Adobe InDesign & GoLive tutorial for non-profit organization

Ronald's knowledge is vast, and his ability to break it down into clear, concise, understandable chunks of information is amazing. He can speak to all levels of ability, and his patience is great. We thoroughly enjoyed and benefited from his Adobe InDesign and GoLive workshops.
Dave Cohen & Becca Pawling
New Heights Adventures for Teens
Portsmouth, NH
—————————————————————————————————--
Home user
Ronald is a wonderful person to work with: very knowledgeable, always positive, extremely responsive, and he has unmatched follow-up skills. Simply put, he gets the job done.
Franklin Roth
Portsmouth, NH
—————————————————————————————————--
Public school teacher
Ronald Gehrmann is a Godsend. Our school district is primarily a PC district, so when I started using iMacs to teach video production classes, I was pretty much on my own. Our district has an Apple representative whom I was told to seek out for help, but he was always busy dealing with hundreds of other customers. For me it became learn-by-doing and trial-and-error which was very time-consuming and very frustrating!
Then I found Ronald's website, and as soon as I spoke to him on the phone I knew he was the troubleshooter I needed. Ronald quickly assessed my Mac needs and took me forward at a pace that was comfortable for me. He configured all our computers with new software and showed me how to limit what areas students can use on the Macs.
I have taught for over twenty years and have been to many workshops and classes. With all honesty and sincerity I can say the time I spent working with Ronald was the most cost-effective and satisfying educational development I have ever had. I was not a customer or one of many, I was the student and everything Ronald taught was tailored to my classroom needs. Ronald is a gifted teacher and as a result, every second of our time was productive and rewarding. As I continue to teach and explore new technology on the Mac, I know support and answers to my questions are a phone call away. And that is a teacher's answer to a prayer.
Suzanne Johnson
Londonderry High School
Londonderry, NH
—————————————————————————————————--
Recent switcher from Windows to Mac
In late September, we switched from Windows to an iMac for all of the usual reasons: viruses, crashes, data lost. A month later, we're more than convinced that we did the right thing. The iMac is quiet, powerful, versatile, user-friendly and problem-free.
Making the switch after 18 years of Windows PCs, however, was not for the faint of heart. The little things that make a computer hum in sync with its owners were a mystery to us. Fortunately, help was close at hand. Before leaving the store at Rockingham Park, we requested and received the name of a Mac support person in the NH Seacoast area, Ronald Gehrmann.
Ronald replied quickly to our call for assistance and even made house calls! From him we learned command key short cuts, the many uses of Word for Mac, and the differences between OS 9 and OS X. He helped us install Zip and 3-1/2-inch floppy drives and software that allow us to access old files from different word processing programs. He worked us through the installation of a scanner without an OS X driver, and that was a challenge! He showed us how to download and save digital photos and to do the simplest of things, change screen and font sizes. He even steered us to web sites with movie trailers and to digital radio stations on iTunes. When my son was having trouble accessing his IM account on iChat, Ronald talked us through the process on the phone.
Most impressive has been Ronald's effort to remain in frequent contact with us. He called to confirm each of two appointments. He emailed after each visit. Ronald's expertise has been invaluable; his professionalism is second to none.
If you're a new Mac user or one testing the waters of the OS X, give Ronald a call.
Chris and Paul St. Jean
Kensington, NH
—————————————————————————————————--
General Mac tutoring
Ronald Gehrmann is completely responsible for my setting foot into the 21st century, single-handedly!
I had never touched a computer before, but was finding it increasingly difficult to navigate this world without computer 'know-how'. Ronald came to my home to teach me the ways of my Mac OS 9. He did so with great patience, understandable vocabulary and a calm and knowledgeable manner. He set up my desktop and got me started with baby steps. He waited until I understood, then moved me to the next step. We talked by phone many times; he was always available. I don't think there is a question he cannot answer! I never felt intimidated; his warmth and sense of humor made things completely comfortable.
Needless to say...I highly recommend Ronald!
Pamela Bottomley
Rye, NH
—————————————————————————————————--
General help and website design
I've been working with Ronald for many years, and he has helped me set up, troubleshoot, and support the smooth running of two Macs. He is knowledgeable, friendly, timely, and extremely easy to work with. He takes his customers' needs seriously and does whatever he can to help them solve the problem.
Ronald also was instrumental in the creation of my website: http://www.judyringer.com. Some of the design was done elsewhere, and Ronald coordinated the graphics, redesigned some pages and added others to make sure that the site was fast to load and maneuver, and that people could contact me easily. He also gave me good advice about how to begin the process.
I'm sure you will be happy working with him.
Judy Ringer
Power & Presence
Portsmouth, NH
—————————————————————————————————--
Mac OS upgrade and website design tutoring
I use my Mac G4 for home business use, primarily writing (Microsoft Office) and a growing amount of work with Adobe Creative Suite. I am a published author and artist, who was once an art director and graphic designer, but years ago, when the programs were several versions earlier. I am currently trying to regain skills in order to assist with my daughter’s business website and with the idea of also doing a site of my own.
Ron was a tremendous help in getting me up and running with the switch from OS 9 to OS X 10.3.2. He assisted me with what to buy, set me up with my OS 9 files on an external hard drive and guided me though how to use the new system. All this saved me a great deal of time and frustration.
Another time Ron taught me how to access my daughter’s web site and make my own changes to my text material there using Adobe GoLive. He set up a template on a test site so I could do this easily. He has been able to answer questions I’ve asked about the newer versions of programs I am attempting to relearn. I intend very soon to engage him to help me design and set up a website of my own, to link with my daughter’s.
When I have a question, Ron has always responded quickly either by email or phone. He also occasionally sends helpful recommendations to clients unsolicited, such as his recent reminder about repairing permissions in OS X, or a note about a topic of interest at an upcoming Mac user meeting.
Ron’s strength is not just in his high degree of technical expertise alone, but just as significantly in his skill and patience in explaining things clearly, and with kindness and tact, making sure that his client understands and can use what he has explained. I am glad to highly recommend his services to you.
Maria Kay Simms
Kensington, NH
—————————————————————————————————--
Website design tutoring
I'm manager of the Whole Grains Council, a non-profit organization that promotes increased consumption of healthy whole grains. When I needed to create a simple website for the Council on a barebones budget, Ronald helped me learn Adobe GoLive so I could do the work myself.
I sketched out what I wanted, and Ronald taught me enough to get started. Each time I was ready to go further, Ronald spent a few more hours with me to bring me to the next stage. Along the way, he gave me design and structural suggestions that improved the project (he's a great structural thinker!).
I would always rather learn to fish than have someone just plunk a fish on my plate, so I greatly appreciate Ronald's flexibility in working with me the way I work best.
Cynthia Harriman
www.wholegrainscouncil.org
Portsmouth, NH
—————————————————————————————————--
Print/web design and general troubleshooting
I have known Ronald and relied on his technical support services for about ten years. In all that time, he constantly amazes me with his unique combination of empathy, wide-ranging technical expertise, superb aesthetic and creative capabilities, and his very cost-effective, disciplined and structured approach to his work.
Specific projects have involved generating several technical educational websites, two commercial websites, print design and production, corporate identity graphic design, general OS X training, and troubleshooting in a variety of Mac software issues. It's safe to say that without Ronald, my businesses would not be as successful as they are today.
As a technical consultant myself for more than 18 years in an unrelated field, I understand exactly how rare are Ronald's combination of talents and working practices. I wholeheartedly recommend him to your clients in any capacity he's prepared to accept. He does not take on projects where he does not fit, and has never failed to exceed my high expectations. And beyond all that, he's fun to work with.
Lew Harriman
Mason-Grant Company
Portsmouth, NH
—————————————————————————————————--
iPhoto and digital photography workflow
I have been helped many times by Ronald Gehrmann. Let me tell you first that I have been a casual user of Mac computers for the past 15 years. Even though I am familiar with the Mac, I was often mystified as to how to correctly use many of its functions. When I first met Ronald, he spent an hour and a half helping me organize my files and then he showed me critical photographic skills that I needed to get started with all of my many photos, both digital and other types. He is punctual and reliable, always getting in touch with me if there was some conflict of schedule. I think he is a super teacher and he is thorough, and his explanations are easy to understand.
Debbie Oshman
Durham, NH
—————————————————————————————————--
Advanced Photoshop and general Mac help
I have been a Mac user since 1984 and my company, CAST (Center for Applied Special Technology, www.cast.org) researches and develops learning technologies. Recently I have been expanding my multimedia skills using Photoshop, the iLife suite, Final Cut Pro, DVD Studio Pro, and various sound editing programs. I have a complex set up with multiple computers, multiple FireWire devices, various video formats and switchers, backup drives, wireless networks, etc.
I first contacted Ronald for systems organization and troubleshooting (backups, file organization, network setup issues, printing issues, speedier and better use of OS X) and continued working with him around a few specific applications (Safari, Entourage, Photoshop, Apple Mail, and others). I have sought his help with organization, troubleshooting, and training at different times.
Ronald brings a great depth of knowledge to everything Macintosh. He knows OS X inside and out, knows multiple ways to do everything including tons of keyboard shortcuts. He has many great ideas for organizing files, setting up systems and workflow, and any other housekeeping issues that arise in the digital world. He is an excellent troubleshooter and knows how to find important resources to help with issues. He is very familiar with Apple's software and also knows many utilities by third parties that can come in handy. He stays abreast of developments so he knows the 'latest greatest' and can communicate it effectively to all different levels of users.
His expertise in Photoshop is very deep. I have taken several multi-day workshops at Santa Fe Workshops and Palm Beach Photography Center, yet I still learned some very important skills from Ronald. He really understands the program and knows how to convey complex concepts, techniques and ideas so that others can learn and apply them. As anyone who uses Photoshop knows, these skills are incredibly valuable for learners.
Ronald is a supportive teacher who makes himself available for questions following a session, and comes through in a pinch. His deep enthusiasm for the Macintosh befits this wonderful machine, and fuels his continued learning and expertise. I believe Ronald's work is important for Apple because he extends the support systems for the Macintosh and helps users make the most of their hardware and software tools. I would wholeheartedly recommend him for anything Mac!
Anne Meyer
Hamilton, MA
—————————————————————————————————--
Help for Mac beginner
Just a note to affirm my relationship with Ronald Gehrmann, and to say how lost I would have been without him. As a neophyte in computing, I depended upon Ronald for everything when I bought my new Mac.
Ronald patiently tutored me, helping me set up and transfer files, navigate the Internet, and use email, things which many younger people take for granted, but which were intimidating to someone who is technologically challenged. More importantly, Ronald was there for me at odd times of the day and night, lowering my frustration, able to comprehend my problems and fix most of them over the phone, by patiently walking me through the steps.
Ronald is also helping me develop a website for my new business. He has guided me through the early steps, from securing a domain name to creating a corporate identity. His help has been invaluable, and I'm sure he would be an asset to your group.
Janice Russillo
Rye, NH
—————————————————————————————————--
Help with new laptop and FileMaker database
Ronald Gehrmann has been a tremendous help to me. He is kind and patient beyond belief while trying to drag me into the 21st century so that I will be able to use my computer more effectively with my business. (I am a manufacturer's rep in New England.) He is also helping me learn the skills I will need to set up a secondary business which is still in the works. This secondary business will involve photography and possibly doing some designing.
When I bought my new PowerBook last January, he put everything together for me, but explained it all as he went along. He also helped by telling me what I would need as we went along, and designed a FileMaker database for me to keep track of my customers and my companies when we couldn't find a dedicated software program that seemed to be right. If I have problems, which thanks to him is not that often, he gets back to me very quickly.
The nature of my work is such that my schedule is erratic, but he is always very accommodating. I am sure that anyone who is lucky enough to have him for a teacher / technical advisor would tell you the same. I am a small part of his business, but he always makes me feel like I am just as important as a much bigger client, and that he is happy to hear from me. I am extremely happy that Kent at Computer Edge in Dover, NH recommended him.
Sallie Macintosh
Hampton, NH
—————————————————————————————————--
Digital photography and graphic design
I feel most fortunate to have found Ron. He knows Macs inside and out. He is very professional as well as able to communicate on a level I can understand. He always returns my emails and calls promptly.
I have needed to create logos and artwork for some of my projects as well as transferring a set of very large individual files of aerial photos into a single collage of manageable size. Using Photoshop, Ron has been able to help me with this, as well as put together maps and logos that are now being used for a fundraising project.
Ron has also helped me enhance my digital photo skills using my G4 with Mac OS 9.2. One day soon, I look forward to upgrading to Mac OS X and learning more about using Photoshop.
Also, Ron has saved the day twice when my computer has crashed. When he needs to come by the house, he always has the equipment he needs with him so he can make the necessary repairs in one trip.
Diana Mattoon
New Castle, NH
—————————————————————————————————--
General help for a home user
I am an older woman who uses my Mac mainly for word processing, email, a few specialty operations, ordering mail order, paying some accounts online; a few specialty projects, requiring print design; and a modest amount of photography. As I become comfortable with different operations, and troubleshooting, I am eager to venture into other projects.
In all of the above, Ronald Gehrmann has assisted me via email, on the phone (for quick fixes over countless humps); at my home, and at his home office (where he has a scanner). Especially, he has helped me to help myself: to troubleshoot, and to move ahead.
Ronald has installed hardware and software in my old Mac; he moved my new OS X iMac to our condominium where he installed the new hardware and software, organized files, and transitioned all that needed to be. He has helped me become familiar with my new computer. Two people assisted me before Ronald. In my opinion, he stands alone in his knowledge and his personal approach and understanding of an individual client's needs.
Valerie England
Durham, NH
—————————————————————————————————--
Print design and general help
I am 83 years old and a home user of an eMac. This is to express my sincere admiration for Ron Gehrmann and the Apple help he provides. He has worked with me on a variety of problems, including troubleshooting, instruction with new programs, shortcuts, photo work, Christmas card design, and much more.
He is always cheerful and patient and draws upon a seemingly endless fund of Apple knowledge. I have never seen him stumped. Moreover, he is most generous with help over the phone with smaller problems. I would heartily recommend him to any Apple user.
Douglas Reed
Newington, NH
—————————————————————————————————--
Troubleshooting and tutoring
I have used the services of Ronald Gehrmann many times. I bought a snow iMac in March of 2003, and Ronald was instrumental not only in helping me make the purchase, but also in helping me set up the equipment, moving all my files over from my old computer, and getting started operationally. This iMac with OS X had many new features and Ronald was an excellent teacher in showing me how to use each one.
Since then, I have called upon Ronald many times. He has provided further instruction with regard to specific programs or options I’ve wanted to learn, and also come to my rescue when I have had problems or glitches.
Ronald is an excellent teacher — he is patient and has a clear way of presenting information. He also sticks with you until you are comfortable using the information, and never overloads you in one lesson. I can honestly say that Ronald’s instruction has brought me into the 21st century and made my working life more efficient. Ronald has also shown me a number of shortcuts and ways to organize my files that also streamline my workday.
In terms of technical support, Ronald has always been very available — either by phone or in person — to deal with any issues that have arisen. He is very knowledgeable and I have confidence in his ability to solve problems. He has a reassuring manner that makes you feel like anything can be overcome! Ronald has also answered countless small questions by email, which has helped me in troubleshooting or correcting minor problems.
Having a computer in good working order, and being able to be efficient, are critical to me in my daily work. I work as a freelance writer, and also own a creative services agency, which provides writing, design and marketing. I am frequently on deadline, so I can’t afford downtime. I also am a small business, so again, lost time is lost money and Ronald has saved the day production-wise many times. Ronald has also helped me with my creative services from time to time, both in terms of photography and web design. I would recommend his work to anyone.
Crystal Kent
Kent Creative
Eliot, ME
—————————————————————————————————--
Help with Microsoft Word and general Mac issues
As a client of Ronald Gehrmann's for more than a year, I am happy to add my endorsement of his computer support services to the many I am sure you have already received.
I am a freelance editor, absolutely dependent on a working computer, so when I have a problem, it is critical to me that I get help quickly and effectively. Time after time, Ronald has helped me out of seemingly impossible situations in plenty of time to make my deadlines. His fixes always seem to work.
I am neither a computer wonk nor a complete neophyte, and Ronald talks to me in language I can understand and work with. He is readily available in person, by phone, or by email, depending on the nature of my problem.
Ronald's advice was also invaluable when I entirely upgraded my system from OS 9 to OS X through the purchase of a new monitor, printer, and Mac, and when I changed from dial-up to broadband Internet access. I needed help at every step of the way, and he provided it. He also helped my daughter get the most out of a new Mac laptop, and I have recommended his services to several of my friends.
Margery Heffron
Exeter, NH
—————————————————————————————————--
OS X upgrade
I am a retired graphic artist who has worked in various departments at UNH. This was the first time I had updated my operating system without the assistance of the experts on the UNH staff.
Ronald Gehrmann gave useful assistance in upgrading to OS X Panther. He was not only helpful in installation, but he used every minute he was here to illustrate ways to use the new software.
Ronald was prompt for his appointment with me and even called the next day to see how things were working for me.
I felt very comfortable with Ronald and will call on him again when I am ready to know more about OS X.
Jane Fithian
Portsmouth, NH