PureGeek, A new AFN Internet Service Provider and computer repair shop, has opened its doors at 33 3^rd street in the underground market place. Founded by long time computer repair and support technician Marty Rush, fellow geek Bill Westlund and office administrator Douglas Best, their goal is to provide excellent local service at quality prices. What sets PureGeek apart from other ISP's is their commitment to the Ashland community. “When you live in Ashland and you call for technical support, you should reach a person in Ashland” Best said. “By being in the area, if the need arises we can be at your home or office and get the problem fixed promptly.” this desire to serve the local community is at the heart of the PureGeek philosophy. A truly local business, PureGeek doesn't even print an area code on their business cards. “If you need to dial a 1 when calling us, chances are we can't help you.”

This doesn't mean that PureGeek limits its business to Ashland. “AFN is Ashland only, but computer problems are universal, and therefore we will go where we're needed. If someone in Grants Pass or Klamath Falls needs support, we'll be there” Rush said. This is to combat the rising tide of ISP's that farm out their support to other states and even other countries. “My feeling is why would someone in Chicago care what happens in Ashland? They wouldn't, and that comes through when you talk to them on the phone”

Along with Rush is support tech Wayland Hense. Between the two of them they have over 15 years of experience. Marty has worked for other AFN ISP’s and for AFN almost since the beginning and even installed the first AFN home connection. “I'm lucky in that my hobby and my job are the same thing” Rush said. “I spend most of my day working on other people's computers, then go home and work on mine”. Wayland is recently off a stint as training guru at Webring, a local internet company.

When asked about the difference between phone support and actual on site support Wayland said “you wouldn't call your mechanic and expect him to tell you how to fix your car over the phone, would you? Then why do it with something more complicated?” as he puts it, “computers can only do what they're told. And sometimes they get confused and need someone to help unconfuse them.”

The company is the brain child of Marty Rush, Ashland resident. “I've worked for other ISP's and AFN itself, and I feel I'm ready to give the people of Ashland what they need. I've seen what works and what doesn't, and I'm ready to make things work right.” after years of seeing ISP's being run by salesmen, who are only thinking of the bottom line, Rush thinks people are ready for the geeks to take over. “I got tired of being told it's not cost effective to help people, that if our computer says they have internet, then our job is done”.

The internet has become a basic part of our lives. We rely on it for information on almost everything, from recipes to who won the 1908 World Series. We come to count on it being there when we want, and when it isn't, we get annoyed and frustrated. The PureGeek team is here and is ready, willing, and able to take some of that annoyance and frustration away.

The Geeks can be reached Mon thru Fri 9:00 to 5:30 at the office at 33 3^rd st or by phone at 488-geek. (4335)