Baltimore receives reinforcements to battle computer viruses

Until recently, it seemed like the average computer user in Baltimore didn't give much thought to the issue of computer security. Certainly the way in which the "Blaster" internet worm temporarily incapacitated the Maryland Motor Vehicles Department was the wake-up call that everyone needed. In the weeks following the world-wide deluge of computer worms and viruses, Baltimoreans have been scrambling to find ways to rid their PCs of the attacking agents, and to patch their systems in order to prevent re-infection. Since many people don't have the time or know-how to undertake such endeavors, they have been turning to computer professionals in droves. One group that has come to the rescue is the national computer service company Geeks On Call®. In the past few weeks, the local Geeks On Call® Franchises in Baltimore have been swamped with emergency requests related to the worms and viruses. Fortunately, reinforcements have arrived - in the form of native Baltimore computer expert Mark Beck and his new Franchise with Geeks On Call®. Serving Baltimore and Randallstown, MD, Mark will use his considerable talents and his penchant for customer service to help Baltimoreans fight back against the multitude of internet menaces.

Mark Beck's experience in the information-technology industry stretches back more than a decade. During that time he has served as a systems analyst and as a technical manager for a global consulting firm, and has acquired a wealth of high-tech degrees and professional certifications. Along with a West Point education and a Masters in Systems Management from the University of Southern California, Mark also holds an Oracle DBA certification, and is a CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional). Additionally, he is a National Guard certified "Incident Response Handler," which is an acknowledgement of his expertise in handling high-level computer security breaches. With all of this information crammed into his head, you might think that he would be one of those "techno-babble" geeks whose complicated computer jargon can easily confuse the layman. However, Beck is quite the opposite. In fact, he prides himself on his ability to explain complicated computer terms to the average person. Perhaps this is the reason that the President of Geeks On Call®, Walter Ewell, made a point of noting: "Mark Beck has a knack for helping his customers to understand what's going on with their computers. Sometimes PC terminology can seem like a foreign language, but fortunately Mark is one heck of a translator." With the addition of Beck's franchise, even more small businesses and residents of Baltimore and Randallstown have access to the dependable computer services that have made Geeks On Call® a trusted name throughout the state of Maryland. The premise of Geeks On Call® is simple: gone are the days of lugging computers to a local technician for updates or repairs. Instead, Geeks On Call® brings complete computer support directly to homes and businesses. Everything a Geeks' technician needs to complete his/her tasks is nestled inside the Geek Cruiser - a sleek, patriot-blue Chrysler PT Cruiser that is emblazoned with the Geeks On Call® logo and toll-free phone number.

Founded in 1999, Geeks On Call® initially served the areas of Norfolk and Virginia Beach, VA. In response to its tremendous success, Geeks planted its first franchise in April 2001. Since then, nearly 100 franchises have been cultivated throughout the United States. This rapid growth is a reflection of the public's hunger for quality on-site computer assistance. Prior to Geeks On Call®, residential customers in need of computer support often faced tremendous expense and lengthy down-time?with no guarantee of satisfaction. The expedient, reliable services provided by Geeks On Call® also have become a necessity for small businesses, giving them exposure to licensed technicians, and eliminating the cost of hiring a full-time IT staff. Now everyone has access to superior computer repairs, upgrades, troubleshooting, training, and wired/wireless networking - without emptying their wallets.

Currently, Geeks On Call® offers service in the following areas: Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads, VA; Washington, D.C.; Cary, Chapel Hill, Charlotte, Durham, the Outer Banks, and Raleigh, NC; Annapolis, Baltimore, Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Columbia, Frederick, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Laurel, and Rockville, MD; Cedar Hill, The Colony, Dallas, Denton, DeSoto, Frisco, Ft. Worth, and Plano, TX; Arvada, Boulder, Colorado Springs, and Denver, CO; Lee's Summit and Kansas City, MO; Jacksonville, Lakeland, Melbourne, Orlando, and Tampa, FL.