PC PROFESSOR FILLS PRESSING NEED

Published: Friday, October 10, 1997
Section: COMMUNITY CLOSE-UP
Page: 4

Beth Feinstein-Bartl

A husband and wife team is taking a byte out of southwest Broward County's computer market and at the same time making computers more accessible to novices.

``Our motto is there are many mysteries in life -- don't let your computer be one of them,'' said Allen Reback, who started PC Professor of Broward County with his wife, Karen.

The couple opened their 1,500-square-foot storefront on Aug. 4 at 154 S. Flamingo Road in Pembroke Pines. The store is in the Flamingo Pines Plaza, two doors from Publix.

The Rebacks train people to operate computers and to repair them. Most class sessions total 10 hours of instruction. Morning, afternoon and evening times are available. Private sessions can also be arranged by appointment.

In addition, the shop sells computers, and does upgrades and repairs. Off the premises, the store's experienced employees can arrange to conduct on-site training sessions and make repair service calls to companies and government agencies.

The staff includes four teachers, two salespeople, a receptionist and three technicians, Allen Reback said.

Allen Reback has been working with computers since 1989. Before opening PC Professor, he worked as service manager for a car dealership.

Karen Reback, who holds a master's degree in educational science from University of South Florida in Tampa, divides her time between the shop and her job teaching science at J.P. Taravella High School in Coral Springs.

The couple think their store will have staying power, and have been working hard to gain the public's trust.

``Customer satisfaction is very important to us,'' said Allen Reback, who has instituted a no-fix, no-charge policy.

``That means even if the staff looked at the machine, if we can't repair it or it's too expensive to fix, the client isn't charged,'' he said.  Right now, students can sign up for classes that range in price from $50 for an Internet class to $122.50 for a course on Windows 95. After October, the fees will return to normal rates.

PC Professor of Broward County (954-704-4444) is open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. Evening classes are conducted from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays.