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Tips to Keep Your Children Safe Online | Y-Not Tech Services – Lethbridge, AB

August 1, 2017 by Tony Whitney

 

As the father of two young daughters (currently 1 and 4 years old), this is a subject I think about a lot. So far, we haven’t had to worry about it too much. Our 4 year old knows how to use our tablets and phones to watch YouTube, Netflix, read some books I’ve loaded on it and occasionally play a few games I selected. She doesn’t get access to a web browser or any messaging. She also doesn’t get access to the device without permission so we can keep an eye on her use. As she grows older and gains independence, we’ll re-evaluate. This article will focus on tips and advice I have compiled that will help keep your children safe online. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Lesson Tagged With: child privacy, Computer help, computer help lethbridge, Computer lesson, Computer lesson lethbridge, computer repair Lethbridge, internet safety, privacy, safe children, Y-Not, y-not tech, ynot, ynot tech

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Laptop vs. Desktop – What should you buy?

July 25, 2017 by Tony Whitney

So you’re looking to buy a new computer, but unsure which to buy?

Laptop vs. Desktop computer

Once upon a time, the laptop was only good for those that travelled for work, but those days are long gone! Computers are a big part of our lives at this point. It seems that most people take their laptops on vacation. Whether that’s to keep in touch with work or store vacation photos, we seem to need to stay connected. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Lesson Tagged With: buying a computer, computer, desktop, laptop, new computer, new PC

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Why is my Computer Slow and How to Make it Faster? – Lethbridge, AB Computer Repair

July 18, 2017 by Tony Whitney

Dealing with a slow computer is never an enjoyable experience. In this article, we’ll go over some of the common reasons why a computer gets slow and some ways to solve it. We won’t be able to go over every reason. There are simply too many different things that cause a computer to slow down. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Lesson Tagged With: computer repair, computer speed, computer upgrade, RAM upgrade, slow computer, Solid State, speed up computer, SSD

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How to Improve Wi-Fi Coverage and Range | Y-Not Tech Services – Lethbridge, AB

July 11, 2017 by Tony Whitney

 

It seems almost every home has a Wi-Fi network today. Having a fast wireless network that covers your entire home is more important than ever. With smartphones, smart TVs, tablets, laptops and ‘Internet of Things (IoT)’ devices including speakers, doorbells, security cameras, baby monitors, light bulbs and more all connecting through our Wi-Fi network, we need that network to reach all corners of our home and have enough bandwidth available to handle all these devices. This article will cover some practical ways we can make the most of our Wi-Fi network.

What Affects Wi-Fi Coverage?

Modern Wi-Fi networks can reach up to 150 feet indoors and 300 feet outdoors. However, with interference from walls, windows, siding, appliances, wiring inside of walls and other wireless signals the actual range you achieve can vary greatly. The materials your walls are made out of can affect the strength of your wi-fi signal. Metal walls or siding will almost stop the signal in its tracks. Your furnace and A/C vents can also affect coverage. Aquariums will lower the signal coverage as Wi-Fi signals don’t move as freely through the water as they do in open air. Almost any electronic device in the area that gives off wireless signals will limit your network’s coverage. This includes Microwaves and cordless phones. Another factor is other wi-fi networks within reach. If you can see other networks available from your phone or laptop, they will affect your own network’s performance.

Placement Matters

More often than not, I see wireless routers stuffed away in closets, in the utility room in the basement, behind the furnace or under a desk. There’s a good reason for this too. Most routers are not the best-looking devices and they tend to have a lot of wires hanging off them. Certainly not something most people want in the middle of their dining room or living room. However, the placement of the router can be very important to your coverage.

Ideally, your router should be in a central location of your house, in the open and not too close to either the floor or the ceiling. Ideally. But guess what. My router is at one end of my house in a cabinet. Why? Simply because it gets me the coverage I need from there. I can comfortably use my laptop anywhere in my house, out on my deck and in many areas of the yard. So before you go erecting a special pedestal so your router can have a perfectly central location in your home, ask yourself if your coverage is OK as it is. Internet in every corner of your home is no good if you trip over cables each time you want a snack from the kitchen. If you aren’t happy with your wi-fi coverage, then it might be time to consider a move for your router.

Change the Channel

Wireless routers operate on channels. The more signals sharing the same channel at once, the worse each signal’s strength will be. And, most routers will use the same handful of channels by default. This means that by analyzing the wireless signals in range of your devices and switching to a less used channel, you can significantly improve the quality of your network. To find a channel with little traffic on it, you’ll need an application to check them. Here are a few you can use: Wifi Analyzer for iOS or Wifi Analyzer for Android. Look for a channel with little to no other networks on it. Changing the channel of your router is relatively easy to do. You need to visit the configuration page for your router:

D-Link

http://192.168.0.1

Linksys

http://192.168.1.1

Netgear

http://192.168.0.1

Belkin

http://192.168.2.1

Cisco

http://192.168.1.1

Buffalo

http://192.168.11.1

Telus

http://192.168.1.254

Shaw

http://192.168.0.1

Log in and look under the wireless settings for the Channel Selector, then set it to the channel you found with the least traffic.

Throw Money at the Problem

The previous tactics will help your coverage, but depending on the equipment you have and the layout and building materials of your home, you might need to do some upgrading to get whole house coverage. After all, it isn’t really feasible to change the whole layout of your home to improve wi-fi coverage. Especially since adding some equipment to your network is simpler and more economical.

If your router is an outdated 802.11b or 802.11g model, it is probably time to upgrade to a 802.11ac model or maybe even get ahead of the curve with a new WiFi 6 model. If all this is a bit confusing, that’s okay. You really only need to know that g is a newer revision than b, n is newer than g and ac is currently the newest one. Each newer one gets higher speed and longer range capabilities.

Wi-Fi repeaters or Wi-Fi range extenders can be used to pick up your signal and rebroadcast it to extend the range. This is a nice solution to if you only have one dead area in your network and it’s close enough that a Range Extender can be placed both within range of your current router and close enough to the dead zone to cover it.

If you want one of the best Wi-Fi networks available a Wi-Fi Mesh system is probably your best bet. They tend to be on the more expensive side, but are the best option for a large home or office if you want great coverage.

If you need help getting your wi-fi network up and working top notch, book an appointment below. We can help with anything from optimizing your current router’s settings to helping suggest and set up upgrades as needed.

 

Book an Appointment

 

Filed Under: Lesson Tagged With: wifi, wifi coverage, wifi range, wifi speed, wireless range, wireless speed

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Announcement: Changes to Y-Not Tech Services’ Manages Plans

July 4, 2017 by Tony Whitney

I was evaluating my Managed Plans the other day and realized that no one had signed up for the Silver Plan which has Application Patching, Windows updates, and Remote Monitoring, but doesn’t include Managed Antivirus. It occurred to me that this wasn’t really good value for the security-conscious client. So I am changing my Silver Plan to provide more value!

Y-Not Tech Services - Managed Plan Adjustment

 

Instead of the Monitoring and Patching, Y-Not Tech Services’ Silver Plan will now include Managed Antivirus/Antimalware. The price will remain at $14/month. This provides a lower cost to get into antivirus which is the best value protection for your PC. Monitoring/Patching can be added by choosing the Gold Plan.

Here’s an overview of our Plans:

Bronze Plan:

Y-Not Tech Services - Managed Plan Adjustment

Free

-Quick and Easy Contact Form
-Health Warning Pop Up Alerts
-10% off Tech Services

Silver Plan:

Y-Not Tech Services - Managed Plan Adjustment

$14/month

-Quick and Easy Contact Form
-Health Warning Pop Up Alerts
-Add-On Monitoring
-25% off Tech Services

ADDITIONAL ANTI-MALWARE PROTECTION

–Anti-Malware Software
-Unlimited Malware Removals

Gold Plan

Y-Not Tech Services - Managed Plan Adjustment

$19/Month

-Quick and Easy Contact Form
-Health Warning Pop Up Alerts
-Add-On Monitoring
-25% off Tech Services

ADDITIONAL ANTI-MALWARE PROTECTION

–Anti-Malware Software
-Unlimited Malware Removals

ADDITIONAL MONITORING:

-Anti-Virus Health
-Windows Crash
-Low Hard Drive Space
-Application Crashing
-Hardware Health
-Hard Drive Fragmentation
-Hard Drive Health
-Firewall Health
-Application Patching
-Windows Updates

It is our hopes that this change will provide extra value to our clients, and make it simpler for new clients to get into a managed Antivirus so that they never need to worry about when their subscription ends, whether the antivirus is updating or what infections are being stopped – we deal with it all, while you simply enjoy your PC.

If you are on the Gold Plan, you can expect to be contacted to see if switching the Silver Plan is a good option for you. For the next week or so, some of the graphics and information throughout the site will still reflect the old Plans, but I will be updating those as I have time. Don’t forget – The Gold Plan is still the best overall protection for your PC. Book an appointment to sign up today!

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Filed Under: Services, Y-Not Tagged With: emsisoft, managed services

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Free Alternatives to Expensive Software | Y-Not Tech Services – Lethbridge, AB

June 27, 2017 by Tony Whitney

Here at Y-Not Tech Services, we know that using sophisticated software is a part of doing business. And for a small business, it can be an expensive part of the business. In this article, we’ll explore alternatives to some of the most popular (and expensive) software out there. After that, we’ll take a look at when it makes sense to use these free alternatives and when it doesn’t.

Microsoft Office

Free Alternatives to Expensive Software | Y-Not - Lethbridge

Microsoft Word is one of the most widely used software programs out there. It’s a standard in both the Education and business worlds. Sometimes, you’ll end up with documents made in Microsoft Word from school or work and find you can’t open them at Home. The same can be said for an Excel or PowerPoint file. That is where a free alternative will come in handy. There is a number to choose from here.

  1. Libre Office. This is my go-to option when I need to open a file made in Office on a machine that doesn’t have Microsoft Office installed. It is a full-fledged office suite with many features.  If you will have a need to open Office files somewhat regularly, but not often enough to warrant purchasing Microsoft Office, this would be my recommendation.
  2. Office Online. Microsoft actually makes a version of Microsoft Office available online for free. You just need a Microsoft Account. Pretty simple to use, but depending on your connection using a web app can have varying performance. Office Online combined with One Drive, makes for a great on the go solution if you need to access the files from multiple devices. An added bonus is the collaboration options.
  3. Google Docs/Google Drive. This option is very similar to Office Online. Google Docs was even available long before Microsoft’s free online offering. It offers online storage through Google Drive and collaboration options as well. I’ve used both Google Docs and Office Online and haven’t noticed any huge differences between them.

Who should pay for Microsoft Office? Almost anyone using it for business. You’ll find that many documents will lose part of their formatting when going from Microsoft Office to other software. This means that if you are using documents that colleagues created in Office, they might not look the same and may lose some functionality. I had to make the switch to Office when I started getting business documents made up for me to use with Y-Not Tech Services. I got some marketing materials made up and they looked horrible in Libre Office, Office Online and Google Docs. I decided to get Microsoft Office and they looked as intended.

Adobe Photoshop

Free Alternatives to Expensive Software | Y-Not - Lethbridge

The industry standard for image manipulation. Adobe Photoshop contains WAY more features than this humble technician could ever hope to use. I have never owned a copy of Photoshop, although I did use CS3 in school for a while. I’m not a Graphic Designer or a Photographer or anything else that gives me a reason to have a deep understanding of Photoshop. Keep that in mind as we explore some free alternatives to Adobe Photoshop.

  1. GIMP. GIMP is an open source image manipulation software. I use it regularly. I’m told it has nearly all the features and options of Photoshop, but I can’t personally vouch for that. Anything I need or want to do, it is able to handle. One of the features I like the most is its ability to read .PSD files so I can open up files that my designer sends me and make small tweaks, text adjustments without needing to send the file back to them and request these small changes that I can do myself. Want to cut a person and add them to another picture? You can do that in GIMP. That and so much more.
  2. Pixlr.com Pixlr is a web app (like Office Online and Google Docs) for image manipulation. It’s designed to work similar to Photoshop and can work in a pinch if Photoshop and GIMP are not installed. I’ve found myself using it from a client’s device on occasion when they need an image re-sized or touched up a bit. It can also be useful on machines where you are not granted installation privileges.
  3. Microsoft Paint. No, MS Paint, doesn’t compare to Photoshop. It doesn’t come near to having the features that come with Photoshop. So, why is it on the list? Although Paint is not comparable in features to Photoshop, it can often be a simple alternative. When all you need to do is crop a photo or something else that MS PAINT CAN DO, there’s no need for anything more complex. BONUS: Check out this great artwork done in MS Paint because the artist didn’t know Photoshop. Impressive!

Who should pay for Adobe Photoshop? This one is a bit harder to answer. Graphic Designers and Professional Photographers will probably want a copy of Photoshop. But there are many hobbyists that will also want it. Ultimately, if you’re not sure you need it try GIMP out. If it doesn’t cut it, look into purchasing Photoshop.

Microsoft Outlook

Free Alternatives to Expensive Software | Y-Not - Lethbridge

OK, this is technically part of the Microsoft Office family, but since it’s a program with a unique purpose I thought I would cover it separately. Outlook is a widely used Email and Calendar application. It has robust features and is a mainstay in the business world. It handles E-Mail, Calendar, Contacts and more.

  1. Mozilla Thunderbird. Thunderbird is a very popular alternative. It handles E-Mail in a streamlined and easily managed way. The base program does not include a calendar or Task list, but these can be added using add-ons. Thunderbird is probably the first program to try if looking for a free dedicated e-mail program.
  2. Windows Mail. Many of my clients mourned the loss of Outlook Express, Microsoft’s free basic version of Outlook, when they upgraded past Windows XP. The essence of this program has continued to live on in Windows Live Mail in Windows 8 and now, Windows Mail in Windows 10. This program is probably pre-installed on your computer if you’re running Windows 10 and if it’s not, you can find it in the Windows Store. It’s easy to set up and integrates great with Windows 10, so check it out!
  3. Gmail. Web app based email has great functionality. I’ve always found it the easiest to use. There is virtually no set up required and you can use it from any internet-connected computer in the world. I actually have my business e-mail forwarded to my Gmail account so that it’s easily accessible where ever I am. I generally have my own laptop and smart phone with me, but on the rare occasions I don’t and I need to check on something or send an important e-mail I can usually find a computer to borrow and get it down with ease.

Who should pay for Outlook? The biggest group of users who should pay for Outlook are those that work for a company that uses Outlook. This way they can access Meeting invites, Task Lists and Email without worrying about any interruptions to the work flow and probably get some limited tech support from the IT department to get it all setup and working with the companies Exchange Server (assuming we’re talking about a work account that is). I really don’t see a need for Outlook for personal use. The only thing might be familiarity if you use it for work and know the program well. Your time is valuable so if purchasing Outlook saves you a few hours setting up and learning a new program you’ll come out ahead!

I covered three of the most popular software’s out there, but there are free alternatives to almost anything! To find a replacement for most anything, check out http://alternativeto.net/. Be sure to read your EULAs to make sure you are following any license restrictions these alternatives might have. Book an appointment if you have any questions or you’d like guidance on alternative software.

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PS I’ve just launched my newsletter containing tips, tricks and deals. Sign up here!

Filed Under: Lesson

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Out of Date Software – Security Risk! | Y-Not Tech Services – Lethbridge, AB

June 27, 2017 by Tony Whitney

Keep Software up to date | Y-Not Tech Services - Lethbridge

I’m sure you’ve shared this experience. You turn your computer on, it makes its way through the boot sequence and you’re met with your desktop. Then Adobe Reader pops up and says it needs to be updated. Then Java comes up asking for an update. iTunes needs an update too and with it iCloud and QuickTime. But, you’re in a hurry and since you don’t need to use any of those right now, you just hit the X and close out of those updates so you can get to work. Or you DO need to use one of those and don’t have time to wait for the update. How important can the update be? It can wait until you need it, right? Not really. Usually, when an application is updated it is to patch a security risk that was discovered. Often times these patches are accompanied by bug fixes and new features, but we’re not too worried about that today. We want to focus on keeping your computer and your data safe. Web exploits often search for outdated software with known security flaws and use those to take control of your computer and install software that steals your personal data. This can include passwords to e-mail and bank accounts!

So what can you do to keep your system safe? Update whenever an application asks you too. Try not to hit the ‘Remind Me Later’ button, as appealing as it can be. Remember that these updates are important. They can keep your photo’s, documents and other files safe from cybercriminals who hope to exploit you. Once you update an application, you may be asked to restart your computer to finish the update process. Y-Not Tech Services recommends you do so right away. Again, you might be given the option to put it off until later, but it’s best to do it immediately.

Keeping track of what applications are up to date and which ones aren’t can be daunting. Don’t Worry. We’re here to help. My Gold and Platinum managed service packages include Application patching. With these services, I’m able to keep track of the most popular (and most exploited) programs to make sure you are running the latest version number. Contact me today to keep your computer safe.


Why not let Tony protect your PC from exploits caused by out of date software?

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Filed Under: Lesson, Services Tagged With: computer security, exploits, security risk, software, update

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Y-Not’s Strategy to Avoid Data Disaster in Lethbridge, AB and Canada

June 20, 2017 by Tony Whitney

Avoid losing your data in Lethbridge, Alberta | Y-Not Tech Services

My clients often tell me that their Data is the most important thing on their Computers. And I can see why it would be! With precious family photos and videos, important documents and so much more stored on our computers, a loss of data can be a disaster. This is why I talk about how important back-ups are so often on the site and to my clients. I want to focus on a service I offer that I feel gives everything needed to avert Data Disaster.

Y-Not Tech Services’ Gold Plus Package

For $44/month you get Virus and Malware protection as well as an off-site back-up.

The virus protection often saves you from needing to use the back-up at all. My Virus and Malware protection has been proven to provide protection for most of the recent attacks that either hold your data for ransom or just deletes it outright. However, new methods are always being developed and some might slip through. This is where the back-up comes in. If a virus or malicious program sneaks past our protection and affect your data, our back-up will ensure that you can get back up and running as soon as possible.

 

For less than the cost of a coffee a day, you can have peace of mind knowing your important data is safe and secure against threats like Viruses, Malware and Ransomware.

VIRUS AND MALWARE PROTECTION + OFF-SITE BACKUP = DATA DISASTER AVOIDANCE

Special Offer: Mention ‘Data Disaster’ and receive $5 off each month for the first year.

 

To start protecting your data today book an appointment:

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PS  For more special offers, tips and advice Click Here to get updates emailed to you.

Filed Under: Lesson, Services Tagged With: antimalware, backup, malware, ransomware, virus

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Mac OS vs. Windows – Which Operating System Should You Use?

June 13, 2017 by Tony Whitney

Just like with my Android vs. iOS post, I will start this one with a disclaimer that I am a Windows user. I don’t own an Apple computer and don’t often use Mac OS. However, when I do use Mac OS it is an enjoyable experience. The only real reason that I don’t own a Mac is the price tag.

 Apple Vs. Windows | Y-Not Tech Services - Lethbridge, Alberta

For most of my clients, the choice between Windows and Mac OS comes down to personal preference as both operating systems can handle all the tasks an average user could throw at them. So what factors should you consider when choosing which operating system to run?

Budget

Let’s get this one out of the way first. Apple makes premium products with a premium price tag to go with them. They do not cater to consumers looking to pinch pennies. Since they make the hardware, and the software they control every aspect of the process including the price. I’m not a great student of Economics, but I believe that supply and demand and lack of competition allow them to set premium prices. It’s important to note that they also use more metal in their design and metal costs more than the plastic found in most PC designs. In the world of Windows PCs, there are hundreds of manufacturers making similar devices. This causes some heavier competition and lower prices. That’s not to say that there are no Windows machines with high prices. Some manufacturers, including Microsoft with its Surface line, have begun using more premium materials and getting the price up there. They still tend to a bit lower priced than similarly specced Apple devices. As for whether the price is worth it, that’s up to you.

Compatibility

I think compatibility is probably the most important factor when choosing your operating system. It’s pointless to try and use a computer if it won’t work with the software and devices you need to use. Back when I worked at a big box store I would have customers want an Apple computer and then be upset that they couldn’t use Simply Accounting on it. A quick search tells me That Sage 50, the newest version of Simply Accounting is still not compatible with Mac OS. But guess what, there are also programs that Mac users can use that are incompatible with Windows. Ultimately, you need to have an idea of what programs you’d like to use and then we can look into whether they are compatible with the operating system you want. For most programs that aren’t compatible with the Operating System, you can find another program that is compatible with it that will serve the same purpose.

Hardware devices can also be a problem, although, for the last 5-10 years most common printers, cameras and so on have been compatible with both Mac OS and Windows. Many of my clients use iPhone’s and iPad’s and I have noticed that iTunes works a lot more reliably on Apple computers. This is because Apple makes every piece of the equation. They make the hardware of the Computer and the phone, as well as the software of iTunes itself AND the Mac OS operating system. This means they can test it fully. Itunes on Windows has been pretty iffy in my experience.

No matter what Operating System you choose, it’s important to look into compatibility with your software and devices.

Viruses, Malware, and Security

Mac OS wins the virus wars. Although not as soundly as they once did. In years past, it could be said that Mac OS didn’t get any viruses. That isn’t true today, but what is true is that Mac OS has far fewer viruses. The reason is very simple. Fewer people use Apple computers, so writing viruses for them is less profitable. According to netmarketshare.com, Windows Operating Systems accounts for over 90% of the market share, while Mac OS comes in at around 5%. It seems clear that hitting 90% would have a better return on the effort to code than only 5% so most write malicious programs for Windows. I always like to point out that the very first recorded virus was written for old Apple systems and just displayed a poem on the screen. I recommend users of both Mac OS and Windows use an Anti-Virus program and practice safe browsing to help keep their data safe.

Viruses and Malware aren’t the only security threats to your PC. Often bugs and otherwise overlooked problems with the OS itself can leave your computer vulnerable to attack. In the past, Apple hasn’t shown they are always on top of security issues. The number of patches and updates that come to a Windows machine every week show that Microsoft does take security seriously. The updates and the way they are delivered is actually one of the biggest complaints against Windows, especially in Windows 10. But these updates are necessary.

Gaming and Designing

I used to be a pretty avid gamer and I still try to keep up with news in the field. Windows wins PC gaming. Windows supports more graphics cards with higher power. Not only that, Windows has a higher compatibility with games. It’s getting better, but there are still games (including AAA titles) that simply will not run on a Mac OS device. Other times, the game will come out on Mac OS, a year or more after it is available on Windows. If you want to play the latest games, Windows is the answer.

I’m not a designer, but I know that Apple computers are often preferred by those that are. In the 80’s and 90’s you would find that most of the best software for designing was only available on Macs. This has changed and some designers I’ve talked to now prefer to work on a Windows machine citing faster speeds and greater compatibility with devices. That said, most design firms still supply and use Apple computers so if you’re going for a career in Design it’s a good idea to be familiar with Apple computers.

Upgradability and Repair

In general, Windows computers are easier to upgrade and repair with their components being of standard design and readily available. This isn’t always true though. As Windows devices get thinner and lighter the parts get more specialized and often glued in place making repair and upgrades more difficult. The same is true in almost all Apple computers. If you take your average Windows tower and compare it to an Apple iMac it is easy to see which one will be more easy to change or replace parts in. As a general rule, Windows computers win this category, but there are exceptions to this. The same design qualities that make an Apple computer attractive make it hard to repair and the same is true for Windows machines that follow that design look.

Flexibility

With hundreds of manufacturers making Windows PCs, plus the ability to build one from thousands of available components in endless configurations, Windows has infinite more flexibility than the 5 Computer lines from Apple – MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac Pro, iMac and Mac Mini. As for flexibility, being able to choose parts and find a machine with just exactly what you want, Windows wins. But for many, the more simple approach from Apple makes life easier. The choices available in the Windows PC market can be almost paralyzing. With thousands of choices, finding the right one can be a challenge. With Apple, if you have an iMac that’s 4 years old and you want to replace it, you’d probably look at the current iMacs with their handful of configuration options (each option at a different price point so a budget can often dictate your choice) and away you go!

User Experience

Again, with user experience, it really comes down to personal preference. Many people find Mac OS to be more intuitive and simple to navigate and use. They find things like the dock make perfect sense and are easy to use. However, as someone who has used primarily Windows operating systems for the past 20+ years, I find things on Mac OS somewhat difficult. I would never think to double-click on a document’s title to rename it, but that’s how it’s done in Mac OS. At the same time, double-clicking on a document’s name to rename DOES seem like a simpler way to do it than clicking ‘File’ and then ‘Save As’ and finally typing in the new name. It really comes down to what you are used to. If you don’t have experience on either system, a Mac might be easier to learn. If you are familiar with one or the other and decide to make the switch, expect a bit of a learning curve.

Out of the Box Enjoyment

I think that the Mac OS experience is nicer out of the box. I’m talking about the first time you hook it up and turn it on. The setup process is more enjoyable and there are fewer updates waiting for you once you’re set up. The other thing I really like about the Mac OS experience is the lack of bloatware. On a Windows PC, you’ll almost always have it bogged down with Trial software and other useless software. The manufacturers have deals with software makers and get paid to put this software on your PC. The idea is for you to get to find new software you like. More often, it’s just annoying and actually decreases performance on your PC. Of course, this bloatware can be removed but it hinders the out of box experience, and sadly many people don’t know how to remove it so it remains on their systems, slowing them down. If you need help with bloatware removal, please contact me and we’ll get you cleaned up.

Conclusion

As I mentioned at the outset, the Operating System you chose is a personal one and should fit your needs. The only real reasons to pick one over the other is particular software compatibility and possibly the need to go with Windows if you’re a gamer.

If you need help figuring out which Operating System is best for you, or what specific features you need, I can help. Y-Not Tech Services offers a new computer consultation service. For more information or to set up an appointment.

Book an Appointment

PS I’ve started a Tips, Tricks, and Newsletter with exclusive information and deals. Click Here to get the goods delivered straight to your inbox!

 

Signed up? Great. Now enjoy a bunch of moderately funny ads where Apple tells you why you should buy a Mac.

Filed Under: Lesson Tagged With: apple vs microsoft, apple vs windows, mac vs windows, macOS, Windows 10

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Free Tune-Up Giveaway!

June 12, 2017 by Tony Whitney

Free Tune-Up in Lethbridge, Alberta | Y-Not Tech Services

Y-Not Not Tech Services has launched a new newsletter with exclusive content you won’t find here on our website. To celebrate, we’re giving away A free Computer Tune-up. Visit our Facebook page to learn how to enter.

Rules and Conditions: Prize has no cash value. The prize is available to anyone in Canada. If the winner is from the Lethbridge area the Tune-up can either be performed in Y-Not’s office or remotely. If the winning entrant is from outside my travel area, the tune-Up will be done remotely. The winner and Y-Not Tech Services will schedule a time for the Tune-up to be performed. Contest Ends June 26, 2017.

 

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Filed Under: Services Tagged With: free computer tuneup

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Services

  • Web Design and Hosting
  • Upgrade to Solid State Drive
  • Laptop Screen Replacement
  • Virus Removal and Tuneup
  • Software Installation
  • Remote Connection Tech Support for Canada
  • On Site Service
  • One on One Technology Training
  • Hardware Install
  • Computer Diagnostic

Testimonials

  • Tony is knowledgeable, friendly and efficient. Read More
    Bruce W.
  • Tony was great to do business with. He knew exactly what needed to be done even with the little amount of information I had about the project!!! Competitive pricing I will definitely call him again!! Read More
    Graham F.
  • Very friendly, personable and present when explaining what is going on with the computer, appreciated a good dialogue and helpfulness you provided! Read More
    Darlene B.
    Lethbridge, AB
  • Tony is the best IT computer guy I have ever used, he has fixed problems the big guys said I had to buy a new computer for and then I got him to set up internet stuff for the house...again awesome and someone I trust. (from google.com) Read More
    David Duggan
  • Y-Not Tech Services is a excellent tech company that answers all your questions regarding computer problems. Tony is completely honest in explaining options to deal with the problem, and then recommends the best option to use. His advice is based on not just his own consensus, but as well checks with other techs in his... Read More
    Derrick Boyko
    Coaldale, AB
  • Tony walked in to drop off a business card and when he walked out. 3 issues I had on my computer were gone and I had a new anti virus. Phenomenal service I would recommend him to anyone ! (from facebook.com/ynottechservices) Read More
    Ryan Brigham
    Big Al's Music and Games in Lethbridge, AB
  • I trust my tech guy! ... (it's Tony) best option if you don't watch your scans and security. Read More
    Kehly Rath
  • Will recommend to anybody. He is darn good. Read More
    Shima Raj
  • He is fast to respond and has always been able to walk me through any problem I have. I always rely on Tony for my tech needs. Read More
    Heather Arstall
  • Will always recommend the best product or service to fit your unique needs. Read More
    Bev Trahan
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