Help for the PC,
Macs, iOS, Android,
and more tech!
It's no longer a brand new year but, HEY! Happy 2026 to ya!
Some thoughts about your tech options as we move further into this Year --- NOT fully updated for 2026
Some Things DON'T CHANGE
Scams and Threats
Not sure? - ask me BEFORE you click or call a number in that pop-up on your screen. If you think something's not on the up-and-up, check in with me. Call me, text me, email me. Send up a smoke signal.
BACK UP your important stuff – Do you back up regularly? Do you keep your software installations (CDs, instructions, emails, and/or usernames & passwords that got stuff loaded) handy for when those apps need to be reinstalled?
Be prepared for HARDWARE failures. So... BACK UP YOUR STUFF!! Let's get you backed up with a way to keep your backups up to date, too.
2026 Updates Coming!!
Security -- this section has not been updated (fully) for 2026. Come back, PLEASE!!!
Norton 360 Deluxe is currently available for about $20 for a year for five devices. Turn off auto-renew after the subscription has been activated. Annoying pop-up promotions? By default, they are annoying; but their frequency can be minimized. Works on Macs, too (search Amazon or Google for the best price at the moment for Norton 360). A free alternative is Windows Defender, which comes with every Windows 11 or 10 PC.
To find crapware that can slow your computer, I recommend occasional running of the free personal Malwarebytes Anti-Malware program (malwarebytes.com).
Hardware
Good printers – very reliable and relatively inexpensive options are basic monochrome laser printers, either print-only or All-in-One. The cost per page for these are much less than any inkjet printer. Leave color printing needs to the well-equipped shops at Staples & FedEx, or get a basic inkjet printer for color. The newer Epson & Brother inkjet tank printers claim to be a lot cheaper than their inkjet cartridge counterparts.
Warranties
Where & how you purchase new equipment can lengthen your warranty without purchasing an extended plan. For example:
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Dell business class (like OptiPlex, Precision) usually offer 3 year warranties
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Costco electronics purchases often come with their 2nd year warranty as well as Concierge services (https://www.costco.com/concierge.html) that include phone support with US-based reps
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many credit cards offer additional warranty coverage that follows a manufacturer's warranty period
Always check the websites of these companies for current information regarding such policies on price matching, warranty programs, and technical support.
In Conclusion...
2025 is gone, history, but your tech needs aren't! For help with your tech, reach out to me and let’s improve your setup.
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Call or text me at 410-929-5684
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Send smoke signals if your locality permits these (just kidding, I don’t know how to read them)
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Check for my occasional tips on my Facebook Page: Help for the PC
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And – really, really, I really mean it – back up your personal stuff!!
Be safe, be healthy, and may your tech enrich your life!