Gail Eddy, Nederland.

When it’s slow and sluggish, it’s hard to love your computer. Here are three quick tips to give your Mac or PC some pep.

-Make sure your Operating System is up-to-date. Are there any updates you need to download and apply?

-Empty the trash. If you haven’t done that in a while, you could free up a lot of space!

-Several times a year you should delete all of your cookies. Here’s how: https://geekforhireinc.com/delete-cookies/

You can’t love your computer if your WiFi is slow!

If your Internet seems slow, there are several things you can do. First, test the actual speed you’re getting. If it’s slower than you expect, contact your ISP. Check out https://geekforhireinc.com/how-do-i-fix-my-slow-wifi/

If your home has lots of brick, or radiant floor heating, you might consider a mesh router to distribute the WiFi signal more efficiently.

Do you need to replace any of your equipment?

Sometimes upgrading or replacing some of your peripheral equipment makes you love your computer even more!

Monitor:

Even though I have a laptop that I can bring anywhere, I have two monitors on my desk. That helps me be more efficient when I’m working in my home office. 

Sometimes, when I don’t need to use the additional monitor, I will put a live stream video on it. I love watching the grizzlies catch salmon in Alaska, or the wild surf in Down East Maine, or wolves playing near Old Faithful. (Send me an email and I’ll reply with some links.)

Mouse and Keyboard:

Lately, some of our customers’ keyboards have stopped working and they need a replacement. Chris has been doing some research to get them a keyboard that works perfectly for them. Some of them even have multi-colored backlights!

Printer:

Printers can cause lots of issues and that can color your entire computer experience. Keep in mind that if it’s not a software or connection problem, it may be more cost effective to get a new printer. 

More and more people are moving away from even having or needing a printer. You can always head to Business Connections or the Nederland Community Library if you really need to print something.

Conclusion, it’s okay to love a new computer:

If you’ve tried but just can’t love your computer, it might be time for a new one.

But think twice before you get one off the shelf in a big box store. They’re made to fit the requirements of the average person. You are not an average person!

Chris has great contacts at Dell and can get you a substantial discount on a custom new Dell that you’ll love.

He doesn’t have the same connections at Apple, but he does know which options to go for and which to avoid, so you’ll end up with a Mac you’ll love for years! 

Information about Geek For Hire, Inc.

Chris Eddy of Geek For Hire, Inc. has provided computer service to families and small businesses with Mac’s and PCs for the past eighteen years. Angie’s List and the BBB rate Geek For Hire very highly.  You can find more on our website or give us a call at 303-618-0154. Geek For Hire, Inc. provides onsite service (Tier 3 support) to the Denver / Boulder / Front Range area and remote service throughout North America. Our Covid Policy can be found here at https://geekforhireinc.com/covid19-policy. 

(Originally published in the February 4, 2021, edition of The Mountain-Ear.)