Care for an external hard drive is really quite simple as you will see from the information provided below. Given that it is simple and easy to take care of your portable hard drive and the potential disasterious consequences of not doing so, we highly recommend that you follow the advice provided and avoid having to come to Affordable Computer Repairs and Service for a data recovery job.
Storage of the Hard Drive Itself
Keep in a Secure, Safe Location
Care for an external hard drive in terms of storage of the device itself includes the following:-
The portable hard drive needs to be placed flat on a sturdy surface.
Make sure the device is not placed anywhere where it could be accidentally dropped or knocked off say the desk.
Keep the drive away from the area where you might place your cup of coffee or soft drink, you really, really don’t want to spill liquid on your external hard drive.
Hard drives also need to be kept away from any magnets including your PC speakers. Hard drives also doing like extremes of temperature, nor do they like moisture. If your HD is active a lot of the time a small fan can be used to keep the temperature of the device down. A fan is also a solution if the work area is hot and humid such as a particularly unpleasant Brisbane summers day if you don’t have air conditioning. Also you should not keep your external HD on a surface that retains heat such as a towel or other cloth items, or even paper. When you are not using your external hard drive it is recommended that the drive be stored in a cool place.
Portable drives also do not like vibrations so this is a second reason why storing next to speakers is not recommended.
Hard Drives and Airflow
It is important that there is sufficient air flow area around the air vents of your portable HD. The air vents themselves also should be regularly cleaned to remove dust. You can use an air can to do this.
Ejecting your Portable HD
One simple way to care for an external hard drive is to never just pull out your drive from the USB port. Doing so can damage your HD. Always use the option to eject the drive. This also has the added benefit that a power surge which can occur without using the eject option will not occur this will protect not only your data but the device itself. Finally when removing the connection from your USB port you should hold it by the cable connector not the cable itself.
Use of your External HD
An important fact not known about regarding the care of an external drive is to not use the drive for frequent casual saves. To extend the life of your device it is best to put all the files you wish to back up in a single folder and then transfer the folder itself.
Cable Maintenance
It is not only the hard drive that you need to care for but the cable as well. This includes such simple things as ensuring that the cable connection has not come loose. If the device cable is not securely plugged into your PC it can result in interruptions of your file transfers which you may not be aware of and which can in fact damage your external hard drive over time.
A tip for you… Whilst longer cables are often more versatile, in actual fact your data transfer will be faster with a shorter cable…
Additional Methods of Storage
As stated before using a single external HD as your only means of storage is not sufficient if you want to be really sure that you are not going to lose data. One solution is to back up onto another external drive, taking care of that drive too. Another solution is to use a cloud back up service. A second partition on your internal hard drive is a further option. Whatever you do, don’t rely on just one storage solution, use at least two.
How to Care for an External Hard Drive
This article on How to Care for an External Hard Drive has been written by Affordable Computer Repairs and Service a Brisbane based computer repairs business located in Coorparoo on the southside of Brisbane. There are plenty more articles on our website which you may also wish to read. It goes without saying that if you live in Brisbane and have a problem with your portable hard drive, you laptop, PC, notebook or Mac we are more than happy to assist you.
At Affordable Computer Repairs and Service, we understand the increasing internet usage within the household and by children. This article addresses the importance of understanding new technology. It also provides some advice on how to ensure your kids are safe on the internet.
What is E-Safety?
E-safety means keeping people safe while using the internet and making people more aware of the dangers on the internet. E-safety for kids concerns protecting children from the dangers of the Internet. This includes dangers like inappropriate content, joining unsuitable chat rooms, downloading things without permission, cyberbullying and the like.
Schools also have rules and contracts that students must agree to. Accepting the rules of internet use at school enables student’s access, so a chat with your local school may also assist you with your search for more information.
E-Safety Information For Parents
Become familiar with how people can access the internet. The home computer is not the only way our children can be online. Mobile phones, laptops, tablets, TVs and gaming systems like the X-Box all can connect to the internet. Talking with your children about both the benefits and risks of the internet can empower them to be able to make informed choices when unexpected issues arise. Children should be educated on how to use the internet safely and responsibly.
Learn the rules for using social media sites and online gaming communities. Many of these sites are governed by age limits and children under 13 are often not permitted to join these communities. There are often other more age-appropriate sites with content that is aimed at the correct age bracket. These are a safer option for your child.
Library Information
Local libraries in your area may also provide free courses on internet usage and may assist you in your quest for more information. Being a competent and capable internet user can empower you to know the risks and benefits of online usage for your own children. You can be a role model for them and learn to enjoy and participate in online experiences with your children.
Changing Pace Of Technology
By increasing your own skills, you can try and keep up with the changing pace of technology. You will be able to help support your children as they grow, ensuring they are responsible internet users. New services inevitably evolve as your children grow. One service or site might be useful for the current age and participation level of your child now. But you can be assured this will change, just as your child develops increased skills and knowledge. Knowing how to engage the internet yourself, to keep pace with new features and products as they become available, is a powerful tool for savvy parents making sure they are on top of e-safety for kids.
Should Children Be Allowed Access To The Internet?
Today’s children have access to so much technology through computers, laptops, tablets and mobile devices. Website content and gaming, YouTube clips and social media sites like Facebook and Pinterest are commonly accessed by children in our homes, at school and whilst out and about with friends.
Parents should provide their children with the ability to explore and navigate the internet safely. Having some rules for use and an understanding between yourself and your child can go a long way to ensure e-safety for kids and a safe online experience.
Rules of Internet Use
Be aware of the risks of age-inappropriate content, cyber-bullying and privacy issues.
Investigate products available which can be downloaded or purchased and installed on computers and laptops which can provide some protection from harmful content and allow you to set up access limits.
Install anti-virus software and discuss the issues around downloading files from various sources and the implications these may have on the computer/laptop.
Set up user time limits and age access limits to specific sites and games, chats and file-sharing capabilities.
Investigate privacy settings within apps and other downloaded content. Ensure you are vigilant in protecting the identity and location of your child.
Talk to your child about content they may come across that may make them feel uncomfortable. Provide instructions on what to do if this occurs.
Explain what action your child should take if they encounter a problem or concern. Who should they seek assistance from? What do you expect they should do and how should they react?
Discuss rules about providing personal information online, uploading photos and completing online forms and accepting friend requests.
Explain the implications of providing sensitive and personal information online. An age-appropriate discussion of the benefits and risk of online usage can empower your children to be critical thinkers. It will also encourage them to help their friends make similar safe and responsible choices when participating in online usage.
What Is Too Much Screen Time For Kids?
Schools increasingly provide access to technology. Computers, laptops and tablets are commonplace in today’s classrooms. Children are learning how to use the web; word-processing and even coding has entered the curriculum. Homework can be set through web-based learning platforms. Older students are using the internet for research purposes. Children access games, online video content, social media and TV in their free time. They also access mobile phones and tablets to keep them occupied whilst their parents are busy. Tuition services offer additional support via computer-based programs to students struggling with the Curriculum through digital technology.
It is, therefore, no surprise to find that a recent study by BioMed Central reported that 45% of eight years old exceeded the daily limit, climbing to 80% for the 15 to 16-year-old. The study surmised that screen-based media is so central to the lives of young people in today’s society the “daily limits” are no longer rational.
Should Parents Limit Children’s Daily Use Of Digital Technology?
The Department of Health recommends a screen time limit of;
No more than 1 hour a day for children aged 2 – 5 years
Nor more than 2 hours a day for children aged 5 – 17 years
Screen Time includes online computer games, watching video content, accessing websites, using apps and watching TV. Whilst these limits on screen time is prescribed by paediatricians and child development experts, studies suggest that school-aged children are spending an increasing amount of time online.
Should Babies/Toddlers Be Allowed To Use Technology?
Does your baby/toddler use an iPad or mobile phone? Do you use technology as a babysitter? What are the pros and cons of babies and toddler use of technology? The accelerating use of technology by babies and toddlers in Australia and overseas is causing concern for health professionals and educators alike. So how common is it?
The Australian Government Department of Health in their publication National Physical Activity Recommendations for Children (0-5 years) provides recommendations for physical activity levels for babies and toddler. It also recommends the amount (or not) that these children should engage in the use of technology.
One point stands out. The Department of Health clearly states the recommendation that toddlers and babies (under the age of two) “Should not spend any time watching television or using other electronic media (DVDs, computer and other electronic games).”
Positive Outcomes
Fine Motor Skills Development
Playing with an iPad by toddlers and even babies help develop dexterity of fingers and eye and hand coordination.
Cause and Effect
Children can learn through technology at a very young age the concept of cause and effect. When pressing different buttons or swiping technology, it allows them to gain a measure of control and enjoyment.
Negative Outcomes
Replacement of Personal Interaction
With babies and toddlers spending a considerable amount of time using technology, they are spending less time interacting with peers, adults and older children. This human interaction is essential for their development of social skills.
External Learning
Technology replaces a toddler’s opportunity to experience playing and experimenting with physical objects such as blocks, sandpit etc. This reduces their important hands-on learning of the world around them.
Reduction in Physical Activity
Time spent on technology replaces time spent in physical activities. Toddlers and babies risk the reduction in the necessary muscle development and development of gross motor skills, balance and flexibility etc.
Over Stimulation
Too much time spent playing on technology can result in babies and toddlers becoming overwhelmed by the sensory effects, the noise, change in colour and continuous motion. A short-term result may be that your child becomes frustrated, angry and upset causing temper tantrums. A longer-term result can be that their ability to focus on quieter activities is severely reduced as their attention span is shortened.
Bad Habits
Bad habits are easily achieved, breaking bad habits is far harder. If from a very young age and continued through their growth years children spend a great deal of time in sedentary use of technology this can lead to increased use as they get older and a very difficult habit to break.
Internet Usage By Australian Children
The latest available data is provided as of April 2012. A summary of ownership of mobile phones and usage of the internet by Australian children is provided below. These statistics were derived from the article “Australian Children, Internet and Mobile Phones” from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Internet Usage Statistics
By April 2012 90% of Australian children had accessed the internet during the previous year.
The rate of access by Australian children to the internet has been rapid. In 2006, the proportion of Australian children who accessed the internet in the previous year was only 65%. This increased to 79% in 2009; and as stated above to 90% in 2012. This does not mean, however, that Aussie children are not doing other activities and gaining other experiences.
In 2012, 66% of all Australian children had participated in at least one organised sport. Furthermore, 99% participated in a minimum of one recreational activity. Recreational activities included amongst other things, bike riding, arts and crafts and reading for pleasure.
Older children have greater access to the internet with 98% of children 12 to 14 years accessing the internet. This compared to 96% for those aged 9 to 11 years. A much lower rate of 79% for those aged 5 to 8 years was reported.
Access to the internet was slightly lower in the more remote areas of Australia, 88% compared with 91% in the major Australian cities.
Children in general in 2012 had fairly equally access the internet from home and at school. Importantly for those children accessing the internet at home 90% did so for educational activities.
Far more children accessed the internet by laptop or another portable computer (78%) than from a desktop (59%). Just under 30% used a mobile phone to access the internet. Other devices were only used by 4% of children.
Where Can I Get More Information?
There are many websites and agencies tasked at providing E-safety resources for parents when it comes to protecting their children online. The Australian Government has a wealth of information available to parents through their iParent website. This website includes education programs and videos available to you. Additionally, the Office of the Children’s eSafety Commissioner provides up to date resources and a complaints system for reporting cyberbullying and illegal online content. E-safety for children can also be available through organisations like the Alannah and Madeline Foundation. They have programs like the Digital License. These types of programs can assist parents with computer safety issues, discussions and rules.
Keeping your children safe in this digital world is an ongoing learning experience for all involved. Take some time to investigate how your children use digital devices and what you can do to ensure it is a positive experience for them.
This article on E-safety is provided by Affordable Computer Repairs Brisbane, your local computer repair experts. Please feel free to contact us on 3397 1215 or 0409 974 707 if your children have internet access difficulties or with any computer-related inquiries. We offer many IT and repair services. We can assist you in your own home or at our workshop at 48 Octantis Street, Coorparoo.
Sales of Macs and PCs – Apple Macs Increasing Popularity?
We are a computer repair business based in Brisbane and a great deal of our repair business is Mac repairs. Thus, it is very much in our interest to keep current as to the trends in the popularity of different types of computers, Windows and Macs, laptops and desktops etc.
Hence we have looked at some information to seek whether or not Apple Macs are increasing in popularity and data from various different sources indicate that this seems to be the case.
Information released by the IDC for the June quarter of 2015 stated that sales of Apple Macs had increased by 16% whilst all other major PC brands experienced a decline in market share.
Furthermore, IDC results show that the PC market overall declined by 12% in terms of sales for that period.
Previous research has also shown that sales of Windows-based PC are declining by around 10 to 12% a year. Whilst contrary to this decline, Apple Macs have been experiencing continued growth in sales and increasing popularity.
Source: IDC
A Bit of History of Mac and PC Computer Sales
According to Asymco, the ratio of PC sales to Macs was about twenty to one in 1985 soon after the release of Apple Macs. Apparently the ratio of PCs to Macs in terms of sales then moved up and down for the next ten plus years. The popularity of PCs was demonstrated when according to Asymco the ration reached fifty-five to one in 2004. This, however, was the peak with the ratio then reflecting the growing number of Mac sales, year on year. Finally, after reaching a peak in 2004 the ratio then fell down to twenty to one in 2012 and further falls have happened since.
Operating Systems Market Share
Whilst there is no disputing that sales are trending towards Apple Macs, Windows still remains by far the most used operating system. The information below comes from NETMARKETSHARE who provide market share statistics for internet technologies. This information dated April 2016 is for the period from January 2016.
Source: NETMARKETSHARE
According to this data Windows 7 is still by far the most popular operating system (51% of users) followed by Windows 10 with 13% of users. Windows XP although no longer supported is still used by 11%.
Mac operating systems whilst strong are still far behind Windows with Mac OS X 10.11 used by 3%, Mac OS X 10.10 by 2%and other forms of Mac OS combined used by 2%.
The above data is similar to the estimates provided by StatCounter. This data relates to desktop and laptop computers only. StatCounter reveals that once again Windows 7 is the most common operating system (45% of users), followed by Windows 10 (18%) and Windows 8.1 (10%) with Windows XP having 7%. All OS X versions according to this source of information are used by almost 10% of users.
Growth in other Devices
Whilst Mac desktops and notebooks are increasing in popularity the overall market for Apple has seen a large amount of growth due to sales in other devices such as iPads and iPhones.
Tablets and mobile phones are becoming more and more popular. A survey conducted by AIMIA in 2014 found that of those surveyed 89% (Australians) owned a smartphone. In addition, 60% owned a tablet and a significant 53% owned a smartphone, a PC and a tablet.
Demonstrating the growing popularity of mobile devices, the AIMIA survey revealed that of all the Australian respondents surveyed over 60% stated that they would choose their mobile phone over their television. Also, they found that 66% of Australians use their smartphone at least once a day to search or browse on the internet.
For more information regarding Australian usage of mobile phones visit Snakkmedia or the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Article Source
The information in this article ‘Apple Macs Increasing Popularity’ has been taken from the web and may not be 100% accurate. This article has been written by Affordable Computer Repairs and Service and if you are looking for Mac, PC or laptop repairs and you live in Brisbane, please give us a call on 3397 1215.
It is difficult to imagine life without computers even though the history of computers is actually quite short. Computers have become so ingrained in modern day society that it is hard to believe that personal computers (as mass-market consumer devices) were only invented in 1977.
The following attempts to briefly summarise the fascinating history of computers. It includes the timeline of key inventions that contributed to the development of modern day computers.
Numbers & Stars
For most of human history, humankind’s need for the manipulation of numbers has far exceeded the ability to do so efficiently. The humble abacus was one of the earliest machines developed to help people with calculations. It is thought that the abacus was invented in Babylon around 2400 BC and is still in use today.
Preceding the industrial revolution, Scotsman John Napier, amongst others, made great steps forward in complex calculation techniques. Paving the way for mathematics professor Charles Babbage to develop his difference engine and analytical engine. These inventions are considered essential in laying the foundation of “formal” computing and computer science.
History of Computers – The Generations of Computer Development
Many of the advances that have led to the modern day computers have taken place since the 1940s. This history of computers is often categorised into five generations. Each generation represents a major technological development that influenced the industry.
First Generation 1940 -1956
The first generation of computers were based on vaccuum tubes. These tubes were developed by two University professors Mauchly and Eckert. Computers were enormous and could take up an entire room. They were also expensive to run, generated a lot of heat and malfunctions were common. Examples of first generation computers include the UNIVAC and ENIAC computers. In fact, the UNIVAC was the first commercial computer delivered to a business client, being the U.S Census Bureau in 1951.
Second Generation 1957 – 1963
The second generation is characterised by the use of transistors replacing vacuum tubes. Scientists at Bell laboratories developed the transistor in 1947 although it did not become popular until the late 1950s. Transistors performed the same function as vacuum tubes but were much smaller, drawing less power and generating less heat. The era of miniaturisation also began. This was due to the smaller size of transistors. However computers were still quite sizable and only larger businesses could afford them to carry out purposes such as accounting and payroll.
Third Generation 1964 – 1971
The third generation in the history of computers represents the introduction of integrated circuits: silicon chips containing multiple transistors. The small size of the integrated circuit enabled computers to become smaller, faster, more reliable and cheaper. Computers using these integrated circuits quickly replaced transistor-based machines. This allowed them to become more accessible to a wider audience. For the first time, keyboards and monitors were introduced. These replaced punch cards and printouts.
Fourth Generation 1972 – Present
The invention of the microprocessor had a significant impact on the computer development industry and brought about what is referred to as the fourth generation. Containing thousands of integrated circuits within a microprocessor, this technology greatly improved the processing speed and power. It also further reduced the size of computers.
By the late 70’s and early 80’s, processor technology had advanced to the point where companies such as Apple, Commodore and IBM manufactured microcomputers built for home use. The physical design and operating systems in these early microcomputers was the early blueprint of how we today recognise these amazing machines.
IBM introduced its first computer for home use in 1981. Cheaper clones soon appeared in the marketplace such as Compaq and Dell. Apple introduced the Macintosh in 1984.
One of the first personal computers Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org
Computer technology has also evolved outside the realm of desktop computers to mobile devices. These mobile devices include laptops, iPads, tablets, mobile phones, watches, etc. The advent of the internet also assisted in integrating more devices in society.
Fifth Generation (Future)
Scientists are working hard on developing the next generation of computing. Future computing is to be based on features such as artificial intelligence, expert systems and natural language. The goal is to create machines capable of performing tasks in a similar way to humans. Developers are also continuously exploring ways to further increase processing power.
Affordable Computer Repairs in Brisbane
If history is any indication of the future, there is no doubt that computers and mobile computing devices will continue to play an important role in our society. As a computer repair business in Brisbane it is essential that we stay abreast of this evolving and exciting industry.
The profession of computer repairing is relatively new. The industry is characterised by an extremely fast turnover of knowledge and skills. This is due to the rapaid technological advancements. The history of computer repairs is therefore inextricably interwoven with the history of computers. This is particularly true for the personal computer. There are however certain defining factors that have made the computer repair profession what it is today.
The Emergence of Home Computers
Prior to 1980, Apple, Commodore and Tandy Corporation (Radio Shack) manufactured the majority of microcomputers. As computer parts became cheaper, more and more companies entered the industry. As a result more affordable computers were produced. The industry expanded rapidly in the 1980s and personal computer use became widespread. (For information on the history of computers the Computer History Museum website is really interesting.)
The increased usage of computers brought about the need for a growing number of skilled technicians.
Education Part of a Computer Repair Technician’s Job
In the times before there was a computer (or two) in every household, personal computer users often had only the most basic of computer skills. Computer technicians would regularly encounter customers with simple computer problems. Thus often the technicians were required to educate users as part of their repair service.
Try Turning the Power Off and On Again
In the late 80s and early 90s many computers had hardware and software systems functioning in the same way as many others. The market was also dominated by a handful of major brand names. Thus ‘early’ history of computer repairs was relatively straightforward. This contrasts to the vast amount of hardware and software options available today. Computer technicians are now required to keep pace with an ever-growing market of hardware and software.
IBM 650 computer open for repair – 1950s
Source: Wikimedia Commons
The Rise of the Internet
The Internet has impacted upon the computer repair industry more than any other technological innovation. Increased Internet use has been accompanied by the emergence of cybercrime. This includes malicious software or ‘malware’ which is intentionally designed to damage computer systems.
There are now many forms of malware. These include viruses, worms, spyware, trojans, bots, adware, time bombs/logic bombs, etc. Much computer repair work today is spent recovering and protecting computers from online threats.
Do-it-yourself Computer Repairs
While the widespread use of the Internet has increased the need for computer repairs, it has also resulted in users attempting do-it-yourself repairs. Users are often turning to online forums and webpages as their first port of call to attempt to fix a technical computer issue. This can sometimes lead to negative results and often makes the repair process even more difficult.
The Workplace
Computers have become inseparable from seemingly every sphere of modern life. Correspondingly, the various workplaces in which a computer technician has had to negotiate have also expanded. With every market and industry recognising the advantages that computers can bring, technicians are often needed on site. Sometimes in potentially hazardous locations.
Technician conducts maintenance aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge
Source: Wikipedia Commons
Computer Repair History
This brief snapshot describing some of the key aspects of the history of computer repairs highlights the uniqueness of this constantly evolving profession. As the requirements of the industry have advanced (often at a frenetic pace), those passionate about the industry have acquired knowledge. They have also adapted and tailored their services to deliver to meet the needs of their valued customers.
Affordable Computer Repairs and Service
If you have a PC, notebook or Apple Mac in need of repair, please give us at Affordable Computer Repairs and Service in Brisbane a call (3397 1215) and allow our expert technicians to find a repair solution for you.
Windows Defender that comes default with Windows 10 is generally agreed upon to be an improvement on previous versions of this anti virus software, but how good is it?
There are totally conflicting options on the net regarding the performance of Windows Defender. Some tech website recommend this default anti virus program beyond many of the true and tried third party protection programs that Windows users have been using in the past.
However on the other side of the coin there are technical advice articles that still strongly recommend that Windows users keep using the more popular anti virus programs – kept up to date naturally.
Some tech experts recommend only using Windows Defender if your protection needs are only basic. Thus if you engage in just surfing the net, using social networks they believe Windows Defender is up to the job. However should you do a lot of downloading off the net, these writers argue that Windows Defender is probably not sufficient for this type of use.
Pros of Windows Defender
The latest version of Windows Defender is an improvement on previous Windows developed anti virus programs.
It is free, but then there are many other really good free protection software programs also available.
The program includes cloud protection, a new addition in terms of security features.
Unlike many other free anti virus programs Windows Defender does not keep trying to get you to sign up to more improved programs for a fee.
It comes as a default protection in Windows 10 which means your computer has some protection as soon as Windows 10 is installed.
Windows Defender provides three different scanning options which can be scheduled as well.
The program is easy to use which is a great plus for Windows users.
Cons of Windows Defender
As this anti virus program does not support the context menu it is not possible to scan a specific folder.
According to test results from the Madgeburg lab Windows Defender scores only 9.5 points out of a total of 18 points with many other protection programs scoring much higher.
It is argued that Windows Defender takes up a lot of system resources.
Recommendations from the Experts
Here are some different recommendations from the experts in relation to Windows Defender.
Don’t rely totally on Windows Defender use the likes of Malwarebytes as well.
Make sure that you configure Windows Defender correctly.
Enable automatic updates of Windows Defender.
If you are looking for free antivirus programs consider the alternatives of Bitdefender and Avast or Panda Anti-Virus.
There are still much better anti virus programs such as, Avira, Kaspersky, McAfee, Trend Micro and Norton products that should be used instead.
Which Computer Brand is Best (or the most reliable)?
Perhaps it’s not the right question & not the one you should be asking…
People will often ask which computer brand is best (whether it’s a desktop or laptop/ notebook) they should now buy to replace their existing computer which might be old, failed or ailing. “Should I buy a HP, or a Toshiba, or ….?” they ask; or,
“What about (brand x or y) … what’s your opinion about them?” “Which brand would you recommend?”, or the question we get asked the most (which is actually more of a statement of intent rather than a question) is: “My next computer is going to be a Mac because they never break down, do they?”
The simple answer to that question is that there is no simple answer. We get to see and repair a wide range of brands and models and there really isn’t one brand that in our view stands above the rest. No, not even the Apple Mac, but more about that later. For the moment let’s stick to PCs. It is worth remembering that these are mass-produced electronic devices comprising many different components.
Most Reliable Computer Brand?
Any computer may at some point experience component failure of one kind or another. In the case of notebooks or laptops, it can include hard drives (or solid state drives), batteries, keyboards, cooling fans, motherboards and even power adapters are just some of the examples and often occur in the first 12 months of ownership (during the manufacturers’ statutory warranty period). By the same token, a lot of people will get 3, 4, 5 or more years of trouble-free service from their computer, irrespective of brand. Of course it helps if you look after your computer and don’t mistreat and abuse it.
HP, Toshiba, ASUS?
So is your average HP branded computer any more or any less reliable than your average Toshiba or ASUS equivalent? In our view, that’s not necessarily the case.
For example, we see a higher than average number of particular HP models (some dv6 and dv7 models) with cooling issues, where the fan has to be replaced, along with the original thermal paste removed from the heat sink and then reapplied using a better, higher quality thermal compound. But this problem isn’t exclusive to HP or any other brand in the market.
By comparison, we see a higher proportion of Toshiba branded 2.5 inch SATA hard drives of varying capacity requiring replacement, than competing hard drives from Western Digital or Seagate. These hard drives aren’t just found in Toshiba notebooks but also in a wide range of notebook computers from other manufacturers, including Apple MacBook and MacBook Pro (pre-2013 models). Not every Toshiba computer comes with a Toshiba branded hard drive, but many do.
Repair or Replace your Computer?
So when things go wrong – as they might – you should be asking whether you repair or replace and if you decide on the latter, replace it with what? It all depends on a number factors that you should take into account. For example:
How old is your existing computer?
How reliable has it been since purchase?
Is it hardware, software/ operating system failure or both?
What needs to be replaced? Is it a display panel (screen), hard drive, keyboard, AC (charging) port and at what cost (parts and labour)?
What is the likely replacement cost (including the cost of data transfer from the old computer and setup of the new system) and how does it compare to the cost of repair?
Are the parts available and how long will the work take?
Once you start undertaking this analysis, you can start to assess the merits of repair verses replacement.
You should bear in mind that an increasing number of notebook computers are designed to make repair or replacement/ upgrading of the system either problematic or impossible. Compare a typical notebook computer of today to one from 5 or 10 years ago. Where previously you could upgrade or replace the RAM, the hard drive or battery, this may no longer be the case for the computer you recently bought or are about to buy.
Apple MacBook, MacBook, MacBook Pro?
You have to conclude that manufacturers appear to be more focused on pushing you to the replacement option rather than the option of repairing your computer. Even a perfectly good computer may no longer give you the option to upgrade the RAM or hard drive. This is increasingly the case for owners of recent models of Apple MacBook, MacBook Pro and MacBook Air. We have covered the issue of Mac repair in an earlier blog.
The situation is a little different when deciding whether to repair or replace PC desktops. Here, you have a little more flexibility about what can be repaired or replaced and at what cost as many computers adopt a one of a small number of widely used form-factors like ITX, ATX and mATX. Some desktops can be more problematic than others. For example, anything with a slim-line case – a quite popular option within the Acer, Dell and HP product lines – can create problems if you ever require a new power supply unit or a video card due to limited supply and availability. All of them may also pose difficulties if you ever need to replace a motherboard, where the inclusion and placement of connectors for various devices and power may preclude the use of generic, commonly available replacement parts.
Again, the situation is a little different if you own a recent model Apple iMac desktop. You soon discover how limited your options for upgrade and repair really are, not unlike the owners of Acer, ASUS, Dell or HP all-in-one desktop system.
Declining Sales of PCs
The PC market – both for desktops and notebooks – is in decline. According to data from research firm Gartner, world-wide PC sales have declined by 9.6 per cent year-on-year from Q1 2015 to Q1 2016, despite the fact of growth and demand in two-in-one or hybrid PCs (ie. thin and light notebooks with detachable keyboards) for business users and consumers and gaming notebooks in some markets. It is hardly surprising that some manufacturers like Sony have exited the market and others, like Samsung and Toshiba, are undertaking restructuring of their product lines and market operations. The decline in sales is partly as the result of changing consumer behaviour (where consumers are now spoilt for choice from a bewildering array of devices, including tablets) and vendors failing to make a compelling case for consumers and businesses to upgrade their existing hardware until they have to.
As consumers, our choices may be narrowing as smaller brands exit the market, whilst our options as to the type of computer or computers we buy grows.
So, Which Computer Brand is Best?
I realise that this does not answer completely the question as to which computer brand is best because the simple answer is, none. However I do hope that the information provided above does allow you to make a more informed decision in relation to which brand’s to avoid and which brands are more reliable.
This information concerning which computer brand is best and which is the most reliable computer brand is provided to you by Affordable Computer Repairs and Service, a trustworthy and respected computer repair and IT solutions business in Brisbane. You can contact us on 3397 1215.
As a very busy and successful computer repair business in Brisbane, this is a question that is obviously of great importance to us. Will the computer repair industry decline and thus the market for our business fall? Are we too going to go the way that many other businesses have such as book shops, DVD rental outlets and the sale of items like typewriters and fax machines or the declining need for secretaries and even office space and shopfronts….
Indications about the Computer Repair Industry are Mixed
Being at the forefront of this market we should be able to clearly state as to whether the market for computer repairs is declining or likely to decline. However, the market is giving us mixed signals.
Firstly the volume of business that we are obtaining is not declining, the phone is still ringing as frequently as it was two and even five years ago. From these phone inquiries, we are too receiving the same magnitude or more of computer repair jobs. Thus from the level of customers, we are obtaining we are not seeing a decline in the market for computer repairs.
However, we have seen a computer repair shop of long-standing close its doors which was located several suburbs to the south of us. Yet in the opposite direction, to the north of us, our competitors (friendly competitors) also assure us that their business is certainly not declining in revenue, possibly even increasing a little year on year.
Areas of Decline in the Computer Repair Industry
We are however seeing a chance in the manufacture of computers which suggests that a decline is on the way. Like most electronics computers are now not being built for longevity. Remember the days when a fridge lasted a lifetime? Well, the standard of computers and their components lead us to believe that the manufacturers are not building computers to last for as long as they once did. We are of the opinion that the life expectancy of a computer, laptop or Mac is now around four to five years before it becomes uneconomical to repair.
There are several valid reasons for computer manufacturers to build machines for this shorter life span. One reason is that technology and software are developing at such a rapid rate that what is a great computer now, is not a great computer in four years time as new computers at this time will be capable of far more. Furthermore, increasingly complex and demanding software is being developed. This means that new computers are needed to keep up with the increasing demands that this software places on the hardware components of the computer.
So if you are going to need to replace your computer in four years time so that it can function optimally with new software, what is the point in building a computer that will last beyond the time frame in which it will be needed? This too would make the cost of the computer higher as better durable hardware would be needed. This, therefore, is one reason why computers now have a shorter life span.
So how does this impact on the computer repair industry? Well if people are replacing their computers far earlier than before and the price of computers is declining, well the need for computer repairs will too decline.
There is another factor in relation to the manufacture of computers that we believe will lead to the slow (hopefully slow possibly quite fast) decline in the computer repair market. This is that computers are now being built in such a way that they are firstly more difficult to repair and secondly more costly to repair.
How are Computers Built so that they are More Difficult to Repair?
Well, firstly we are seeing glue used where in the past screws or magnets were used. This means the likelihood of damaging a computer when repairing it is higher and also it is a much slower process to remove the glue than it was to unscrew the components.
Secondly, we are seeing more components added to boards than there were previously. Thus if one component fails the full board has to be replaced. Thus the replacement of just one component ends up being the replacement of half a dozen or more and hence a much higher cost for the replacement.
Another reason why computers are becoming more difficult to repair is that manufacturers are stocking replacement parts for a shorter period. Thus it is not unknown for a computer of only a few years old when requiring a new component, that there is no availability of new components and of course finding second-hand components of such a new model is extremely difficult.
Thus the manner in which computers are now being built may have a very significant impact on the computer repair industry – and in its decline.
Potential Growth Sectors of the Computer Repair Industry
One avenue of potential growth in the computer repair business is malware removal. Malware is becoming more commonplace with malware itself becoming more and more sophisticated. Obviously malware protection programs too are getting better and better, but they are always one step behind. Thus it may be that in the future we obtain a greater proportion of jobs in the malware removal area.
Data recovery is another area that is showing to be increasingly demanded. This you would think defies logic, with the cloud now available for backups you would have thought that data recovery would be less required, not more. Currently, however, this is not the case, at least as far as our business goes.
We are finding we are getting more and more enquiries for customers needing data recovery. This is due to one of two factors. Firstly people are just not backing up as much as was done in the past. With computers becoming more reliable it appears that backing up is not given as great a level of importance than it used to. We get many customers coming to us with computers that have failed to boot and with hard drives full of photos, data and emails that have not been backed up for a considerable length of time.
Growth in Demand for Data Retrieval
We are also experiencing a greater level of demand for retrieval of data from portable hard drives. Contrary to what most people think, external hard drives are very delicate and a knock or a fall can mean that the drive fails and all the backed up data is in desperate need of recovery which can be a relatively easy job, or a very expensive and difficult exercise requiring the services of a specialised data recovery laboratory. Suffice to say this is a growth area for our business and unless the current attitude to the importance of backing up changes we see this as an ongoing growth area for us.
Thus growth in malware removal and data recovery may have a positive impact on the viability of the computer repair industry.
What does the Market in General Indicate regarding the Growth or Decline of the Computer Repair Industry?
One way to examine whether or not the computer repair industry is growing or declining is to look at Google Trends. This we did for Brisbane and the graph below shows you the result. We put into the Google Trends search bar the keywords Computer Repair Business because this is the most common search used by Brisbane residents and businesses when seeing computer repair help.
The graph above does not look good for us as a computer repair business. It is noted that the graph shows the popularity of this search term compared to other search terms over time. Thus it could be that the number of searches has remained constant or even grown, however, it does illustrate that computer repairs is a less popular search term.
Even given the proviso above we would much rather see the graph line increasing rather than decreasing. Personally I interpret the graph above that computer repairs do indeed seem to be of a declining industry…
And whilst laptops are becoming far more popular, the Google Trend information for the search term laptop repairs Brisbane is not very promising either…
Source: Google Trends September 2005 to April 2016
Nor does Mac repairs Brisbane look to healthy either…
Source: Google Trends September 2005 to April 2016
Conclusion
Whether the computer repair industry is on the incline or decline is still not 100% clear. Our experience in terms of the manufacturing changes in computers in particular highlights that the industry will decline, even though at the current time we are not experiencing this.
As far as you the reader are considered, we have the following advice:-
Probably not a good idea to start up a computer repair business if you are looking for long term revenue growth.
Expect that the new computer you purchase is not going to last as long as its predecessor did.
Please do back up your data regularly and in two separate places, not just on one external hard drive.
If you are in the computer repair business yourself, start thinking of ways in which you can diversify your business such as setting up and integration of computers and entertainment systems.
If you are seeking the services of a reliable, affordable and honest computer repair business, please call us at Affordable Computer Repairs and Service in Brisbane on 3397 1215!
A hundred years ago, a typical household’s waste consisted mostly of food scraps and coal ash. Most items were made out of natural materials like paper, wood, coal, leather and metal and were often recycled and reused once they reached their ‘end of life’.
Today our households look very different. A number of factors have brought about this change including the advent of mass production, product and brand advertising, more affordable and disposable items and a time-poor society. The culmination of these factors has resulted in a ‘throw-away’ society where consumers tend to dispose of their unwanted goods and ‘buy a new one’ rather than repairing their old item. This occurs in many different markets including computer repair. In some cases, it may be cheaper to buy new rather than get the old item fixed. Consumers are also increasingly making choices that are convenient and that saves time. Buying new is often perceived to be ‘easier’ than finding a skilled repairer to fix the item. The unknown costs of repairs (is it worth it?) also influence decision-making.
With technology evolving at a rapid rate, consumers rarely consider the implications of disposing of their old electronic items as they upgrade to the latest phone, tablet or computer.
Australians are in fact one of the world’s highest users of technology and e-waste is one of the fastest growing types of waste.
What Is E-Waste?
E-waste is a term used to describe electronic items such as computers, televisions, dvd players, computers, phones, tablets, household appliances, etc.that are no longer wanted or no longer useful.
E-waste computers and televisions in particular are a growing component of the electronic waste problem.
Key Facts On E-Waste Computers
Computers are substantially contributing to e-waste. The following facts focus on the computer component of e-waste and are sourced from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), Clean Up Australia and the Department of the Environment:
Only 1.5 million of the 15.7 million computers that reached their ‘end of life’ in Australia in 2007-08 were recycled (less than 10%).
An estimated 29 million televisions and computers across Australia reached their end-of-life in the 2011-12 period.
The cumulative volume of computers and televisions reaching the end of their useful life is expected to reach 181,000 tonnes or 44 million units by 2027-28.
Australians buy more than 4 million computers annually.
The Responsible Disposal Of E-Waste Computers Is A Growing Issue
The disposal of e-waste computers and other unwanted electronic devices in an environmentally responsible manner is becoming an increasingly important issue. The rising consumption of raw materials, limited landfill space and the disposal of hazardous substances in areas where they could leach into soil and water has brought about the need for responsible measures to be put into place.
Unwanted electrical items contain valuable materials that can be recycled and re-used such as gold, steel, copper, zinc, aluminium and brass. According to the US Electronics TakeBack Coalition, the amount of gold recovered from one tonne of electronic scrap from personal computers is more than that recovered from seventeen tonnes of gold ore!
While valuable materials can be recovered from electronic products, they can also contain hazardous materials such as lead, cadmium and mercury which are toxic to humans and the environment when incorrectly disposed of.
What Are We Doing About It?
An international treaty that manages the international movement of hazardous waste was introduced in 1992, named the Basal Convention. Designed to reduce and regulate the movement of hazardous waste, over 170 countries have joined the convention. Australia signed up in 1992.
What Can You Do?
There are a number of waste management schemes across Australia for e-waste. In Brisbane City you cannot simply dispose of your electronic products in your wheelie bin. The Council does accept e-waste computers and other types of e-waste at their transfer stations, with residents allowed to dispose of 15 items free of charge as part of the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme (NTCRS). See here for more information:
The NTCRS is funded and managed by the television and computer industries and enables people to drop off their unwanted e-waste products for free. It is hoped that this scheme increases the recycling rate of electronic products. Other e-waste management schemes include:
Mobilemuster – mobile phone recycling;
Planet Ark – television, computer and printer cartridge recycling; and
Australian Battery Recycling Initiative.
E-Waste Computers and Computer Equipment
As a computer repair business in Brisbane we witness first hand the growing level of e-waste computers and computer peripherals, components and computers. Affordable Computer Repairs and Service is an environmentally friendly business we dispose of all e-waste computer and technology equipment in the correct manner. Furthermore we hope that our low $75 diagnostic service help to reduce e-waste.
This diagnostic service allows you to make an informed decision as to whether or not you should have your computer repaired of if indeed it is time to purchase a new laptop. PC or Mac. For the $75 fee we will examine your computer and identify the reason(s) for its failure of poor performance. Then advise you as to whether in we believe it is cost-effective for you to have it repaired. This recommendation will be made based upon the cost of any replacement parts, the labour time required and the age and condition of other components of your computer as well as the likely replacement cost.
We will provide you with a repair quote including the labour time and price of new components if they are required. Our diagnostic fee only applies if you decide you do not want to have your computer repaired. Once we have given you a quote to have your computer repaired, that is the fee that is charged. We do not charge the additional $75 on top of the quoted repair fee.
We also hope that by providing honest, trustworthy and skilled computer repairs individuals and businesses once they have experienced our service will not have again the difficulty of finding a skilled computer repair business. Thus we hope that they will be more likely to repair their machines (if cost-effective) rather than take the often perceived quick and easy route of just purchasing a new computer and adding their older machine to the growing pile of e-waste or disposing of it correctly but not possibly it is not necessary to dispose of in the first instance as it may be that computer repair is a better option.
Please note whilst we too wish to reduce the amount of e-waste that we as Australian’s generate, we would never recommend repairing a computer unless it is cost-effective and in the customer’s best interests. We have an excellent reputation in relation to honest and informed advice and thus you can be certain that we will provide you with the same.
Please dispose of your e-waste computers responsibly.
Author, Mark at Affordable Computer Repairs and Service
What are the Most Popular Browsers Currently in Use?
In 2015 we wrote an article about the most popular browsers currently in use. We quoted statistics from StatCounter and now in 2017 we are updating this information based on the results provided by W3Counter.
The most popular browsers worldwide as at December 2015 were:-
Number One – Chrome
Number Two – Internet Explorer
Number Three – Firefox
Number Four – Safari; and
Number Five – Opera
As you can see from below this has changed as at January 2017. Number one remains Chrome but Safari has now taken the second spot from Internet Explorer. Firefox has remained in third position and Internet Explorer in now in fourth position. Operate is still only a very small share of the market in fifth position.
The most popular browsers worldwide as at January 2017 according to W3Counter are:-
Number One – Chrome with 58.4%
Number Two – Safari with 13.3%
Number Three – Firefox at 9.5%
Number Four – Internet Explorer and Edge only 8.1%
Number Five – Opera with 4.4%
The start of the fall in popularity of Internet Explore was seen clearly back in 2014. The graph below clearly shows the start of that decline and as we now know this just increased through 2016 to now in 2017.
Most Popular Browsers in Australia 2015 and 2017
The information provided by StatCounter for Australia browser usage (excluding mobile) in December 2015 is as follows:-
Number One – Chrome
Number Two – Internet Explorer
Number Three – Safari
Number Four – Firefox; and
Number Five – Edge
Realtime Statistics from Clicky for Australia are as follows:-
Chrome in the number one position.
Internet Explorer just holding onto the number two position.
Safari in the number three position at the heels of IE.
Firefox in the fourth position, very close to Safari.
Microsoft Edge in the fifth position and;
Opera with much less usage in the sixth position.
The Most Popular Browser Over Time in Each Country, 2008 to 2015
This information I have not updated because it will just show a continuation of the trend that was already occurring in 2015.
dadavuz have a wonderful world map which changes to show the dominant browser in each country over time. The map clearly shows how Internet Explorer is replaced by Chrome and which countries adapt to the new browser quickest.
The chart below comes from StatCounter and show how overall usage of the different browsers has changed over time.
Desktop and Mobile Market Share Worldwide 2008 to 2017
StatCounter has some amazing graphs which very clearly show the rapid adoption of mobiles and the declining market share of desktops that is occurring. The use of tables whilst it has grown is not anywhere near as popular as either desktops or mobiles.
Source: NETMARKETSHARE
Source: 
Source: Google Trends September 2005 to April 2016
Source: Google Trends September 2005 to April 2016
