Upgrading to Windows 10

This month, Microsoft ended support for their Windows 7 operating system. This won’t mean too much immediately, but over time, the operating system will become less secure as hackers find vulnerabilities that won’t get patched. The good news is that most Windows 7 computers can be upgraded to Windows 10. Whether it’s worth upgrading instead of replacing, however, is another question. If you’d like advice in that area, feel free to send me an email at support@3tgtech.com with the information I describe below.

If your computer is new enough, it might also be a good idea to upgrade to a Solid State Drive (SSD) from the spinning disks that most Windows 7 computers run on. It’ll make the computer feel like a new machine, and all of your applications and settings stay in place.

Here’s how to find the information I’ll need:

1. Go to Start > Control Panel > System [before System you may have to click on “System and Security”], then please send the following info:

   1. Processor (“Intel Core i5-6200”)

   2. Installed Memory or RAM (“8GB”)

   3. System Type (“64-bit” or “32-bit”)

2. Next, go to Start > Computer, then right-click on the C: Drive and select “Properties”

3. Send the shorter number for the “Capacity” and “Used space” (for example, “500GB” and “237GB”)

4. Lastly, please indicate any vital software that you use and the version number for it. For example, “Quickbooks 2007” or “Office 2010”

5. If you need help getting this information, I’d be happy to walk you through it over the phone, and feel free to send photos of these screens in text or email if that’s easier

I’ll assess your current computer and let you know whether I think it makes sense to upgrade or whether you should buy a new computer.

Getting Wired

There’s so many decisions to be made when building or renovating a house, and so many people to deal with. A new element to consider in a modern home build is technology, but there’s so much to this, how do you make decisions about what you want?

I meet with my clients and listen to what they want to accomplish, then I offer solutions to fit their needs. I then see the technology through all stages, from running wire to installing components to configuration and tutorials.

I can assist with:

• home networks that blanket the house with wifi

• coax and ethernet drops

• in-ceiling and outdoor speaker systems controllable from anywhere

• home automation systems for lights, door locks, garage doors, and more

• home theater systems with surround sound and TV or projector mounting

I work closely with builders and architects to make sure I’m working with the people running the project.

If you or someone you know is thinking of renovating and would like advice on any of these home technologies, have them give me a call for a free meeting.

Windows 7 Rides Off

Starting in January of 2020, Microsoft will no longer support Windows 7, and won’t be releasing updates for the operating system. This means that any computer with Windows 7 installed will become less secure over time. Hackers will figure out new ways to get into it, and no security fixes will get applied. While it’s understandable that Microsoft would want to stop working on a 10 year old product, it’s certainly inconvenient for computer users with Windows 7 machines.

Fortunately, most Windows 7 computers can be upgraded to Windows 10, and the learning curve isn’t bad because the interfaces are very similar.

If you’d like advice about whether to upgrade your existing computer or buy a new one, I’ll need some information:

1. Go to Start > Control Panel > System [before System you may have to click on “System and Security”], then please send the following info:

   1. Processor (“Intel Core i5-6200”)

   2. Installed Memory or RAM (“8GB”)

   3. System Type (“64-bit” or “32-bit”)

2. Next, go to Start > Computer, then right-click on the C: Drive and select “Properties”

3. Send the shorter number for the “Capacity” and “Used space” (for example, “500GB” and “237GB”)

4. Lastly, please indicate any vital software that you use and the version number for it. For example, “Quickbooks 2007” or “Office 2010”

5. If you need help getting this information, I’d be happy to walk you through it over the phone, and feel free to send photos of these screens in text or email if that’s easier

I’ll assess your current computer and let you know whether I think it makes sense to upgrade or whether you should buy a new computer.

Home Automation

One of the most popular areas of consumer electronics these days is home automation. From lights to door locks to thermostats, there's many ways to automate your home. Is it something you might be interested in? Read on to find out!

Note: as you're reading this, keep in mind that most automation systems these days are highly modular, so it's very easy to start out with a single lamp and then expand as much or as little as you like.

My personal history with automation revolves entirely around lights. My goal has always been to have an even and appealing level of light around an entire room, and be able to accomplish that with the touch of a button. In my home the simple tap of a button or command of my voice will set over 15 different lamps and sets of lights to specific dim levels to create exactly the atmosphere I want. I've been using automation technologies for almost 20 years now, and they've come a long way in that time. Now I can control so many other things in my house (but lighting is still my main goal).

Today, I have lights, a door lock, a thermostat, garage door openers, temperature and motion sensors, and remote controls all tied together into one system.

• When I get home, my house knows it, unlocks the front door and turns on the light in the foyer. When I leave, the door locks when I'm gone.
• At night when I go to bed, I press one button that turns off all the lights in the house. Did I remember to turn off that light in the basement? No need to go down to check!
• In our laundry room, a motion sensor detects our presence and turns on the light automatically, then turns it off again when it doesn't detect us for a minute. No more fiddling with a light when our hands are carrying baskets of dirty clothes.
• We even have a cat feeder on the system that dispenses food every three hours.

Is any of this necessary? Not at all. But it's an incredible convenience. The one part of if that I would argue is extremely valuable is the ability to have our outside lights turn on at sunset and off at sunrise. It's a good way to make the house look occupied, and because our street has no streetlamps, it helps keep the street from being pitch black at night. The rest of the system - I'll admit - is mostly for fun. ...But it is a lot of fun!

I've built my system around Apple's HomeKit, which I think is the best combination of ease of use and capabilities. But I'm always happy to speak with you about what might work in your home.