Remote Help/Support Services for Macs

[ixxx69]

Does anyone know of reputable remote help/support services for using Macs?

My family members live far away in small town - not sure if they can find a local expert, which would be ideal. They need someone who can remote desktop into their computers to fix misconfigurations, show them how to do stuff, install software, etc. Not a one-time deal, and not daily either, but a few times a year. Obviously the service needs to be trustworthy and reasonable costs.

I did google, and maybe I'm not using correct search terms, but all I got was a bunch of links to Apple Support, and how to use remote desktop software. Using a support forum like MR is beyond them - they need way more personal assistance.

I'm not sure if Apple is a possibility as they never purchased applecare on their devices. Even if they have some sort of pay-per-incident support, I'm curious if there are other options outside of Apple specifically?

Any recommendations?

 

[FreakinEurekan]

There are companies that specialize in small-business tech support, but the fees would likely be outside the reasonable realm for a personal service like you’re talking about. There are companies that offer personalized support, but for the most part they fall into two buckets… (1) scams, and (2) companies that aren’t charging what the service is worth. You obviously want #2, but it’s not a long-term solution… when they realize how much work they’re doing the rate is either going to go up exponentially, or they’ll exit that business. And as far as avoiding scams… you’d have to negotiate it, not them, and at that level of involvement just help them with the issue yourself.

Apple will help with Apple support items (e.g. “My email is giving this error” etc.) but installing 3rd party software, router, printer, etc. would be redirected to that company’s support. If they are willing to be EDUCATED on computers there are probably some online classes they can take but beyond that, it’s going to be friends/family doing remote support.

 

[Rich B22]

Does anyone know of reputable remote help/support services for using Macs?

My family members live far away in small town - not sure if they can find a local expert, which would be ideal. They need someone who can remote desktop into their computers to fix misconfigurations, show them how to do stuff, install software, etc. Not a one-time deal, and not daily either, but a few times a year. Obviously the service needs to be trustworthy and reasonable costs.

I did google, and maybe I'm not using correct search terms, but all I got was a bunch of links to Apple Support, and how to use remote desktop software. Using a support forum like MR is beyond them - they need way more personal assistance.

I'm not sure if Apple is a possibility as they never purchased applecare on their devices. Even if they have some sort of pay-per-incident support, I'm curious if there are other options outside of Apple specifically?

Any recommendations?

I've never used them, but what about the Geek Squad at Best Buy?

Computer, Laptop & Tablet Repairs & Services by Geek Squad - Best Buy

Find expert computer and laptop repair, virus protection, spyware & malware removal, computer upgrades, and hardware installation services from Geek Squad at Best Buy.

www.bestbuy.com

 

[ixxx69]

There are companies that specialize in small-business tech support, but the fees would likely be outside the reasonable realm for a personal service like you’re talking about. There are companies that offer personalized support, but for the most part they fall into two buckets… (1) scams, and (2) companies that aren’t charging what the service is worth. You obviously want #2, but it’s not a long-term solution… when they realize how much work they’re doing the rate is either going to go up exponentially, or they’ll exit that business. And as far as avoiding scams… you’d have to negotiate it, not them, and at that level of involvement just help them with the issue yourself.

Apple will help with Apple support items (e.g. “My email is giving this error” etc.) but installing 3rd party software, router, printer, etc. would be redirected to that company’s support. If they are willing to be EDUCATED on computers there are probably some online classes they can take but beyond that, it’s going to be friends/family doing remote support.

Yeah, that seems to be the reality. I've been their IT support for the last few decades, but it's just gotten to be too much as they get older.

Seems like there's some sort of potential market for this as a kind of "Uber" for tech support.

I've never used them, but what about the Geek Squad at Best Buy?

I did check them out, but they seem to be more oriented towards hardware repair/virus-cleaning, maybe setting up wifi etc. I was going to contact them to see what other services, but immediately ran into the frustrating wall of a giant corporation. I doubt they could give the kind of personalized attention my family needs. But if anyone has actual real-world experience with GeekSquad for the kind of service I'm looking for, please chime in.