VAPA Computer Troubleshooter (VTS)
Your Personal, Privacy‑First Expert System for Technology Support
Most people rely on dozens of devices, services, and applications every day — yet very few people truly understand how their technology works, what data it leaks, or how to fix problems when something goes wrong. When issues appear, you are pushed toward generic help desks, scripted support, or Big Tech “solutions” that trade convenience for surveillance.
The VAPA Computer Troubleshooter (VTS) exists to change that relationship.
VTS is a personal expert system, trained on your technology and your level of technical ability. It is designed to help you understand, troubleshoot, and manage the technology you depend on — while keeping your digital privacy as the primary design constraint, not an afterthought.
Unlike typical support tools, VTS is not cloud‑dependent, not data‑hungry, and not generic. Your information stays under your control, stored locally, in human‑readable form.
What the VAPA Computer Troubleshooter Is
VTS is a DFA project built using the CARS Digital Privacy threat model and the broader Digital Freedom framework.
It functions as:
- A general technology helper for all your devices, software, and services
- A troubleshooting guide that helps you diagnose and resolve issues step by step
- A decision‑support system that helps you determine what you can do yourself — and when professional help is justified
- A privacy‑aware advisor that evaluates technical choices through the lens of surveillance, data leakage, and dependency on Big Tech
There are no artificial limits to what you can include.
You can document as much of your technology environment as you want:
- Devices (computers, phones, routers, peripherals)
- Operating systems and versions
- Software and applications
- Online services and accounts
- Your own technical comfort level and preferences
The more you document, the more precise and useful VTS becomes.
Privacy‑First by Design (Not an Afterthought)
VTS is fundamentally different from mainstream technical support tools because it does not assume trust in Big Tech.
- Your technical information can be stored locally on your own computer
- Data is structured using simple Markdown files, not opaque databases
- You decide what is documented, what stays private, and what is shared
- Nothing is automatically uploaded, logged, or retained elsewhere
Every troubleshooting response is accompanied by privacy considerations.
For example:
“Help me with this Excel formula.”
VTS can help you solve the problem — but it will also:
- Flag privacy implications of proprietary software
- Recommend privacy‑respecting alternatives
- Offer to Assist you in recreating the solution in those alternatives if you choose
Technology Help That Respects Your Limits
VTS understands that not all users are the same.
You can define:
- Your technical confidence level
- What kinds of actions you’re comfortable attempting
- What you consider “too risky” or “too complex”
Based on this, VTS:
- Adjusts how it explains things
- Chooses safer workflows when appropriate
- Helps you assess risk before making changes
When You Need a Professional
Sometimes the right answer is not to do it yourself.
When that happens, VTS produces a clear, structured technical report that you can hand to a technician or service provider.
This report:
- Describes the issue accurately
- Documents your system environment
- Identifies likely causes
- Clarifies what kind of expertise is actually required
Even when you outsource the fix, VTS still saves you time, money, and frustration by eliminating guesswork and miscommunication.
VAPA Computer Troubleshooter (VTS) – Guided Setup
Price: $1,000
Includes: Three months of Digital Freedom Coaching (DFC) support
Format: Downloadable AI Assistant for use with most AI services / LLMs
The VTS setup process follows the same disciplined, privacy‑respecting approach used across DFA projects:
- Initial Assessment
We identify the scope of technology you want support for and your technical comfort level. - System Mapping Framework
You receive structured templates to document your devices, software, and services — privately. - Custom VTS Configuration
We tailor the assistant’s behavior, priorities, and assumptions to match your reality. - Deployment
You run and maintain the assistant locally, updating it as your technology changes.
Digital Freedom Coaching Support (Included)
VTS includes three months of Digital Freedom Coaching (DFC) support.
This coaching:
- Helps you use VTS effectively
- Supports you in structuring and maintaining your technology documentation
- Provides guidance on reducing unnecessary dependencies and data exposure
- Assists with decision‑making around tools, services, and workflows
DFC focuses on practical autonomy, not abstract theory.
Bonus: Access to CARS Digital Privacy Coaching
As an added benefit, VTS clients also receive access to CARS Digital Privacy coaching resources.
This bonus coaching:
- Trains you in the CARS Digital Privacy System
- Helps you understand surveillance risks at a systemic level
- Improves your ability to evaluate technology choices long‑term
CARS is not required to use VTS — but it significantly strengthens your ability to protect your data and privacy.
In simple terms:
VTS gives you a personal expert system for technology.
Digital Freedom Coaching helps you use it well.
CARS coaching helps you understand the deeper privacy landscape.