Baltimore Computer Expert Promotes Three Ways to Vanquish Viruses

Longtime computer professional Laura McInerney is serious about computer security. In fact, she's so serious that she has made it her mission to educate Baltimore's computer users about the steps they can take to protect their PCs from viruses, hackers, or other technological threats. To that end she went into business for herself as the owner of multiple Franchises with Geeks On Call® - the nation's premier provider of on-site computer services. Now McInerney has opened three additional franchises in the Baltimore metro area, meaning that she has even more certified computer professionals under her employ who can inform Baltimore's residents and small businesses about the Geeks On Call® "Three-Prong Security Approach" - namely the combination of trusted antivirus software, a firewall, and the latest patches for the computer's operating system.

The first prong in Geeks On Call's® "Three-Prong Security Approach" is to install antivirus software from a reputable manufacturer (such as Symantec and its line of Norton products, or Network Associates and its line of McAfee products). Although there are numerous antivirus programs available in stores or over the internet, it is best to select one that has a large customer base and a proven track-record of success. Also, after installing the software, it is imperative to check every few days to see if new antivirus updates (often referred to as "virus definitions") are available for download. Without these updates, the software will not protect the computer from recently discovered viruses or worms.

The second "prong" is to install a firewall, which is either a software program or a piece of hardware that protects a computer from hackers. Not only does a firewall make a computer "invisible" while it's connected to the internet, but it also can be configured to filter the information the computer receives while surfing the web. In addition to these features, a software firewall lets the user choose the programs that are allowed to access the internet, thereby giving him/her complete control over the kind of information that the computer transmits. That way, the user can be assured that nefarious "spyware" isn't broadcasting his/her sensitive data over the web.

Finally, the third "prong" is to install the latest security patches for the computer's operating system. Typically these patches plug holes in the foundation of the operating system, thereby preventing hackers, worms, viruses, or other threats from slipping into the computer via a "backdoor." For the Windows operating system, updates can be found on the "Windows Update" website under the heading "critical updates and service packs." For other operating systems - such as the many variations of Linux - patches and updates usually are found on the manufacturer's website.

Laura McInerney’s interest in computer security began in the late ‘80s at the University of Florida, where she received a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering. After graduation, she found employment as a software engineer, and over the next four years she gained a mastery of intricate technologies such as embedded systems. When the desire for a change arose, she acquired a new job as a Product Line Manager for a telecommunications company—a position that merged her computer skills with her newfound interest in the field of marketing. For the next nine years she kept busy managing a $120 million product line, gained valuable experience giving lectures and talks at business conferences and other professional speaking engagements, and still found the time to go back to college to earn a Masters of Science in Marketing from John Hopkins University. Indeed, McInerney’s brilliant mind, proven computer and business skills, and desire to help people with their computer problems have served her well in her role as an official “Geek.”

Geeks On Call® is the high-tech equivalent of a doctor who makes house calls. Too often home-owners and small businesses lose substantial time and money while waiting for their computer problems to be remedied by a large, impersonal retailer that 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. 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 April 2001 the first Geeks’ offspring was born, and since then approximately 120 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, training, networking and custom-built PCs—without emptying their wallets.

Currently, Geeks On Call® offers service in the following areas: Fredericksburg, Hampton Roads, and Northern 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, Fort 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.