Certified ``House Calls'' for Ailing Computers.

OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill. -- Geeks On Call(R), the national franchise that makes house calls to cure ailing personal computers, requires all of its technicians to be CompTIA A+(R) certified before they ever ring the patient's doorbell.

"Homeowners and small business people ask us all the time how we ensure the quality of our technicians," said Michael Vanderslice, Vice President of Operations, Geeks On Call(R). "We tell them that at a minimum every technician has to have earned A+ certification from the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA).

"The success of each Geeks On Call(R) customer visit depends on credentialed technicians possessing knowledge, experience, and strong people skills. These attributes establish trust and an expectation among consumers and small business owners that Geeks On Call(R) will fix their computer problems quickly, reliably, and cost-effectively."

Geeks On Call(R) takes the CompTIA A+ certification requirement so seriously that franchise owners, many of whom have years of experience with computers, are prohibited from making house calls until passing the hardware and operating systems exams that comprise the certification.

The A+ certification was introduced in 1993 by CompTIA at the request of computer manufacturers wanting to improve the skills of technicians performing authorized warranty repairs. Today, more than 600,000 men and women around the world hold CompTIA A+ certification. The certification stays current with computer technology through an ongoing revision process. Classes are available in most cities, and study materials are widely available.

Prospective employees at Geeks On Call(R) must possess CompTIA A+ certification, have hands-on experience, pass written and oral exams, and demonstrate strong people skills before they are hired. After signing on, technicians are encouraged to study for and earn the CompTIA Network+(R) certification, which focuses on computer networking--an increasingly important issue for consumers and small business owners.

"We tell our technicians to keep earning certifications, to continue gaining valuable experience, and to hone their people- and project-management skills," Vanderslice said. "A person who takes this advice to heart is going to be sought after by customers and employers. Computers and computer networking offer a great career path, and it's a wonderful business to be in."

For more information on CompTIA A+ and Network+ visit www.comptia.org. For more information on Geeks On Call(R), visit www.geeksoncall.com.

About CompTIA

CompTIA is a global trade association representing the business interests of the information technology industry. For more than 22 years CompTIA has provided research, networking and partnering opportunities to its more than 20,000 members in 102 countries. The association is involved in developing standards and best practices, and influencing the political, economic and educational arenas that impact IT worldwide. More information is at www.comptia.org.

About Geeks On Call(R)

Founded in 1999, Geeks On Call(R) initially served the cities of Norfolk and Virginia Beach, Va, where it experienced immediate success. Overwhelmed by the public's hunger for dependable computer support, Geeks On Call(R) realized the only way to satisfy its ballooning customer base would be to franchise the company. In early 2001 Geeks On Call(R) launched its first franchise, and now it has 205 franchises operating in 14 states throughout America plus the District of Columbia. Currently, Geeks On Call(R) offers service in the following states: Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. To schedule fast, on-site computer support, call 1-800-905-GEEK. For more information on the services provided by Geeks On Call(R), log onto www.geeksoncall.com. To inquire about franchise opportunities, contact the World Headquarters at 1-888-667-4577.