Ventilating Your Computer

Leave a reply

Computers require ventilation and fans to ensure its hardware’s longevity. Overheated components can cause the PC to crash and fail. This could result in loss of data and personal information.

Dust Buildup

Over time, dust builds in computer cases and even laptops. This causes obstructing fans and restricting air movement. Unfortunately, trapping heat and preventing your PC from adequately cooling itself could cause even bigger problems. Clean your computer’s casing on a regular basis.

Now, if dust isn’t clogging it but it’s still overheating, the fan may not be working properly. It may need replaced, or it might have just come unplugged.

Another tip to remember is to keep the room clutter-free and cool. Make sure nothing is blocking the vents or fans. A warm environment could spell disaster for your computer. Humidity often becomes a culprit of PC issues.

Prolonged exposure to high humidity corrodes the components inside your computer, similar to the way damp air on a rainy day rusts metal left outdoors. When the computer’s metal and electronic pieces corrode, they can lose their conductivity, resulting in short circuits or complete computer failure. Computers should be kept in areas where the humidity level is around 45-50%. Keep them away from humidifiers and damp areas like bathrooms to prevent corrosion.

Source: AnytimeHVAC

Temperature Changes

Like the inside, it’s best not to leave your device out in the sun. Doing so can also ruin the battery. Sources say to keep the temperature within 70-80 degrees. Apple says their devices include an automatic regulation, shown below:

iPhones come with a temperature sensor, so if the device overheats it sends a notification to the user. It immediately pauses any phone activity until the temperature drops.

For inquiries with any computer issues, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Frisco Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Frisco, TX please call or text the local office at (469) 299-9005.

How To: Boot Windows 10 in Safe Mode

Leave a reply

If you’re needing to troubleshoot Windows to understand the reasoning behind your PC not functioning properly, use Safe Mode. This allows Windows to load when the operating system won’t start up. And it only uses the bare minimum necessities, like uninstalling updates, running system restore, and malware scans.

Here’s how to Boot Windows 10 in Safe Mode:
  1. Hold the Shift button and then press Restart
  2. The blue screen will show up, then go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart > Press #4 from the list
  3. The computer will restart and you’ll be in Safe Mode
If you have Windows 8 or earlier, try these steps:
  • Windows 7 and earlier: Press the F8 key while the computer is booting (after the initial BIOS screen, but before the Windows loading screen), and then select Safe Mode in the menu that appears.
  • Windows 8: Hold Shift while clicking Restart on the Power menu on either the login screen or through the Charms bar menu to begin the process.

When you get into safe mode, you’ll have the ability to run any troubleshooting tasks available to get the job done.

For help with Safe Mode on Windows 10, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Frisco Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Frisco, TX please call or text the local office at (469) 299-9005.

Recovering Deleted Items on PCs

Leave a reply

If you accidentally empty the Recycle Bin on your computer, only to realize that there was something in there you actually needed, we can help. If you are using Windows Backup, there are steps you can take to recover the deleted item(s).

  1. Click on the Start button
  2. Select Computer
  3. Go to the folder that previously contained the file or folder
  4. Right-click it and select Restore previous versions.

If the folder was located on the top level of a drive, (ex. C:\) right-click on the drive, scroll down and then click on Restore previous versions.

Using File History as Back Up

Windows explains that you can,”use File History to back up to an external drive or network location.”

  1. Click Start​ button 
  2. Go to Settings  
  3. Then Update & Security 
  4.  Backup 
  5. Add a drive 
  6. Choose an external drive or network location for backups

And if you had created a backup on Windows 7, you’ll still be able to recover lost, damaged or deleted files on Windows 10, and Backup will show the “Go to Backup and Restore (Windows 7)” link you can click on to give you further instruction.

A safe place you can back up your files on Windows is OneDrive. You can get 5 MB for free, and 50 MB for $1.99 right now. However, in the coming months, you’ll be able to double that 50 and get 100 MB for $1.99. And Windows introduced Personal Vault feature, which includes additional protection your more important files and information on your personal account. Definitely recommended.

For help with restoring files on your PC, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Denver Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Denver, CO please call or text the local office at (720) 441-6460.

Covid-19 Scams Through Email

Leave a reply
A whole new way of malicious intent

Hackers are finding new and unique ways of scamming people out of information and money. And with the number of remote workers due to the pandemic, users rely on digital communication.

Covid-19 has reeked havoc on people’s livelihoods. Money is tight all around. This gives people incentive to take advantage of any assistance programs available. While it’s ideal to have these programs, some are not legit.

“Have you seen in your inbox or in a social media group a message with an offer for free help during this pandemic? The messages use quite an appealing language and just at the end, there is a link to click for the offer. These are scams. Below is a sample of such scams, they are crafted very persuasively to give the victim but little or no time for delay.”
-Source: Makerere University
False Guarantee of Financial Relief

Throughout the past year and a half, malicious e-mails show up in millions of inboxes. These contain content promising financial aid to those who are in need of it. Links provided in the messages are a direction to receive said financial aid. However, this is not the case.

These e-mails are a ploy to steal personal information or inject malware into your computer. It is critical to double-check the sender’s email address to ensure its validity.

Furthermore, you should not click any links until you are confident that they were supplied by the firm. You may also detect grammar issues in the email, which would suggest that it is a phishing email.

For help with computer issues, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Mesa Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Mesa, AZ please call the local office at (480) 240-2950. 

Mac Users Can Use iPad as Second Display

Leave a reply

If you feel that your Mac needs something extra to handle your overloaded work space, look no further. MacOS Catalina users can use their iPad as a second display with an incredibly handy feature called Sidecar.

The Sidecar feature requires certain system requirements, which include using macOS Catalina and iOS 13 on your iPad.

Source: Apple Support

For your Mac to use Sidecar, connecting/disconnecting is easy. Simply click on the AirPlay icon and allow it to connect/disconnect to your iPad. From there you can move any open windows to it. Works like a charm! The quicker way to move a Window over is the drop down displayed through the green full-screen button (right next to the red and orange buttons). The options include “Enter Full Screen”, Tile Window to Left of Screen”, “Tile Window to Right of Screen”, and “Move to iPad Pro”. Not only is it quick, but this will also resize to your iPad display automatically.

For help with any MacOS problems, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Frisco Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Frisco, TX please call or text the local office at (469) 299-9005.

Screenshot with Ease on Windows 10

Leave a reply

While there are numerous ways to screenshot on your Windows operating system, including pressing CTRL (located on bottom left corner of your keyboard) + PRINT SCRN key (located near the top right corner). This screenshot will then be saved to your “Screenshots” folder in your Pictures. You would then have to upload your picture to a photo editor and cut out the part you only need.

But thankfully there is an easier way.

Use the Snip & Sketch feature. Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Click Start Menu + Shift + S. The Snip & Sketch tool will pop up.
  2. There will be 3 options to choose from, fullscreen screenshot, rectangle clip, and freeform.
  3. Click and drag the part of the screen of your choosing.
  4. At the bottom right part of the screen, Windows Clipboard will pop up. Click on it and edit if necessary.
  5. Last, just save it to your computer.

You can find all of your screenshots saved to your Windows Clipboard by simply clicking Start Menu + V.

For inquiries with Windows 10 updates, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Frisco Computer Repair Service, if you need computer repair in Frisco, TX please call or text the local office at (469) 299-9005.

Keeping Your Browser Updated

Leave a reply

There are a handful of reasons as to why you should keep your go-to browser updated.

Vulnerabilities are not just subjected to operating systems. Hackers have the capability of implementing malware from web browsers as well.

Privacy exploits in browsers are also common. In May of 2021, FingerprintJS discovered a vulnerability in Safari, Chrome, Firefox, and Tor Browser that could link a user’s identity across different desktop browsers, effectively bypassing privacy protections put in place by those same browsers. By the time FingerprintJS had discovered the issue, Chrome’s developers had already added a fix to their update roadmap. Of course, you won’t get the benefit if you don’t apply the update.

Source: How to Geek

Outdated browsers not only increase security risks, they also don’t give you the best quality experience. For example, websites load of plethora of content, photos, and more. If the browser is not up-to-date, the pages loading times slow down and the content available may not show up.

Updating your browser takes no time at all. Usually, the browser will notify you of an update. It’s quick and easy. Simply refreshing the site is all it takes to finish the job.

If you ever have an issue with any browser updates, give us a call at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Garland Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Garland, TX please call or text the local office at (469) 299-9005.

Creating a Valuable Workspace

Leave a reply

With the pandemic continuing its full swing, more and more remote people rely on their home for the best available workspace.

It can be a headache if their work area isn’t up to par. Here are a few tips on creating a valuable workspace at home:

There’s a place for everything, and everything in its place

Organization is one of the most important ways of making the best space for work. Baskets, drawer dividers, and decorative boxes are some easy ways to put things in an organized manner. This is giving each office item a home.

Tidy the wires

With all of the cords that come from the computers, charger ports, and other tech-related devices on your desk, keeping them neat is a bit of a chore. Use color-coded tape, for example, could help alleviate the stress of knowing which cord goes to what.

Keep your desk clean

When we’re at our desk all day, trash accumulates quickly. At the end of the day, clean off your desk. Put everything where it belongs and your trash in the trashcan.

Personalize it

Customize your workspace. Make it yours by adding family pictures, your favorite flowers, or even purchasing your favorite stationary sets. The sky is the limit. You’re at your workspace all day, you might as well enjoy it.

Let in the light

Opening up those curtains to allow the room to be brighter comes with huge benefits. 

According to LEDinside, the Lighting Research Center (LRC) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute “conducted a survey on people who had been staying home due to the pandemic in May 2020. The survey collected 600 effective data and found that daily indoor light exposure and time spent outside had a major impact on all survey outcomes, including sleep disturbances, sleep-related impairment, anxiety, stress, depression, and mood.”

If you are needing help with computer related issues, please give us a call at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities.  This blog post is brought to you from our staff at the Plano Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Plano, TX please call the local office at (469) 299-9005.

Why Update Windows 10?

Leave a reply

It seems there has to be an obvious explanation as to why users should update to Windows 10. But it’s quite the complexity.

People think maybe it’s just to get the best features and to modernize the tech world. And while it is that, there’s much more to it.

Just recently, a water treatment facility came under a cyber attack. Komando.com states on its blog, “a cybercriminal attacked a Florida city’s online system. They remotely manipulated the chemical levels, skyrocketing the amount of lye that slipped into the drinking water.”

Unfortunately, the facility’s online system ran Windows 7. The downside of Windows 7 is the lack of support offered when Microsoft shut it down back in January 2020.

This means the security vulnerabilities are higher than ever. When updating to Windows 10, the risks are small because Microsoft sends out security updates on a regular basis. You can go to the Microsoft website to purchase Windows 10. Purchasing a new computer with Windows 10 works as well.

For inquiries about Windows 10, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Denver Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Denver, CO please call or text the local office at (720) 441-6460.

Internet Explorer Support Over

Leave a reply
August 17th became the official last day of Internet Explorer support in 365.

Microsoft announced the roadmap back in 2020, stating IE 11 will no longer be supported in the Microsoft 365 applications. While it’s still possible to utilize them in the browser, the quality of experience will dwindle.

Source: Microsoft

Many users are thankful for this transition. Internet Explorer’s user interface has been outdated and messy since it’s release back in 1995. The software corporation encourages its users to try out the Edge browser for the best experience.

Customers have been using IE 11 since 2013 when the online environment was much less sophisticated than the landscape today. Since then, open web standards and newer browsers—like the new Microsoft Edge—have enabled better, more innovative online experiences. We believe that Microsoft 365 subscribers, in both consumer and commercial contexts, will be well served with this change through faster and more responsive web access to greater sets of features in everyday toolsets like Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, and more.

Source: Microsoft

If you are needing assistance with any Microsoft issues, please give us a call at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities.  This blog post is brought to you from our staff at the Arlington Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Arlington, TX please call the local office at (817) 756-6008.