Have you just searched “Mac Repairs Mount Gravatt/” and are looking for expert and trustworthy Mac repairs in the Mount Gravatt area? We are highly experienced Apple Mac repairers located just 10 minutes drive north of you in Coorparoo via Logan and Cavendish Roads.
Types of Mac Repairs
We repair all Apple Macs, desktops and notebooks, MacBooks, Mac Pros, MacBook Air, iMac Repairs…
We repair and upgrade both older and newer machines.
We solve both Apple hardware and software problems.
Apple Mac Repair Rates
Our Mac repair rates are highly competitive and we would be surprised if you could find better technical help with a great level of service at our affordable rates.
Turnaround Times
If you Mac is repaired in our worksshop, just 5km north of Mount Gravatt our usual turnaround time is two to three days. The only delay that might occur is if we need to source difficult to find parts for older Macs. Depending upon our workload and your level of urgency we can sometimes solve your problem overnight.
Mobile and Workshop Mac Repairs
We offer both a mobile or a workshop (Coorparoo) repair service. We find most customers prefer and most Mac repair jobs are best done at our Coorparoo office/workshop. However if you prefer (and if your repair work does not require dismantling of your machine) we are happy to come to your home or office and will do the work for the same hourly rate as we charge for workshop repairs.
Workshop Location – 5km North of Mount Gravatt
We operate an established and successful home based business with the workshop and office being accessed separately to our home off Octantis Street in Coorparoo. The actual address is 48 Octantis Street, corner of Mars Street in Cooparoo.
To access our large, established and fully equipped workshop please enter the clearly signed gate and proceed down the short path
Operating Hours
Our office is manned from 8am to 4pm Monday through to Saturday. However in rare instances the technicians are called off site or are out purchasing parts. So please do always give us a call (3397 1215 or 0409 974 707) and let us know that you are coming.
Please Call Beforehand
We prefer if you call before hand so that we can discuss in detail with you what particular problems you may have with your iMac, MacBook, Mac Pro etc. We may also be able to give you an indication of the likely repair costs over the phone and timing of completed works. You may also receive some free advice.
Confidence in Our Repair Work
You can be confident (as we are) that your Mac is in safe and experienced hands with us at Affordable Computer Repairs and Service. Please just read some of the reviews written by our customers either on this website, on Google Plus or on True Local. We run a very professional and successful repair business – as said just 10 minutes up the road from you.
For Mac Repairs Mount Gravatt call 3397 1215 or 0409 974 707
From the Australian Bureau of Statistics 2014-2015 and the Use of Information Technology in the Home report, there is an increase in Australian’s use of the internet and internet devices.
The number of households with Internet access rose from 83% in 2012-13 to 86% in 2014-15. Today the figure would likely be higher. Also with another 2+ years of the NBN rollout the speed which people can access the Internet would or should be higher as well which should also increase Australian’s use of the internet.
Devices used in the home which can access the Internet in the 2014-15 census are via a desktop, All-In-One or laptop was 94%; followed by mobiles/smart phones at 86% and then tablets 62%. Generally households use more than one device and frequently they use all 3 categories for different purposes.
Mean Number of Devices Used
The report states that the mean number of devices used to access the Internet at home by all households was 6. Unsurprisingly for households with children under 15 the mean number of devices used to access the Internet at home was 7.
Reasons for Not Using the Internet
There were 1.3 million households in Australia without Internet access in 2014-15 (14%). The main reasons given were no need (63%), lack of confidence or knowledge (22%) and cost (16%). For households with children under 15 the main reason given was cost (43%).
For households without children under 15 was no need for access (64%). Having no need for access was also the main reason given by both households in major cities (61%) and remote or very remote Australia (50%).
Profile of Australian Internet Users
In 2014-15 85% of Australians made use of the internet (persons aged 15 years and over who accessed the Internet for personal use in a typical week). People in the 15-17 age group had the highest proportion who made use of the internet at 99% with 65 and over with 51%. Proportion of males and females accessing the Internet were the same with 84% and 85% respectively.
In 2014–15, 96% of those with a bachelor degree or above were internet users. Of those educated to year 12 or below, 77% were internet users.
Of those employed, 93% were internet users compared with 70% of those not employed. For those in the highest equivalised household income quintile 97% were internet users compared with 67% of those in the lowest income quintile.
Mean Time Spent on The Internet
For all internet users, the mean number of hours per week spent on the internet for personal use was 10. Those aged 15–17 years spent the highest mean number of hours per week on the internet (18 hours per week) and those in the 45–54 years, 55–64 years and 65 years or over age groups spent the lowest mean number of hours (7 hours per week). The mean number of hours spent per week on the internet by both males and females was 10 hours.
Main Uses of the Internet
Overall, internet use was highest among the younger age groups (persons under the age of 35). Those aged 15–17 years old most commonly went online for social networking (91%), followed by entertainment and formal education activities (73% for both). For those aged 65 years and over the most common activities online were the same as for all internet users: banking (50%); and social networking (43%).
In 2014–15, the four most popular online activities were: banking (72%); social networking (72%); purchasing goods or services (61%); and entertainment (60%).
In 2014–15 the proportion of internet users who purchased or ordered goods or services over the internet in the last 3 months was 61% (representing 9.7 million people). The three most common groups of goods or services purchased or ordered online by internet users were: music, movies, electronic games or books (50%); clothes, cosmetics or jewellery (46%); and tickets and bookings for entertainment events (45%).
For those aged 15–17 years the most common group of goods or services purchased or ordered online was music, movies, electronic games or books (60%), followed by clothes, cosmetics or jewellery (56%). For those aged 65 years and over the most common groups of goods or services purchased or ordered online were travel tickets, accommodation and related services (40%), followed by music, movies, electronic games or books (35%).
For males the most common group of goods or services purchased or ordered online was music, movies, electronic games or books (50%), while for females it was clothes, cosmetics or jewellery (58%).
Mean Number of Internet Transactions
Overall, the mean number of transactions for internet users who purchased or ordered goods or services online in the last 3 months was 11 transactions. The mean number of transactions was lowest for those in the lowest and second equivalised household income quintiles (9 and 8 transactions respectively) and highest for those in the highest equivalised household income quintile (14).
Internet users in major capital cities who purchased or ordered goods or services online had a lower number of mean transactions (11) than those who lived in remote or very remote areas (13).
Use of the Internet For Home Based Work
Of the 11.7 million employed people aged 15 years and over, 44% accessed the internet for home based work in the last 3 months. Types of home based work comprised home based work for an employer on an occasional basis (17% of employed persons), home based work for an employer on a regular basis (16% of employed persons) and home based work for own business (16% of employed persons).
There was a slightly higher proportion of employed males (46%) than employed females (42%) who accessed the internet for home based work in the last 3 months. Of all employed people, those in the highest equivalised household income quintile had the highest proportion of people who accessed the internet for home based work (62%), compared with 32% in the lowest equivalised household quintile and 29% in the second equivalised household quintile.
In major cities and remote or very remote Australia the proportions of employed people who made use of the internet for home based work were the same (46%). In inner regional and outer regional Australia these proportions were 38% and 35% respectively.
Persons employed in a range of occupations accessed the internet for home based work. Managers (66%) and professionals (66%) had the highest proportions of any occupation group who accessed the internet for home based work. Machinery operators and drivers (16%) and labourers (16%) had the lowest proportions of home based workers who accessed the internet for home based work.
In 2017 when asked what to look for in a computer we have so many different choices at much lower prices than ever before. So let us start by looking at what is now the typical computer in the home?
Types of Computers 2017
PCs, Laptops and All-In-One Computers
Over the years the computer market has undergone major changes and now PC Desktops, All-In-Ones are not as popular as they were and laptops/notebooks have become more popular, This really occurred too once they dropped below the magical $1000 price in 2005.
There are now 3 main groups of computers:
Desktop PC – standard and slimline (also called low profile).
All-In-One computer such as the iMac of offerings from HP and Dell.
Laptops (notebooks) and Netbooks (lower powered less weight) units.
What to Look For in a Laptop – What to Look For in a Computer or All-In-One
Here are some tips on what to look for in a laptop or what to look for in a PC – some considerations to weigh up when you are deciding want to purchase a new computer:
Portability: every computer is a compromise between power and portability. The gaming laptops or desktops tend to be bigger, heavier and more powerful than the standard fare. If portability is required then the obvious choice is a laptop or netbook. Apple MacBooks sell well in portability/weight area as they are light, made of aluminium so therefore very sturdy and thin. Desktops and All-In-ones, on the other hand, are completely immobile. They need a dedicated area to be set up in.
Power and Price: More power and usually therefor more price means that more room is required inside the computer to avoid overheating. This is a big killer of computers of any design. If you want power then a desktop would be the way to go. Power consumption in a laptop is generally less than an equivalent desktop. This may not necessarily be the case in some NUC (Next Unit Computing) units which are small cubes often 4x4x2” (100x100x50mm). However, the monitor needed or used would take more power than a laptop’s monitor.
Screen size: Most laptops are in the 11” to 15.6” range. Some do get to 17” but that’s when they stop. A laptop can usually have an external monitor attached so that could help in some cases for people who like the now standard 19” and up monitors. If that is what you require then check that availability before you buy the laptop.
Flexibility: If flexibility is on your list of what to look for in a computer then a PC is probably best. With a laptop you “get what you purchase”. Other than small changes such as adding more memory (RAM) that would be about it. With desktops you have a vast choice of processors, the amount of memory, several internal Hard Disk Drives or SSDs, more than one DVD/Blueray player, choice of video cards and expansion cards. All these latter items are generally unavailable with laptops. If it isn’t built in when you buy it then most likely it’s not available.
Posture: Experts recommend that the computer screen is at eye level and then the keyboard and mouse be at a different level. All this is impossible to attain with a laptop at the same time, other than adding external monitors, external keyboards and mice, which then makes the laptop not as portable as it once was.
Money: Dollar for dollar, a desktop generally beats a laptop in most cases when comparing such items as:
Processor power
Memory (RAM)
Local hard disk or SSD storage
Graphics power
Expansion ports
Screen size
USB, video, etc – generally more connections
DVD/Blueray inclusion/availability
Expandability (can add things which you now discover you need)
Choice of components
Buying a computer does depend on “horses for courses” in that deciding what and where you want to do your computing will eventually depend on what you purchase. The most popular makes for 2016 are listed below.
The top 6 personal computer vendors for 2016
Lenovo with 20.7% market share
HP with 19.4% market share
Dell with 14.6% market share
ASUS with 7.6% market share
Apple with 6.9% market share
Acer with 6.8% market share
Affordable Computer Repairs and Service
We trust that this article provided by a Brisbane computer repair business helps you to look for in a computer helps you in deciding which computer you should buy. It may also interest you to know that we custom build computers which offers you a great deal more choice and can be tailored exactly to your needs.
This article has been written by Affordable Computer Repairs and Service based in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. The purpose of this article on The Computer Mouse is to provide you with all you need to know about the mouse – the history up to today.
The Computer Mouse History
As most people know the mouse has been around since Apple included it in the Apple Lisa in 1984 and is now generally used with any computer on the market. It is generally accepted as being “invented by Bill English and Douglas Engelbart in 1964 where they christened the device a mouse as it had a tail, which was of course the cord attaching it to the computer. It was first demonstrated in 1968.
It was at Xerox PARC in 1979s that the modern mouse was first seen by Steve Jobs “the mouse” and from here went on to be used by the aforementioned Apple Lisa and soon afterwards by Bill Gates at Microsoft.
The early mice used a serial DB9 (RS-232C standard) connection to the computer but in the mid 1980’s IBM introduced the PS/2 technology which is still used today 30 years later. Both Microsoft and Apple have continued to use the mouse for their Graphical User Interface (GUI) and today every standard computer has some device to move the cursor around be it a mouse, a trackball or a Trackpad.
The original mouse had a metal rubber cover ball in the base which rolled left, right, up and down thereby moving the pointer. IBM even brought out a document on “How to Clean Your Mice Balls” in the 1990’s. Important advice on how to keep your balls clean as they used to pick up dust and dirt from the surface of the desk or table therefore impeding the cursor movement.
The Mouse Today
The computer mouse of today are USB connected via a cable or by Wireless with a USB dongle. The other variety is Bluetooth mice used in Windows, Linux and with Apple.
The general mouse of today is ergonomically shaped for the hand generally with a left and right button and often a central wheel for scrolling. Apple mice are generally flatter and have one click only with no wheel. Using the buttons for single or double clicking provides different results as well as being able to drag and drop and the Apple Magic Mouse works in a similar method as a trackpad with multi-touch.
The various Operating Systems all allow mouse customisation whereby the user can change from right to left operation (to suit left handed people) as well as slow the click rate down for people who cannot click quickly. Also the wheel on some Operating Systems can be customised as well.
Optical and Laser Mice
Today’s mice are optical or laser based. Optical mice rely entirely on one or more light-emitting diodes (LED’s) and an imaging array of photodiodes to detect movement relative to the underlying surface.
A laser mouse is an optical mouse that uses coherent (laser) light. The earliest optical mouse detected movement on pre-printed mouse-pads, whereas the modern optical mouse will work on most surfaces in the office or home. However there are certain surfaces which the optical mouse will not work on such as glass and polished stone benches. Laser mice tend to be better for more precision work and have better performance on opaque surfaces.
Power for The Computer Mouse
Mice are powered by USB (corded varieties) or by battery in the cordless mice using infrared radiation or radio and the Bluetooth mice which uses radio. Which type suites the user depends on the preference of not having a cord, good for more distance applications such as TV and projectors or because the unsightly cable crossing the desk looks “wrong”.
There are as many “ergonomic” designs of mice as there are people who think they have produced a better mousetrap. The one that suits one person will not necessarily suite everyone. There are different mouse themes such as cars, bugs, futuristic designs and colours to match your decor or your computer. They can be very small in size or rather large depending on your taste and need. The “gaming” mouse tends to have multiple buttons including the left and right buttons and the wheel all designed to do “something” and are usually programmable as well.
This article provides you with the ins and outs of trackpads from basic information through to current features of trackpads.
Basic Information on Trackpads
A trackpad (which is also known as a touchpad) originally started out life on laptops (notebooks), but their application is now more widespread. It is a device used to move a point on a monitor or display. It uses tactile sensors to interpret the pressure of your finger or now fingers which it translates into moving the cursor on the screen. It also has different touch sensitive areas that allow you to do different things – such as left click and right click.
Whether the trackpad is a standalone device or built into a laptop they work basically the same way. Some makes and models will allow you to do different things but what they really do is replace the mouse. The different models will not be discussed here this article is more a general discussion of ways of moving the cursor around the screen.
Drivers for Trackpads
First of you need to decide whether you need a trackpad or touchpad and for what computer you need it for, Apple, Microsoft, Linux or another Operating System. That determines what drivers are included or needed. A driver in an Operating System (OS) interfaces between the hardware (trackpad) and the OS. Without the necessary “driver” nothing will work. Drivers are not only OS dependent but are also version dependent. So, for example a driver for Windows 7 may or may not work with Windows 8 or 8.1 or 10 and so on. The same applies to all OS’s. If you upgrade/update your OS then you may well need to update all or most of the hardware drivers.
Features of New Trackpads
Many new computers can now allow trackpads to allow gestures such as a two finger swipe left of right. Older computers allowed you to click left and right and to move the cursor as well as generally allowing taps. Trackpads today allow very similar gestures to a smart phone such as zooming and pinching, rotating etc things that usually cannot be achieved with a mouse.
Connection to Computer
Connections to the computer, as stated above they can be built in as with a laptop or they can be external and connected via a cable, wirelessly or via Bluetooth. Again it all depends on make and model. The corded variety works all the time every time whereas the Bluetooth every so often need to “reconnect” or pair again. Wireless seems to be between the two others. For reliability I find corded devices work effortlessly every time.
Batteries For Trackpads
Battery life is critical in wireless and Bluetooth models. Some devices need to have rechargeable batteries and some can use both and some will take standard alkaline batteries. Again it depends on make and model. Check before you buy is the safest option. Battery strength is also a factor and if the trackpad is jerky or slow then a battery change may be necessary, it’s the first thing to try for sure.
Bluetooth and wireless trackpads have a limited distance so you may find after installing the device it doesn’t work (for example on a TV or projector) so move closer or try changing to new batteries. Most makes and models seem to take two AA batteries. Bluetooth generally will allow the trackpad and computer/TV/projector to be up to 33 feet way (about 10 or 11 meters). Wireless generally about the same so about 30 feet (10 meters) but again it depends on make and model and battery strength so ask before buying is the rule.
A Word of Warning
I must admit this writer does have difficulty with some of the modern laptops as the touchpad is very sensitive and mistakes can be easily made. I have found suddenly a file disappears or a file gets copied somewhere else. If that happens then use Ctrl Z to “undo what just happened”. Otherwise just be careful when using trackpads and touchpads before you get used to them.
I often get asked if there are any good free antivirus programs. Generally free antivirus programs can vary as much as paid programs and as such they can offer different qualities of protection. There are literally dozens of free antivirus programs out there which can be downloaded as well as the free Microsoft program Defender which has shipped since Windows Vista right through to Windows 10.
But, one thing I would like to state is that everyone, particularly with a Microsoft computer (Windows) should have an antivirus program. Viruses are becoming more common on Macs as well so be careful. Malware in its various forms are a daily nuisance and a constant threat. In fact malware removal is increasingly becoming a larger portion of our computer repair business.
Are There Any Good Free Antivirus Programs?
The answer is yes, there are good free antivirus programs that will give you some protection, however they do not have everything that a paid security program can generally offer.
There can be time limits, some can be run as a “demo” – in other words it can find a virus or viruses and then demand money to remove it. Some will run and update automatically for ever or some just for a “Trial” period. There are many combinations and permutations to these and as there would be 50 plus antivirus packages for PC and probably half that for Mac it is hard to keep up with them all.
Also, a review of one is outdated by the time you read this article. So I have decided to list the different attributes of this particular genre.
Characteristics of Good Free Antivirus or Paid Antivirus Software
Below are some items to look for when looking for either a good free antivirus program or a good paid antivirus program. This is not an exhaustive list as you may have different criteria when deciding to purchase an antivirus program or use a good free antivirus:
Do you need technical support with a problem? You may not think so now but technical support in the form of telephone or email can be useful at times.
Are the technical support team in Australia or have an Australian number?
The free versions can be a little behind on the new virus/malware.
The free versions may not have such an expansive database of malware signatures therefor making them less effective in stopping viruses.
Is the antivirus package you want cloud based or installed on your computer? Cloud based can be good but an Internet connection is always required to run the software. They can be more up to date as well.
Free versions can have fewer scanning options which may or may not suite your requirements.
Many free antivirus programs contain “nagware” always nagging you to upgrade. This can be very tiresome.
Many free antivirus programs also give you “free” programs you don’t want or need. Some of these programs are unnecessary search toolbars which can be more dangerous than they are helpful.
Many free programs feature adverts for other products, and again are generally unwanted.
More expensive software as a rule (in various tests) have shown it is not especially faster or not necessarily caught more malware.
Free programs also seldom offer parental controls which can keep kids off inappropriate sites or warn them about cyberstalking and bullying.
Free programs can also may not offer specific features or that you cannot change rules and behavioural exceptions.
Some free programs want to change your browser’s web home page and default search engine, which again can be tiresome.
Free Antivirus VS Paid Antivirus
The best advice whether free or paid antivirus is to research different antivirus programs, and always read carefully the options when installing. Look for tick boxes and radio buttons when installing any software free or not.
The last point I’d like to make is be careful what websites you go to, if it looks dodgy then it probably is. Be Alert, Australia needs more Lets.
Brisbane Computer Repair Business with Highly Rated Reviews
As a successful computer repairs business we have over the years received many very complimentary reviews from customers. Having a large number of positive computer repair reviews both recent and older reviews we believe has been instrumental in generating more business for us.
We are a Brisbane based computer repair business with a 4.8 rating out of 5 from the 63 Google reviews that we have received. This is as of 19 June 2017. 61 of the 63 reviews are four or five-star reviews. The other 2 reviews are only 1 star.
We were actually rather pleased to receive these two 1 star reviews as with so many other accolades in terms of computer repair and laptop repair reviews we were starting to wonder whether the reviews were in fact believable!
Valid Computer Repair Reviews
Unfortunately, it is quite easy for businesses to write their own reviews and put them up on their websites and with a bit more effort to also put them on review websites. And this sort of unsavoury behaviour is often from the types of businesses that you really are seeking reviews for so as to be certain that the business is not ‘dodgy’.
Unfortunately for businesses like computer repairs, it can be difficult to prove to a customer that the work that has been done and that they are being charging for has in fact been done. There is not an easy way to visually show or demonstrate that the work has been done as promised and thus customers find that one of the best ways to determine the honesty and integrity of such businesses is to read the reviews that have been written by previous customers.
It is for this reason that we asked our customers to write reviews for us and to write them on trustworthy review websites. These include Google Plus as discussed already but also True Local.
Some customers have also chosen to write reviews for us on our Facebook Page and if you surf the net you will find other reviews appearing on other different sites that clients have selected to leave reviews for us on.
Collecting Reviews is Not Easy
It is in fact not easy to collect computer repair reviews as it does take the customer some time to do and a bit of effort is required. Thus to achieve a number of positive reviews the service truly does have to be excellent as you are asking quite a favour from your customer. For example to leave a review with Google Plus a customer may have to first create an account before they can leave a review.
Our Excellent Computer and Laptop Repair Reviews
We are very proud of the wonderful computer repair reviews that we have, and we do take the time as well to reply to each review. If you are currently looking for computer repair reviews by which to judge whether a computer repair business is on the up and up, then please do read our reviews, on our website, on Google Plus or True Local – and when we have provided you too with five star service, could you please write us a review too?
Affordable Computer Repairs and Service
We are a Brisbane based computer repair business and are located at 48 Octantis Street in Coorparoo an inner southern suburb of Brisbane. We have a workshop at this address and we also offer mobile repairs if preferred. Please call us on 3397 1215 or 0409 974 707 and we will discuss with you the problems you are having and the likely best solutions before you bring your computer to us or before we come to your home or business.
Are you one of many seeking to find out how to avoid Windows 10 updates? Unfortunately we are sorry to say that with Windows 10 you cannot avoid updates from Microsoft. You can delay them for a while but not for ever… This “feature” was built into Windows 10.
Updates in Previous Windows OS
In previous Operating Systems (OS) you could turn off or check for updates but not install them, now not allowed anymore with Win 10.
Delaying Windows 10 Updates
With Windows 10 Professional you can delay up to 30 days any updates but they still get you eventually. This “feature” seems to be the devil and the deep blue sea options or in Australia Buckley’s or none.
Why People Do Not Want Windows 10 Updates
Windows 10 updates do kill many Windows computers which were running happily and now after the update they don’t. This is more prevalent on computers which have been updated from a previous OS (Windows 7 or 8.1) but it is not confined to only them is seems.
Many people report that all was well until the update. This seems to happen frequently with updates killing the network cards – either wireless or the Ethernet port whereby there is no Internet access. It is difficult to get another “update” to fix the problem.
Microsoft Windows Software Testing
Microsoft just does not do enough “testing” before releasing their software. But as many Windows users know over the 20+ years of updates through the Internet this is nothing new. Microsoft release software or updates and then “fixes” any issues found. Basically they get you and me to do their work for them. Sad but true. Do a Google search of “Windows 10 sucks” and you will get 1.45 million hits. Enough said.
Microsoft’s behaviour with Windows 10 is disappointing to say the least. In an attempt to drive more users to Windows 10 since August 2015 they cut corners and use scaremongering about the “dangers” of Windows 7 to frighten people to update. FUD – Fear Uncertainty and Doubt, this is what they are trying to generate.
Seemingly the Future of Microsoft
Microsoft appears now to be all about revenue. We see this with increased advertising within Windows 10, selling apps to people and the push for Office 365. Many Windows 10 updates are not only about selling you new “apps” but also third party programs. For example if you have their bitter enemy Google Chrome installed on your computer the April 2017 update now delivers pop-up advertisements onto the Chrome icon in the Windows 10 taskbar. I have been told by customers that they have seen them pushing Microsoft Personal Shopping Assistant there.
March 2017 Windows Update
The March/April 2017 Update (called the Creators Update by Microsoft) sees the Start Menu and the Lock screen promoting Windows App store content. With about 500 “apps” it is a far cry from Apples Store which has over 500,000 “apps”.
It appears that Microsoft is monetising Windows 10 and the more updates that are delivered the more ads that we can probably expect to appear.
Microsoft has announced another big update called the “Fall Creators Update” which will be out in our spring (fall in the USA). Is this more advertising by Microsoft trying to make Windows 10 pay or will it be more of a technology update? We will have to wait and see.
Microsoft –WPD-2/22/2016 12:00:00am – 5.2.5326.4762
With the latest update, the Creators Update, there are again problems and issues have arisen with a mysterious driver for Windows 10, Windows 8.1 and Windows 7. Listed as “Microsoft –WPD-2/22/2016 12:00:00am – 5.2.5326.4762” users have been left wondering how to fix the problem with this faulty driver issue.
Windows 8.1 and 7 users can ignore it as it was listed as an “optional update”, not so for poor Windows 10 people. As Windows 10 does not create restore points automatically users can be left with a broken Operating System with no real easy way to go back. Microsoft was quick to acknowledge the problem with a post on the company “Answers Forum” admitting: “An incorrect device driver was released for Windows 10, on March 8, 2017, that affected a small group of users with connected phones or portable devices. After installation, these devices are not detected properly by Windows 10, but are affected in no other way. We removed the driver from Windows Update the same day, but if the driver had already installed, you may still be having this issue.”
But this is the kernel of Microsoft’s updates on all versions of Windows since Windows 95. They create an update don’t do enough testing then release it in “the wild”. Then it seems that they sit back and wait for you and me to test it for them. Before Windows 10, users had the choice to decide about updates and installing potentially incorrect software which “breaks” their computers, now with the forced updates in Windows 10 there is no choice. Not connecting your computer to the Internet so that updates don’t break it? Big choice there!
As to the “small group of users” mentioned above, do Microsoft really know the numbers of effected users, or is this just playing down the issue as per usual? The bad news, yet again with Windows 10, is that we will all eventually fall into Microsoft’s “small number of users” category and since August 1st 2015 a lot have, some several times.
Windows 10 Home Users
Microsoft has talked about giving more control to Windows 10 Home users (the vast majority) in the matter of updates, but we will just have to wait and see…
Affordable Computer Repairs and Service is Brisbane based computer repair business experienced in dealing with problems caused by Windows 10 updates. If you are experiencing some problems since a Windows 10 update, please give us a call on 3397 1215.
This article provides the ins and outs of computer speakers as at May 2017. It includes information such as the price, the different types, advantages and disadvantages, sound quality and even some history and finally an odd titbit of information about headphones in France.
Connections of Different Computer Speakers
Most computer speakers have an internal amplifier and consequently require a source of power which can mean a mains power plug or USB connection to the computer or the in-build variety of speakers as found in laptops and the like. The signal output for the first two variants is often a 3.5mm jack plug colour coded green as per the PC 99 standard. Other connectors can be used such as RCA. Battery powered wireless Bluetooth speakers require no connections at all. With a laptop, when external speakers are plugged in via the jack then this will generally disable the internal speakers.
Quality and Price of Computer Speakers
Computer speakers can range widely in quality and price and can go from something like $10 for a pair of USB powered speakers to several hundred dollars which include amplifiers for the subwoofer and surround sound experience with multiple speakers.
Sound Quality of Computer Speakers
Subwoofers enhance bass output and usually give a far richer sound as well as a far louder sound. Computers can also be connected to nightclub or event high quality sound systems for even better sound output with far less distortion with the necessary software and hardware.
The speakers in most laptops seem to have lower quality speakers which are fine for the odd video from Youtube but not the best for better quality recordings. There are exceptions to this with some manufacturers installing Altec Lansing, Beats Audio, Bang & Olufsen and JBL
There are several manufacturers who often offer better quality laptops (for sound anyway) which they call “Multimedia” devices. The need for external speakers with these computers may not be as critical as for non-Multimedia ones.
Laptop computers built specifically for gaming also tend to have better speakers, but then gaming laptops are more expensive and are generally better all round.
Many All-In-One computers such as the iMac, Dell and HP offer better speakers as these computers are targeted more towards entertainment and some seem to be able to project a more surround sound environment.
The computer’s software can have a big part in this as well, so it’s not just about the physical hardware. Apple computers are designed more towards music for example Garage Band is included with their Operating System which should suggest better quality speakers and associated software.
Headphones and Earpieces
Another type of speaker is the headphones worn over the ears or in the ear as in ear buds or earpieces. They are basically electroacoustic transducers which convert an electrical signal to audio, the same as speakers do.
The advantage of headphones or ear pieces is that outside noises can either be cancelled out or at best muffled. Also what is being listened to is kept from other people, which can suite everyone. They have a volume control built in.
Corded and Cordless Earpieces
Headphones do not necessarily have to have a cord as cordless units receive a radio or infrared signal encoded using radio or infrared transmission links such as FM, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi the latter two being common with computers. These need to be powered so the earpieces are only a part of the package.
Many corded headphones also come with a microphone which has a jack to plug into the computer or device. These jacks in computers are generally 3.5mm. Many laptops have a microphone built into them so the mic is not necessarily needed. However generally a headphone microphones picks up the voice better as it can be positioned for optimal sound recording. This is what is used in noisy environments such as call centres.
History of Headphones
The first headphones were developed in the late 1800’s for use by telephone operators to keeping their hands free and that is still a valid reason for their use today. Headphones and earpieces can use a 3.5mm jack as with speakers or they can also have the larger 6.35mm jack which is not used on computers of today. I say computers, but really I should say, they can be used on a large variety of devices such as tablets, smart phones, standard phones, CD and DVD players, home theatre and the like. They came to prominence with the Sony transistor radio in 1964 and more so with the Sony Walkman in 1979.
Just an odd Titbit of Information
A word of warning on headphones and earpieces as the government of France has imposed a limit on all music players sold in the country. The limit is that they must not be capable of producing more than 100dBA. This is because the threshold of hearing damage during extended listening is 80dBA and the threshold of pain and therefor theoretically hearing loss is 130dBA.
Source of Information
This article about the ins and outs of computer speakers was written by a local Brisbane computer repairs business, who are naturally knowledgeable about computer speakers and the advantages and disadvantages of internal versus external speakers and which computers and laptops have the better built-in speakers.
As of 31st October 2016 Microsoft officially declared Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 dead, at least as far as OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) PC makers are concerned. This has resulted in it becoming increasingly difficult to obtain a new computer with Windows 7.
From the 1st November 2016 Microsoft’s largest partners companies such as Dell, HP, Lenovo etc would no longer be able to build and sell new PCs running any version of Windows except Windows 10. Let’s face it, who is going to upset Microsoft by defying them?
As it happens that was actually a two year extension on what would have been the normal sales life cycle for PCs running earlier Windows Operating Systems (OS). So now, as of May 2017 the clock has finally run out.
That does not mean that Windows 7 or 8.1 are officially dead. Microsoft will continue to update Windows 7 with security fixes until 14th January 2020 and with Windows 8.1 until 10th January 2023. That is of course at this time of writing (May 2017) and anything can happen between those dates.
49% of Worldwide Computers Still Run Windows 7
As 49% of the computers worldwide still run Windows 7, which is 22 months after Windows 10 was released on the 1st August 2015 then this timeline could be pushed back as it was with Windows XP.
Options for Obtaining a New Computer with Windows 7
There are still some options for obtaining a new computer with Windows 7 but they are few and far between…
The first is existing inventory (already built computers) which 6 months later could be scarce.
The next option (which is often not in fact an option) is downgrade rights. Any new PC you buy today that has Windows 10 Professional on it can be downgraded to Windows 8.1 Pro or Windows 7 Pro for as long as Microsoft provides support for these two OS. Please note however: You must supply your own installation media and you need to manually activate the product with Microsoft. Also there is the problem of the necessary hardware drivers needed for that computer. These may not be available from the manufacturer. Hardware drivers are small software packages designed to allow hardware to communicate with the Operating System installed. Basically if the manufacturer does not provide the necessary drivers then the work downgrading might all be in vain, so it’s best to check first with each make and model.
The next is corporate customers with volume licences which include imaging rights can setup either OS as preferred.
The next option is smaller “white-box” PC makers who have purchased Windows 7 or 8.1 and still have licences to sell can still build computers.
Build your own computer or have us do it for you. Microsoft no longer manufactures retail copies of older Windows versions but there could be opportunity to purchase an older copy on the Internet legally.
Problems in Obtaining a New Computer with Windows 7
One last thing on Windows 7 and building or replacing computers is that many of the manufacturers of motherboards and hence computers as well, are already bowing to the almighty Microsoft and are now making their products so that Windows 7 will not run on them, just Windows 10, good eh? I am talking about Intel’s Kaby Lake processors here as Intel has also bowed to Microsoft’s demands to make sure only Windows 10 is supported. That does not necessarily mean Windows 7 won’t run BUT there is no support from Intel nor probably from the motherboard manufacturer and when you inevitably run into problems as you invariably will, there will be nowhere to turn.
