I saw a CTV report once where they called in 20 computer techs and over 50% did not know what they were doing. I mastered Windos XP and Windows vista and fix my own problems when I have any. Most of the time I am just reloading the operating systems and backing up the files. There is a lot of waiting around for the computer to do things. Whats your experience with the computer techs? Is this a situation where they learn they come to your place and back up files and reload the operating system?
The Geek Squad and Computer repair techs, rip-offs or not?
- Thread starter HAMSTER INSPECTOR
- Start date
Generally speaking- rip off. Think of it this way, if they were any good why wouldn't they be working in an IT / Programming department as opposed to competing against what is the domain of high school kids. (Not that a great many MCSEs in IT departments are terribly competent either, they're just a step above that.)
If you're on Windows: Firewall it, virus scan it, spyware scan it, cleaning scan it, keep it up to date, and back it up. All regularly. Don't use IE, and make sure you have nothing running on start up that you can't identify (google-fu) or isn't useful. Beyond that, hope for the best. And figure out how to replace a hard disk or PCI card, etc. Experiment on a PC you replaced if you have to. You'll save big on retard fees. A computer is far simpler than a car, and you only need one screwdriver. Also, don't let the people at the store talk you into $700 in crap software. A bundle isn't a deal if you don't use the stuff.
If you're on Windows: Firewall it, virus scan it, spyware scan it, cleaning scan it, keep it up to date, and back it up. All regularly. Don't use IE, and make sure you have nothing running on start up that you can't identify (google-fu) or isn't useful. Beyond that, hope for the best. And figure out how to replace a hard disk or PCI card, etc. Experiment on a PC you replaced if you have to. You'll save big on retard fees. A computer is far simpler than a car, and you only need one screwdriver. Also, don't let the people at the store talk you into $700 in crap software. A bundle isn't a deal if you don't use the stuff.
Are you kidding me??? You have to be kidding to ask this question? These people work at FS & BS what level of training do you think someone who is paid minimum wage has let alone and what their level of eduation is 
I do this for a living. Geek squad and many techs are great for my business because i get to eventually fix their screw ups. Most have only one goal and that is to run the bill up as far as possible or get you to buy some new equipment.
I think what makes me different and better than most is that my aim is to eventually convey enough info to the client that they won't need me anymore unless there is something truly complicated and beyond their expertise to fix. It may seem strange but there are a lot of folks out there who can't add an attachment to an email, scan with their AV or defrag. I have printed matter that i leave with them that shows them how, step by step.
I have many clients who i see on a weekly or bi-monthly basis just to do their updates, run scans and back up their data. They can't be bothered learning to do it themselves. Over $1500 a month to defrag etc people's computers. I think these folks are prey for the techs and geeks who can talk them into almost anything.
Most of what i do for my clients many could do on their own.
Only thing Geek Squad and bad techs are good for .....is my business.
I think what makes me different and better than most is that my aim is to eventually convey enough info to the client that they won't need me anymore unless there is something truly complicated and beyond their expertise to fix. It may seem strange but there are a lot of folks out there who can't add an attachment to an email, scan with their AV or defrag. I have printed matter that i leave with them that shows them how, step by step.
I have many clients who i see on a weekly or bi-monthly basis just to do their updates, run scans and back up their data. They can't be bothered learning to do it themselves. Over $1500 a month to defrag etc people's computers. I think these folks are prey for the techs and geeks who can talk them into almost anything.
Most of what i do for my clients many could do on their own.
Only thing Geek Squad and bad techs are good for .....is my business.
I know one of those geek theives that conned a dentist for $15,000 worth of dental work in exchange for weekly updates and defrags of the dental office and personal computer for the dentist..................WTF! Isn't there honor amongst theives anymore?
That's risky. Dentist should have given him the gas and "accidentally" performed a root canal. Mwah-ha-ha!!!
The internet is a great source to ask for help on all sorts of topics. Terbs Tech section is a great example. I guess if you really run into bigger problems these 'experts' would be of help. But theres tons of other indy stores/techs that could do the same thing as these guys, and from what i understand much cheaper too. Gladly I never ran into such major problems to use these guys when I had windows, just that the computer got too old and/or slow.
Get a Mac, and don't worry about the rest. Made the switch almost 3 years ago, and haven't looked back... and I'm not spending any time updating virus definitions or defragging any more.
Both Firefox and Opera are considered more secure and Opera is the fastest of the three.CapitalGuy said:
Check the CanSecWest in Vancouver contest on hacking browsers. Basically, guys win $5K for hacking Browsers. IE, Safari, Firefox all went down in minutes. Chrome was still secure after a few days, although that may have more to do with it being new than anything else.Edifice said:
http://www.michaelsinsight.com/2009/03/chrome-browser-withstood-attacks-in-browser-hacking-contest.html
The original article I read said Opera went down as well, although I can't find it now. I did find a preview article that said Opera was part of the competition, so maybe it was just missed. Anyway, I've given you guys enough information to run your own searches.
Well I'm not having any problem with either FF or Opera but then I'm running them on Linux...moresex4me said:
SeaMonkey
Another browser I've been playing around with is SeaMonkey.
SeaMonkey reminds me of the old Netscape browser from ~10 yrs ago when Netscape was rated number 1. It's quick and plays video very well, at times better than all other browsers I've used.
Another browser I've been playing around with is SeaMonkey.
SeaMonkey reminds me of the old Netscape browser from ~10 yrs ago when Netscape was rated number 1. It's quick and plays video very well, at times better than all other browsers I've used.
Use Firefox. It's mainstream enough that there's plenty of help out there should you need it, it's more secure than IE, and the Tabs feature is outstanding.
You'll never go back to IE.
You'll never go back to IE.
Basically this if you're on Windows. Chrome's just not quite ripe enough, IMHO. (Opera is fine but a bit obscure says the Linux guy.)Keebler Elf said:
