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Broken computer? Cyberfix can help

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Melissa Estevez
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  

Volunteers from the 375th Communications Group started a program called “Cyberfix,” where Team Scott can receive help with computer problems for free every Wednesday night beginning at 5 p.m. at the Scott AFB library.

Cyberfix can help you ensure that your personal information and devices are protected. The program can also be used to assist with computer problems like malware removal and data recovery. All the work is done at the library while the customer waits.

Currently the core volunteer team is made up of members from the 375th Communication Support Squadron such as 2nd Lt. Brad Worley, Staff Sgt. Christopher Povlich and Senior Airman Matthew Evans. Members of the 375th Communication Squadron also volunteer when available.

Evans founded the CyberFix program in September 2016 as an airman first class.

“I created this program on-arrival after identifying the need - there are a lot of support entities on base; financial, auto, etc., but there was nothing for recovering or securing data day-to-day at home,” said Evans. “I've been building, working with, and playing on computers since the age of 8.  The concept for Cyberfix came from my work at Microcenter prior to joining the Air Force.”

Povlich said he volunteers because it helps people, it keeps him current on how to fix new issues and because he enjoys solving problems and working on technology. He began volunteering in March 2017 and took over as primary for the program in January.

So far the volunteers have worked on over 500 devices including computers, phones, tablets, printers, and other "tech" devices, saving Team Scott an estimated total of over $53,000 over the life of the program.

“Personally I think it benefits younger or lower ranked Airmen the most as they have less income to pay someone else to fix items, as well as the retired community who don't always know what questions to ask when it comes to working with today's technology,” said Povlich.

The team is not always able to fix the problem but can possibly assist with a way forward. For example, instead of being able to fix a computer that no longer turns on, they might be able to help retrieve photos and documents.

 “A few months ago we were able to recover over 2,000 pictures off a hard drive for someone whose parent had recently passed away, said Povlich. “They thought they had lost years of pictures with that person, and we were able to retrieve them for them.”

Cyberfix volunteers cannot work on military or government systems through this program. Members must go to their unit client systems technician in order to get them repaired.

“The base is a community, and I feel that if you are able to help others it just builds on the connectedness of who we are as a team on Scott,” said Povlich. “When you have less problems in your personal life, your work life will almost always be smoother.”

For more information about the program or to volunteer contact Povlich at: christopher.povlich@us.af.mil