National Computer Repair

Experienced in computer repair, data recovery, and a love for all things geek.

Tag: computer upgrades (page 1 of 2)

3 Reasons to Upgrade or Replace Your PC’s Motherboard

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Motherboards play an integral role in the computer’s processing and functions. It acts as a bridge between your hardware and processor. Has your PC been working slowly these days? Technology is moving fast and it’s high time you should consider upgrading your PC parts. Here are some reasons to get your motherboard upgraded and how it will benefit you.

1. Faster CPU

With an upgraded motherboard, your CPU will work faster as well. This is one of the primary reasons why many tech experts opt for a motherboard replacement when they feel that their system is in a performance lag. It is highly recommended that for a faster CPU processing, a motherboard upgrade can go a long way. For example, you will notice an immediate difference if you switch from an Intel 4th Gen CPU to lightning-fast 12th Gen.

2. Faster RAM

RAM determines the processing speed of your computer. The more the RAM, the faster your system will go. New models of RAM are only compatible with the latest motherboards. This is another reason to get a new motherboard for your system. If you are looking to upgrade the RAM in your PC, high performing RAMs like DDR4 and DDR5 won’t be compatible with an older motherboard. Make the switch right now to give your computer a performance boost.

3. Better Graphics

Are you a gamer or a video editing professional? Then your graphics card is the holy grail of your build. It is a necessary part that connects to your motherboard in order to display images on your screen. Graphic cards are the reason that your in-game settings experience a performance boost by a huge margin. It also helps reduce lag while enhancing the visual quality. An upgraded motherboard paired with a decent graphic card will noticeably amp up your machine’s performance.

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Conclusion

Replacing the motherboard can be a fairly technical and tricky task to handle. If you’re not sure what you’re doing, you might end up causing more harm than good. Let the professionals take care of it. National Computer Repair has been in business for many years now. Our experts will help you with everything from planning out your PC build to installing the parts for you. Visit our website or give us a call at (615) 826-7550 and we’ll fix anything and everything that is wrong with your system.

Do Not Upgrade to Windows 11 Before Asking This Question

The last two years were an opportunity to confirm that computers are highly integrated into our lives in every sense. Many people have changed their minds about the importance of computers, since it was a lifesaver during the pandemic (studying and working remotely, discovering a lot of talented freelancers, and much more). As a result, many have started to update their computer with new software or to the latest version of Windows. However, before you jump on the bandwagon and update your computer to Windows 11, you should first ask yourself this question: Is Windows 11 any good?

Related: Why You Should Update Your Computer Software

The Difference between Windows 11 and Windows 10

Before making any changes or upgrades to your computer, you should have an idea about the latest version of Microsoft’s operating system to see if it works for you.

  • First and foremost, Windows 11 is easier in creating and toggling between virtual desktops compared to Windows 10.
  • Microsoft Teams is built directly into the Taskbar in Windows 11 to let personal account users quickly start a video call.
  • Microsoft is aiming to make Windows 11 easier to use on tablets than Windows 10 by improving touchscreen, voice, and pen support.
  • After a long wait from Windows users, finally you’ll be able to download Android apps to your PC in Windows 11.

In summary, Windows 11 is beautiful and has a more consistent new design with a great layout option.

The Cons of Windows 11

Windows 11 comes across as a fresh experience and this time Microsoft made a lot of tweaks and improvements to the latest OS, not just new wallpapers. However, some of these changes might be reason enough to stick with Windows 10. Let’s see some of them.

  • You have no choice but to buy new modern processors and GPUs due to some basic system requirements in order to make your desktop faster with this new version.
  • You can say bye-bye to Skype. Microsoft has been officially integrated into a new advanced platform called Teams, which allows free video conferencing. Removing Skype can be a con if you highly prefer it over other applications.
  • The timeline has been forgotten or removed in Windows 11. It could be a disadvantage for a lot of people who enjoyed being organized users, because this means no more tracking of apps and docs accessed.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, whether you like it or not, you might have to use it eventually. Because Windows 11 is here, and it will eventually replace Windows 10 as it did with all previous versions of Windows. Stay updated and try the latest Windows version. For a job well done and a professional upgrade to the new Windows version, call on the team at National Computer Repair. Reach us at (615) 826-7550 or visit our website here for more information.

PC Gaming Equipment for Beginners

New gamers often face a steep learning curve after their initial introduction to the world of PC gaming. Taking the first steps in acquiring your own gaming equipment can be daunting and confusing, but this blog, along with our hands-on experts are here to help. Whether you’re investing in an entirely new gaming PC or plan to upgrade an existing one, follow along below as we discuss the four main components to look for when shopping around.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The job of a CPU is to collect, read, and process instructions provided by applications, then act accordingly. Essentially, a CPU is the brain of a PC and is responsible for carrying out all of the essential tasks that allow it to function properly.

While this component is important for general computing needs as well, it’s an especially critical component for optimal gaming. It’s important to note that replacing or upgrading the CPU later down the line will generally require you to also switch out the motherboard.

Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) or Graphics Card

What would gaming be without the graphics? A graphics card is the ruler of the visual experience because it’s what accelerates your PC’s creation and rendering of images, video, and animations. Your GPU and CPU work as a team to harmonize the graphics with basically everything else.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

RAM is a piece of hardware responsible for helping a PC run programs more efficiently. The more RAM a PC has the more information can be simultaneously accessed and translated by the CPU. Gaming PC’s require more RAM than non-gaming PC’s because these programs need more space, or memory, to operate properly and at full speed.

Storage

The amount of storage a PC has directly affects how fast or slow it will load programs and read data. PC storage typically comes in the form of a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD), the difference being that HDDs are cheaper and come in higher capacities while SSDs are best for achieving the fastest speeds.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day as long as new gamers invest in enough system memory and storage space to meet the minimum requirements of their games, the overall performance will mostly come down to the CPU and graphics card. At National Computer Repair in Madison, TN, not only will you find high end gaming PC’s, hardware and accessories, but trusted advice from local tech and gaming experts as well. Contact us via our website or in person any day of the week!

Casting Your Computer Screen with Google Chromecast

 A 15-year-old once hacked NASA. Jonathan James caused NASA to initiate 21 days of operational shutdown, costing about 41,000 dollars to investigate the computer systems and fix the problem. With that in mind, casting your computer screen onto your TV should not be as hard as hacking into NASA. It’s even easier when you use Google Chromecast. In this blog, we will be helping you learn how to cast a Google Chrome tab or an entire desktop to your television with Google Chromecast.

What You’ll Need

            There are a few items that you will need before casting your computer onto your TV. An essential item is a Chromecast. Whether it is a regular Chromecast, a Chromecast Ultra, or a TV with a Chromecast built-in, you can’t do anything without this. Also, it would help if you had a TV with an HDMI slot to connect the Chromecast.

Next, you need a computer and Wi-Fi network with the minimum system requirements. Chromecast is available on all computer operating systems such as Linux, Windows, Mac OS X, and Chrome OS. However, there are specific requirements needed to cast your screen effectively. For example, Windows recommends a 2nd-generation Core i5 (2GHz+) with Windows 7 for the best performance. Yet, they require Core i3 or equivalent and Windows Vista. Each operating system has different recommendations and requirements to work effectively and can be found here

The third item on the list is a recent version of Google Chrome installed on your computer or laptop. You will need version 72 or higher to cast your screen on your TV. It is crucial to update your browser for the latest security updates and watch your favorite movies.

Lastly, you need to connect your computer and Chromecast device to the same Wi-Fi network. Chromecast and Chromecast audio devices can only input one Wi-Fi simultaneously. If you changed your Wi-Fi network recently, you might need to set up a factory reset on your devices. You need to install the Google Home app to take off the previous Wi-Fi network to connect your Chromecast and Wi-Fi correctly.

Casting a Tab

    To cast a tab from your browser, you need to open Chrome. After, look at the top right and click More  Cast. When you have done this, you need to choose the Chromecast device that you want to use. In some cases, your Chromecast will automatically cast the content from your computer on your TV. After you finished, click Cast    Stop casting to the right of the address bar.

Casting Your Computer Screen

            The best part about casting your computer screen is that you can display your entire screen using Chrome on Mac, Windows, and Chromebooks. Also, a plus of using Windows computers is that you can hear audio on your TV. To get started, open up Chrome on your computer. At the top right, click on More   Cast. Afterward, look at the top next to “Cast to” and click the down arrow. There is a statement saying Cast desktop. Click on it. The last step is to choose the Chromecast device where you want to watch on.  

            You can also cast music and videos from your computer with similar steps. Instead of clicking Cast desktop, you would click on cast file. Select a file and choose the Chromecast device where you want the file to play.

Conclusion

            When you follow these steps, you can watch YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, and other streaming platforms with your Google Chromecast. You can also work on assignments on your TV. There are so many other casting devices and methods to choose from when casting your computer screen to your TV. Google Chromecast is not the only option. However, you need to make sure that your computer is updated and working correctly with any casting device.          

If you need assistance upgrading your computer or laptop, National Computer Repair can help. We have many years of assisting our clients with software and hardware issues. For more information, you can visit our website.  Contact us today so you can start casting your

Cybersecurity for Remote Workers

In the past year the remote workforce has increased exponentially. With this major shift in workplace ‘normalcy’ there are many other issues arising that haven’t been as problematic as they have been in past years, cybersecurity being one of the biggest. Below we discuss a few ways remote workers can protect their and their employer’s private and sensitive information.

Secure Networks

As a remote worker it’s very important to make sure that you are operating on a secure Wi-Fi network at all times. By installing firmware, adding encryptions, and updating router passwords remote workers can best make sure that they are keeping their and their company’s information safe and secure from thieves and data robbers.

Beware of Phishing

Phishing is a modern term that refers to sneaky and fraudulent attempts at obtaining private data through impersonation. This is commonly seen through fake websites, email scams, suspicious attachments and deceitful website links. It’s crucial that remote workers and remote employers invest in the time to learn more about the warning signs of online phishing and how they can protect their sensitive information.

Don’t Use Personal Devices

It’s not entirely uncommon for remote workers to be tempted to work on their personal devices rather than their work issued ones. However this action can leave company data much more vulnerable to cybersecurity risks and hacks. For optimal security it’s imperative that remote workers complete all their work only on their work specific devices.

Final Thoughts Sometimes even the most protected information can get lost or stolen by far away cyber criminals. If this happens to you or someone you know on their personal or work device be sure to visit our computer repair shop in Madison, TN, call us at (615) 826- 7550, or visit our website here for more information about our convenient and secure repair services.

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