Does the Geek Squad know much ?

Hugely overpriced and only does software. They are the laughing stock of the repair industry. Hire a local person that knows what they are doing. Ask friends and neighbors for a recommendation.

Geek Squad is good for people that need service right away and aren't price shopping. They do good in areas that are pre-planned, such as installing memory, setting up a wireless networking, etc. Other areas, such as your machine doesn't boot, or installing software -- I would look around.

The pricing is Typical / Standard Rates. As an I.T. guy, I get angry when other technicians say that the Geek's rates are overpriced. They may be overpriced for THEIR knowledge but priced fair for the INDUSTRY STANDARD. Remember, an good onsite IT company typically charges anywhere from $95-$125 AN HOUR folks. The funny thing about the complaining techs is that they are mostly 15 and live with the 'rents.

Bottom line: Go with geek squad for installation/setup/new gadgets. Look elsewhere for actual troublshooting. Geek Squad is convienent for installations, especially at home. And, they offer a 30 day no questions asked support line --- so if something don't work, they will come out and fix it, again, again.. ;-)

They are my competion, so I will be nice.

If I understand correctly. all of them are A+ certified, which means they have some level of computer knowledge. Unfortunately, You may get an excellent technician, or you may get one that has no common sense at all. This is almost universally true in the service business, which is why you should ask your friends and neighbors who they use. Good technicians will have good reputations, your friends will not recommend them otehrwise.

I know more than the friek squad, srry geek squad, i am 15! My granny called them, she was on the phone for 2 hrs, it was suggestion after suggestion after suggestion!!!! Call a local repairman!

Suffice it to say they are hourly employees that get hired off the street. Don't know what qualifications they have for the people, but they can't get well qualified help desk type people for the $10 or so they pay.

Now this doesn't mean that they all are nearly useless, but...

nope - they are only worth it if your buying your PC from best buy - then buy the extended warranty - if not go to a local person

yes but they charge much as well!