It was twenty years ago that Jeff Yuan immigrated to San Francisco from Guang Zhou in the southern part of China near Hong Kong. At that time, he had a great deal of interest in computers but there were some obstacles.

“Before I left, computers were not that popular in China. We had old IBM computers.”

Shortly after Jeff’s arrival in San Francisco, he began a computer training program at Heald College, just as the high tech industry was beginning its boom. This piqued Jeff’s curiosity and intellect and he quickly became proficient in programming, computer repairs and implementing network systems.

Fourteen years ago, Jeff and his silent business partner launched NEWDIGIT Computer Shop on Irving Street. Jeff enjoys his work, the friendliness of the neighborhood and a challenge.

“If I can fix something, I can help people. I keep learning from different computer problems. I like to play with computers and I use my knowledge to serve people.”

This past January, I upgraded from a clunky antiquated desktop to a slim and sleek lap top. But I was scared. Jeff transferred three years of my short stories and gave me the disc. I looked at the disc, amazed that all my stories were there and put the disc aside. I figured, I’d save the transfer process for an idle Saturday afternoon but I was still scared.

Two months later, I inserted the disc and it was blank. I returned to NEWDIGIT with my blank disc. I flailed my arms in panic and hysteria. This was my Memoir. Jeff has the ability to remain exceedingly calm. Jeff placed the disc in several different computers and still the disc was blank.

My heartbeat could be heard and I began to sweat.

“Leave it here and I’ll see what I can do.”

I became more fearful.

An hour later, Jeff knocked on my door and said,

“All your documents are here.”

He handed me another disc. Apparently the disc was extremely sensitive. All the new computers were unable to read the disc. Jeff put the disc into one of his oldest computers. The disc could be read and he burned another copy.

“It was a compatibility issue. The hardware was different.”

He seems to truly enjoy tinkering and exploration.

I was profoundly grateful and exuberant. My decibel could match a lottery winner or at least a Publisher’s Clearing House winner.

Jeff is a quiet and modest man.

“I do my best.”

Other business owners have offered him advice.

“People have said I could charge more than I do. Other computer repair shops charge $150 to clean up a virus. I charge less than $100. I like our neighborhood and want to keep my prices reasonable. I want people to be comfortable and solve their problems.”

I have been comforted.

NEXT WEEK: I’LL INTRODUCE YOU TO ALYSON FROM ARCHANGEL BOOKS.