SuperGeeks Offers Over-the-Internet
Computer Repair Services

Anyone who has ever needed to have his computer repaired knows what a hassle it is: Unhook the power and peripheral equipment cables (hoping you'll be able to get them all properly reconnected); lug the machine in and out of the car trying not to inadvertently knock some component loose and make matters worse. Then there is the wait. Maybe hours, perhaps days, until you can have your repaired computer back on your desktop, functioning properly.

It's an experience that James Kerr, president of the Honolulu-based computer repair company SuperGeeks, is ready to change. SuperGeeks can now make many computer fixes remotely. That is: geeks at one of the company's four Oahu locations can log into your computer over the Internet and make repairs.

The process starts with a phone call to SuperGeeks central number, 942-0773, to arrange for a remote repair "visit." Next, customers go to the company's website, www.supergeeks.net , and click on a link that permits a geek to connect to the customer's computer. Customers can watch as the geek fixes their system and talk to him over the phone at the same time. Once the repair is done, a simple re-start discontinues the session.

Kerr's SuperGeeks can provide a wide range of support over the Internet, including troubleshooting, software updates, and online training.

"We had one client who lost an important file," says Kerr. "We simply logged into her computer remotely and immediately found the missing file for her. She was so thrilled! Another time, we helped a client secure their wireless home network so the neighbors couldn't hog their connection."

Kerr sums up: "Remote access really is quite useful. It's quick, easy and actually a lot of fun."

The cost of remote repair service is a flat $48 for consumers and a flat $75 for corporate clients, since business computers frequently require more complex fixes. If for some reason the computer cannot be fixed remotely, SuperGeeks can dispatch a technician to your home or office to get the job done, or the client can bring the sick computer into one of SuperGeeks' four locations: Moiliili, Punchbowl, Navy Exchange, and Kapolei.

The Rev. Dr. Ann McElligott, Dean of St. Andrew's Cathedral, used the service to sync her home and office computers, allowing her to access office files from home. She recalls, "It's was a little eerie talking to the geek on the phone, sitting in front of my computer and watching him move the cursor without me even touching the mouse. But it worked really well and it was a huge time saver for me."

Kerr cautions, "Not all computer problems can be fixed remotely. You have to be able to get online. Also, dealing with serious spyware and virus issues is still best done in person."

Since the customer for this new service can be anywhere, Kerr says that he hopes to roll out the new service beyond Hawaii. SuperGeeks has already helped clients as far away as Tokyo, New York and Lima, Peru.

"My vision is to have a bank of geeks on standby waiting for people all over the world to call in. But my goal is to keep it 100% fluent English. We won't be one of those tech supports companies where you can't even understand the techie," says Kerr, "With one exception, we do speak Pidgen."