National Computer Repair

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

Tag: computer (page 1 of 4)

How to Pick the Right Laptop for Programming

Finding the best laptop for programming is not an easy task. There are many options now available on the market, but that doesn’t mean that you have to stress out trying to find one. We understand that programming requirements might be different according to the software you will be working on or the programming language you want to work with. In this month’s blog, we will talk about the specifications of different programming computers and laptops you can take into consideration. So, if you’re a freelance programmer or an entrepreneur and are planning to build something revolutionary by coding, check out our guide below.

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Computer or Laptop?

It is clear that if you have to travel and want program anywhere that suits you, you will certainly not invest in a fixed computer. On the other hand, if you plan to invest in a laptop, remember to check that it is equipped with a full number pad because when programming, you often have to type in numbers.

The Screen

To program, it is not necessary to have a screen with a high resolution and optimal quality. A standard, classic screen does the trick. You can therefore choose a modest screen size, especially if you are on a laptop. But if you want to work on a fixed screen, we recommend a screen of at least 22 inches for ease in your work.

Storage

A mechanical hard drive (HDD) does the trick for your computer. But it is undeniable that the performance, as well as the fluidity of your system, will be much better on an SSD. This will allow your laptop to be efficient and work fast, no matter your task.

If you have the option of having 2 physical disks on your computer, go for it. But it’s very important to separate the system from your data. If you merge them, chances are you’ll lose your data, and this is the last thing you want.

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Graphics Card

If you want to do 3D programming or design a video game, having a good graphics card is a prerequisite. But for most programming languages, a basic graphics card will do the trick since programming software consumes very few graphic resources.

Conclusion

If you’re ready to get started on your programming journey on a system you’ve built yourself, following the above information will help a great deal. If you need help upgrading your laptop into a programming laptop, come into our computer shop at National Computer Repair and rely on our knowledgeable technicians!

How Often Should You Clean Your Computer

When it comes to cleaning your computer, it is more than just cleaning the keyboard. There are various parts that accumulate dirt over some time, which may cause some features to fail and even sometimes cause a fire. Other parts of a computer that are not so obvious when it comes to cleaning, but are still critical in the performance of your computer include the following

  • Heat sinks
  • Motherboard and drives
  • Video games /cards
  • Fans and filers

Depending on the type of computer you want to clean, either PC or laptop, the process may vary due to the different components of the system. One of the valuable tools you can incorporate when cleaning your computer is using a can of compressed air. When you use it correctly, the short bursts of air are able to get the dust and dirt out of the crevices that are hard to clean.

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  1. Keyboard Cleaning

The computer keyboard gets dirty, lots of things end up under the keys, ultimately causing damage. Some things that can sometimes settle under the keyboard include:

  • Germs
  • Spills
  • Dust
  • Body oils
  • Crumbs and snacks

Most keyboards are difficult to clean, and therefore they require regular attention to keep them sanitary and in excellent working condition.

2. Monitor or LCD Screen

LCDs or monitors require special attention, especially when cleaning; they are delicate, and therefore, you must tend them with extra caution. Ensure that you do not use abrasive clothing that can cause damage to the screen. In addition, never use alcohol or ammonia-based solutions to clean the computer.

It’s important to turn the computer off when cleaning and wipe gently from side to side and top to bottom while avoiding circuit swirl motions. Using a microfiber cloth is the best choice for wiping the screen and removing smudges and fingerprints.

3. Cleaning the Inside of a Computer

The inside of a computer is quite complex; therefore, it requires that you take extra care. When cleaning the inside of the computer, always remember to turn it off, unplug the system and then disconnect keyboards, monitors, and other peripherals.

Next, you can use compressed air, a squeeze bulb, or a small light brush to remove dust from the most contaminated surfaces. Remember to keep the blades stationary when blowing. Repeat using compressed air for RAM, CPU, heat sinks, and the entire case interior.

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Conclusion

A clean exterior and interior is fundamental for the overall performance and lifespan of your computer. To keep your PC and computer running smoothly, you must always give it a regular cleaning. It’s advisable to observe the correct procedure of opening the computer and following the proper cleaning process every three to six months. If you have questions about computer services, talk to our team of experts at National Computer Repair.

Comparing PC vs Mac

PC stands for personal computer, but when people reference PC, the Microsoft Windows operating system is the one that most often comes to mind. Windows is one of the most popular and most commonly installed OS for PCs. In fact, it holds the largest market share worldwide for OS. Linux is also another well-known OS for PCs. On the other hand, Macintosh runs macOS and is solely developed and marketed by Apple Inc. Although PCs and Macs are both computers that can be mostly used for similar purposes, they differ in function, build, and power. In this month’s blog, we will discuss the unique strengths and weaknesses between the two competitive computers.

Price

In general, the majority of PCs are much more budget-friendly than Macs and are available in different price points from a variety of manufacturers such as Dell, HP, ASUS, Acer, and much more. Most PC towers for office and work use can be found for the half the price of Macs and that’s not including the monitor and other accessories. However, pre-built and custom PCs for gaming tend to lean towards higher price points due to the components that allow it to run high performance games and programs. It’s no secret that Apple products can be more expensive than other brands and manufacturers. However, Macs are very high quality and known for their sleek and modern designs.

Hardware

The hardware in a PC can easily be upgraded by simply switching out the parts in your PC tower when you want something better. For example, you can swap out an old graphics card for the latest one and instantly upgrade your visual experience and performance. The ability to customize your PC is what makes it so popular and enticing and if you’re knowledgeable about the parts, you can build your PC yourself right at home. Overall, PCs have a wide array of hardware choices to choose from in different price ranges. You can choose the hardware based on what best fits your needs.

On the other hand, Macs are very limited in the customization of their hardware and are not really designed to be upgraded by the user. What you buy is what you get. However, Macs come with high-end, expensive components that can run programs very smoothly and seamlessly. In addition, since Apple is the sole manufacturer of all Mac hardware, it offers greater stability and performance. Custom-built PCs can run into issues such as incompatible drivers that can affect its performance.

Software and Gaming

Mac computers are part of what is called the Apple Ecosystem. This ecosystem encompasses all Apple products and devices and creates a seamless network where you can be connected to all of your Apple devices. For example, you can leave your iPhone somewhere else and still easily answer text messages from your Mac. You can even share documents and files through AirDrop or iCloud and easily open it from any device. This integrated ecosystem offers convenience and if you already own an iPhone or iPad, choosing a Mac over a PC can be a very tempting choice. The software and optimization of Macs are also a popular choice among professional creatives, including apps such as Sketch and Final Cut Pro. For the majority, Macs are considered an industry standard for designers but now with more creative software being available for Windows, it makes it a competitive match.

As for gaming, PC wins by a landslide in this category. As mentioned before, a PC has the capability of swapping out its parts and allows users to build their own tower. This allows dedicated gamers to have the best performing system that guarantees a smooth running and high graphics game. Macs have a very limited selection when it comes to gaming software and its components are not very compatible with running the majority of games available for PC.

Which One Do I Choose?

As discussed, PC and Mac have their own unique traits. It’s important to think about your expectations and what kind of capabilities you want your chosen device to handle. Here are a few questions to ask yourself:

  • Do you often multitask during work and utilize a wide variety of office programs and video conference apps?
  • Are you a programmer or designer that requires a device that can run intensive applications?
  • Do you often travel and need a system that is connected to other devices?
  • Are you a gamer and require a computer that can run high performance games on high quality graphics?
  • Do you need a computer that can be used for both casual entertainment (streaming, gaming, etc.) and work?

The bottom line is that, if you’re going to be using your computer for entertainment or a mix between gaming and work, the flexibility of a PC is the best choice for you. If you’re going to be using it strictly for professional work, PCs are still a great option but Apple products and Macs may be a more convenient option due to its ecosystem that keeps you seamlessly connected. Some consider PC best for business and office use while Macs are best for professional creative use.

Conclusion

The PC vs Mac debate has been going on for a long time, just like how people often compare Android and iOS devices. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what you plan to use it for, whether it be for casual gaming or for work. Regardless of what type of computer you own, you need a reliable repair service in case you ever experience any difficult virus issues or damaged hardware. National Computer Repair is here to help and provide all of your repair and upgrade needs. We also offer PC parts, cases, accessories, and more. Learn more about our services and products by visiting our website or contacting us at (615) 826-7550.

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

How to Safely Transport a Computer

Many people underestimate just how fragile their PC’s are. Not only is a PC very fragile, they also tend to be bulky and expensive too. Whether you are moving to a new house or are lending your computer to a friend, it’s crucial that when your transport your PC you do so safely. Below we discuss a few tips to follow when traveling with your computer.

Back it Up

All of the valuable information on your computer is also usually irreplaceable. If disaster finds your PC it’s important that all of your irreplaceable memories and personal information was backed up to an external hard drive beforehand. Keep the external hard drive far away from your computer to ensure they cannot both be damaged or stolen in a similar fashion.

Box it Up

The way in which you wrap and box up your computer will ultimately determine how safe it will stay during travel. Use bubble wrap, cloth, and anything else you can to adequately pad every corner and protect every button and outlet. Lightly stack a few lightweight pieces in each box and be sure to not stack anything else heavy on top of them during transport. Keep wires neatly wrapped and individually labeled for easy reinstallation.

Summary

When it comes to transporting a bulky PC the biggest priority should be preparation. By backing up the hard drive and safely packing away all of its pieces you are much less likely to face a costly accident with your beloved computer. If disaster strikes your computer physically or internally during your move, you can trust the experts at National Computer Repair to get the job done quickly and affordably.

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