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This time on agonizing family tech support. . .
TetraNitroCubane
Not Angry...Just VERY Disappointed...Registered User regular
Not Angry...Just VERY Disappointed...Registered User regular
I'm having a bit of a tricky computer problem, and I'm hoping that I might receive some advice about... well, advice.
Somehow, my parent's computer is obviously infected with Zlob and Smitfraud instances. This is probably due to the rampant use of Myspace and Facebook by relatives who would just as soon install strange codecs as take candy from unfamiliar balding men in white windowless vans. I've tried my damnedest to help them over the phone, and after afour-hour marathon I helped them to run their virus protection (McAfee) and Spybot S&D. This proved to be more trouble than it's worth. After five times of forgetting where the 'Start' buttons is located, I realized that instructing my parents to run SmitFraudFix or any other better anti-virus or anti-spyware software would be agonizingly difficult for all parties involved.
I'm curious as to what the best option would be for them in terms of a professional clean-up. Personally, I think a reformat/reinstall is in order, but anything to help them out would be great. I've heard horrible things about Best Buy's 'Geek Squad', but I don't know of any other stores that do this kind of maintenance. Does anyone have any advice for what I should suggest in terms of a more competent, professional cleanup service? All of the local 'computer guy' shops went out of business in my home town years ago, so I'm thinking a store is the only option.
Thanks in advance.
Somehow, my parent's computer is obviously infected with Zlob and Smitfraud instances. This is probably due to the rampant use of Myspace and Facebook by relatives who would just as soon install strange codecs as take candy from unfamiliar balding men in white windowless vans. I've tried my damnedest to help them over the phone, and after afour-hour marathon I helped them to run their virus protection (McAfee) and Spybot S&D. This proved to be more trouble than it's worth. After five times of forgetting where the 'Start' buttons is located, I realized that instructing my parents to run SmitFraudFix or any other better anti-virus or anti-spyware software would be agonizingly difficult for all parties involved.
I'm curious as to what the best option would be for them in terms of a professional clean-up. Personally, I think a reformat/reinstall is in order, but anything to help them out would be great. I've heard horrible things about Best Buy's 'Geek Squad', but I don't know of any other stores that do this kind of maintenance. Does anyone have any advice for what I should suggest in terms of a more competent, professional cleanup service? All of the local 'computer guy' shops went out of business in my home town years ago, so I'm thinking a store is the only option.
Thanks in advance.
TetraNitroCubane on
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Then update Windows.
Then instruct them on downloading and installing Avast.
I agree with you completely, but see, even reinstalling windows is going to be beyond them, let alone getting the whole thing set up with their programs and whatnot afterward - which is why I'm wondering where they might be able to take it for assistance. In other words, is there anywhere else beyond Best Buy that's a national type chain store that'll do this kind of work?
I think Circuit City does the same thing.
You could also look in the yellow pages for 'PC Repair' or 'Computer Repair'.
Or just do it yourself via remote control methods(VNC, I think there's one built into Windows, etc.).
You could also rig them up with some sorta Web-TV style rig for their Myspacin' and Facebookin', and keep their computer off the goddamned internet for when they actually need to work.
Geek Squad is not a good idea. Those guys are trained vultures, any time they sense they can get something sold they'll do it, and it sounds like your parents are the kind of people who would buy.
Depends on where you go. Some stores are honest and really believe in the brand, some are exactly as you say. Just tell them to go in and explain exactly what they use it for. "Myspace/Facebook" and "Internet" use is keyword for $199 Advanced Diag and Repair; they test the hardware, then run at LEAST 5 PE-based (Pre-Environment) virus and spyware scans. The store I used to work at I can vouch for; Park Ln and 75 in Dallas. It's a simple process, but they'll be out $200 AT LEAST.
If the computer is old, forget it. Don't let them take it anywhere. Just buy a new one and put some damned anti-virus and anti-spyware on there.
I take offense to that. I never had the heart to charge more than I deemed worthy for a repair.
...I guess that's why I'm not working there anymore.
Jesus christ. We've had a lot of people comming in for tech work this week, I was wondering why. I guess our last Sunday ad advertised it and people were tired of paying that much at Best Buy/Circut City.
As for the costs of repairs, uh, ouch. That's steeper than I'd imagine.
Edit: Just as a clarifying point, the copmputer that got infected was up to date with Anti-virus software. They run McAfee, but obviously that's a load of shit if this crap got through. I use NOD32, personally, but I'd gather the software would be way over their heads. Is Avast or AVP user-friendly or invisible enough to be good for less-than-computer-literate folks?
Actually it's probably because the wait at the Geek Squad is out the door. For reals, the budget at my store in a lame part of Ohio was about 6 grand a day. And we were normally at about double that.
Avast is simple and good - I recommended it highly for a while, but then I saw I got Trend Micro for 8 bucks and decided that was a deal.
It's a simple program that allows anyone with the password remote control of that computer. It's simple and effective.
I've dealt with techno-challenged relatives before. When my brother's father-in-law asked me about his dying PC that was infected with spyware, I looked him straight in the eye and said, "Go buy a Mac." It was not the answer he was expecting, but he did it and he's been happy ever since. I don't own a Mac and I need a PC for what I do, but Goddamn sometimes I'm tempted to buy one to make sure no one can screw over my computer. No offense to the OP, but I don't think your family should be allowed near a PC if they are "accidentally" downloading por- er, Facebook stuff that is obviously suspect.
Every time I hear a story like this I think of the Dave Chappelle episode where he imagined what the internet would look like if it were a real place. "Want to see Halle Berry naked?" "Yes, I do!" But what should have followed is this: "OK, stick your junk in this vice while we turn it." "OK. OOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWWW! I don't see Halle Berry." "haha, sucker, you have crushed nuts and Hep-C. Bye!"