The Computer Wizard

I recently sent out this information by email. Also posting it here, for anyone who might still use this page.

Hi, everyone. I hope tax season is treating you well this year. This will be a medium-length email with just a few logistical updates.

1. Yearly Checkups - If you haven't had your computer checked in 6 months or longer, now might be the time. If it's been at least a year, please strongly consider a checkup, even if you don't notice anything wrong.

2. Windows 10 - If you have Windows 10, it will need to be updated to Windows 11 by October of this year. Microsoft has set that date as the End-of-Life (EOL) date for Windows 10, which means it will not be getting any more security updates starting in November. This means you will need to do one of the following:
* Upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11 on the computer you already have. This is an option for most people receiving this message.
* Replace Windows 10 with a different operating system, such as Linux Mint. This open-source, peer-reviewed operating system is often the best option for older computers, or for people who don't want to have to worry as much about viruses or online tracking in the future. Much of the software you already use is available for it (e.g. Chrome, Firefox, LibreOffice, VLC).
* Replace your computer with a new one that already has Windows 11 installed.
* (Not recommended) Disconnect your computer from the internet permanently, except when updating your antivirus. This would also mean avoiding or minimizing the use of any disks or flash drives from other people. "Air-gapping" a computer is the only safe way to keep an operating system that is no longer getting security updates.

You might be asking, "What version of Windows do I have, anyway?" This website will tell you. Feel free to send me a picture of what you see when you go there:

https://whatsmyos.com/

3. My email address - I suggest using this email address, [email protected] , to reach me in the future. My old email addresses [email protected] and [email protected] *DO NOT* work anymore.

4. Contact preferences - I treat phone calls (and only phone calls) as urgent. I also return messages in the same way as I receive them. If you email me, asking me to call you, I'm going to email you back asking why you didn't just call. My number is 412-401-1204 . Please do not send me text messages at this number, unless you have been unable to reach me by phone or email.

5. Pronouns - Some of you already know this, but in many cases it never came up: my pronouns are they/them. Please do your best not to call me "he" or "him". My name change from Jason to Chance was partly about being non-binary. I used to be more lax about bringing it up, but now that we have a president who is targeting trans and non-binary people, I am unwilling to be quiet about it (except when absolutely necessary). I have already had to change my X marker on my driver's license back to M, for safety when traveling through rural Pennsylvania. I am very lucky that I never changed my gender marker on my passport, or else I might not even have a working passport right now.

6. Creeping Fascism - if you are one of my rare clients who voted for the orange would-be dictator, please know that I am unwilling to help you with anything, ever again. My time is valuable, which is why I will not assist fascist collaborators. Their money is no good with me. For the 98 percent of you who didn't need to be told this, I hope it is reassuring to know it nonetheless.

What's my OS? What is my OS? Help finding out what Operating System your running. How to find your Operating System version. Finding out if your OS is 3 2-bit or 64-bit. What version of windows do I have?

While I can't officially endorse a product that hasn't been manufactured yet, this Kickstarter seems promising for anyone who might need a second or third screen when using their laptop. Not sure how many people here that applies to, but I try to be helpful.

Portable DUAL/TRIPLE screen laptop monitor Save up to 49% NOW on Kickstarter

If there's one thing I could impress upon people when they're dealing with tech support, it's this:

Don't be afraid of saying "I'm not sure" or "I don't understand" or "I don't know".

It's so much better than saying "yes" or "no", and having the technician later find out that isn't the case.

And for what it's worth, even as a tech support person with 20 years' experience, I often have to say "I'm not sure, that's a good question" or "I don't know, let me look that up for you". Not only is there no shame in it, it can be the best way to handle things.

I once heard it said that there are two types of knowledge: knowing something, and knowing where to find information on something. In the age of the internet, that's more true than ever.

So try to remember that "I'm not sure" or "I don't know" or "I don't understand" is usually an opportunity to learn something new, an opportunity you miss if you cover your ignorance with a "yes" or "no" instead.

For anyone who might be looking for a medium-size Android tablet, have I ever got a deal for you. Recently I replaced my long-suffering Asus tablet with a nVidia Shield. Here are my impressions of it:

This tablet is fast. Like, way faster than any sub-$200 tablet has any right to be. Super impressed.

And the speakers are LOUD, with excellent sound quality for being so tiny. The Asus Transformer's speaker was super wimpy compared with an iPad... but this thing might even be louder.

The screen is crisp, with vibrant colors and very sharp lines.

Also, added bonus, it works with Qualcomm Quickcharge chargers like my Note 5's charger, though this feature is unadvertised.

The battery life isn't great, especially when playing 3D games, but I know a few easy ways to mitigate this if it becomes a problem for you. Overall, this tablet is really solid and a pleasure to use... especially after wrestling for years with one that had major lag / freezing problems.

If you like the sound of it, but would like a bigger screen, the Nexus 9 is very similar, and is also available with 32 GB internal storage instead of 16 GB.

Highly, highly recommended. So far it's been truly a pleasure as a laptop replacement, and of course the gaming performance is a great bonus.

Buy the New SHIELD tablet K1 - NVIDIA SHIELD Store Buy the new NVIDIA SHIELD tablet K1, a high-performance Android tablet designed for the best gaming and entertainment experience.