AI Basics for Everyday Life
A friendly, jargon-free introduction to ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and the other AI assistants making headlines — what AI actually is, how they compare, and how to have a natural conversation with one, with live demos.
"No question too small. No judgment — just friendly help."
Friendly, jargon-free technology help for anyone frustrated with devices, hold music, and being made to feel foolish for asking. Book online, pay upfront, and I'll come to you — or connect virtually.
Book and pay securely — confirmed instantly.
I'm Derek — a St. Louis native and IT Project Manager with 25+ years of experience in technology. By day I manage complex IT projects. On evenings and weekends I do something I find genuinely rewarding: helping real people in my community get more out of their technology without the frustration, the hold music, or the judgment.
I started Everyday Tech Help STL because I kept seeing friends, neighbors, and family members struggling with the same technology problems — and getting nowhere with big-box store support lines and offshore call centers. I knew I could do better. I could show up, speak plainly, and actually fix things.
No question is too small here. No problem is too embarrassing to ask about. I've been in technology long enough to know that the only difference between someone who "gets it" and someone who doesn't is whether someone took the time to explain it properly.
Because this isn't my primary career, I have the flexibility to keep my prices reasonable — and I wouldn't have it any other way. I do this because I genuinely enjoy helping people feel more comfortable and confident with technology.
A real local number. A real person answers or calls back that evening. Plain English, your home or virtual, your problem fixed while I explain what I'm doing, exactly what was quoted — no hold music, no transfers, no attitude, no surprises.
Trust isn't just a nice word on a website. Here's what it actually means in practice.
Fully background checked for your peace of mind.
You know exactly what you're paying before I ever knock on your door. No diagnostic fees, no surprise charges, no upsells. Ever.
If your issue is old hardware or outside my scope, I'll tell you clearly and explain your options. You'll never be charged for a promise I couldn't keep.
IT Project Manager by profession. 25+ years working with technology and solving real problems — not someone who learned from YouTube.
Not a national chain. I live here, I know these neighborhoods, and my reputation depends on every single appointment.
I only access what's needed to help solve your issue. During virtual sessions, you control the screen share and can end it instantly. Nothing is accessed without your knowledge and permission.
You pay what you booked — nothing more added at the door. If your issue turns out to be something outside my scope, I'll tell you honestly and point you in the right direction. You will never be charged beyond what you agreed to.
For many tech problems I don't need to be in the room. We can connect online and I'll walk you through the fix in real time — whether that's a screen share, a guided conversation, or simply talking it through step by step. From your couch, right now.
Not sure which to pick? Book the Quick Fix — if we need more time I'll let you know upfront before we start.
Whether you're 75 or 35 — if technology is frustrating you, that's exactly what I'm here for.
New iPhone still in the box? Can't get streaming working? Worried about scammers? We go at your pace — no rushing, no eye-rolling, no jargon. No question is too basic.
Tired of being your parents' IT department? Book an appointment for them — in-home or virtual — and I'll handle the Sunday evening printer calls so you can enjoy your weekend.
New device, slow computer, WiFi headaches — if it's frustrating you and Google hasn't helped, there's a very good chance I can help. No problem is too small or too embarrassing to ask about.
Everyone's talking about ChatGPT — but are you still just using it for trivia questions? There's so much more it can do in everyday life. I'll show you the practical stuff that actually makes a difference.
Everyday tech problems. No enterprise IT, no server rooms, nothing that requires a ladder.
Setup, updates, backups, FaceTime, iCloud, email, apps, photos. New phone or tablet in the box? That's what I'm here for.
Slow machine, pop-ups, lost files, forgotten passwords, suspicious software.
Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, Peacock, Apple TV, Roku, Fire Stick — set up and actually working.
Locked out? Suspicious messages? Can't remember your login? All covered.
I'll show you exactly what to look for and how to stay safe — included with every visit.
Slow internet, devices won't connect, new router setup. Home networks only.
The single most universally hated piece of consumer technology. I've fixed hundreds of them.
Learn how to use ChatGPT, Claude, and other AI tools for real everyday tasks — beyond just answering trivia questions.
Being upfront about this builds trust — when I say I can fix something, you can believe me.
Browse 15 technology workshops covering artificial intelligence, smartphones, computers, online safety, streaming, and smart home technology — patient, judgment-free education for adults & seniors across St. Louis. Delivered on-site or virtually.
A friendly, jargon-free introduction to ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and the other AI assistants making headlines — what AI actually is, how they compare, and how to have a natural conversation with one, with live demos.
Go beyond the basics with practical, everyday ways AI can make tasks easier — meal planning, home projects, brainstorming, planning activities and more. Leave with useful prompts to try right away.
AI is surrounded by big claims and misconceptions. We separate fact from fiction — what AI really knows, where it gets things wrong, the genuine risks, and what it can and can't actually do.
Discover how AI can be your personal travel-planning assistant — choosing destinations, researching flights and hotels, building day-by-day itineraries, and organizing your next trip, with live demonstrations.
A friendly, jargon-free walkthrough of the iPhone and Android features that matter most — home screen, settings, texting, calling, video chatting, photos, battery and storage.
A fun, fast-paced tour of useful apps that solve everyday problems in surprising ways — from saving money and making travel easier to identifying a bird by its song. Leave with a ready-to-use list of new apps to explore.
A curiosity-driven session answering the technology questions you may have always wondered about — how Google Maps knows about traffic, how Face ID recognizes you, how AirTags locate lost items, and more — all explained with simple, everyday analogies.
A no-pressure guide to choosing the computer that actually fits your needs — RAM, storage and processors in plain English, Mac vs. Windows, laptop vs. desktop, realistic budgets, and avoiding features you don't need.
Simple, mostly free ways to help an aging computer run faster, stay organized and remain secure — updates, decluttering, startup programs, antivirus basics and backups, plus a take-home monthly maintenance checklist.
An orientation, not a debate — feel comfortable using either system through side-by-side comparisons of Windows and macOS: the desktop, taskbar vs. Dock, file organization, shortcuts and the everyday differences that matter.
A clear, jargon-free explanation of what the cloud actually is, where your files and photos are stored, and how backup, syncing and sharing work across your devices.
A practical guide to recognizing and avoiding today's most common scams — phishing emails, fraudulent calls and texts, impersonation scams, AI voice cloning and gift-card fraud — with simple habits to protect your money, accounts and personal information.
Cut through the confusion of Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ and other streaming services — what each offers, live TV vs. on-demand, streaming devices, and practical ways to get the entertainment you want without overpaying.
A plain-language guide to buying the right TV — 4K, OLED, QLED, HDR and refresh rates, plus guidance on screen size, budget and which features are worth paying for.
A practical introduction to smart speakers, plugs, lights, doorbells, thermostats, locks and cameras — how they work together, what they can do for you, and how to get started without making things complicated.
No workshops in this category yet — check back soon!
Looking for engaging, well-attended programming for your group? I bring the presentation to you — let’s find a topic your members will love.
Call or email to share your organization, audience size, and preferred dates.
Choose any workshop from the catalog above — or ask for a recommendation based on your group’s interests.
Derek brings his own laptop and materials. You only need a TV, projector, or screen when available — just let us know in advance if one isn’t.
Upfront payment confirms your appointment and means there's no awkward money moment when I arrive. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Works the same whether you choose in-home or virtual.
Pick your session — virtual or in-home — choose a time, pay securely,
and describe your issue in plain English.
I review every booking personally and may reach out to clarify before confirming.
In-home across greater St. Louis, or a one-click virtual link sent to your phone.
I explain everything as we go. You'll understand what happened — not just that it got fixed.
Plain-English written summary plus a cheat sheet for anything you might want to remember.
If any of these sounds like you — you're in exactly the right place.
"I bought a new iPhone and don't know where to start."
"My printer stopped working — again."
"I got a suspicious email and I'm not sure if it's a scam."
"My Wi-Fi works in one room but not another."
"Everyone keeps talking about AI and I have no idea what it even is."
"My computer is so slow it's driving me crazy."
"I can't remember any of my passwords and keep getting locked out."
"My phone keeps saying storage is full and I don't know what to do."
"I want to video call my grandkids but I don't know how to set it up."
"I got a pop-up saying my computer has a virus — is it real?"
"I think someone may have gotten into my account — what do I do?"
"I just got a new Smart TV and can't figure out how to set up Netflix."
I'll arrive on time and introduce myself. I'll listen to what's been frustrating you before touching anything.
I'll explain what I'm doing as I go — in plain English, not tech speak.
Before I leave I'll give you a simple written recap of what was done and anything you should know going forward.
Real reviews coming soon — this business is just getting started and I'd rather earn them than make them up.
In-home visits across St. Louis City, St. Louis County, and Jefferson County.
Virtual sessions available anywhere in the United States.
Not sure if I cover your area? Call — (314) 840-3444
Verified 5-star reviews from our Google Business Profile.
"Derek recently started Everyday Tech Help STL, and I was happy to be one of his first clients. I booked a virtual session because I needed help with my computer, and the whole process was so easy. The online booking process was simple, and I got a confirmation with all of the details right away. Derek was incredibly patient and never once made me feel silly for asking questions. He explained everything in a way that made sense. It's a relief to have someone I can call who doesn't rush me or talk down to me."
"A friend told me about Derek of Everyday Tech Help STL and Derek was extremely helpful and patient. He spent a lot of time with me and was instrumental in getting my old printer synced with my new laptop and working wireless again. I was clueless how to do it and he came through. He answered all my questions (even the stupid ones!). People who struggle to understand computers (me) greatly appreciate professionals like Derek. It's nice to know there are oases like ETH STL for people who lack the computer gene in their brains. I recommend Derek to anyone who needs help with their computer issues!"
Not ready to book yet? Have a question first? Send me a message and I'll get back to you within a few hours.
Tech support · Virtual sessions · AI presentations for individuals & groups