Hi doctoryes-ga, and thanks for your interesting question.
As you likely know, there are lots of companies that do enterprise
level security consulting, but few who offer (or are even willing to
consider) on-site home PC security consulting. I have tried to locate
a range of company sizes to give you some idea of what's out there.
As there are very few (if any) companies or freelance consultants who
do only home network security (i.e., without also offering some type
of "PC tuneup" or other services), I have tried to pick out those
companies or individuals contractors who appear to have somewhat of a
focus on in-home services and security issues. I've also included
some other well-known in-home groups (such as Geeks On Call), who
offer a wide range of services in addition to home network security
and may also be of potential interest. Also, some individual
consultants who do in-home work don't seem to have websites and
advertise primarily through online classified ads, such as those on
Craig's List. I've included a sample of those near the end as well.
=======================
SecureAtHome
http://www.secureathome.net/
=======================
Although this company also offers some other limited services, their
primary specialty is home security. They operate on-site for a flat
rate of $40/hr. If software or hardware installation is required, the
same per hour fee applies, however, cost of materials is extra. A
description of their pricing and services can be found here:
http://www.secureathome.net/pricing.htm
Briefly, their services include adware removal, anti-virus
installation and upgrading, security assessment and system
modification, and training.
This is a small company located in the Hampton, VA area (Hampton
Roads). Their contact number is 757-301-7174.
======================
Bit Bucket Security Systems
http://www.bitbucketit.com/
Bit Bucket IT
1812 James Street
Reading, PA 19608
email: help@bitbucketit.com
phone: 610.670.7982
======================
This is a somewhat larger company based in Reading, PA. They work
with both home users and small businesses:
"From small, one person, home offices to larger small businesses with
multiple sites our staff of trained professionals will meet the needs
of your business."
Their fee schedule is highly variable, based on a sliding scale:
"...Bit Bucket Security Systems provide consulting services based on a
sliding fee scale. Actual fees vary depending on the financial
strength of the organization, generally ranging between $15 and $65
per hour."
They appear to have broader expertise than Secure At Home above,
including ability to assess multiple platforms (e.g. Windows, OS X,
Linux, etc.) as you can see from their services page:
http://www.bitbucketit.com/about.html
While able to handle larger jobs, they also specialize in home cable
modem security, virus scanning, firewall design, home networking, and
general security scans. They can design a security plan based on the
user's setup and needs.
======================
Data Zing Tech
http://www.datazingtech.com/
======================
This company, based in Seattle, WA, appears to be primarily run by a
single person offers a wide range of basic services including PC
repair and security assessment, including virus detection and removal,
spyware removal, etc. They perform both on-site and pickup/dropoff
service within the 206 and 425 area codes. They work on Win
NT/9x/ME/2000/XP NT4 Server/2000 Server/2003 Server, and some Linux.
They have a flat $175 on-site fee (plus $30 if the user wants
pickup/dropoff) for basic security and system tweaking:
http://www.datazingtech.com/pricing
If the system is really damaged and needs to be completely
reinstalled, their pricing is a flat $225. If the user wants data
backup and transfer, this is an additional $50 (total $275), which I
would think just about everyone would opt for.
They state that about 95% of their calls are "house calls." Their
site also states that rates are negotiable and that bartering is an
option. Their contact phone is (206) 407-3353.
They also host a variety of forums, including a security forum, where
DataZing (administrator) often answers questions and gives advice for
free.
http://s2.excoboard.com/exco/index.php?boardid=9037
===================
DoktorNet
Silver Spring, MD
301-906-4446
http://www.doktornet.biz/
===================
This company serves the great DC area and provides on-site network
consulting to individuals. They also provide a wide range of other
serives to individuals and small companies.
Their web site lists two different fee structures, and I suspect they
have recently increased their fees without completely updating their
website.
Rates: 6am-6pm at $100/hr (up from $75), 6pm-6am at $175 (up from $130) per hour.
=======================
Geeks on Call
1-800-905-GEEK
814 Kempsville Road, Suite 106
Norfolk, VA, USA 23502
Phone: (757) 466-3448
Fax: (757) 466-3457
info@geeksoncall.com
http://www.geeksoncall.com/
=======================
This nationwide group has 332 franchises and performs home network
setup and security work, among other jobs, for individuals or small
businesses. They seem to focus on residential customers. You can
find a list of their services here:
http://www.geeksoncall.com/GOC/GOC_Site/services/HomeServices.asp
They have apparently received quite a bit of press coverage, which you
can find here:
http://www.geeksoncall.com/GOC/GOC_Site/corporate/PressRelease.asp
Most of these articles don't discuss their fee structure, which varies
by franchise. This article from Digital Connect gives the best
description of the rates they charge for various services:
http://www.geeksoncall.com/About/News%20Releases/Digital%20Connect%20-%20June%202005.pdf
=========
Another good place to find freelance computer consultants who
specialize in home security assessments, audits, and installations, is
to check various Craigs List sites. If you're not familiar with
Craig's List, it is an amazing site with multiple sub-sites devoted to
individual cities or regions. It's sort of a free classified and
forum system that started in San Francisco and has become wildly
popular.
http://www.craigslist.org/
Here are some sites initially found on Craig's List:
====================================
ITSupportNet.com
http://www.craigslist.org/eby/cps/103707910.html
http://itsupportnet.com/
(510) 377-0694
michael@itsupportnet.com
====================================
They work on a variety of problems, including home security.
Pricing:
"Our professional rates range from $125.00 for professional network
engineering to $25.00 per hour for logistical support based on the
nature of the tasks, technical requirements, duration and any other
negotiated items."
They are available 24hr/day, 7 days/week, including holidays at no
extra charge. They don't charge for mileage or travel or for time
spent learning or for mistakes. They offer price quotes.
====================
THE COMPUTER DOCTOR
18 W. 33rd St., Second fl.
212-967-9455
allinfo.net/smi
fast777@aol.com
====================
Recently voted the "Best Broadband Setup Geek" in NYC, this company
will setup broadband connections, but this is only the beginning. As
they state on their Craig's List ad:
"Do you want to make your PC 100% bullet proofed?
We specialize in COMPLETE and TOTAL PC STERILIZATION & PROTECTION"
http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/cps/103081066.html
Here's their main website, which doesn't give a lot of useful details:
http://www.allinfo.net/smi/
I would take a look at the NY Magazine Best Of page here for more info:
http://www.newyorkmetro.com/nymetro/bony/services/2005/11360/index.html
Their home network installation fees range from $49-$89, however,
neither the NY Magazine article nor their own website has a
comprehensive listing of fees for other services such as home PC
security.
=====================
digicomny@optonline.net
718-794-7595 / 917-539-2581
=====================
http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/cps/102551172.html
This individual appears to do freelance on-site network security work.
Rates are flat fees of $65/hr in or around Manhattan and $80/hr
beyond.
====================
sutherland.lee@gmail.com
404-644-0489
====================
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/cps/97092770.html
This individual, based in the greater Atlanta area, offers somewhat
vague services. He seems to be offering to secure wireless networks.
Fees are also not stated.
=============================
FactoryThree PC Repair
Greater Dallas area
214-679-0309
http://www.factorythree.com/pc_repair/
=============================
http://dallas.craigslist.org/cps/99844087.html
This company, which specializes in both on-site in-home repairs and
small business jobs. Their rate structure can be found here:
http://www.factorythree.com/pc_repair/servicerates.aspx
These are merely some example rates - Their basic fee is $16.25 / 15
min., not including software or parts.
___________________________________________________________
I hope this information is useful. Please feel to request
clarification prior to rating.
Best,
-welte-ga
==========
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