New Computer Store Helps Work Out the Bugs

It could be said that Matt Dariano is a fixer.

“I always liked to work on things,” says Dariano, 43, who is the owner of Advanced Computer Repair on Main Street.

Back in the early 1980s, Dariano went to work for Xerox in Marlton, which was one of the early leaders in copier sales. Working as a technician, Dariano was
responsible for making sure that common machines found in offices were
functional and in good working condition.  

“In those early days, printers and copiers didn’t attach to computers,” says Dariano, but he learned how to diagnose an ailing machine. “I would repair broken parts and replace worn components.”

As technology developed, so did Dariano’s expertise. The computer market was growing and digital copiers and scanners began attaching to computer networks, and Dariano was right there.

“I stayed at Xerox for 16 years,” Dariano says, “and I learned the  mechanics of how the parts of these machines work.”

But, when an opportunity to retire in the 1990s arose, he decided to reboot life and start a new phase.

A native of West Deptford, Dariano and his family moved to Moorestown about 18 years ago. "I started my computer repair business out of my house right before I left Xerox,” says Dariano. “There was some overlap.”

It was during this time that Dariano developed a strong customer base.

This past January, Dariano moved his company into the space on Main Street.

Dariano is one of those guys who likes tinkering with parts. And, he's an entrepreneur who saw a demand for technological assistance in Moorestown.

“The technology field is such that there is always a need for people who can repair computers,” says Dariano.

Computers, which most of us can’t seem to get through a day without, have never been more ubiquitous. Via computers: we communicate with our friends; we read the news; our kids research schoolwork; and the list goes on. 

And, when our systems crash or halt on us, some of us need a guy like Dariano.

“Unfortunately, most people wait until the last minute to bring their computers into us,” says Dariano. “People don’t like to go without technology nowadays.”

Most folks wouldn’t have considered enlarging a business in this economy.

“I felt this was a good time for me to add on,” Dariano says. “I felt Main Street was a very good location.”

And, his instincts served him well.  He's been staying busy. And so did hiring an eager and unmatched team, some of whom are family.

The crew includes technicians: father, Matthew F. Dariano Sr.; son, Matthew F. Dariano III, 14; Michael Burman; Briant Knuckles; and support staff: Robin Sterling; daughter Deanna Dariano, 15; mother Diane Dariano.

“It’s a family affair, and with some other very knowledgeable employees,” adds Dariano, “who take their time and get the job done efficiently.”

Dariano went from working in tight quarters at home to having two offices and a fully equipped diagnostic laboratory.

“We charge a $40 diagnostic fee,” says Dariano, “which is applied to the costs of fixing the computer, if it needs it.”

Right now, Dariano and his staff are seeing a lot of computers with viruses.

“When opening unknown sites on your computer,” Dariano says, “viruses can be lurking. That’s how people transpose them onto their hard drive.” Dariano says you should never open attachments if you aren’t familiar with what they are.

Kids are especially draw to computers, particularly the Internet, but they don’t realize the dangers in surfing the web.

“Kids don’t realize so many sites are infected with viruses,” Dariano says.

He also suggests a program like CyberPatrol, which offers parental controls.

Spyware, a type of malware, is spreading. It can secretly download itself and hide in your computer. Spyware tracks a user’s actions on a computer and can slow down the overall performance.

In addition to repairs made at his store, Dariano and his technicians will make house calls.

“We charge $100 for a residence and $120 for a business, both per hour,” says Dariano. And, they can assist in website design.

“Business has been good,” says Dariano, and adds as he looks outside, “I’m hoping to be here for awhile.”