topic Cost of getting computer help in your area in Electronics

Cost of getting computer help in your area

bonnielu — Sun, 23 Apr 2017 23:01:58 GMT

Without ranting about how I was treated this weekend, I am looking for a new computer person (tech) to come to my house and help with problems when they occur. I am fairly intuitive so I have been able to do things on my own but when a problem arises and I need help I need to have someone to call. I am wondering what the going hourly rate might be but after being badly burned I don't want to have a repeat incident. I may have found someone but I want to start off with clear guidelines.

Re: Cost of getting computer help in your area

Kachina624 — Sun, 23 Apr 2017 23:20:09 GMT

I've never had a computer problem that couldn't be fixed over the phone during a session with tech support at the appropriate location. I'm certainly not the most computer savvy person, being self-taught, but I can listen and follow instructions. Several times people here have offered advice that enabled me to correct a problem. I don't know anyone who has a visiting tech come to their house.

Re: Cost of getting computer help in your area

NicksmomESQ — Sun, 23 Apr 2017 23:14:38 GMT

@bonnielu On rare occasion when I need to call my tech guy his rate is $85 an hour.But there have been times when he worked for 3 hours & only charged me for 2.I've used him for about 13 years since he was a college kid.Now he owns his own tech business.

How much did you pay?

Re: Cost of getting computer help in your area

Wannabeincali — Mon, 24 Apr 2017 00:16:50 GMT

@bonnielu

I use GEEK SQUAD! They are great!

What types of computer issues do you most often need help with?

Do you have a pc? Or a mac?

Do you need help with the operating system problems, viruses, slow running computer?

Or, do you need help with specific software issues? Such as Microsoft WORD, EXCEL, Photoshop, etc?

IF you have a pc, and are needing operating system help and fixes, and virus removal help, then I can highly reccommend GEEK SQUAD! Go to their website and sign up. They have various programs. The one I have is for ONLINE TECH SUPPORT, but for a small fee, I can also bring my pc or laptop into a BestBuy to get worked on IF they are unable to fix it online.

We have GeekSquad on ALL of our pc and laptops. It is soooooooo easy! You just go to their site and log into your account. Then click on the link to CONNECT TO AN AGENT. You chat online, telling them the issues you are having. Theymwill habe the tech REMOTELY CONNECT TO YOUR COMPUTER, and they fix whatever is wrong! It is great. You do not have to hang around while they work...just go about your day. I DO give the Agent instructions for the Tech to CALL ME if there are any issues. You will need to be logged on to your ADMIN account on your computer, and you will need to plug in your passworkd for them to access. You can always change it later, but I have never had any issues with them. We have had the service for over 5 years. You also get VIRUS PROOTECTION (Webroot, cloud based) with your Geek Squad account. I believe you can use your basic account on up to 3 computers.

After many HELLACIOUS years of dealing with horrible techs at Dell and Gateway, let me tell you.... GeekSquad is a dream!!

I honestly cannot remember how much it cost to sign up....I want to say $90? BUT, the monthly fee after that is nominal. I think it is under $10 per month, so $120 per year. I think for covering 3 computers and virus protection, that is a super deal vs what you pay for a one time in home visit.

Btw, I think they do have an in home visit service as well. Ask!

****

If you have a mac, I am not sure GeekSquad covoers those. ASK.

I also do not think they cover software issues. They may be able to help with reinstalls? Not sure. Ask them.

I hope this helps some!

Re: Cost of getting computer help in your area

bonnielu — Mon, 24 Apr 2017 01:18:31 GMT

I have two PC's and just got two new ones. But they were old. I have had this tech since he was a teenager. He was a great guy, once. But he has gotten "not so nice." It is not his hourly rate, it is the time he stays and completes and task and then finds a way to charge me for everything and then complains when something goes wrong that he is responsible for. I was his target for his frustration and he really showed bad manners and literally exploded and used violent speech by my standard. In other words as a customer I AM WRONG no matter what and I OWE HIM. Once something is done there is no support unless I pay. And should I even ask a question he is annoyed.

I will look into Geek Squad and hopefully there will be some good feelings that I can relate to.

Re: Cost of getting computer help in your area

phoenixbrd — Mon, 18 Sep 2017 14:36:21 GMT

Don't use the Best Buy "techs" (Geek Squad?).....When I was in grad school and my computer crashed, I called Best Buy and they came to my house and charged me more than my computer was worth...could have bought a new one. It was a Dell; now I purchase only Apple products. I was desperate to complete a paper or I never would have completed the transaction.

Re: Cost of getting computer help in your area

gardenman — Mon, 24 Apr 2017 12:00:14 GMT

For the vast majority of problems, if you just do a Google search clearly stating the problem, you can find the answer for free. Computer hardware is generally very reliable. I've only had two failed power supplies and one failed optical drive in over 20 years of computing. Viruses and malware pretty much have to be invited in these days as the operating systems are now pretty much ironclad. Whatever problem you're having, someone else likely had it before you, found a solution and posted it online.

Re: Cost of getting computer help in your area

Nuttmeg — Mon, 24 Apr 2017 14:48:06 GMT

@phoenixbrd wrote:
Don't use the Best Buy "techs" (Geek Squad?).....When I was in grad school and my computer crashed, I called Best Buy and they came to my house and charged me more than my computer was worth...could have bought a new one. I was desperate to complete a paper or I never would have completed the transaction.

A friend paid $300 to have malware removed from a computer in her home. This was with the Geek Squad. It was a 5 minute job.

Re: Cost of getting computer help in your area

depglass — Mon, 24 Apr 2017 14:54:43 GMT

We have laptops so when I get stumped I take it in and they usually charge me only $29.00, period. Benefit of living in a small town, I guess.

Re: Cost of getting computer help in your area

Nuttmeg — Mon, 24 Apr 2017 14:55:05 GMT

Please make sure you important data photos etc are backup.

Re: Cost of getting computer help in your area

dooBdoo — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 13:52:55 GMT

@bonnielu, I've spent most of my life working in the tech community so I don't use local tech support. From the experience of others, however, I'd say the quality of and price of good support is going to vary widely from one geographic location to another. (Just as you see with the variety of comments on this thread about the Geek Squad -- I know people who received great service from them, others who were not treated well.) Sometimes a local university or community college can provide good references for reliable support, so you might try a call or two to their computer departments. Just be sure if you give anyone access to your device you've made sure they have good references and are clear, up front, about their knowledge base, experience, prices, follow-up support, that sort of thing. For the most part, as others have said, it's good for all of us to take time and familiarize ourselves with the devices and software we use -- and the internet, and the good folks here on the Q forums, can be wonderful help. I wish you the best.

Re: Cost of getting computer help in your area

Wannabeincali — Mon, 24 Apr 2017 21:44:48 GMT

@bonnielu

Wow. Where to start?

First off, I am so sorry to hear how you were treated!! That is inexcusable, and it sounds to me as though that computer tech is unstable! At the very least, he was verbally abusive. I do not know how old you are, nor if you are a male or a female, but I have had neighbors and friends (an elderly male neighbor, and another who is a single mother, close friend of mine) go through similarly scary situations with service people in their homes. Please be careful. Honestly, I do not think you should allow that jerk to fix your computer anymore. You never know how the next visit might escalate.

A poster said it cost a friend of theirs $300 to remove malware from a computer, from Geek Squad? Huh?? It is only a $99.00 setup fee, plus a $9.99/month for service online, via a remote tech! ??? I do not know where this $300 for 5 min charge is coming from. ?? GeekSquad ONLINE REMOTE TECH SUPPORT is what I posted about. Maybe their friend had IN-home service? I do not know.

I do NOT understand the negative comments, nor experiences, that some here are saying they have had from Geek Squad. I am not afilliated with them so I have no reason to give them a fake positive review. I swear on a stack of bibles that OUR experiences with GS over the past several years, has been wonderful! I am speaking about their ONLINE TECH SUPPORT, which they do remotely, not an in home service call. My GS service contract also includes in store repairs, and I can see where that service may depend on the employees at members' local stores. We have only had to take one computer into the BestBuy store to be worked on. That happened years ago. We paid a nominal fee to have it serviced there. I think it was $40? The motherboard was fried, so nothing could be done on that laptop. Aside from that, the ONLINE remote tech support has been excellent. I am sorry that others seem to have had bad experiences, but I have only HIGH praise for Geek Squad.

Prices:

The current price for 24/7 ONLINE Tech Support is only a $99.99 set up fee, plus a $9.99/mo credit card charge. So, figure around $220 for the FIRST YEAR ONLY. After year 1, it is just the $9.99/mo. I think that is what we pay....maybe $12/mo? This includes the virus protection. And I think they now cover tablets...but that may be in store only.

You get a discount if you sign up for a full year and pay at once.

Info From their site:

Internet Security software is included at no extra charge.

Plans-1Yr $199.992yrs $279.993 yrs. $349.99

If you want to sign up, I suggest you sign up for the month to month plan only! I think you can cancel at any time on the month to month. This way, if you want to cancel, you only lose $100 or so, NOT $200 for that entire pre paid year.

INFO:

I wish I could just post the link, but qvc might delete my post, aaaargh!

So, I will try to guide you to the post.

1. Go to the GeekSquad site.Type the GeekSquad web address into the url bar .It will automatically redirect you to the best buy site.

2. Once at the site, scroll down and select the COMPUTERS & TABLET icon. You will be taken to the COMPUTER AND TABLET SERVICES page.

3. Scroll down to the 2nd pic (showing a white guy and a black guy by their computers).Click on the link under the photo. The link says: GET GEEK SQUAD 24/7 SUPPORT. Click the link. It will take you to a page called: NEED TECH SUPPORT? You will see a pic of those same 2 guys.

On this page, you will see ALL of the info regarding what your GeekSquad Service will entitle you to. There is even a button further down the page, where you can CHAT WITH AN AGENT. It is a BRIGHT YELLOW BUTTON BAR, you cannot miss it.

Right below that button, is a tel number you can call. If you chat or call, ask all the questions you want. Do NOT feel pressured to sign up. But DO have all your questions written down so that you do not forget anything! Also, ASK if the service includes in store service. Ask what it covers, and the charges, etc.

NOTE:I think you will love GeekSquad, provided your computer is up to date with its OPERATING SYSTEM. It is so nice to just get on chat, tell them the issue, and then let the tech connect to your computer and fix it. Done! There is limit on calls, nor any extra charge per issue! Your monthly fee covers it. Again, this is a service to FIX computer problems. It is NOT a tutorial. They will NOT teach you how to work your computer.

BUT.....

IF you are running an OLD, unsupported Operating System (Win 7, Win XP, or older), they might not be able to help you with their service. So ask questions about your exact computer issues.

*****Ok, well Good Luck! I hope this helps! I hate to hear of people being disrespected by any business or employee. We have owned our own company for over 25 years. We were brought up in the business with the old addage that The Customer is ALWAYS Right, and while that really is not necessarily so ---- we ALWAYS treat our customers with the utmost respect! And we do our best when it comes to customer service! You cannot always please everyone, 100% of the time, but we do try! If we did not try to please our customers, we wouldn't still be in business. And again, I am NOT affilliated with GeekSquad, nor computer companies in any way. We are in the commercial fitness industy business.

I hope the above info helps you!

(sorry for any typos! I am on a tablet, ugh....hard to type a lot of info)

Re: Cost of getting computer help in your area

chickenbutt — Mon, 24 Apr 2017 21:41:08 GMT

Too much, IMO.

In the way past I've spent anywhere from $80 to $200 for tech help and more times than not they weren't able to fix the problem anyway.

For the last 8 to 10 years, I just try to find out or figure it out for myself. My record for 'fixing' things is much better. hehe If I can't find out or figure out a problem, much of the time, I just have to move on.

It just gets too frustrating trying to get somebody else to figure something out. Heck, if I'm on the phone with a company many has been the time that, while they have been checking into it and I'm on hold, I figured it out for myself.

They come back on the line without an answer and I explain the 'fix' to them so that maybe they can know it for the next person. What the heck - send ME a check, huh? hehe

Re: Cost of getting computer help in your area

lulu2 — Mon, 24 Apr 2017 23:18:03 GMT

I find it is easier and faster to take the computer to Staples.

Re: Cost of getting computer help in your area

bonnielu — Tue, 25 Apr 2017 00:30:24 GMT

@dooBdoo

Thanks so much. I appreciate the time you took to write this. I am still in distress as the young man who supposedly HELPED ME actually helped himself. I was not a senior when I met him. Actually he was looking for a stable job and was in training. I helped him out in many ways. Over the years he called me and wanted to UPDATE UPDATE and I let him. He seemed reasonable and fair. I thought we were friends. But within the last two years he seemed to escallate and be over the top. I figured he was being honest with me. To explain... I am intuitive... I can handle my software but the hardware is not my thing. He kept TALKING ME INTO THINGS AND THIS TIME the last straw.... literally the LAST STRAW... so even ole trusting me got really upset.

I have simply decided NO MORE. I called Geek Squad and a local tech (a gal who was highly suggested). I am not sure yet but I know HE AIN'T COMIN BACK HERE! PERIOD.

I am okay for now.... but I am going to replace his security software that is warning me too often and I am going to have someone make sure my connections are solid as in adding an extra router that I don't think I needed (Comcast combo should have been good enough). And it goes on and on. Anything he could sell me for double the price I figure. I am almost afraid to check since I am already angry, upset, disappointed... etc.

He even talked me into a new printer.... it sits in a box and I am going to give it to my daugher who needs it. I just wish I had my grandsons around or even my granddaughers. Or even young me..

Once again thanks for the advice... and thank you everyone who has answered me.

Re: Cost of getting computer help in your area

Nuttmeg — Tue, 25 Apr 2017 00:50:42 GMT

@bonnielu wrote:
@dooBdoo
Thanks so much. I appreciate the time you took to write this. I am still in distress as the young man who supposedly HELPED ME actually helped himself. I was not a senior when I met him. Actually he was looking for a stable job and was in training. I helped him out in many ways. Over the years he called me and wanted to UPDATE UPDATE and I let him. He seemed reasonable and fair. I thought we were friends. But within the last two years he seemed to escallate and be over the top. I figured he was being honest with me. To explain... I am intuitive... I can handle my software but the hardware is not my thing. He kept TALKING ME INTO THINGS AND THIS TIME the last straw.... literally the LAST STRAW... so even ole trusting me got really upset.

I have simply decided NO MORE. I called Geek Squad and a local tech (a gal who was highly suggested). I am not sure yet but I know HE AIN'T COMIN BACK HERE! PERIOD.

I am okay for now.... but I am going to replace his security software that is warning me too often and I am going to have someone make sure my connections are solid as in adding an extra router that I don't think I needed (Comcast combo should have been good enough). And it goes on and on. Anything he could sell me for double the price I figure. I am almost afraid to check since I am already angry, upset, disappointed... etc.

He even talked me into a new printer.... it sits in a box and I am going to give it to my daugher who needs it. I just wish I had my grandsons around or even my granddaughers. Or even young me..

Once again thanks for the advice... and thank you everyone who has answered me.

You can not and do not need another router with a combo unit supplied by Comcast.

Re: Cost of getting computer help in your area

Nightowlz — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 16:12:43 GMT

It's free. DH has taken care of any computer problem that we have had. He uses Team Viewer to get remote access to my dad & sisters computers in other states to help them.

Re: Cost of getting computer help in your area

SaRina — Sun, 30 Apr 2017 17:41:19 GMT

I've been fortunate so far. My 7-year-old Toshiba laptop has had only one incident of a virus. The Geek Squad (my place of purchase) was going to charge me a small fortune to fix it. When I told them I might as well buy a new computer for that price, they shrugged their shoulders. Perhaps the difference is that I did not have an annual account with them -- I just walked in for this one-time help.

I wound up utilizing an on-line free malware support group (there are several). It took many hours of creating and sending files to them and even though it was completely over my head, I managed to do it and the problem was fixed. I know there are those who wouldn't recommend such on-line services, but this happened a few years ago and it was fine for me.

Re: Cost of getting computer help in your area

chickenbutt — Sun, 30 Apr 2017 18:06:59 GMT

SaRina wrote:
I've been fortunate so far. My 7-year-old Toshiba laptop has had only one incident of a virus. The Geek Squad (my place of purchase) was going to charge me a small fortune to fix it. When I told them I might as well buy a new computer for that price, they shrugged their shoulders. Perhaps the difference is that I did not have an annual account with them -- I just walked in for this one-time help.

I wound up utilizing an on-line free malware support group (there are several). It took many hours of creating and sending files to them and even though it was completely over my head, I managed to do it and the problem was fixed. I know there are those who wouldn't recommend such on-line services, but this happened a few years ago and it was fine for me.

That's great! I bet you learned a lot. That's what I like about figuring stuff out, if I can, or getting help to do it yourself. You often learn ways to preclude things from happening again and know much more about operating your computer.

I always recommend people trying to figure things out if they can, or Google problems and getting information and ideas, and the bottom line is that you learn more.

So many people just go through not knowing ANYTHING about operating and maintaining a computer and then when things go wrong, it's 'what happened?'. Well, what happened is that you paid all that money for a computer and didn't commit to knowing how to take care of it.

Re: Cost of getting computer help in your area

ALRATIBA — Sun, 30 Apr 2017 18:16:20 GMT

I don't need "user support" (I did that in a previous life) ... but with software issues I can't resolve (like restoring system), I just bring the laptop to the Geek Squad at Best Buy. I think I pay about $100 a year for coverage. So far, so good.

When there's a major hardware issue, I just have them transfer my files to a new laptop. Technology moves ahead so fast, it's just not worth repairing something - so I buy a new one.

Same with printers. Not worth repairing.