Geekman to the Rescue offers a variety of computer services -- just like the big box store guys -- and the Geekman performs those services at your home or office!
The big guys can't always say that. And the big guys can't beat the Geekman's prices.
Why lug your computer all over town, when for as little as $50 an hour, the Geekman can come to your rescue!
For more details on Geekman to the Rescue's pricing versus the big guys, scroll down to browse this page or click on one of the following links to jump to a specific section:
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Pay as you go for virtually any type of computer training and support.
For most in-home computer services (also know as "house calls"), Geekman to the Rescue charges $50 per hour, with a one hour minimum charge per house call.
Some services are offered on a flat-rate basis (as noted in the chart below) and all work is discussed in advance so you will always know how much the work will cost before any work is performed.
With real estate, it's: Location, location, location!
With computers, it's: Back-up, back-up, back-up!
If you've ever lost an important document for work or had a good portion of your downloaded music collection disappear overnight, you know the importance of data back-up.
Geekman to the Rescue recommends a data back-up on a device completely separate from your computer's hard drive . . . preferably to an external hard drive used only for back-ups. You'll need an external hard drive of a size at least equivalent to the amount of data you want to back-up (including anticipated future needs), as well as at least a USB 2.0 port on your laptop or desktop. [FireWire and eSATA external drives offer greater data transfer speeds, however an equivalent FireWire or eSATA port is required on your computer.]
Of course, data can always be copied to CDs or DVDs, though this is much more time consuming and writable/rewritable discs are more susceptible to heat and moisture damage and are, therefore, not nearly as reliable (unless stored properly). You'll need a CD or DVD burner, as well as an appropriate number of discs on which to back-up your data.
The big guys charge their fees based on the amount of data being backed-up. Geekman to the Rescue charges by the hour (with a one hour minimum), so regardless of how much data you want to backed-up, Geekman only charges for the time spent at your home or office.
$50
per
hour
$199.99
per
10 GBs
of data
$229.99
per
9.4 GBs
of data
Data Migration is similar to data back-up, except that instead of backing up your data to an external hard drive or on to CDs or DVDs, your data is transferred from one computer to another.
Data Migration comes in handy when you've purchased and new computer and want to move your important documents, music, pictures, etc. on to your new system.
Perhaps you bought a new Windows Vista based laptop and want to transfer data from your Windows XP desktop computer. No problem! Geekman to the Rescue has the software and transfer cables to help you move or synchronize data between your computers.
As with Data Back-Up, the big guys charge their fees on how much data you want to transfer between your computers. The Geekman only charges for the time spent at your home or office.
$50
per
hour
$199.99
per
10 GBs
of data
$229.99
per
9.4 GBs
of data
So you got a brand new computer and now you are ready to give away your old one . . . but what about all your personal data. You're pretty sure you copied everything to your new computer, but what if you're wrong.
You've seen those techies on CSI and Law and Order pull voicemails off cell phones that have been underwater, right?
Truth is your data never really gets removed from your hard drive. When you delete a file, your computer simply changes the first character or two of your data's file name to something that lets it know that it's okay to write over this data should it need the storage space. This is one of the reasons that it is possible (though not each and every time) to recover lost data.
So, what do you do? That all depends on what you are going to do with your computer. If you are giving it to a trusted friend or family member, then you just might want to have Geekman to the Rescue do a run through of your computer to ensure that no sensitive data has been left behind, that your internet browser's cookies, history, cache, and auto-fill features have been cleared, and that the entire contents of your Windows profile have been removed.
But if you're reselling your computer to a stranger or donating it to an organization, you'll want to have the drive reformatted and ready for the installation of an operating system. (Most non-profit organization, if they accepted donations of computers, will likely want to install their own operating system anyway.)
Geekman to the Rescue can prepare your computer for resale or donation, by reformatting your computer to Department of Defense standards. Before the DOD releases any computer for reuse within another governmental department or for surplus resale, their technicians reformat the hard drives on their computers not once, not even twice or three times, but eight (8) successive times. Reformatting writes nothing but a series of zeros across every sector on your hard drive, thus removing any trace data.
Why not take that extra precaution to protect your personal information. It's not like you don't shred your mail . . . you do shred your mail, right?!?!?
The best way to get rid of viruses, spyware, adware, trojan horses, and other malware is to avoid getting them in the first place.
Geekman to the Rescue believes that everyone is entitled to a safe web browsing and computing experience free from malicious attacks via the protection of good basic virus scanning and spyware removal software. And it shouldn't cost a small fortune for this protection!
That's why Geekman to the Rescue has teamed up with two industry leaders, Grisoft and Lavasoft, to bring this important protection to you.
Now if you already have virus scanning and spyware removal software, the Geekman will make sure your programs are properly updated and run a complete scan of your system to remove and disable any threats, as well as set up your system to regularly update and scan itself.
But if your virus scanning software has expired, or if you simply don't have any (tsk, tsk!), Geekman to the Rescue will install and configure the latest free editions of both Grisoft's AVG Anti-Virus Scanner and Lavasoft's Ad-Aware, as well as run a complete scan of your system.
$75
$159.99
$229.00
Longing for the day when your computer had that proverbial "new car smell".
Well, Geekman to the Rescue can give you that fresh feeling again with a comprehensive PC Tune-Up.
The Geekman will first open up your computer's enclosure and remove all those dust bunnies that have taken up residence -- heat is one of the primary causes of hard drive and motherboard failure -- and ensure that all internal cable connections are properly seated.
Then working side-by-side with you, the Geekman will go through your system removing unnecessary and unwanted programs. Many of these unwanted programs, also known as "bloatware", are those trial software applications that most computers come with. They try to get you hooked on these programs for 30, 60 or 90 days, and then when they expire, you're constantly prompted to "buy now and save."
Well in addition to all the bloatware, you've probably downloaded a program or two that you really don't need or want. And chances are that Windows has loaded a bunch of stuff on your system that you're likely not using or even know it's there for that matter. Many of these programs (though not all) are running in the background and are an additional cause of the slowdowns you may be experiencing.
After streamlining your programs, the Geekman will then optimize your operating system by installing and configuring all updates, as well as updating the drivers for your system.
Additionally, the Geekman will update your virus scanning software and do a complete scan of your system or install, configure and do a complete run of virus scanning and malware removal software should you currently be without (see the previous section "Virus / Spyware / Malware Removal" for more details on this important feature).
Finally, after defragmenting your hard drive(s), Geekman to the Rescue will set a restore point on your system.
This is Geekman to the Rescue's most popular service!
Did you know that one of the best ways to get your computer back to its out-of-the-box condition (but this time without all the "bloat-ware" loaded on to your system) is to do a clean installation of your operating system. In fact reinstalling Windows will solve virtualyy any problem that may have arisen from viruses, spyware, malware and corrupted software.
Geekman to the Rescue will:
• Back-up all of your important data;
• Reformat your hard drive to Department of Defense standards;
• Partition the drive to separate the OS from your data*;
• Reinstall your current version of Windows;
• Install all necessary drivers for your system;
• Install virus scanning software**;
• Run a complete virus scan of your computer;
• Install all service pack updates;
• Install all necessary plug-ins for enriched internet browsing;
• Reinstall your Office Suite software*** (and all updates);
• Return your data to the hard drive;
• Defragment your computer's hard drive; and,
• Set a Windows restore point.
While a clean install can be performed at your home or office, it is very time consuming -- the average clean install can take anywhere from six to ten hours.
To keep the price reasonable, Geekman to the Rescue will pick up your computer and return it within 24 to 48 hours at no additional charge when you agree to an off-site clean install.
If you require an on-site clean install (in your home or office), the Geekman's standard hourly rate of $50 per hour will apply.
* - Partitioning only provided on drives larger than 60 GBs. [The partition for the OS and program files will take up 25 GBs; your data will be stored separately on the remaining partition. For customers with multiple hard drives: one will be used for the OS and program files, the others for data.]
** - In the absence of customer-supplied virus scanning software (with a valid license of course), Geekman to the Rescue will install the free version of Grisoft's AVG Anti-Virus Scanner.
*** - Geekman to the Rescue will reinstall your current version of Microsoft Office provided you have a valid license/key code.
Geekman to the Rescue cannot and will not install software for which a client does not have a valid license (when a license is required).
$175
You might be asking: So what's the difference between this and a "Clean Install"? And that's an excellent question.
This service, Operating System Installation, is for those who want to run two operating systems on the same machine or for those wishing to upgrade from a previous version of Windows.
Let's say you are currently running Windows XP and by-and-large you're quite happy with it. But you've heard all the hype about Windows Vista and you've seen the commercials, but you're just not sure you want to convert and commit. What if you don't like it? What if some of the negative things you've heard are true and just too much to deal with. You want to give it a try, but don't want to be stuck with something that ends up frustrating you.
This is where a dual boot situation comes in handy. You get to try out and get used to a new OS, while still enjoying your comfortable and reliable OS.
Of course you'll need your own licensed version of the new OS; plus a blank partition on you existing hard drive of at least 30 GBs or a additional blank internal hard drive.
IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT OS UPGRADING: While OS upgrade software is less expensive than the "full" version, the Geekman strongly recommends a clean install from a full version. Why bring potential problems with you from you old OS onto your new system.
$125
$229.99
$249.00
You supply the program; Geekman to the Rescue will install, configure, and update it for you.
The big guys charge a fee for each software package you may want to have installed. Geekman to the Rescue charges by the hour (with a one hour minimum), so whether you have one software package to install or a handful, Geekman only charges for the time spent at your home or office. You'll never pay more when you don't need to.
IMPORTANT NOTE: "Software Installation" is NOT the same as a "Clean Install" nor "Operating System (Windows) Installation".
Some many computers today come with very fast processor, but not nearly enough memory to keep up. After all, memory is where all the running programs (including the OS) reside once you start doing things.
Microsoft recommends a minimum of 512 MB (½ GB) just to run Windows XP . . . and that doesn't include doing anything else like surfing the web or word processing or even listening to music or watching a video.
Geekman to the Rescue recommends a minimum of 1 GB of memory for even the most casual of computer users. And because there are so many different types of memory modules, the Geekman will be happy to let you know in advance what you'll need to buy to upgrade you laptop or desktop computer.
The charge for the installation of the memory module(s) also includes up to one hour of in-home or in-office support.
$75
Service Offered
In-Store
Only
$159.00
Whether you want to add a CD or DVD burner to your system or replace an existing drive, Geekman to the Rescue can help.
The Geekman will install, configure, and update any customer-supplied compatible optical (CD or DVD) drive, as well as any software that may come bundled with your new drive.
The charge for the installation of a CD or DVD drive also includes up to one hour of in-home or in-office support.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Most DVD drives do not come with decoding software. If you are purchasing a DVD drive to watch movies, you may also have to purchase encoding-decoding software from a third-party vendor.
$75
$139.99
$159.00
So you've downloaded so much music, that now you're getting pop-up balloons telling you your running out of space on your hard drive. Sounds like it's time to install an additional hard drive.
Geekman to the Rescue will install, format (if necessary), and configure any customer-supplied compatible hard drive, as well as any software that may have come bundled with your new drive.
The charge for the installation of a hard drive also includes up to one hour of in-home or in-office support.
$75
$139.99
$159.00
Okay, you bought the latest video game only to find out after you installed it that it requires a graphics card with 256 MBs of on-board memory. Or maybe you want to be able to watch TV on your PC. So, now what do you do?
Geekman to the Rescue can assess your needs, recommend the video card that's right for you, and install any customer-supplied compatible graphics/video card - as well as any software that may have come bundled with your new card.
The charge for the installation of a graphics/video card also includes up to one hour of in-home or in-office support.
IMPORTANT NOTE: To be able to watch television on your computer you'll need a video card with a built-in TV tuner or a separate TV tuner card, as well as a coaxial connection from either your cable or satellite TV system.
$75
Service Offered
In-Store
Only
$159.00
Fancy yourself an audiophile, but wish you could get 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound on your PC? Well, you can!
Geekman to the Rescue can assess your needs, recommend the sound card that's right for you, and install any customer-supplied compatible sound card - as well as any software that may have come bundled with your new card.
The charge for the installation of a sound card also includes up to one hour of in-home or in-office support.
IMPORTANT NOTE: To get surround sound from your computer system, you'll also need a good set of PC-compatible surround sound speakers.
$75
Service Offered
In-Store
Only
$159.00
The aforementioned graphics/video and sounds/audio cards fall into the overall category of expansion cards. But there are other types of expansion cards, including USB, FireWire, and eSATA cards . . . just to name a few. Network Interface Cards (NICs), whether wired or wireless, also fall into this category.
So depending upon your needs and desires, Geekman to the Rescue can install virtually any customer-supplied expansion card, including its driver updates and any bundled software that may have come with your new card.
The charge for the installation of an expansion card also includes up to one hour of in-home or in-office support.
$75
Service Offered
In-Store
Only
$159.00
So, you got a new digital camera, but haven;t quite figured out how to get the photos from the camera to your PC. Or you bought a new color laser printer and want to share it on your small business network. Maybe you bought a color scanner, so you can convert all those childhood photographs to digital.
Whatever your needs, Geekman to the Rescue's got you covered!
The Geekman will install, configure, and update your customer-supplied peripherals and any software that may have come with your new device.
The charge for the installation of a peripheral also includes up to one hour of in-home or in-office support.
So you want to share one internet connection on all the computers in your home or small business office. And you want to be able to share files, pictures, music and video. Oh, and print from any computer too!
Geekman to the Rescue can install a wireless network for you and connect up to three computers within your home or office. (The big guys limit you to two computers.)
Of course, you will need a high speed internet connection (DSL or cable) with a modem, a wireless router, and all you computers will need to have either wireless capability built-in (as is the case with most laptop computers) or have compatible wireless cards available.
Don't know what you need, Geekman to the Rescue can assess your wireless networking needs ahead of time and make a list of components you'll need to buy before the install.
$125
(up to 3 computers,
plus $25
for each
additional)
$159.99
(up to 2 computers,
plus $49
for each
additional)
$159.00
(up to 2 computers,
plus $49
for each
additional)
Nothing says speed like a wired connection! Sure wireless is all the rage, but truth be told, you'll have a faster and more secure connection with wires than you will with wireless.
Running wires through walls and ceilings makes for a cleaner install -- who really wants a jumbled mess of wires running along baseboards and across floors. Hiding wires in walls is much more time consuming that tacking them along baseboards. It all depends on what you are willing to live with.
That said, wired installations are handled on a client-by-client basis, as no two clients will have exactly the same needs or requirements.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The client is wholly responsible for any and all plastering, dry walling, painting, or other cosmetic fixes; as well as any other non-networking problems that may arise during the installation process.
Quite often a friend or client will ask who designed the Geekman to the Rescue web site. And the honest answer is the Geekman, himself.
But the Geekman is not really a web designer. Sure he dabbles enough to have produced the very pages you are browsing; and sure he's done a few special projects for friends and family. But the Geekman believes that there are others far more talented and, dare I say, more efficient web designers.
As for web hosting, Geekman to the Rescue uses the services of one of the world's largest providers of hosting services.
Geekman to the Rescue is happy to talk about designing and hosting a web site for you or your business. And should the Geekman not be the right match for your needs, the Geekman will be even happier to point you in the right direction for both do-it-yourself and professional web design and hosting services.
Now that you know what are great value Geekman to the Rescue's services are . . .
what are you waiting for! Click the button to initiate a confidential in-home service call today!
This list is meant to serve as a guide to the variety of services offered by Geekman to the Rescue.
Pricing and availability taken directly from competitors' web sites - updated September 2007.
Often clients utilize multiple services during the same service call,
for example, "Memory Installation" and a "Clean Install".
As such, Geekman to the Rescue will provide a discount in such situations.
You will always know how much the work will cost before any work is performed.
