There a lot of knee-jerk responses here about what the problem is, but not a lot about how to find a good consultant

Having worked for myself providing IT services for small businesses in my area, I found that the best way to connect with new customers is word of mouth. I found the majority of my best customers that way.

You come in contact with local businesses that need IT support all the time. Just ask a manager of every not-franchise that you're in who they use for IT support, and if they like them. Get a name and number.

Consider attending local networking events for small businesses. You'll probably quickly meet a new IT provider face-to-face who is hungry for business. Also, other small business owners in your area who hire their own IT consultants. And hey, if you happen to live in the Boise, Idaho area, hit me up here. :-D

Regarding the fix: Updates can be scheduled easily using group policy. Spool up a WSUS server. Manage your updates with policy. This may or may not be more expensive than your wife's company wants (depending particularly if they have a domain and server in place), but it's less intrusive than asking the customer to change OS, and will definitely give her the results she wants.

Regarding warranties - Warranty for work already completed should be honored, if it's a true warranty. Examine the terms. But that doesn't keep you from changing consultants. At the very least, get a second opinion.

Good luck.

I prefer TeamViewer myself: http://lmgtfy.com/?q=free+remote+control

This is a no-brainer!

1. Check out Neil deGrasse Tyson, who hosts the excellent show Nova ScienceNOW, currently in it's third season. It runs just after NOVA for several weeks in a row.

2. Try Robert Krulwich, who co-hosts the great NPR show & podcast RadioLab, with the equally wonderful Jad Abumrad. They are great for driving and listening.

Both are brilliant at making complicated sciencey topics seem fun and interesting. My 13 year old daughter enjoys both shows immensely with me. RadioLab, especially, is fun and funny, and you can gather up all podcasts on iTunes (there are about 25 full shows presently, plus lots of smaller in-between podcasts).

Both of these guys appear frequently on public radio shows too, like Ira Flatow's Science Friday, which is also good but a little more current eventsy.

Hope you enjoy these!