computers

What’s the Most Accessible Computer for the Money?

Dell Chromebook

Episode 1832

Jay from Lake City, FL

Jay is nearly blind and is looking to improve his accessibility to a computer. Leo says that both Microsoft and Apple work hard to make iOS, Android, Windows and Mac good with accessibility. What is the most accessible computer for the money? Leo says HP, Dell and Apple are all very good with accessibility. Leo recommends going to a big box store like Costco and get one. Costco has a great price, usually on older models, and a very liberal return policy. So if you bring it home and don't like it, they'll refund your money up a month after purchase.

If You Want Windows 11, Consider Replacing Your Old PC

Although Microsoft never really said that Windows 10 was the final version of Windows (explicitly), some people are confused that Windows 11 was recently announced. Regardless, the new operating system will presumably not run on many older computers due to certain requirements. You may even be able to run it virtually through a Mac! But if your current machine is over 5 years old, it's probably time to upgrade to a more modern device that can get along with Microsoft's fresh OS.

Expect to Spend At Least $1000 for a Good Computer These Days

The less you spend on a computer, the more likely it'll break. Go for the higher-end Pro/business-grade model because the hardware will be better and won't get frustrating early down the road. The computer you want is close to $1500 to $2000...unless it's a Chromebook. We all need to reset our expectations for Windows and Mac products. Overall, it's gonna cost more than you wanna pay, but it'll be worth it in the long run. If money is especially tight, a Chromebook refurbished with some DIY upgrades could also work out.

What To Do With Old Computers?

There are many things you can do with old computers. Obviously, the easiest thing to do it properly dispose of it through an e-waste program. Of course, make sure you properly back up and wipe your drive before disposing of the computer.

But what if you want to re-purpose the machine for something else? There are many things you can do to re-purpose the computer for something else:

Can I Get a Computer Made in the USA?

Computer

Episode 1763

Jay from Boston, MA

Jay wants to know if there are any computers completely made in the USA? Leo says that even if you could get one, the components would probably be made around the world.  Accessories are another story. But an entire computer being made 100% in the USA? None come to mind. Check out this link at USAProducts.biz.

Falcon Northwest is a computer company that builds PCs locally. Apple assembles the MacPro Towers in Texas. But even then, both source parts from around the world.

Automatically Turn On PC After Shutdown During Remote Work.

A lot of us are remoting into our work PCs these days (for safety WFH reasons), but what do we do when our computer inadvertently shuts down and can't be rebooted without a physical power button press? Take a look at the BIOS settings and search for power management options. Locate a setting for "Reboot/Restore On Power Loss" or something similarly named. BIOS settings depend on the manufacturer of the personal computer, so you might have to wiggle around for the exact name of the option.

How Can I Get Into a Locked Out Computer?

Windows 10

Episode 1743

Rhonda from Beverly Hills, CA

Rhonda is locked out of two different laptops running Windows 10 and Windows 8.1 respectively. She got back into Windows 10 after watching a few videos. Then she got locked back out after creating a new Outlook account. How can she get back in? There are a lot of legal documents and data she needs. Leo says that if she has a backup, then there are easier options. Rhonda says she did on the Windows 10 machine. 

This is why it's so crucial to have backups.

Go For a Solid-State Drive When Getting a New Desktop PC

When you are buying/building a new desktop PC with any kind of stamina, make sure it has an SSD instead of an HDD. Solid-State Drives are a massive improvement in speed and durability from regular hard drives, Best of all, prices of SSDs have fallen drastically, so getting a 1TB drive is plenty and still affordable. Also, don't get a "hybrid" configuration of SDD and traditional, it's more worth it to go all-in on solid-state.

The Giz Wiz ... Back to School

Dick

Episode 1719

This 2020 Acer Spin 3is a versatile notebook that offers tablet mode and “tent-mode” for viewing lessons, game, videos, etc. It bendable because of it's 360-degree dual-torque hinge. It has a great 14" Full HD IPS Screen. There is a built-in garage for the active stylus using Wacom AES technology, which keeps it safe from being misplaced. It also charges it for up to 90 minutes of use in just 15 seconds. It’s powered by 10th Generation Intel Core processors and Acer says it delivers up to 12 hours of battery life.