Who's Cutefuzzy?

Hi! I'm Kay Cleaves, the geek-in-chief behind Cutefuzzy. I love computers. I've been working with them since the very first IBM PCs came to market in the early 80's. I grew up in New England and am a Brown University graduate. I've done a bit of everything since then. I've been a security officer, a stage manager, a scene shop carpenter, an electrician, a graphic designer, an accounting clerk, an accompanist, a shuttle driver and a property manager. (Phew!) These days I live on the North Side of Chicago. I'm a licensed Real Estate Broker with Baird & Warner in addition to my tech support work.

What can Cutefuzzy do?

I'm a self-taught geek with interests and experience in multiple aspects of IT work. I've built multiple computers of my own. I've set up multiple wired and wireless networks. I can support Windows, Apple and Linux-based systems. I designed my first website in 1999. I can write HTML, CSS, PHP, MySQL and am moderately capable at Javascript. I can handle Photoshop, CAD, and their open source clones. I'm fiendishly obsessed with databases. I've photographed over 700 apartments and single family homes and have shot video of over 50. I can build online communities, generate blog content and install Wordpress on your server.

Why Cutefuzzy?

I'm committed to making computers accessible and safe for everyone. This means keeping computers clean of viruses and spyware, making sure their hardware is functioning properly, securing networks, and training people how to use them properly for both work and play.

I've got an enormous love for all things internet based and always enjoy sharing new tips & tricks that I've picked up from years of online geekery. However, I believe that in order for us to communicate successfully through the web, the language must be easy to understand and welcoming to all. I try to design all of my training and my websites to be friendly, easy to understand and charmingly unique.

I love open source software, both because of its cost-effective nature and because of its role in advancing web technology.

I am familiar with many lines of work and am always ready to learn about new ones.

Thank you for visiting. I hope you'll consider Cutefuzzy as your go-to source for help with all things silicon-based!

Web Design

Cutefuzzy can do everything from the simple to the sophisticated. Below are some screenshots of sample designs. Click on the thumbnails for details!

Advanced Web Development

I'm well-versed in PHP (dynamic scripting), MySQL (database architecture), interface design, API integration and dynamic site development. Prior projects include:

• Constructed a full apartment leasing system including tracking lease expirations, "Postlets"-style Craigslist ad templating, complete back-end user-interface, user management, online application processing and online rent payments
• Converted an existing table-based site for a property management company to CSS while preserving the original look and integrating video, floorplans and advanced showing reply forms
• Implemented a full-featured redesign for a popular webcomic with several years of archives, including a new comics navigation engine, a "fill in the caption" game, eCommerce integration with CafePress and Paypal, and a fully customized bulletin board.
• Engineered a PHP/MySQL basic scoring system for tracking my own wants & needs while searching for my own condo.

Blogs, Content Management (CMS) and Bulletin Boards

If you would like to install a blog (such as Wordpress), content management system (like Drupal, Mambo or Joomla), a Bulletin Board (like Simplemachines) or maybe a photo gallery on your website? I can do any of the above, and customize them to your specifications.

I also have experience with community development. My longest-running project, SMNetwork.org, is a 3500 member community for backstage technicians that I have built from scratch starting in the year 2000.

Tech support

I can provide computer support for hardware, software and mobile devices including cell phones and Blackberries. I can provide training in most major software packages, including Microsoft Office, Dreamweaver, Photoshop, Windows, OSX, Ubuntu and Mandriva. Additional training packages available for web design, social media and internet safety.

Hardware support

I can repair most desktop computers including towers and shuttle cases. Experience includes:

• custom-built computers
• replacement of faulty memory, power supplies and motherboards
• installation of new video and sound cards, and wireless configuration
• home and small office network configuration

Software support

I can both install software and train clients in safe & effective usage of existing software. Services include:

• Virus & spyware removal
• General computer tuneups
• Installation and configuration of new software
• Software research, rollouts and training
• Operating system installation & configuration. Ask me about Hackintosh and multi-boot configurations - I love them!
• Support for Windows (ME/NT/2000/Vista/7), OSX Snow leopard, Ubuntu Linux and Mandriva
• Data recovery & backups

Training

I offer one-on-one tutoring, drop-in sessions and programmed courses in the following subjects:

• Major software packages including Microsoft Office, Adobe CS and Web browsers
• Social media marketing including Facebook Pages, Twitter, Foursquare and LinkedIn
• Mobile phone and device use including iphone, ipad and Android
• Safe and sane practices for internet usage

Photography & Video

I have been providing photography and video services to the Chicago property management industry since 2005. I've shot still photos of over 800 homes and videos of over 100. Below you will find samples of some of my best work. Click on thumbnails to enlarge.

Photos

Videos

The first video is a vacant vintage apartment. The second is a duplex-up 3 bedroom condo. The third is a Victorian single-family home, and the fourth is a classic bungalow with full audio & guided voiceover tour.

Kitchen closeup, Portrait.
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Bathroom, Portrait.
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Townhouse kitchen, Portrait.
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Unfurnished kitchen, Portrait.
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