Ocala Computer Geek hand-delivers cures to the "Sasser" Internet worm - Geeks on Call

You've taken the necessary steps to protect your computer from viruses and worms: you installed a trusted antivirus program and made sure it downloaded the latest antivirus updates, and you pledged never to open strange, unexpected email attachments - even if they're sent from a friend or family member. So you're completely safe from those nasty viruses and worms, right? Wrong! As Ocala computer geek Charles Barth immediately points out to people in his community, any computer that hasn't been updated with every available security patch for Microsoft's Windows is still vulnerable to attack from numerous internet threats. In recent days, millions of computer users worldwide have learned this harsh lesson when their computers were infected with a new, sinister internet worm known as "Sasser." To fight back against Sasser and similar digital threats, Charles Barth has opened a new Franchise with Geeks On Call® - the nation's premier provider of mobile, on-site computer support. Serving the businesses and residents in his hometown of Ocala, Barth hand-delivers cures to the Sasser worm - and hands out helpful advice to prevent future attacks.

Unlike most worms - which hide inside email attachments?the new Sasser worm can travel freely across the internet, looking for vulnerable computers that are not protected by the latest Windows patches. As the result, an unsuspecting computer user can cause his/her system to become infected simply by connecting to the internet one time. Once the computer has been compromised, it proceeds to spontaneously reboot or crash, thus making it nearly impossible to use the machine for any length of time. Fortunately, the residents and businesses of Ocala can turn to their local Geek, Charles Barth, to save the day.

Charles Barth's experience with high-technology has been extensive and wide-ranging throughout his adult life, encompassing nearly a decade of employment in the television industry and 17 years in the information-technology industry. The roots of his passion for cutting-edge technology began in the U.S. Navy, which he joined shortly after graduating from high school. While serving his country, he learned a great deal about electronics and satellites in his role as an Electronic Technician First Class. This knowledge certainly came in handy many years later, when he transitioned from his Naval career into civilian life. Working with electronic equipment in the field of television production seemed like a natural fit for Barth's technical savvy, and this in turn led to a satisfying and successful career in TV that lasted nine years. During that time, he held several prestigious positions such as "Director of Engineering" and "Vice President of Engineering," and worked for some well-known, respected companies like Nautilus Sports (the manufacturers of the popular Nautilus exercise equipment).

As the years rolled by and Barth found himself using new computer technologies more than ever before, he realized that computers were no longer just another part of his job, now they were a full-fledged passion! Deciding that he wanted to focus exclusively on working with emerging computer software and hardware, Barth left the TV field and entered the fast-paced world of the information-technology industry. Almost immediately he started his own computer business, and for the next nine years he acted as both the President and Lead Technician for a company that designed, developed, and administered computer systems. After this, Barth sold his business to MedX and went to work for them as their Vice President and Engineer. A few years later, he was promoted to the dual position of President and CEO, which he performed for the next four years. Upon departing this company in late 2002, he opened his own computer training school - called Florida Technical Trainers - which offers classes that budding IT pros can take to become a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE). Not long after this, Barth discovered that Geeks On Call® had Franchises available in his hometown of Ocala, and he quickly decided that the opportunity to once again run his own high-tech company was too irresistible to pass up.

Geeks On Call® is the high-tech equivalent of a doctor who makes house calls. Too often, small businesses and residential customers lose substantial time and money while waiting for their computer problems to be fixed by a large, impersonal retail store, which often keeps the computer for a week or more and charges an arm and a leg! Refusing to tolerate this type of slow, unsatisfactory service, Geeks On Call® goes against the grain and brings help directly to the customer's doorstep. Everything the Geeks technicians need to complete their tasks is nestled inside their sleek patriot-blue Chrysler PT Cruisers - affectionately known as "Geek Cruisers" - which are emblazoned with the Geeks On Call® logo and toll-free phone number.

Launched in 1999, Geeks On Call® began its operations in Norfolk and Virginia Beach, VA - where it experienced immediate success. Overwhelmed by the public's hunger for dependable computer support, Geeks On Call® realized the only way to satisfy its ballooning customer base would be to franchise the company. In 2001 the first Geeks' offspring was born, and since then over 160 franchises have been planted throughout the United States.

Not only have the expedient, reliable services provided by Geeks On Call® found success with residential clients, but also with small businesses that simply cannot afford the enormous expense of hiring an IT staff. Instead of paying exorbitant salaries to keep a full-fledged IT staff on hand, small businesses simply can turn to Geeks On Call® on those occasions in which computer services are required. Now everyone can have access to superior computer repairs, upgrades, troubleshooting, personalized training, networking and custom-built PCs - without emptying their wallets.

Currently, Geeks On Call® offers service in the following states: Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.