Computer
By admin IT Support 0 Comments

Top Things to Consider When Buying a New Computer

Buyer’s remorse: that sick feeling you get in the pit of your stomach when you know – you know! – that you’ve made the wrong decision. You should have purchased X instead of Y., Or you really should have spent those few extra hundred dollars to get the functions you now know you definitely need, instead of opting for cheap and cheerful (or aesthetic and impractical!). So, what should you consider before spending your hard-earned dollars on a new computer?

Laptop or desktop?

Let’s start here. Consider a desktop if you don’t need to take your work on the go. A desktop with identical specs to a laptop will generally be less expensive (as they don’t need to cram all of their hardware into a portable space), but don’t forget the extra cost of a dedicated monitor. Desktops are also easier to upgrade and customise, but you obviously can’t pop down to your local café with it!

How much memory (RAM)?

Random access memory, or RAM, is essentially your computer’s short-term memory. The more memory it has, the more it can multitask and the quicker it will run. Lots of RAM – 8GB or even 16GB or more – will help your computer cope with running multiple programs at once or having a bunch of web browsers open at the same time.

Know your processor

While RAM is your computer’s short-term memory, the processor is its overall brain. And, yep, a better brain will give you a better experience! Processors can be measured by their ‘clock speed’ (in GHz) and the number of cores. The key factor to focus on for your processor decision will be the type of applications you’re likely to be running – if you need something that can run heavy-duty software (for film editing, for instance), you’ll want more processing power.

Storage space

Storage space, or your computer’s hard drive, holds your operating system, programs and files. So, do you need big digital cupboards or will most of your programs and data be accessed through the cloud? If you do store most of your files in the cloud, then you may not need a lot of hard drive space – and the less space you need, the lower the price.

When it comes to the type of hard drive, a newer-tech solid-state drive (SSD) is the way to go if you can afford it. SSDs are faster than traditional hard disk drives (HDDs) and are less likely to have read/write issues.

Operating system: Windows or macOS?

Now, this is a personal choice! Your operating system is the software that runs your computer, and Windows and macOS are the two most popular. It’s easy to find opposing ‘10 Reasons Why ONE is better than THE OTHER’ online, but for a very broad perspective, Windows is often considered better for PC gaming, while macOS is preferable for creative activities like graphic design. You choose! (We love both!).

Need help? Contact Geelong’s computer hardware specialists

All of the above may be a lot to take in, and talking to an expert can help you drill down to discover exactly what you need. Geelong Technology Group is your one-stop tech-needs shop if you’re after a new machine and want to walk through your desired specs. We source only high-quality components from reputable suppliers to ensure your home or business computer solution is just what you require. No buyer’s remorse here!

Give us a call or drop by our showroom to chat in person:

☎️1300 GET GTG (1300 438 484)

🕘 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday

166 Francis St, Belmont

connectivity energy ball wi-fi
By admin IT Support • Networking 0 Comments

Five common wi-fi issues – and how to fix them!

Do you remember how we once lived without wi-fi? Nah, we don’t either! We’ve become so used to having instantaneous access to the internet that when we experience wi-fi issues, it can feel like the world is about to end! Avoid catastrophising and read on for common wi-fi issues – and their (generally straightforward) solutions.

The single device won’t connect to the internet

When everyone else is busy working, but you’re languishing in a wi-fi free purgatory, try the following:

 

  1. Turn off the wi-fi on your phone/tablet/computer.
  2. Instruct your device to forget the connection.
  3. Turn off your device and turn it back on.
  4. Try to reconnect now. (You may need your password.)

 

If the old ‘disconnect, turn off, turn on’ routine doesn’t work and you’re running Windows 10 or 11, you can also run through the ‘Identify and repair network issues’ diagnostics. (MacOS users can try ‘Wireless Diagnostics’.)  

No devices can connect to wi-fi

If the problem is with multiple devices, the router is likely the culprit. Start by checking the status of the lights on your router: the internet signal light (usually white or green) should be on and solid. The wi-fi light should also be on and is generally blinking. No lights or red lights mean something is amiss. The first (and often best) fix for router issues is to restart/reboot it:

 

  1. Switch off your router and unplug the power cable.
  2. Wait 60 seconds, then plug it back in and switch it back on.
  3. The router may take several minutes to reboot. (Practice mindful patience!)
  4. When the router is back up and running, reboot your device and try to connect again. 

No internet access (or slow access) in certain rooms

Wi-fi uses radio waves to transmit information between the router and your device. These waves broadcast in all directions from the central device, so the more centralised the router placement in your coverage area, the better your reception will be. Higher is also better: a higher router means a wider broadcast and better overall coverage.

Wi-fi signals can easily pass through wood and drywall, but tiles, metal and concrete can interfere with messages getting through. While they’re running, microwaves, baby monitors, and cordless phones can also run interference.

If your home or office space is too big for one router to handle, or you know there are obstructions, you can extend your signal’s reach with a wireless repeater or mesh system.

Slow internet throughout your home or office

If your wi-fi speed is slow throughout your usage area, try plugging a laptop directly into your modem and test your internet speed using a provider such as speedtest.net.

 

  • If your speed is still slow: you may have a connection problem. Speak to your Internet Service Provider.
  • If your direct-connect speed is good: you may be competing with another router for the channel bandwidth. Try switching wi-fi channels.
  • If your direct-connect speed is good but switching wi-fi channels has no effect: your router may need an update. Try a factory reset and update the settings.
  • And if the factory reset and update had no effect? Your router might be dying, and upgrading may be the best option.

The network connects, but there’s no internet

We’ve said it before (just up above, actually!), and we’ll say it again: try resetting your router (and your modem if it’s a separate device) by unplugging it, waiting 60 seconds, and plugging it back in.

If your device is still in an internet-free zone, connect your laptop to the router directly to check where the problem lies. If there’s still no internet, you may have an outage, and it’s time to contact your ISP.

Still can’t connect? Call the Geelong technology specialists

If the standard fixes above aren’t working and you think there’s something more serious going on, don’t waste your time tearing your hair out – give the experts at Geelong Technology Group a call. (Then take your laptop down to your local café!).

Having a professional IT technician from Geelong Technology Group come into your home or office to assess your wi-fi issues, check for problems and make suggestions for improvements could improve your wi-fi coverage and performance significantly.

Get in contact via phone or email, or drop by our specialised service centre to chat in person:

 

☎️ 1300 GET GTG (1300 438 484)

📧 support@geelongtechnology.com.au

166 Francis St, Belmont