Tag: Windows

Product Recommendations

Geekcom Mini PC – A Great Desktop Tower PC Replacement

by Colin BowenLeave a Comment on Geekcom Mini PC – A Great Desktop Tower PC Replacement

The recommendation is NOT sponsored. I bought the Mini PC with my own money. I’ve tested it thoroughly, and I’m happy to recommend it to you.

This is the replacement I recommend if you prefer to sit at a desk to use the computer, rather than a laptop. If you require a laptop, please contact me and I will recommend one to you.

This Mini PC is very small compared to a traditional tower PC, but it gives you all the features that you probably need.

You can use your existing USB mouse and keyboard and your existing screen/monitor, but you might need a cheap adapter if your monitor does not have a HDMI input. I can recommend one for you.

If you use more than two USB sockets on your current tower computer, then you might need a USB hub. They’re cheap and will add three extra USB sockets.

This Mini PC is perfectly suited to home and office use, including emails, websites, banking, basic photo and video editing, and retro gaming up to about PS4 level.

I’m recommending the 2025 version of this Mini PC. I bought the earlier version because it has a slightly more powerful processor (I am using it for my tech support business, after all), but the older version uses more power and needs more cooling so it’s a little louder than the 2025 version. Otherwise, it’s basically the same, and the 2025 version would be good for me too.

So, here’s the Amazon link for this specific computer. If the link doesn’t work or it’s out of stock, please let me know and I’ll fix it or recommend an alternative.

https://amzn.to/3HXKN1G

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

If you’re an existing customer and you have any questions, please ask.

All IT, Recent Jobs

Recent Jobs

by Colin BowenLeave a Comment on Recent Jobs

Just a random selection of recent jobs I’ve completed for customers.

  • New HP Laptop and printer set-up
  • Windows not booting after using system restore to attempt a fix, and printer problems – fixed. Set up email on Android phone, and set mobile broadband data use warning and limit
  • Same-day-service for business customer to fix “no internet” problem. Also installed and set up Dropbox, and set up and run their first backup
  • Windows Login problem solved, Windows Updates completed, Antivirus installation
  • Non-starting Windows PC problem solved, advice on Windows Updates, and advice and tuition on Kindle Fire Tablet
  • Failing hard disk on a laptop. Backed up data, replaced hard disk with SSD (Solid State Disk), installed Windows 10, restored data
  • Windows XP won’t shutdown. I know, Windows XP! Retro! Also, fixed line, wired phone sometimes can’t dial out.
  • New printer installed and set up so customer can print from PC, iPad, iPod and Android phones. General PC tune-up highlighted Windows Updates were failing (now fixed), and a security checkup (Norton auto renewal).
  • Lenovo Ideapad set-up, Norton installation and activation, Gmail account creation.
  • iPad locked during update and couldn’t access iTunes server on Windows Vista, solved by using another computer and resetting the iPad and installing updates.
  • Computer infected with viruses and malware due to Norton not working – disinfected and fixed Norton, updated Windows, tested emails. Installed ad blocker on another PC. Advice on tablets and phones.

If there’s anything I can help you with please contact me on the numbers top-right of this page or by using the Contact form by clicking here.

Thanks for reading.

All IT, Recent Jobs

Recent Jobs

by Colin BowenLeave a Comment on Recent Jobs

This topic only gets occasional updates. Not every job I do is included here, but here are some of the recent things I’ve been working on.

Windows Updates. Lots of Windows Update problems. Lots! Windows 7 takes ages to search for updates, and often fails. Windows 8 and 8.1, and Windows 10 often have problems too. There doesn’t seem to be one fix that fixes all problems. If you need your Windows Updates looked at then please let me know. I have a way of doing Updates without having to use the “Check for Updates” feature that can often resolve the issue.

I recently did remote support to help a customer set up a YouTube account, a YouTube Chanel, and upload her first video.

Phone support for a “laptop won’t turn on”.

Phone support for a browser locked by a fake virus warning.

Telephone support for another browser locked with a fake warning, and the screen was turned sideways.

 

All IT, IT - Other, IT News, IT Tips

You will get Windows 10 this Tuesday whether you want it or not *

by Colin BowenLeave a Comment on You will get Windows 10 this Tuesday whether you want it or not *
If you don’t want Windows 10 installed automatically on Tuesday 9th February (or shortly after) then you need to take action now. I have this from two very reliable sources.Windows 10 enforced upgrade
*This applies to Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1. If you have these versions then Microsoft will “upgrade” you to Windows 10 as part of Windows Automatic Updates starting this Tuesday 9th February.
Some software (programs and apps) and hardware (printers and other things you plug in to your computer) will not work with Windows 10.
I can block this unwanted upgrade and turn off all the annoying popups about the upgrade.
I expect to be busy with this fix. I may not be able to reply to emails until after the deadline.
So, if you don’t want Windows 10 then phone me as soon as possible and leave a message if I am not available so I can get back to you.
All IT, IT - Other, IT News, IT Tips

Pay by credit card, debit card, PayPal, bank transfer, cheque or cash

by Colin BowenLeave a Comment on Pay by credit card, debit card, PayPal, bank transfer, cheque or cash

No need to wait until pay day!

I am now able to accept credit cards, debit cards and PayPal payments. I can also accept bank transfers (in advance), and cash and cheques for face-to-face support.

Call now for fast, convenient tech support, or download the remote support app for Windows and Mac and install/run it, then click “Start Session” for immediate support if I’m online. If I’m not online, you can leave me a message to connect  or contact you.