Michael Simmons is having computer problems. So he's bringing it to a computer repairman at Dog Bytes Computer in northwest Gainesville.
He says he chose Dog Bytes because he trusts the owner, and he wouldn't take something as important as his computer to just anyone.
"Sometimes you come in and you have information on it... And you have to trust him," Simmons said.
After Craig Feigin pleaded guilty today in Gainesville to installing spyware on a woman's computer without her knowledge and recording her....Doran Matmor says his business has been affected because some people want to deal directly with computer companies, not local businesses.
"We're not Dell, we're not HP. And some people are afraid of local businesses," Matmor said.
Matmor says it can be hard to tell if software like the kind Feigin used has been installed on your computer, so no matter who's repairing your computer, there are suggestions Matmor has for computer owners:
First, have a virus scanner installed. A good one should detect different software. and don't skimp on the price.
"A lot of people use free versions, but they don't really give you a full protection," Matmor said.
And second, it's always best to deal with people you know.
"Most of my clients come from referrals, people who know us," Matmor said.
"I know that whatever he finds on my computer is going to stay here," Simmons said.