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We are living in the Twilight Zone

I’m a self taught unoffical computer expert. I’m married and I have 3 kids who aren’t kids anymore. I grew up in Painesville,Ohio and on my block I was referred to as the “All American Kid” by a neighbor. Remember, I knew nothing about computers when I started out, in fact I never even made a blog or website before.

In 1998 the company I was working for was raffling off some computers. I won an IBM computer, then I deleted a file, couldn’t get the computer to boot up and some coworkers thought that was funny. Then I went to a local computer shop for some help, a customer there knew exactly what to do. From then on I decided I was gonna teach myself about computers, I made a lot of mistakes in the beginning but that’s how I learned and you can do it too!

Remember, nobody helped me create this website, I did email people and ask for help, but I got no replies. So I said to myself I can do this and I did. I’ve gone from Windows 98 to Windows 8 and still learning about Linux. I hope by visiting my website you’ll learn something and if you need computer help don’t hesitate to send me an email.

Other websites offer free computer help but some are not really free and even state they don’t have the time to answer your questions. You won’t ever hear that from me! This site was created to help you the “New Computer User”. On my site no question is a “Stupid” question, there is no harm in asking what you don’t know!

With all of the advertisements and hoopla about Windows 8 some may be in for some surprises. For starters if you don’t own a tablet this new operating system might just annoy you and you may want to return it. I’m referring to the Metro touch interface also known as (Microsoft design style) geared for touch devices not for desktop computers. Microsoft thought they were gonna have their cake and eat it too but I don’t think most desktop users will be amused by what they will experience.

There should of been two versions of Windows 8 one for the Desktop users and one for the Touch Devices. Some will say there are two versions, Windows RT only looks like Windows 8. Windows RT is for ARM type processors unlike Windows 8 runs on x86 processors. Which means desktop software won’t run on a Windows RT tablet unless otherwise noted. Windows Media Center, Windows Media Player and the ability to create a Homegroup or join a domain isn’t available on Windows RT. I don’t think the idea of combining the two on a desktop will benefit the consumers or Microsoft.

I’d hate to be the tech support for Windows 8 whomever gets that job will surely have their hands full and then some. When the dust clears they can thank Microsoft for creating this joke of an operating system, it may be worse than Windows Me. But hey they won’t have to deal directly with the angry consumers, the local stores that sell computers with Windows 8 on them will get the blunt of it.

Hey if you don’t like Windows 8 you can downgrade to Windows Vista or Windows 7 only if you’ve purchased Windows 8 Pro OEM version not the retail version. If you decide to downgrade as for tech support you may be on your own there. It’s not all that bad you will still be able to buy computers with Windows 7 for two years after Windows 8 was released on 10/26/12.

I tried Windows 8 and didn’t like the Metro interface and see no difference in the operating system as compared to Windows 7. Users of Windows 8 not Windows RT can enable or disable secure boot mode being sold to the public as a way to stop malware on your computer. Which of course may help some but not really if the computers are configured with an Administrator account and most users will use their computer in this unsecure manner just as with all previous versions and current version of Windows. After reading this will people configure their computers differently? Of course not that’s why there’s computer technicians for those who think it doesn’t make a difference.

Am I going to update of course not as there isn’t much of a difference as I’ve noted above between Windows 7 and 8. Except for the Metro interface and no Start Menu they are basically the same. In fact some people might not like the fact they can’t play Blue–Rays or DVDs even if the computer comes with the devices to play them. If you want to play them you’ll need to purchase Windows Media Center software or you can use VLC. The updated version Windows 8.1 didn’t fix anything not even the Start Menu but at least it’s a new version. Windows 8 was a costly to Microsoft and some of us are thinking what were they

Many people haven’t even heard of Linux and don’t know that it’s being used in Banking, Cell Phones, Electronics, Education, Retail, and Web Servers. Hey, you’re using Linux and didn’t even know it, well now you do. My point is since you’re probably using Linux on your cell phone you can use it on your computer too. Why is Linux being used for Web Servers? Because Linux is more secure than Windows Servers and the majority of Web Servers being used today are Linux. It appears Linux can’t be too bad since it’s sponsored by Microsoft.

Ok really, where is it being used? Look here and there are many more uses. So now we know some of the uses of Linux what is it? It’s an operating system like Windows but is many times more secure than Windows. Since it’s free why aren’t most people using it? Simple, because most people haven’t heard of it and those who have sometimes give it a bad rap. Some have said people who use it are criminals of which is a ridiculous statement because they could as easily use Windows too. It would be like saying everyone who owns a gun is a criminal too simply not true.

Again since Linux is free and more secure than Windows why don’t more people try Linux? One of the main reasons is because people don’t like change, just like with Windows 8. If people would give it a try like I did 11 years ago they would be amazed to find out it’s not really that different from Windows. Except for the fact it’s more secure, doesn’t really require virus software, but I use it, and is a more stable operating system. Some people will say I can’t play my Windows games on it. You have a computer, buy a game unit to play games on or dual boot Windows with Linux and your problem is solved. Now what’s your reason?

Here’s another ridiculous statement “Linux isn’t ready for Desktop users”. Linux is ready for the desktop but after repeatedly being told it isn’t you’ll most likely believe it. This may be true if you’re not willing to give it a try and continue using Microsoft Windows. You are the only one holding yourself back and you don’t know what you’re missing. There are many desktop users who have made the switch to Linux and are glad they did. I’m one of those users and I don’t have to put up with viruses and the dreaded “Blue Screen of Death” and operating system installs. Linux doesn’t slow down from daily use like Windows because the file system is superior to Windows. Linux doesn’t require defragmenting unlike Windows.

So now you know Linux is an operating system like Microsoft Windows but is more secure and free. Like I’ve said in the past no matter what version of Windows that debuts Linux will always be more secure. Since you’ve learned a little about Linux will you keep using Windows as your primary operating system? I think the answer to that question is yes. Just think if you used Linux as your primary operating system in most cases you wouldn’t need a computer tech. The choice is yours switch to Linux and start saving money or keep emptying your wallet.

Compaq Presario 7360

Many have asked should they buy a new computer? How is your computer operating and will the operating system run the software you intend to use? If the computer is performing normally and the operating system is meeting your expectations the answer is NO! After an unknown amount of usage the computer might seem sluggish like a wet sponge, ok I watched the movie Airplane, maybe it’s time to either reinstall the operating system(OS) or restore it using a backup. It’s a known fact computers with a Windows operating system (Microsoft) need the OS reinstalled NOT computers using a Linux operating system!

No reason to buy a new computer unless there’s a compatibility issue with outdated devices and or the operating system. Some people just go buy another computer just to say hey look at me I’ve got a new computer with the latest version of Windows. But fail to realize buying a new computer may come with some unwanted baggage. This quote may apply here “newer isn’t always better” and that goes with buyer beware. Here’s another item to consider if your thinking about buying another computer,”if it still works save your money”!

So as long as you’re not currently not having any problems with your computer why not keep using it? I’ve said this before “no matter what version of Windows that debuts a computer using a Linux OS will always be more secure than a computer using a Windows Microsoft OS”! Let’s go over what I said, computer running ok and devices aren’t obsolete then you don’t need a new computer!

If you just use your computer to surf the internet just keep the Malware and Virus software updated even if you can’t get OS updates. Just remember to make a clean backup and that goes for newer computers too. Buying a newer computer with a Windows operating system won’t offer any more online protection from malware and viruses than the computer you have now! But a computer with a Linux OS will! The only differences between a newer computer and an older one is a faster cpu, more memory and a larger hard drive and if applicable a newer OS. As a selling tool computer companies are offering excessive amounts of memory which makes the sale but usually isn’t needed.

This site was initially created with a Compaq 7360 and currently using a Compaq SR1123WM that was bought in 2005. It’s had some upgrades a CPU, Hard Drive, Memory and a Power Supply. My computer has PCLinuxOS with a KDE Desktop and Windows 7 with Clonezilla installed on the hard drive for easy backup and restore. Do I feel the need to buy another computer? No… I see no reason to replace a computer that runs like a well oiled machine. Won’t buy another computer unless it becomes unrepairable and won’t miss having a newer version of Windows one bit. If your computer clicks for you there is no reason to rush out and buy another computer just to say I have a new computer.