
Here you’ll find answers to common questions about IT support, remote maintenance, data backup, cloud solutions, networks, secure communication, websites, servers, open-source solutions, as well as Bitcoin and encryption. If you can’t find your question, feel free to contact me directly.
General Questions
You can find more about my core services on my IT Services page.
What services are included in your IT service?
My IT service includes, among other things, IT support, remote maintenance, data backup, backup solutions, cloud services, network and Wi-Fi support, secure communication, website hosting, and advice on digital assets such as Bitcoin. I support businesses and private clients with practical solutions – on-site in and around Bedburg, Bergheim, or remotely.
Do you support both private clients and businesses?
Yes, I support both private clients and small to medium-sized businesses. Personal, easy-to-understand advice without unnecessary jargon is especially important to me. Depending on your needs, I can help with a one-off issue or provide ongoing support, maintenance, and improvement of your existing IT.
Can I hire you for small projects or one-off tasks?
Yes. Not every request requires long-term support. I’m happy to help with individual projects, specific problems, or short-term questions as well.
Do you offer individual IT consulting?
Yes, I offer individual IT consulting. I look at your current situation and recommend solutions that fit your actual needs. My focus is on secure, cost-effective, and as independent as possible IT solutions, often based on open-source software.
What area do you serve?
I mainly work in and around Bedburg, Bergheim, and the Rhein-Erft district. Many requests can also be handled via remote support, so help is available regardless of location.
Do you work on-site or remotely?
Both. Many problems can be solved quickly and easily via remote support. If needed, I also come to you in person. My service area particularly covers Bedburg, Bergheim, and the surrounding region.
How quickly can I get support?
Since all requests are handled by me personally, I can’t guarantee fixed response times like a large support center. However, I always get back to you as quickly as possible and take care of your request. Smaller issues can often be resolved quickly or via remote support.
Can you take over existing systems?
Yes, existing systems can often be taken over, reviewed, and continued to be supported. I first analyze the current state, document key points, and identify potential improvements. The goal isn’t always a complete replacement, but rather a sensible, secure, and cost-effective development of your existing IT.
Can you analyze our existing IT infrastructure?
Yes. I analyze existing systems, networks, servers, data backups, and security concepts, and identify possible improvements and optimization potential.
Do you offer support with IT security assessments?
Yes. I check existing systems for security risks and provide recommendations to improve data backup, access protection, network security, and overall IT security.
Why do you rely on open-source solutions?
I rely on open-source solutions because they are transparent, independent, and often very flexible to use. Many solutions can be self-hosted, which creates more control over data, security, and costs. Open-source solutions are often a strong alternative to large commercial providers, especially for cloud, remote maintenance, communication, and network security.
What are the advantages of open source over proprietary software?
Open source offers more transparency, less dependency on individual vendors, and often lower licensing costs. The source code is openly viewable, solutions can be flexibly adapted, and many systems can be run on your own infrastructure. This is particularly interesting for clients who value data protection, control, and long-term independence.
Are you certified or do you have specific training?
I bring several years of hands-on experience supporting IT for businesses and private clients. More important to me than individual certificates is that solutions work reliably in practice and are explained clearly. If needed, I’m happy to tell you more about my professional background in a personal conversation.
What sets you apart from a classic IT systems house?
With me, you always speak directly with the person actually supporting your systems, rather than with rotating contacts or a ticketing system. This means short communication paths, fast response times, and personal, long-term support – while keeping costs manageable, since there’s no large overhead structure to fund.
IT Support & Remote Maintenance
You can find more about ongoing IT support on my IT Services page.
How does remote maintenance work?
With remote maintenance, I connect to your computer or server with your consent to analyze and fix problems directly. You can follow the entire process and end the connection at any time. Many technical problems can be solved this way quickly and easily, without needing an on-site visit.
Is remote maintenance secure?
Yes. For remote maintenance, I use RustDesk with a self-hosted server. Connections are encrypted and are not routed through the infrastructure of large third-party providers. Every remote session only takes place with your consent and can be ended by you at any time.
What problems can be solved via remote maintenance?
Many IT problems can be conveniently fixed remotely. These include, for example, software errors, system configurations, network problems, printer issues, email setup, updates, data backup, security checks, as well as general support for Windows, Linux, and server systems.
What remote maintenance software do you use?
I use RustDesk (also written as “Rust Desk”) and operate my own remote maintenance server for it. This means the connection is independent of large providers and remains under my direct control. This enables secure, reliable, and privacy-friendly remote maintenance.
Do I need to install anything on my computer?
In most cases, a small RustDesk program that you start before the session is enough. A permanent installation isn’t required for most support requests. For ongoing support, a permanent setup can also be arranged on request.
Do you offer regular maintenance?
Yes, on request I take over regular maintenance work for computers, servers, and networks. This includes updates, security checks, backup monitoring, system monitoring, and general upkeep of the IT infrastructure. This way, many problems can be detected and fixed before they affect operations.
Do you also support Apple devices and macOS?
Yes. In addition to Windows and Linux systems, I also support questions related to macOS and Apple devices, for example setup, network connectivity, data backup, or integration into an existing IT environment.
Is support available outside regular business hours?
In urgent cases, I’m also available outside usual hours. Since I handle all requests personally, please understand that I can’t guarantee 24/7 availability like a large support center. For acute emergencies, please contact me as early as possible so I can plan accordingly.
Corporate Requirements & IT Compliance
You can find more about security measures and NIS2 on my IT Security page.
What is the NIS2 Directive?
The NIS2 Directive is a European regulation aimed at improving the cybersecurity of companies and organizations. It requires certain companies to implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect their IT systems and to report security incidents.
Does the NIS2 Directive also apply to small and medium-sized businesses?
This depends on the industry, company size, and the significance of the services offered. Even companies not directly covered by NIS2 benefit from the recommended security measures, as customers, insurers, and business partners increasingly require corresponding proof.
Can you check whether my business is affected by NIS2?
Yes. Together we can assess your industry, company size, and existing security measures. This makes it possible to determine whether specific requirements apply and which measures make sense.
What IT security measures should businesses implement at a minimum?
The most important measures include regular data backups, secure passwords, multi-factor authentication, up-to-date software, network protection, access controls, emergency plans, and employee training.
Is a managing director personally liable for IT security shortcomings?
Managing directors are required to implement appropriate organizational measures to protect the company. Depending on the situation, missing security measures, inadequate data backup, or gross breaches of duty can have liability consequences. For a legal assessment, you should also consult a lawyer.
Can a missing backup become a liability risk?
Yes. If business-critical data is lost and no adequate backup measures were in place, this can cause significant financial damage. Regular, verified data backups are therefore among the most important organizational protective measures for a business.
Does my business need an emergency plan?
Yes. An emergency plan helps you be prepared for IT outages, cyberattacks, data loss, or other disruptions. It defines responsibilities, recovery processes, and measures to maintain business operations.
How can I protect my business against ransomware?
Effective protection consists of several measures. These include up-to-date systems, secure user accounts, multi-factor authentication, network segmentation, employee training, and above all, tested data backups.
What should I do after a cyberattack?
Affected systems should generally not be used further. It’s important to quickly analyze the situation, preserve evidence, assess potential reporting obligations, and restore from trustworthy backups. Depending on the incident, additional legal or data protection steps may be required.
Do you support businesses with IT security concepts?
Yes. I support the analysis of existing systems as well as the planning and implementation of practical security measures. The goal is an appropriate level of security that matches your business’s actual requirements.
Do I need to understand every technical detail as a managing director?
No. Managing directors don’t need to know every technical detail. However, you should ensure that appropriate organizational and technical measures are implemented and that risks are assessed regularly.
How often should IT security measures be reviewed?
IT security measures should be reviewed regularly, especially after major changes to the infrastructure, when new threats emerge, or at least once a year. Regular reviews help identify security gaps early.
Who is liable in the event of a cyberattack on my business?
Liability depends on the specific incident and the protective measures taken. Businesses should implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to reduce risk. For a legal assessment of a specific case, you should also consult a lawyer.
Does my business need cyber insurance?
Cyber insurance can reduce financial risks from cyberattacks, business interruptions, or data loss. However, many insurers already require certain security measures such as backups, multi-factor authentication, and up-to-date systems.
What does GDPR have to do with IT security?
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requires businesses to implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect personal data. Many classic IT security measures, such as backups, access controls, and encryption, therefore also directly contribute to meeting data protection requirements.
Servers, Linux & Self-Hosting
You can find more about servers and networks on my IT Services page.
Do you sell servers or hardware?
I’m not a classic hardware retailer. However, I’m happy to advise you on selecting suitable servers, computers, NAS systems, network devices, or other hardware. On request, I also help with procurement, setup, protection, and ongoing support.
Can I rent a server from you?
I don’t rent out classic server packages myself like a hosting provider. However, I’m happy to help you choose suitable server or hosting solutions and, on request, take care of setup, maintenance, updates, security, and data backup.
Can you administer servers remotely?
Yes, I also administer servers via remote access. This includes Linux servers, virtual servers, home servers, NAS systems, as well as various self-hosted services. Maintenance, updates, troubleshooting, and security checks can often be carried out entirely remotely.
Do you work with Linux?
Yes. I work with Linux workstations, Linux servers, and Linux-based systems. This includes setup, troubleshooting, updates, software installation, network access, data backup, and integration into existing environments. Linux is a very good foundation, especially for many open-source and server solutions.
Do you work with Linux servers?
Yes. I support installation, maintenance, security, and troubleshooting of Linux servers. This includes classic servers as well as virtual systems and container solutions.
Do you work with Proxmox?
Yes. I support installation, configuration, maintenance, and security of Proxmox systems. This includes virtual machines, containers, storage, network, data backup, and optimization of existing environments.
Do you work with Docker?
Yes. I support setting up and managing Docker containers as well as self-hosted services. This includes installation, updates, backups, reverse proxy configurations, and secure deployment of applications.
Do you work with Synology?
Yes. Synology NAS systems are among the solutions I particularly enjoy deploying and managing. They’re well suited as a central file server for small and medium-sized businesses as well as for private individuals. I support setup, user management, data backup, remote access, updates, and maintenance.
Do you help with NAS systems?
Yes. I support the selection, setup, and maintenance of NAS systems for both private individuals and businesses. This includes data backup, user management, remote access, file storage, synchronization, and security concepts.
Do you also work with Windows Server?
Yes. In addition to Linux servers, I also support setting up, maintaining, and securing Windows Server environments, for example for file shares, user management, or application servers. Which solution makes sense depends on your existing infrastructure and requirements.
Data Backup & Recovery
You can find more about backup strategies on my IT Security page.
Can you back up my data?
Yes. I support the planning, setup, and monitoring of reliable data backups. This includes local backups, NAS systems, snapshots, encrypted offsite backups, and regular checks so that data can be restored in an emergency.
How do I back up my data reliably?
A reliable data backup consists of multiple layers. In addition to local storage, important data should also be backed up at a second location. I rely on proven backup concepts with automated backups, encrypted transmission, and regular verification of the backups. This keeps your data protected even in the event of hardware failure, user error, or malware.
What backup solution do you recommend for small and medium-sized businesses?
For small and medium-sized businesses, I often recommend Synology NAS systems as a central file server. These offer reliable file storage, flexible user management, and extensive backup options. This is complemented by encrypted offsite backups in German data centers, so your data stays protected even in the event of a total on-site failure.
Can backups be created automatically?
Yes. Modern backup solutions work fully automated. Depending on your needs, data backups can be performed daily, several times a day, or according to a custom schedule. This ensures that current data is backed up regularly without any manual intervention.
How often should a data backup be performed?
The optimal frequency depends on how often your data changes. Daily backups are sufficient for many businesses. For particularly important or frequently changed data, backups can also be performed several times a day. Together, we determine the backup concept that best fits your requirements.
Are my backups encrypted?
Yes. The offsite backups I use are transmitted and stored encrypted. This keeps your data protected from unauthorized access even outside your business. The backups are stored in German data centers and can only be restored with the corresponding keys.
Can deleted files be recovered?
Yes. Through the use of snapshots and backup versions, deleted or accidentally changed files can often be restored quickly. Depending on the situation, individual files, folders, or even entire datasets can be reset to an earlier state.
Is RAID a backup?
No. RAID primarily protects against the failure of a single hard drive but does not replace a data backup. If files are accidentally deleted, encrypted by malware, or corrupted, those changes are also present on the RAID. That’s why I combine RAID systems with snapshots and additional encrypted backups in external data centers.
Do you review existing backup concepts?
Yes. I review existing backup solutions for completeness, reliability, and recoverability. This doesn’t just check whether backups are being created, but also whether they would actually work in an emergency. Regular integrity checks are an important part of a reliable backup concept.
How long does a data recovery take?
The duration depends on the amount of data and the type of incident. Individual files can often be restored within minutes. For larger datasets or entire systems, recovery can take correspondingly longer. However, local snapshots and additional offsite backups provide several recovery options.
What is the 3-2-1 backup rule?
The 3-2-1 rule is a proven basic principle of data backup: at least three copies of the data, on at least two different types of storage media, with at least one copy stored off-site. This principle also underlies the backup concepts I set up for clients.
Are your backups protected against ransomware?
Yes. Through immutable snapshots and separate, encrypted offsite backups, it’s ensured that a ransomware infection on the main system doesn’t automatically make the backups unusable as well. This means a clean copy remains available for recovery in an emergency.
Cloud & Collaboration
You can find more about your own business cloud on my Cloud Solutions page.
Can you set up my own cloud?
Yes. I set up private and business cloud solutions where your data stays under your control. Depending on requirements, I use Synology DiskStations, Nextcloud environments, or your own Linux servers.
Do you work with Nextcloud?
Yes. I support planning, installation, maintenance, and security of Nextcloud environments (Nextcloud is sometimes also written as “Next Cloud”). Nextcloud is particularly suitable when files, calendars, contacts, and collaboration are meant to run on your own or a controlled infrastructure.
What cloud solutions do you offer?
I prefer private and business cloud solutions where your data stays under your control. Synology DiskStations are often used as a personal or business cloud. For larger requirements, Nextcloud environments on dedicated Linux servers can also be deployed. The goal is a secure, reliable, and independent alternative to well-known cloud providers.
Can you set up your own cloud instead of Google Drive or OneDrive?
Yes. Your own cloud lets you manage files, photos, documents, calendars, and contacts independently of large corporations. Depending on your requirements, I use either a Synology DiskStation or a Nextcloud solution on a dedicated server. This keeps you in control of your data and lets you decide where it’s stored.
Where is the data stored?
The actual data is usually stored locally at your business or on your own hardware. Additionally, encrypted offsite backups can be stored in German data centers, for example at Hetzner in Falkenstein or Nuremberg. This keeps your data protected even in the event of a hardware failure or other emergency.
Are your cloud solutions GDPR-compliant?
The solutions I use can be operated in a GDPR-compliant way, since your data is stored on your own infrastructure or in German data centers. Unlike many international cloud services, you stay in control of where your data is stored and who has access to it.
Can I securely access my data while on the go?
Yes. You can access your cloud while on the go as well. Secure connections and modern encryption methods are used so that data isn’t transmitted unprotected over the internet. This means you can access your files whether you’re working from home, traveling, or at a client’s office.
Do you support shared calendars and contacts?
Yes. Depending on the solution used, shared calendars, address books, and task lists can be set up. This allows appointments and contacts to be managed centrally and synchronized across devices, without relying on services from large providers.
Can multiple users access files at the same time?
Yes. Multiple users can access files and folders simultaneously. Individual permissions can be assigned so that each employee only sees the data they’re authorized to see. This enables simple and secure teamwork.
What are the advantages of your own cloud compared to commercial cloud providers?
The biggest advantage is control over your own data. You decide where your data is stored and who can access it. In addition, self-hosted cloud solutions often offer more privacy, less dependency on individual providers, and better adaptability to individual requirements. This can mean more security and independence in the long run, especially for businesses.
Synology or Nextcloud – which solution is right for me?
For many small businesses and private users, a Synology DiskStation is the most cost-effective and, at the same time, a very capable solution. It provides file storage, synchronization, user management, calendars, contacts, and data backup in one system. Nextcloud on a dedicated Linux server offers additional flexibility but usually involves higher acquisition and maintenance costs. Which solution makes more sense depends on individual requirements and is assessed together.
Can I access my own cloud from my smartphone?
Yes. Both Synology and Nextcloud solutions offer dedicated mobile apps for iOS and Android. This lets you securely retrieve and sync files, photos, calendars, and contacts on the go, without relying on a commercial cloud provider.
Networks, Wi-Fi & VPN
You can find more about secure VPN connections on my Specialized Solutions page.
Do you help with Wi-Fi and network problems?
Yes. I help with planning, setup, optimization, and troubleshooting of networks, Wi-Fi, routers, switches, and internet connections – both at home and in a business environment.
Can you optimize my home or business network?
Yes. I analyze existing networks and identify weaknesses, bottlenecks, and security risks. The goal is a stable, secure, and high-performing network environment that fits your requirements. Both home networks and business networks can be optimized and expanded.
Can you set up home office access?
Yes. I set up secure access for home office (also written as “homeoffice”) and mobile work. This includes VPN connections, secure file storage, user permissions, encrypted communication, and protection against unwanted access.
Do you support VPN?
Yes. I set up secure VPN connections for individuals, employees, and entire office locations. This allows employees to securely access shared resources such as files, applications, or internal services from home or on the go.
Do you support WireGuard?
Yes. I prefer modern VPN technologies such as WireGuard (also written as “Wire Guard”). WireGuard is lightweight, fast, and very well suited for secure connections between individual devices, employees, locations, or servers.
Do you support VLANs and separated networks?
Yes. Using VLANs, different areas of a network can be cleanly separated from each other. For example, employees, servers, guest Wi-Fi, IoT devices, or surveillance systems can be run in separate network segments. This increases security and significantly simplifies management.
What firewall solutions do you recommend?
The right firewall depends on your specific requirements. For small and medium-sized businesses, I often rely on capable open-source solutions like OPNsense. These offer extensive security features, VPN connections, network segmentation, and a high degree of flexibility at comparatively low cost.
Do you work with OPNsense?
Yes. I work with OPNsense (also written as “OPN Sense”) and support planning, setup, migration, maintenance, and troubleshooting. OPNsense is particularly well suited for firewalls, VPN connections, network segmentation, and professional security concepts built on open source.
Do you work with OpenWrt?
Yes. I work with OpenWrt (also written as “Open Wrt”) and support setup, configuration, Wi-Fi optimization, VPN, firewall rules, and network segmentation. OpenWrt provides a flexible foundation for powerful router and network solutions.
Can multiple locations be securely connected to each other?
Yes. Multiple locations can be connected via encrypted site-to-site connections. This allows employees at different locations to securely access shared data, applications, and systems as if they were on the same network.
Do you take over maintenance of existing networks?
Yes. I take over the support and maintenance of existing networks, regardless of whether they were originally set up by me. This includes updates, security checks, troubleshooting, optimizations, and expanding existing infrastructure.
Can employees access company data from home?
Yes. Through secure VPN connections, employees can connect to the company network from home or on the go. Depending on their permissions, files, network drives, internal applications, and other company resources are available without needing to be publicly accessible on the internet.
How secure are your VPN solutions?
For VPN connections, I rely on modern encryption methods and secure authentication. I also operate my own NetBird (also written as “Net Bird”) relay server, so connections don’t need to run through the infrastructure of large third-party providers. VPN access is set up individually and kept separate, so each user can only access the resources assigned to them.
How safe is it to use public Wi-Fi?
Public Wi-Fi, for example in cafés or hotels, is generally less secure than your own network, since traffic can potentially be intercepted. A VPN connection to your own server significantly reduces this risk, as it encrypts your traffic.
Do you set up mesh Wi-Fi systems?
Yes. For seamless Wi-Fi coverage across multiple rooms or floors, I also set up mesh Wi-Fi systems, both for homes and businesses. I also make sure the setup is configured securely with sensible network segmentation.
Secure Communication
You can find more about privacy-friendly messengers on my Communication page.
Do you offer secure communication solutions for businesses?
Yes. I set up privacy-friendly messenger and video conferencing solutions for businesses, often based on Matrix and self-hosted servers. This keeps messages and user data under the company’s control, rather than on third-party infrastructure.
Why shouldn’t I just use WhatsApp or Zoom for my business?
With WhatsApp, Zoom, and similar services, contact data and content run through servers outside your own control, often outside the EU. This can be problematic from a data protection standpoint and also means that sensitive business information is entrusted to a third-party provider. Self-hosted solutions offer more control here, without employees having to give up the usability they’re used to.
What messengers do you recommend for personal use?
For private individuals, I often recommend Signal or Matrix as privacy-friendly alternatives to WhatsApp. Both offer end-to-end encryption, with Matrix additionally allowing you to run your own server and communicate even more independently.
Can you set up video conferencing for my business?
Yes. I set up privacy-friendly video conferencing solutions that run on your own infrastructure. This removes the dependency on large commercial providers, keeping sensitive conversations within your own control.
Websites, Hosting & Email
You can find more about hosting and email on my Web & Hosting page.
Do you create or manage websites?
Yes. I support the creation, maintenance, hosting, updates, and security of websites. This especially includes WordPress websites for businesses, associations, and private individuals.
Can you host my website?
Yes. I support website hosting and manage suitable hosting environments. This includes setup, updates, security, backups, technical maintenance, and, on request, migration of existing websites.
Do you offer WordPress hosting?
Yes. I support hosting, maintenance, updates, security, and optimization of WordPress websites. On request, I also handle migrating existing websites.
Can you move an existing website?
Yes. I support moving existing websites to new hosting platforms or servers. This takes data, emails, domains, and security aspects into account.
Can you set up email accounts?
Yes. I support setting up professional email accounts, domains, forwarding, spam protection, and integration into email programs or mobile devices. Depending on the hosting solution, email addresses can be set up to match your own domain.
How does setting up an AI chatbot work?
Setting up an AI chatbot involves several steps. First, we discuss together what tasks the chatbot should handle and what information it needs to know. The chatbot is then equipped with the relevant content from your website, documentation, or frequently asked questions.
After that, the technical integration into your WordPress website takes place. The chatbot is adapted to your design and thoroughly tested. Before publishing, answers, wording, and functions can be individually adjusted.
Depending on the scope, a simple chatbot is often ready to use within a few days. Even after setup, content can be expanded, adjusted, and optimized so the chatbot grows along with your business.
Do I need to train the chatbot myself?
No. I handle the technical setup and initial configuration for you. Existing content such as your website, product information, documentation, or FAQ sections can be used as a knowledge base. This minimizes the effort required from you, and the chatbot can be put to productive use quickly. New content can always be added later.
Why should I have my website analyzed?
A website analysis helps you understand how visitors use your website. You can see which content is particularly popular, how users find your site, and where optimizations make sense. This lets you specifically improve your website and make it more successful.
What information do I get from a website analysis?
You get a clear overview of statistics for your website. This includes visitor numbers, popular pages, visitor origin, devices used, and traffic sources. All important information is presented clearly in a dashboard.
Is the website analysis privacy-friendly and GDPR-compliant?
Yes. The website analysis is set up in a privacy-friendly way and enables meaningful evaluations without collecting unnecessary personal data from visitors. You stay in control of your data while still gaining important insights.
Do you also take care of SSL certificates for my website?
Yes. Every website I manage is secured with a valid SSL certificate, so the connection is encrypted and visitors don’t see any security warnings in their browser. I automatically handle certificate renewal as part of ongoing maintenance.
How long does it take to create a landing page?
This depends on the scope and desired content. A lean landing page can often be implemented within a few days to weeks once the content and text are available. After a brief discussion of your project, I can give you a realistic time estimate.
Bitcoin, Encryption & Digital Assets Guide
You can find more about Bitcoin payments and encryption for businesses on my Specialized Solutions page.
Do you offer advice on Bitcoin?
Yes. I support private individuals and businesses with questions related to Bitcoin, wallets, self-custody, security, and practical use. The goal is a clear and secure introduction to the topic.
Do you also offer general encryption consulting, independent of Bitcoin?
Yes. Encryption is my second personal specialty alongside Bitcoin. I help you make targeted use of encryption to protect sensitive data, emails, and documents – regardless of whether there’s any connection to Bitcoin.
What does your Bitcoin consulting include?
I support private individuals and businesses in using Bitcoin securely. This includes advice on secure custody, wallet setup, backup strategies, protection against fraud, Bitcoin payments for businesses, and the technical implementation of individual requirements.
Do you support Bitcoin Lightning?
Yes. I support questions related to the Lightning Network, wallets, payments, and the technical integration of Bitcoin and Lightning solutions. This also includes advising on whether Lightning makes sense for your particular use case.
Do you help businesses introduce Bitcoin payments?
Yes. I support businesses in introducing Bitcoin and Lightning payments – from initial consulting to technical implementation. Together, we check which solution makes sense for your particular use case and how Bitcoin payments can be safely and easily integrated into existing workflows.
Do I need prior knowledge of Bitcoin?
No. The consulting is aimed at both beginners and experienced users. Technical concepts are explained clearly, and implementation happens step by step.
Do you help select and set up a Bitcoin wallet?
Yes. Together we find a wallet solution that fits your requirements. I take security, usability, and intended use into account. Setup is done together and in an understandable way.
Can you help me buy Bitcoin securely?
Yes. I explain how Bitcoin can be purchased through reputable channels and what to look out for regarding exchanges, fees, security, and identity verification. Of course, the decision to buy or sell remains entirely yours.
Do you support hardware wallets?
Yes. I support selecting, setting up, and securing hardware wallets. The goal is secure storage of private keys and clear documentation of the backup process.
How secure is storing Bitcoin?
Security largely depends on how the private keys are stored. With a suitable wallet, secure backups, and thorough documentation, risks can be significantly reduced. Secure storage and protection against loss or fraud is an important part of my consulting.
What happens to my Bitcoin in an emergency?
Estate planning is a topic that’s often overlooked. Together, we can develop strategies so that family members or authorized individuals can access the assets in an emergency, without compromising day-to-day security.
Can businesses convert Bitcoin to euros immediately?
Yes. Depending on the solution used, Bitcoin payments can be automatically converted into euros. This helps avoid price fluctuations while still allowing you to accept Bitcoin as an additional payment method.
Is Bitcoin legal in Germany?
Yes. Owning, buying, and accepting Bitcoin as a means of payment is generally legal in Germany. However, tax treatment depends on the specific use case. For tax questions, you should also consult a tax advisor.
How is Bitcoin taxed?
The exact tax treatment depends on your individual situation, for example the holding period and whether the Bitcoin is held privately or for business purposes. I can help with technical documentation of transactions, but for a binding tax assessment you should always consult a tax advisor.
Do I need my own Bitcoin node?
For many beginners, a dedicated node isn’t necessary at first. However, if you value maximum independence, privacy, and direct use of the Bitcoin network, you can benefit from running your own node. I’m happy to advise whether a dedicated node makes sense for your use case.
Can you help me store Bitcoin securely?
Yes. Secure storage of Bitcoin is one of the most important parts of my consulting. Together we choose a suitable wallet solution and discuss sensible backup strategies, so your Bitcoin can be safely stored for the long term.
Can you also set up your own Bitcoin node?
Yes. In addition to classic IT services, I also support setting up your own Bitcoin full node for more privacy, independence, and control over your own Bitcoin transactions. I prefer modern self-hosting solutions such as Umbrel or Start9 / StartOS (also written as “Start OS”), which offer convenient management of Bitcoin, Lightning, and other self-hosted services.
Depending on your requirements, the node can run on a dedicated mini PC, a capable home server, or even virtualized under Proxmox. Especially with existing server hardware, a professional virtualization solution is a good option to cleanly separate and flexibly manage Bitcoin Core, Lightning, Electrum servers, Mempool Explorer, and other services. Umbrel and StartOS can also run on x86 hardware and corresponding virtualization environments.
Possible services include:
- Planning and selecting suitable hardware
- Installing Umbrel or StartOS
- Setting up a Bitcoin full node
- Configuring the Lightning Network (LND)
- Connecting hardware wallets (e.g., Coldcard, Trezor, BitBox, or Ledger)
- Setting up Electrum servers and Mempool Explorer
- Running on Proxmox servers and virtualization platforms
- Backup, security, and monitoring concepts
- Support with remote access and private wallet connections
The goal is a sovereign, privacy-friendly Bitcoin infrastructure where you don’t have to rely on third-party servers and your wallet communicates directly with your own node.
Note: Setup is provided exclusively for legal applications in the areas of Bitcoin self-hosting, privacy, and digital sovereignty. No investment or financial advice is provided.
Do you also support email encryption with PGP?
Yes. I support setting up email encryption, for example using PGP. This allows emails to be encrypted so that only the intended recipient can read them – an important building block when sensitive information needs to be exchanged by email.
Can you encrypt hard drives or entire devices?
Yes. I set up hard drive and device encryption for laptops, computers, and external storage media. This keeps your data protected from unauthorized access even if the device is lost or stolen.
Security Smartphone (GrapheneOS)
What is GrapheneOS (Graphene OS) and who is it suitable for?
GrapheneOS (also written as “Graphene OS”) is a particularly privacy-friendly, open-source operating system for Google Pixel smartphones that doesn’t rely on the usual Google services. It’s suitable for anyone who wants more control over what data their smartphone collects and shares. I set up GrapheneOS devices and guide private individuals through the switch when they value privacy.
Will I lose important app functionality with GrapheneOS (Graphene OS)?
In most cases, no. Most common apps can still be installed and used on GrapheneOS, in some cases via an optional, sandboxed Google Play environment that you can activate as needed. I discuss with you beforehand which apps you need, so the switch goes smoothly.
Costs & Working Together
What’s the best way to reach you?
You can reach me anytime by email at info@it-service-commander.de or by phone at 02272 / 9774010. Feel free to send a request directly through my website as well. Additional ways to reach me include Signal and Matrix. Links to these can be found at the top of my website in the menu.
What does your support cost?
Costs depend on the specific project or problem. After a brief description of your request, I can usually estimate the effort involved and put together an individual quote for you.
What does IT support cost?
Costs depend on the scope and type of task. Smaller problems can often be resolved quickly via remote support, while larger projects require more planning and implementation. After an initial analysis, you’ll receive a transparent estimate of the expected costs.
Do you charge by the hour or with flat rates?
Both are possible. I often bill smaller jobs and short-term support requests by the hour. For larger projects and recurring services, I prefer individual flat rates. For many clients, flat-rate offers are more cost-effective, since they often already include planning, preparation, documentation, and other services.
Do you offer maintenance contracts?
Yes. For businesses, I offer individual maintenance and service contracts. These can, for example, include regular support for servers, networks, data backups, cloud solutions, or security updates. The exact scope of services is tailored to your specific requirements.
Do you create individual quotes?
Yes. Every quote is created individually and carefully. I take into account your existing infrastructure, desired goals, and technical requirements. This gives you a solution that fits your business and your budget.
Is there a free initial consultation?
Yes. The initial consultation is free. Depending on the project scope, it can take place by phone, video call, or in person. Together, we discuss your requirements, possible approaches, and the expected effort.
How does working together work?
At the start, I analyze your requirements and existing IT infrastructure. You then receive a recommendation and an individual quote. Once you approve it, I implement the agreed measures. After the project is complete, I’m still available for support, maintenance, and further development.
How is remote support billed?
Remote support is billed according to the type and scope of the work. Smaller support requests are usually billed by the hour. Different arrangements may apply for clients with maintenance contracts or agreed service packages. Billing is always transparent and easy to follow.
Do I have to sign a maintenance contract?
No. Many services can also be requested without an ongoing contract. Maintenance contracts are especially useful for businesses that want regular support, fast assistance, and continuous monitoring of their IT infrastructure.
How can I cancel a maintenance contract?
The exact notice periods are set out individually in the respective contract and communicated to you transparently before the contract begins. As a rule, fair, short-term cancellation options are provided so you’re not tied in long-term if your requirements change.
How and when will I receive an invoice?
Invoices are issued depending on the type of service – either after a project is completed, monthly for ongoing maintenance contracts, or according to agreed milestones. Billing is always transparent and clearly itemized, listing the services provided.
