By Gloria Austin
Staff Writer
HOULTON — VirtualTech has expanded its services to the Houlton community.
“We are proud to be expanding and investing into our community,” said Doug Boreland, owner of VirtualTech. “We want to help keep Houlton technologically ahead of the curve and not behind it.”
Pioneer Times Photo/Gloria Austin
NEWLY EXPANDED — Doug Boreland, left, owner of VirtualTech in the Fishman Mall in downtown Houlton, has expanded his business to include an Internet café. Patrons can surf the web in time increments ranging from 15 minutes to one hour. With Boreland is employee Bryan Lennon.
Boreland is offering an Internet Café and is introducing a new staff member, as well.
An Internet cafe with six stations is being set up in VirtualTech’s old work area and the workshop has moved across the hall in the Fishman Mall.
“Based on prior feedback, we thought it would be good for the town of Houlton to have an Internet Café,” said Boreland. “Not everyone can afford their own computer and there are those that do not want to buy a computer, but would appreciate a spot to have occasional use at a good price. Travelers that need to use a PC but brought nothing would appreciate this, as well.”
All computers will have virus and malware protection, so those using the machines can feel as safe as is possible in their browsing experience.
Customers can purchase Internet time in 15-minute increments. For one hour, $8; a half hour, $5; 15 minutes, $3. Purchased time is saved, meaning if an hour was purchased, and only five minutes used, the 55 minutes will remain “in the bank” until the customer needs it again. Time will have no expiration date.
“Stations are private, and no user activity is tracked, monitored, nor saved,” explained Boreland. “Adult websites will be blocked and excess bandwidth usage will also be deducted from purchased minutes. Printing is also available, and as with bandwidth, can be paid for by deducting from minutes.”
Coffee for Internet customers will be available onsite from the Courtyard Cafe, donation-based. Food will not be allowed in the Internet cafe, but the Courtyard is right behind the store and since time is saved, the user can break at any time and grab a bite to eat, said Boreland.
“Anything worked on during a session will either need to be saved online, or to a flash drive provided by the customer,” Boreland added. “We also have them for sale in case one is needed. CDs will also be allowed, so if a customer wanted to listen to an audio CD that is possible, however they also would need their own headphones. Again, we also have these in stock. It is important to note that when the customer ends their session, all progress on the computer is erased — it is very important to save to a flash drive if required, before ending the session.”
Bryan Lennon has also joined Boreland at VirtualTech. He came on board in June and brings with him three certifications from CompTIA, an industry recognized leader in training, and over 10 years of networking and computer repair experience.
Lennon enjoys hardware work, repairing laptops, phones, tablets and Apple products.
Training in private or group sessions can also be accommodated. Please inquire with either Boreland or Lennon.
For more information on VirtualTech, check them out on Facebook and Twitter as “VirtualTechME”. VirtualTech shares tips, tricks and post deals on in-store products and services on a regular basis.
For those that are interested, they can also access Cary Library online from the Internet Café.
“While you are here, check out our convertible laptop/tablet showcasing the latest developer preview of Windows 10,” Boreland added.
Editor’s note: This story was derived from Doug Boreland’s notes.
