocation’s unpredictability. “Figuring it out, problem-solving, trouble-shooting — I like a challenge. It’s just always changing, so it requires me to keep up to date on everything, keeping my resources and technology up to date.” Franklin frequently conducts house calls, though people can bring their computers to his shop for an office visit. Corporate work sees Franklin visiting businesses to offer a wide array of services. Consultations include on-site evaluations with recommendations on how to best boost system performance. “The biggest areas I try to hit are service and support, Web design and networking,” Franklin said, adding that by the start of 2007 he intends to include “Web hosting” in that description. “In the corporate environment, we mainly focus on the Web design, as well as hands-on hardware, software maintenance and trouble-shooting,” he said. Support and repairs, including printer support, can be included in a monthly contract, meaning assistance is only a phone call away. Franklin and staff also build custom computers, design custom systems and sell computers. “If I’m implementing a server, I’ll build the actual server,” he said. This allows Franklin to build systems unique to each business. “I built my business on honest, dependable and affordable computer consulting for the High Country,” he said. “That’s first and foremost.” In bringing his business to the forefront, Franklin plans to soon open an office and storefront, providing him and customers more room and options. For more information, call Dougnet at 264-0959 or email dfranklin@dougnet.org.