Common Computer Questions and Answers
NO! Like all new versions of Microsoft Windows, Windows 11 isn’t ready for release.
There are still incompatibilities and driver problems. In many ways Windows 11 is confusing and harder to use and doesn’t provide ANY advantage over Windows 10. A year or two from now Windows 11 may be ready, but for now just stick with Windows 10.
A computer is normally slow because the hard drive is failing. It also could be slow because it doesn’t have enough memory or because a program (or virus) is running in the background and using most of the computer’s resources. We should mention that sometimes people confuse Internet speed with computer performance. If your computer seems slow, make sure the problem isn’t just with programs like Google Chrome that access the Internet.
We can help with some problems with Apple computers. However, Apple has a history of using parts which are available only to official Apple repair centers. Because of this, we usually cannot repair internal hardware-related problems. Sorry, we do not repair smart phones.
There are really just a few things to look for in a new computer: brand, memory, hard drive, and CPU.
BRAND: HP and Dell deliver consistent quality and have relatively few problems with design.
MEMORY: Also called ‘RAM’, we recommend at least 8 gigabytes (GB), however the more the better, especially if you use Quickbooks or any type of CAD.
HARD DRIVE: Be sure to get a solid-state drive (SSD) of at least 500 gigabyte capacity, not a spinning (HDD) drive. An SSD will make the computer much more responsive but it will be more expensive and generally have less capacity than a spinning hard drive. If you store lots of large files (like photos or video) then you may need an SSD with higher capacity.
SATA vs SSD: The term SATA refers to the hard drive connection. This type of connection can be found on both spinning and solid-state hard drives. So it’s not enough to get a hard drive that has a SATA connection.. it must be SSD.
CPU: It’s a little harder to recommend a CPU (or ‘microprocessor’) since you can’t just go by the model number. In the old days CPU’s were named 8086, 80186, 80286 and so on, but now they have model numbers like i3-530 and i5-460M. The newer Intel CPU’s cannot be compared by model numbers, so we use a benchmark rating called PassMark.
You can get the PassMark rating for any CPU at CPUBenchmark.net. We recommend a PassMark rating of 2000 or higher for everyday use, of course a higher rating is preferable.
DISPLAY CONNECTORS: It’s usually helpful to have two or more displays, so make sure your new computer has at least two video connectors. Also, make sure the video connector(s) will fit your display. Common display connectors are VGA, HDMI, DVI and DisplayPort. Keep in mind that there are inexpensive conversion cables that will go from any type to any other type.
DVD/CD DRIVE: Modern computers don’t always include a CD/DVD disk drive, mostly because they aren’t needed. So if you want one then be sure your new computer has one.
LAPTOP OPTIONS: For laptops you need to make sure the display is big enough. 15.5 inches is typical but I prefer a 17 inch display (they are measured diagonally).
A backlit keyboard is handy if you like to use your laptop in areas with low light.
Bluetooth, a wireless protocol sometimes used with mice and wireless speakers, is another option.
If you want to use your laptop with a docking station then be sure it has the the right type of USB connector (USB-2, USB-3, USB-C).
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS: It’s important to note that Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Publisher) is not included with a new computer (a trial version is installed, but it is useless after it expires). So if you need Office then be sure to purchase a subscription or a permanent version.
- Problems with email sending and receiving
- Printing problems
- QuickBooks
- Office 365
- Antivirus installation
- ..and many other problems!
To get started, download our remote support program AnyDesk by CLICKING HERE.
After downloading AnyDesk you will need to run it. In Chrome you may see a pop-up window at the bottom of the screen with the words "Open or Save". Click the "Open" button. In FireFox you will need to click the 'Save File' button. After a few seconds you will see a small 'down' arrow
at the top of the screen. Click the button, then click on the words "BPC_Remote_Support.exe" in the pop-up prompt, then click RUN or OPEN. You also may need to click YES if you get a prompt that reads "Are you sure you want to allow this program to make changes to your PC?".
Life is short. We humans live for maybe 80 or 90 years and then we die. If death is the end then why live? To build-up wealth? To create a legacy? To make the world a better place? Is there even an answer to this age-old question? Of course there is, but first you must agree that the world has a creator and that this creator made us for a purpose. God is not just our creator but our Heavenly Father and He cares for us as individuals. The Bible tells us that death is not the end; a person's soul will live forever, either in Heaven or in Hell. However simply knowing and believing this will not get you to Heaven. Doing good things, giving to the church, and living a good life will also not get you to Heaven. For information about how to become saved please click here.