Fixing computers is not normally considered the most glamorous of jobs. But try telling that to employees of The Geek Squad, a tech-support firm based in Minneapolis, Minnesota that makes house calls. Geek Squad boasts that its tech-support clients include U2, Ice Cube, Ozzy Osbourne and the Rolling Stones. Geek Squad's agents are the epitome of geek chic, sporting their clip-on ties, white tube socks, and black suits as they zip from destination to destination in VW Beetles.

As just about every major computer maker is cutting back on tech-support staff, the Geek Squad has stepped its services with quick, on-site support options to help distressed computer users. Since most people can't afford waiting for hours on tech-support lines, Geek Squad arrives in minutes, making house calls to fix ailing PCs and Macs.

Other emerging tech-support firms, such as AskDrTech, help customers via e-mail, phone or Web chat--and for a premium, will come to your home. Another popular option called PCPinpoint uses the Internet to scan your computer from a remote location and isolate the problems so they can be fixed.

In each case, prices differ. Geek Squad's crisis support service starts at a $298 flat rate. The company offers house calls within 48 hours for $149. PC Pinpoint will help you one time only for $18.

(June, 2004)