But these nerds, like most nerds, are friendly and here on a crusade to unbamboozle the bamboozled.
Invercargill woman Lyn McKenzie recently purchased the Southland franchise of Need a Nerd, the first one in the South Island.
Need a Nerd has a simple concept; send out its team of "nerds" to sell and service IT and other electronic equipment like hi-fi for residential and small businesses.
Based in Hawke's Bay, it's a concept that has taken off in the North Island but, as Lyn has discovered there's no shortage of nerds or nerd needers in the deep south.
"There's plenty of them and plenty who know their stuff.
"Most of them are in their 20s and there's a constant supply out of the SIT (Southern Institute of Technology)."
With a marketing and management background and having always wanted to buy some sort of franchise, Lyn saw it as a great opportunity to further her business ambitions.
"I had been looking at something and discussed it with the franchisers who I was very impressed with," she said.
"I liked what they had to say, they want to have fun, take all the complications out of computers and have people talk to them in 'un-nerdy' ways."
So far Lyn has one nerd, Nick Trounson, but expansion plans are imminent.
"I've already got another nerd lined up. Eventually I want to have six nerds and every three months I'd like to put on another one."
Common problems for those in need of a nerd are broadband issues for residential and making office systems more efficient in the commercial field.
A speedy service is something Need a Nerd prides itself on with a unique stipulation; if the nerd isn't on time and doesn't call ahead to let the customer know they'll be late, they have to perform 10 press-ups.
"With some tradesmen you can wait for two hours. A lot of us have raced home to meet them and they don't show up. I think people were sick of that so that's what we're going to do about it."
Nerd creator Adam Dunkerley said he was thrilled to expand into the South Island and it was hoped future franchises will be set up in Christchurch and the Nelson/Blenheim area.
"Lyn's a fantastic franchisee, extremely capable and exactly what we're looking for.
"It's looking good for total nerd domination."
