Latest Release:

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

Running time: 1:04:41
Added: 08/03/2008

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
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=E0FC1154-C975-4814-9649-CCE41AF06EB7&displaylang=en

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

Use this form for comments, suggestions, etc...