Category: Tech Updates

The latest tips, tricks, and tech news you need to enjoy your computer to the fullest.

Coronavirus Concerns

Tech Updates by Nate

With coverage of the Coronavirus on every major news outlet, this post will not be discussing the seriousness of the virus. Isaiah 41:10 says: “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” As many cities are being affected by mandatory lockdowns by the government, the question arises, how can a small business function?

Waites Web is here to help all of our clients set up remote access to their office computers. You may need access for just one employee or all of your employees. That is not a problem.

Employees can use their home computers to connect to their office computers, and work just like they are in the office. Once the remote software is installed and set up, employees simply need to have their office computers turned on and they are ready to connect.

Only $20/month per user! To get started call Waites Web today, 205-720-0566.

Conclusions concerning my upgrades to Windows 10

Tech Updates by Nate

I upgraded 5 computers to Windows 10.  Two were basically empty computers that did not have much data.  My final upgrade was my own personal laptop with all my programs and data.  
On each computer the upgrade was smooth. It took between 1-1/2 to 3 hours depending on the computer.  I was greeted by the new login screen and desktop following.

I thought to myself, Microsoft has done it!  They actually made a working upgrade that was painless!  However, my excitement was short lived.  I began using my personal laptop and found some issues.

Autocad 2016 has display issues.  Some games will not recognize user input.  And I found other sundry issues.  Hopefully everything will be patched soon.  However, if you have important programs on your computer, check to make sure they work fine before you upgrade.

BOTTOM LINE:  the upgrade goes smooth, but be prepared for unexpected program behavior.

Windows 10 Upgrade 3 Aug

Windows 10 Upgrade

Tech Updates by Nate

This week, Windows 10 was released.  It was officially released on July 29th.  So the question has been, “is it safe to upgrade to Windows 10?”  The answer:  Yes! No! Maybe?

Here is the deal.  I have installed the upgrade on three computers without a hitch.  The upgrade takes at least an hour to upgrade a fast machine.  The process is simple and seems to work well.  That being said, the three machines I upgraded did not have many applications on them.  Tonight I am upgrading my personal laptop which I use for everything.  It will be my final test before I give my official stamp of approval to the Windows 10 Upgrade App.

  1. Always back up your data before attempting to upgrade Windows
  2. Check the compatibility of your important applications before you upgrade
    • Windows 10 is a full upgrade from previous versions
    • Not all applications will work with this new version
  3. If you have any problems, WaitesWeb is here to help you get up and running again.

Windows 10 is a major upgrade from 7 and 8.  Back is the familiar Windows Desktop!

Windows 10 Upgrade
The Windows 10 Desktop is back

 

The Start Menu has made an official return!

Windows 10 Features
The Start Menu has been redesigned and officially brought back to Windows.

You can access all your programs in alphabetical order.
You can access all your programs in alphabetical order.

WaitesWeb will be releasing more information on how to upgrade and use Windows 10 in the coming days.  Please check back for more updates!

To Upgrade or Not To Upgrade? That is a good question!

Tech Updates by Nate

July 29th is fast approaching.  If you are running Windows 7 or 8/8.1, you can get a free upgrade from Microsoft to Windows 10.  In fact, I know many of you have already reserved your copy.  Congratulations you have scored yourself Microsoft’s first free upgrade ever!!!  I know many of you are just like me, I see something new and must have that shiny newness.  You just can’t wait to try out this new version of Windows.

However, before you push that button to upgrade your computer July 29th, I want you to be prepared.

  1. This is a complete upgrade, not just a windows update.
    • In the past I have seen Service Packs completely render a computer useless so that Windows had to be completely reinstalled.
    • I have tried upgrades in the past and they have never gone as well as planned, EVER.  (The smoothest upgrade was Windows 7 to Windows 8, but then all my programs had to be reinstalled.)
    • This is a full upgrade, Murphy’s Law applies, anything that can go wrong will go wrong.
  2. Once you upgrade, you may not be able to go back to Windows 7 or 8.
  3. If your computer has any viruses, spyware, malware, or is just plain not running right, installing this upgrade will only complicate matters.
  4. You might lose all your data, so make sure you have a backup.

From my experience with the beta, Microsoft has made some major improvements to Windows.  This will be a good upgrade it seems.  However, it may be wise to see other’s upgrade experiences before you take the plunge.  Technicians have not been able to see how the upgrade process will work.  It could go smoothly, it could go horribly.  Practice patience and wait.  Let your favorite technicians test out the upgrade before you take the leap of faith.

If you are still reading and you feel you are ready to upgrade, go for it!  More power to you!  I wish you the best.  However, if something does happen to go wrong, WaitesWeb is just a phone call away to get your PC up and running again.  If you are wanting to upgrade but want to minimize the risks, give me a call and I will be glad to help you get everything backed up, cleaned up, and ready for the new Windows.

WaitesWeb offers affordable, competitive rates to help you.

205-720-0566

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