Upgrade. Always upgrade. It’s a persistent mantra for technology. And, after all, what homeowner doesn’t want to have the latest-and-greatest tech available? Still, you may want to wait to upgrade to Windows 11 if you have the Microsoft operating system (OS) in your home.

Look at it this way, when software is first delivered, the manufacturer believes it is the best thing it can offer, or at least the best software it can offer by the delivery deadline. But, as you well know from all the software update notifications you get on your devices, there are still changes after the software is released. Glitches can be discovered, and security vulnerabilities may be identified. If you’re on Windows 10 right now, you can wait to upgrade to Windows 11. Let some of those bugs get worked out by the early adopters first.
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One change that isn’t getting glowing reviews? The Windows 11 taskbar. It isn’t as customizable and is permanently centered. This means you can’t make it taller or move it around the screen. Windows 10’s taskbar is just better. So, maybe wait and see if they tweak the task bar before making the change.

Are you a home gamer? You might think Windows 11 is going to give you more gaming-centric features, but although it’s being touted as “the best Windows for gaming,” Windows 10 has all the same features.

So, what’s the appeal of Windows 11?
Why are people making the move to Windows 11? Well, there’s that near-Pavlovian impulse to get the latest available technology. At the same time, the new OS aims to simplify the user experience. Microsoft has added snap controls allowing users to resize and reposition desktop windows, as well as content personalization tools and many widgets to choose from.

Windows 11 also embraces a Zero Trust framework to combat cybersecurity risk. The new OS validates user identity and the platform you’re using to safeguard access to your computer. Encryption and malware protection are also now the default rather than add-ons.

But those changes need more
The enhancements to Windows 11 demand more advanced hardware than that required for Windows 10. You’ll need:

• a compatible 64-bit processor;
• a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 chip (to help protect encryption keys, user credentials, and data);
• 64 GB or more available storage;
• 4 GB of RAM;
• a high-definition (720p) display

Unlike Windows 11, Windows 10 runs on everything. So, you won’t need to make any changes to meet hardware requirements.

You may also need to change some of your habits with the move to Windows 11. If you’ve been loyal to Internet Explorer, you’ll need to adapt. The new OS moves away from Explorer and its ActiveX-based applications. Also, if you’re a fan of Android apps, you’re going to be annoyed. Windows 11 has limited Android capability right now.

No rush to upgrade
Ultimately, there’s no reason to rush to update your Windows. Microsoft promises to support the Windows 10 OS until October 14, 2025.

Of course, all this is assuming you have already upgraded to Windows 10. If you’re still holding on to legacy software (Windows 7 anyone?), get thee to the app store! Upgrade to more secure software that continues to benefit from Microsoft support and patching of any vulnerabilities.

Not sure about the best software solution for your home, or overwhelmed by the idea of upgrading? Our IT experts are here to help. We can check your device compatibility with Windows 11 and assess your systems and needs. Contact our team today at (888) 234-WDIT(9348)!

How exciting! You got a new computer for Christmas. It’s sleek, shiny, and so much faster than what you had before. That's great, but it doesn't mean you should leave it untouched. This article shares several steps you might take to secure your data and keep that new device in tip-top shape.

First things first. Before even logging into personal email or other top sites, you'll want to update the operating system (OS). Yes, most computers come out of the box with Windows, but you can’t know when that item was boxed. There could be important updates that you don’t want to miss.

You'll also want to install the latest drivers. Different hardware on your computer can need specialized drivers from the manufacturer. Gamers, for instance, may want to ensure they download the latest to boost performance.

While you’re doing all this uploading and upgrading, also look to remove junk that may have come on the computer. It’s no longer as common, but manufacturers can reduce cost to the consumer by pre-installing software.

You might not have any need for the tools that come already installed. Meanwhile, they slow down your computer. Remove the clutter to improve your computer’s processing. Head to your PC’s Control Panel and look to uninstall programs and utilities that you don’t want. Be careful, though. Just because you don’t know what it is doesn't mean it’s not serving a valuable purpose.

Starting out on a new computer is also a great time to set up the free software. For many of us this includes:

• Google Chrome – the internet browser;
• Skype – for instant messaging, voice and video calling;
• VLC – a multimedia player;
• FoxIt Reader – to create, edit, sign, and secure PDFs;
• 7Zip – used for archiving files.

Involving an IT expert
If you had a great sales experience, you may not want to seek IT help with your new computer. Still, it can prove useful.

Your new computer may also need BIOS updates. Again, the hardware was current when your computer was boxed up but may be lacking the latest by the time it gets to you. A note of caution: this is not an update to do alone. BIOS updates don’t add new features, security patches, or performance improvements, but they may fix a bug with a piece of hardware or add support for your central processing unit (CPU). These updates can be risky if done incorrectly, so work with an IT tech.

Talk also with an IT tech about the best data backup plan for your needs. You'll be creating important documents, downloading sensitive data, and uploading valued images. Don’t risk their security by failing to back up.

IT support will also suggest the best security tool for you to use to protect against malware. With so many free and fee-based third-party alternatives to Windows Defender, you may want help deciding on the best one.

We’re here to help you get the most out of your new computer. Or, if you’re not sure yet which one to buy, we can consult with you on that, too. Contact us today at (888) 234-WDIT(9348)!

.You may not think of yourself as “handy,” so the thought may not even have crossed your mind to take apart your cell phone or laptop to try and repair it. But did you know that in certain cases it might be illegal for you to even try? There is a debate raging over “right to repair.”

The right to repair issue crosses many products. Car enthusiasts have fought to access parts and guides to repair their vehicles. Farmers are pushing for the right to fix their John Deere agricultural equipment. Now, there are people lobbying for the right to fix laptops, cell phones, and other electronics.

Manufacturers, meanwhile, maintain that doing so risks their intellectual property. There may also be safety risks.

Additionally, they make money from planned obsolescence. Many PC users know what this means already. Anyone on the widely popular Windows 7 operating system had to move to new software in 2020. Microsoft is on a ten-year cycle. It provides a software product its full attention for five years, then it begins offering new options and stops supporting the old one. At the end of the decade, the software is no longer updated or supported. That means no security patches either, which means vulnerability to cyberattack, so users must go to the next version.

Now, you’re not going to build your own operating system, but what about when something goes wrong with your smart phone or tablet? You don’t always want to have to buy a new one. Plus, trading out the old one for a new device runs counter to sustainability goals. You end up with one more piece of hardware destined for the landfill.

Right to Repair Activism
Consumers, repair pros, watchdogs, and green activists have all joined the right to repair debate. They want to be able to upgrade processing power, memory, or battery power in electronics.

But many companies refuse to release the necessary parts (e.g. Apple). Manuals and product guides aren’t made available either. This makes it almost impossible to do-it-yourself repair the company’s products. The consumer must pay the manufacturer for repairs, or they can turn to a third party vendor (affiliated with the manufacturer).

When it comes to technology, the tide may be turning. Why? We are increasingly reliant on our phones and other devices. There’s more push back against a business model that forces us to upgrade every two to four years.

Plus, we’re more aware globally of the value of recycling and up cycling. One American grassroots group notes that repairing tech could bridge the digital divide. PCs for People wants to improve access to technology by rebuilding donated devices.

What It Means for You
Laws are in the works in many places to legislate the right to repair. In the U.S., Apple and Tesla are among those lobbying against state efforts. Nevertheless, 14 states have passed laws on right to repair. The EU has a law requiring companies to provide parts to independent repair workers. The UK’s right to repair regulations come into effect this year. Australia is currently assessing its laws related to right to repair, too.

Until laws change, consumers pay whatever the manufacturer demands for products that aren’t built to last. This also has each of us contributing to global technology waste. For more on the issue, visit repair.org, the site of the Digital Right to Repair Coalition.

Meanwhile, if you have technology that needs repairing, our IT experts can help. Contact us today at (888) 234-WDIT(9348).