Direct MP3 Download: Podnutz Episode 22: Mark From Reno's Tips and Techniques
- Mark Cobb from Computer Techs joins us
- How to use Craig’s List to help build your business.
- How to hire people for your computer repair business
- Mark’s Spyware/Virus removal tips
- Mark’s toolbag
Show Notes:
This weeks guest is Mark Cobb
He owns his own on-site computer repair business in Reno, NV
Computer Techs
ctreno.com
Serviced 1100 clients last year alone!
You can hear the first episode of
Philly Tech Guys at
Philly Tech Guys
Mike Tech Show
Or watch the recorded show
on uStream
Don’t forget to check out PodNutz Daily for a daily dose of computer repair info.
Use Craig’s List to hire potential techs for your growing computer repair business
http://www.craigslist.com
Tips:
Make sure your ads are not deleted from Craig’s List
Follow up with your customers after your hired tech worked on-site
On resumes look for work experience
Set up specific directions to apply (tests ability to follow instructions)
During the interview test their trouble-shooting skills via scenarios
Advertise via local newspaper and coupon books
Yellow Pages “leader ad” puts you at the top of the computer service/repair heading regardless of name.
Consistancy with advertising pays off because potential customers get used to seeing your company advertisement.
Buy parts from local shops to build business relationships in the field.
Reasons not to advertise on your car.
Look into local repair service/shops for better service and better prices
Do not rely on Best Buy for repair/service
SyncToy v1.4 for external backup drives
MiniPE to recover from BSOD
Thumbs up to Canon Printers (best install & sleek software)
Thumbs down to HP Printers (software requires too much memory)
Tip for installing HP Printers: Just install the drivers only
Marks Virus/Spyware removal tips:
Process Explorer v11.20
(Shows description/company name and verifiable through digital signature)
Tip: GoogleDesktop does not have a description/company name
Tip: Run on a good computer first to get an idea of normal processes/threads
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb896653.aspx
Auto Runs v9.32
(ms config enhancement tool)
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb963902.aspx
Hijack This
http://www.merijn.org/programs.php
AVG
(Use AVG to test your autoruns flagged files for removal)
http://free.avg.com/
Tip: Not sure if you should remove that file?
Rename the .exe to a different extension to see if it breaks.
If it is needed rename it back to .exe
Thumbs Down: Windows Defender (useless)
Rootkit Revealer v1.71
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb897445.aspx
SmitFraudFix
http://siri.geekstogo.com/SmitfraudFix.php
Dial-a-Fix
http://www.dialafix.net
Startup Control Panel
http://www.mlin.net/StartupCPL.shtml
Page Defrag v2.32
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb897426.aspx
Marks toolbag:
512 stick of pc3200 for Dells
CompUSA toolkit with magnetic screws and small flashlight
USB and Ethernet cables
USB to Ethernet Network Adapter
Seagate Free Agent 80G external drive
USB to SATA/PATA/IDE connector
hand sanitizer
Thumbs down: Dell Computers (hardware issues/tech support)
Thumbs up: HP and Toshiba for laptops
Onsite computers repairs vs shop computer repairs
