abe
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you may be right i read somewere that its a diagnostics disk.
Poor Defenseless Geek Squad
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DAG-JustinC
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I'm still friends with the Best Buy services manager and the Geek Squad supervisor and assistant supervisor (Senior). I ask them how they're doing and they tell me actual #'s because I know what #'s they're talking about.
I left for a different job in telecommunications but because I love computers, I'm starting a side PC repair business. I got tired of charging people $200-300 for something that I make under $15 an hour to do. I'd rather charge less, make more, and know the job is done right on time.
DAG-JustinC
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For all those wondering...
The disc they use is called the MRI BDE. BDE (cocky enough) stands for Best Disc Ever.
Right now they're on version 5.0.2 which was released sometime in April 2009.
It's basically the Ultimate Boot CD, on steroids.
Diagnostic tools, standalone virus removal tools, cleaners, scripts, fully automated diagnostic, virus removal, and optimization tool. It can be used in Windows normal and safe mode, it's exclusive "MRI PE" mode, and all the DOS diagnostic tools and hard drive tools for reimaging, backups, etc.
Every tool on the CD has a legal agreement with the tool/script/software's owner so we're legally allowed to use everything for our purposes. In Windows mode, the CD recognizes what version of Windows your using and adjusts the tools available accordingly.
It really is the most ridiculious CD made for PC Technicians.
There's more about it but because I don't work for Best Buy anymore, I can't access the "About" section that breaks it all down.
(and the reason I havn't uploaded it is because I'd get a call from Best Buy's Legal Department and the MRI Development Team so that's why I havn't. I'll never use it on a customer's computer either. Essentially, if I did.. it's the same as piracy in my mind.)
The disc they use is called the MRI BDE. BDE (cocky enough) stands for Best Disc Ever.
Right now they're on version 5.0.2 which was released sometime in April 2009.
It's basically the Ultimate Boot CD, on steroids.
Diagnostic tools, standalone virus removal tools, cleaners, scripts, fully automated diagnostic, virus removal, and optimization tool. It can be used in Windows normal and safe mode, it's exclusive "MRI PE" mode, and all the DOS diagnostic tools and hard drive tools for reimaging, backups, etc.
Every tool on the CD has a legal agreement with the tool/script/software's owner so we're legally allowed to use everything for our purposes. In Windows mode, the CD recognizes what version of Windows your using and adjusts the tools available accordingly.
It really is the most ridiculious CD made for PC Technicians.
There's more about it but because I don't work for Best Buy anymore, I can't access the "About" section that breaks it all down.
(and the reason I havn't uploaded it is because I'd get a call from Best Buy's Legal Department and the MRI Development Team so that's why I havn't. I'll never use it on a customer's computer either. Essentially, if I did.. it's the same as piracy in my mind.)
NYJimbo
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I reserve the right to not believe a single thing you are saying. Yes, that's right, I think you showed up for one reason only and will try to downplay your "pro-geeksquad" comments over the near term as I am sure you are not a regular repair tech like the rest of us, but are a geeksquad supporter or defender.
Oh and another thing, you just said: "I'd rather charge less, make more, and know the job is done right on time. "
So why the f-ck are you spouting so much support for them?
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DAG-JustinC
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lol.. I'm pro-Geek Squad because I learned a lot of stuff in my year of working there. I learned barely anything at all while on the job with Firedog prior to Geek Squad.
Don't get me wrong. I think a place like Geek Squad is a great STARTING POINT for new technicians who want to get the feel and gain some experience before becoming an independent technician. When I say "independent", I don't mean "on the side for a couple dollars". I mean starting a business where you focus at least 20+ hours a week on the overall business (not just fixing computers).
For the self-taught, self-motivated technicians and business minded people, I hope that you do very well and out do your local Best Buy or whoever the #1 "big name" store is in your area.
Like I said before, everything I said is true. Why would I have to lie?
For the record, DAG-JustinC is "Dial-A-Geek", my company name and JustinC is obviously my first name and last initial. So... I'm not here to be a "imposter" technician secretly being a Geek Squad Agent. I quit Geek Squad back in November of last year ('08) but I met a lot of great people at BB and GS so I regularly go in, visit old friends, and see what new stuff outside of the computer realm is out there.
EDIT: and for the record, when I said I learned a lot of stuff working there.. let me give you my credentials before working for either Firedog or Geek Squad.
While in my junior and senior year in high school, I was dual-enrolled at a nearby college my school had a partnership with where I would spend 3 of my 6 school hours a day (Mon-Fri) taking courses on computer repair. When I graduated high school, I had gained a bunch of college credit, spend 2 years in the classroom learning hands-on, and had recieved two certifications: My full CompTIA A+ Certification (both tests) and the MCSA/MCSE Windows XP Certification (Exam 70-270). Right now, I'm studying for the MCTS Vista certification (Exam 70-620).
However, like I said in a previous post.. none of these certifications teach you how to remove malware, use 3rd party diagnostic tools, etc. Obviously some of that stuff is extremely easy and self-taught, malware removal has it's up's and down's. I learned a lot of things on malware removal at Geek Squad along with howing to effectively talk to customers and prospecting guests. I learned things I didn't know about other technologies. It was earning while learning for me.
Don't get me wrong. I think a place like Geek Squad is a great STARTING POINT for new technicians who want to get the feel and gain some experience before becoming an independent technician. When I say "independent", I don't mean "on the side for a couple dollars". I mean starting a business where you focus at least 20+ hours a week on the overall business (not just fixing computers).
For the self-taught, self-motivated technicians and business minded people, I hope that you do very well and out do your local Best Buy or whoever the #1 "big name" store is in your area.
Like I said before, everything I said is true. Why would I have to lie?
For the record, DAG-JustinC is "Dial-A-Geek", my company name and JustinC is obviously my first name and last initial. So... I'm not here to be a "imposter" technician secretly being a Geek Squad Agent. I quit Geek Squad back in November of last year ('08) but I met a lot of great people at BB and GS so I regularly go in, visit old friends, and see what new stuff outside of the computer realm is out there.
EDIT: and for the record, when I said I learned a lot of stuff working there.. let me give you my credentials before working for either Firedog or Geek Squad.
While in my junior and senior year in high school, I was dual-enrolled at a nearby college my school had a partnership with where I would spend 3 of my 6 school hours a day (Mon-Fri) taking courses on computer repair. When I graduated high school, I had gained a bunch of college credit, spend 2 years in the classroom learning hands-on, and had recieved two certifications: My full CompTIA A+ Certification (both tests) and the MCSA/MCSE Windows XP Certification (Exam 70-270). Right now, I'm studying for the MCTS Vista certification (Exam 70-620).
However, like I said in a previous post.. none of these certifications teach you how to remove malware, use 3rd party diagnostic tools, etc. Obviously some of that stuff is extremely easy and self-taught, malware removal has it's up's and down's. I learned a lot of things on malware removal at Geek Squad along with howing to effectively talk to customers and prospecting guests. I learned things I didn't know about other technologies. It was earning while learning for me.
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NYJimbo
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eggy53
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Hey Dhrandy I was checking your website, do you still have the computer that you used to show a dirty computer? If so, shoot some pics after cleaning to show them the difference. 
DAG-JustinC
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Do you hope we out do our local geeksquad as well ?
I hope all independent technicians do, including me. Geek Squad is big enough and will always survive. We might not. =X
angry_geek
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- herrin, il
Guess what was left in the CD drive of a customer's laptop
To be honest, I was pretty disappointed in it. There are a couple of interesting tools on it, but most of it has free equivalents that most of us already use. It's not some mystical cd that fixes computers. It's the same stuff we all use with a bunch of scripts. It's simplified and dumbed down to be used by 'agents' with little training and no true troubleshooting ability. Which is why the customer had to bring their laptop to me to fix after Geek Squad misdiagnosed the problem. "Windows and internet explorer are corrupted. We'll have to reinstall windows with the factory image. You'll need a backup of all your data, or it will be lost."
No, you just need to remove the static ip that was set on the wireless adapter. 15 second fix. I forgot how much they were going to charge. A couple hundred dollars at least.
I'll post a list of the various utilities just for fun in another thread, but you will love this:
Wouldn't it be great to be so big and good that spybot won't allow you to use their software!
And now for something completely different.
I'll try to steer back to the original topic. I don't think comparing prices is the way to go. Everyone is pretty aware that GS is a ripoff. I have explained to customers how much others charge if they try to balk at my rates. I'm not the cheapest in the area, but I'm not the most expensive either. I charge a fair rate for good work, and my customers are pretty happy. Remember that if you start comparing your rates, customers are going to counter with their nephew that's "really good with computers" and only charges $15.00. I personally tend to stay away from trades people that start defending their prices. It gives me a bad feeling. I like the chart comparing your prices to GS, but someone else in your area could post a chart with your name on it. Then you wind up in a price/rate war with your competition and spending a lot of time explaining your pricing. Just remember to never negotiate your rates with a customer just to get a chance to fix their PC and bill 2 hours of labor. If you charge a fair rate and do good work, you'll have plenty of business. "The laborer is worthy of his wage." I know most of you will know where that quote comes from.
To be honest, I was pretty disappointed in it. There are a couple of interesting tools on it, but most of it has free equivalents that most of us already use. It's not some mystical cd that fixes computers. It's the same stuff we all use with a bunch of scripts. It's simplified and dumbed down to be used by 'agents' with little training and no true troubleshooting ability. Which is why the customer had to bring their laptop to me to fix after Geek Squad misdiagnosed the problem. "Windows and internet explorer are corrupted. We'll have to reinstall windows with the factory image. You'll need a backup of all your data, or it will be lost."
No, you just need to remove the static ip that was set on the wireless adapter. 15 second fix. I forgot how much they were going to charge. A couple hundred dollars at least.I'll post a list of the various utilities just for fun in another thread, but you will love this:
Wouldn't it be great to be so big and good that spybot won't allow you to use their software!
And now for something completely different.
I'll try to steer back to the original topic. I don't think comparing prices is the way to go. Everyone is pretty aware that GS is a ripoff. I have explained to customers how much others charge if they try to balk at my rates. I'm not the cheapest in the area, but I'm not the most expensive either. I charge a fair rate for good work, and my customers are pretty happy. Remember that if you start comparing your rates, customers are going to counter with their nephew that's "really good with computers" and only charges $15.00. I personally tend to stay away from trades people that start defending their prices. It gives me a bad feeling. I like the chart comparing your prices to GS, but someone else in your area could post a chart with your name on it. Then you wind up in a price/rate war with your competition and spending a lot of time explaining your pricing. Just remember to never negotiate your rates with a customer just to get a chance to fix their PC and bill 2 hours of labor. If you charge a fair rate and do good work, you'll have plenty of business. "The laborer is worthy of his wage." I know most of you will know where that quote comes from.
atlanticjim
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- Long Island, New York
And again, back to the original thread.
(man, do we get heated about GS)
I restarted my home-based, home-computer repair business one year ago in part because I heard what my acquaintances were paying at GS and FD. My first market research I did was the big store prices because that IS my competition for the most part. I have shared the spreadsheet with a few Technibble members already. My prices run about 50-75% of the GS prices and I would NEVER have had the cajones to charge that much if I didn't see that home users were willing to pay that much. So much for the market research.
I always keep the pricing spreadsheet with me but I don't market on price, I market on quality and turnaround time. That is a personal decision. I have had very few clients balk at the prices I am charging. One didn't like the idea of my diagnostic fee + repair fee and went to the GS instead. Had a good repair but ended up paying 60% more than I would have charged and waiting 10 days to get the machine back. Their next job came to me.
I dislike slamming anyone in business, but I will tell my clients who ask what I think of the big-guys that they do good work but they take too long and are overpriced.
(man, do we get heated about GS)
I restarted my home-based, home-computer repair business one year ago in part because I heard what my acquaintances were paying at GS and FD. My first market research I did was the big store prices because that IS my competition for the most part. I have shared the spreadsheet with a few Technibble members already. My prices run about 50-75% of the GS prices and I would NEVER have had the cajones to charge that much if I didn't see that home users were willing to pay that much. So much for the market research.
I always keep the pricing spreadsheet with me but I don't market on price, I market on quality and turnaround time. That is a personal decision. I have had very few clients balk at the prices I am charging. One didn't like the idea of my diagnostic fee + repair fee and went to the GS instead. Had a good repair but ended up paying 60% more than I would have charged and waiting 10 days to get the machine back. Their next job came to me.
I dislike slamming anyone in business, but I will tell my clients who ask what I think of the big-guys that they do good work but they take too long and are overpriced.
Blues
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I don't think the chart is a bad idea but I don't think it needs to be a focus just have it kinda tuck it away easy to find but easy to miss.
geeksmobileusa
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Again with the witch hunt. You and a few others (abe) have this huge chip on your shoulder about GeekSquad and any other company that's successful but doesnt conform to 'your standards' of how it should operate.
Why don't you start a nationwide computer service company, get bought out by one of the biggest retailers, and then run it the way YOU want to run it. Oh wait because you can't. You're too busy whining about how Geek Squad is incompetent and how amazing you are at computer repair. If you were so amazing, you'd be servicing cusomers, not writing 2 page-long threads bashing someone for being 'pro-geeksquad'.
computergeek1
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well said ACG, this geeks mobile person is a fake and the way is acts is not very business like, he would fail in business in 1 day, no awards for customer service lol
computergeek1
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i agree, he needs to be banned, who ever he is, he is here to upset this forum and p*** everybody off. thanks for the info will come in handy if i need to block somebody lol
geeksmobileusa
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ACG please take yourself and your mentally retarded followers elsewhere. I was defending someone who was being bashed by simply trying to show that Geek Squad isn't all bad. Apparently they're going against the 'status quo' which is that its cool to bash other companies as long as they make more money than you?
Oh Golly gee he worked for Geek Squad, god forbid he is actually a good tech. Just the mere thought of a big bad corporation that puts out good people must really upset you? He's not entitled to share his first hand opinions of a company he worked for? I think some of you need to be reminded of freedom of speech because any dissenting opinion on this forum seems to be dumped on as soon as it crosses the path of the so called regulars.
Oh Golly gee he worked for Geek Squad, god forbid he is actually a good tech. Just the mere thought of a big bad corporation that puts out good people must really upset you? He's not entitled to share his first hand opinions of a company he worked for? I think some of you need to be reminded of freedom of speech because any dissenting opinion on this forum seems to be dumped on as soon as it crosses the path of the so called regulars.
abe
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i cant see his posts but i do see from ACG's quote that he pute me in the same league as ACG
I'm proud to be in the same league as people, who as far as I know are Decent, Honest, Ethical, and most of all Smart.
Abe
PS @ geeksmobileusa, One of the reasons I'm fixing computers is because I hate to see GS and FD rip people off, it hurts to see dishonesty prosper. and as the others said I hope your banned, because if not I'll leave this place.
I'm proud to be in the same league as people, who as far as I know are Decent, Honest, Ethical, and most of all Smart.
Abe
PS @ geeksmobileusa, One of the reasons I'm fixing computers is because I hate to see GS and FD rip people off, it hurts to see dishonesty prosper. and as the others said I hope your banned, because if not I'll leave this place.
dhrandy
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That was the idea when I did mine. That's why it's at the bottom.
Rider
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What an unfortunate comment. I suppose it's to be expected from someone as morally and ethically challanged as yourself.
I have to agree, maybe a ban is appropriate.
abe
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Oh i didn't know we where a clan or a cult with followers, acg is pretty new here, and we are not followers, we just all seem to have the natural instinct to help others, and not to rip 'em off, you obviously have lost the natural instinct and act like an animal.
Abe
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