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We Have Moved!

We’re now conveniently located near the corner of Whitcomb and Westnedge behind the Burger King. We are the upper suite in the rear of the building. If you need driving directions, please don’t hesitate to call!

Geek Easy Computers
435 Whitcomb St. UL 201
Kalamazoo, MI 49001
(269)548-TECH (8324)

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Laptop Vs Chromebook

The quarantine has many folks “rediscovering” their laptops and also bringing the school provided devices their children are using into focus. We are finding that many of these people don’t know the difference between a laptop and a Chromebook. In this post we’ll cover some of the main differences.

Chromebook or Laptop? Step-By-Step Decision Guide


Chromebooks may look like fully featured laptops, but instead of Windows or MacOS, they are running a browser-based operating system called Chrome OS which is built on Linux. Chrome OS is a minimal system that is a wholly different experience from Windows or MacOS.

Initially Chromebooks were very limited in scope and had to be constantly connected to the Internet. Chrome OS has greatly matured since then, but there are still limitations to its functionality. Chrome OS started out essentially as Chrome web browser and not much else. It has since grown to encompass more but is still primarily web based.

Chromebooks are not natively compatible with either Windows or MacOS applications. Meaning that you won’t be able to install and run your favorite applications on a Chromebook. Alternatively, the number of web (browser) based applications is constantly expanding so chances are, your favorite apps may have a web based version! If you are looking to play games, a Chromebook is not a good choice, unless they are browser based games. Most current models can also run Android apps.

Chromebooks typically don’t offer very much in power or storage as their primary function is to access the web. The following is a decent combination for general usage:

  • Intel Celeron, Core m- or Core i-series processor
  • 4GB of memory or more
  • 32GB of storage
  • Full HD (1,920×1,080-pixel) display

As far as storage, a combination of cloud storage, USB drives or SD cards are recommended.

Lastly, Chromebooks tend to be consumer-grade items, meaning that they are not really designed to be repaired if damaged. They are meant to be replaced. This also means they are generally not upgradeable. Note that many times storage and memory are soldered onto the motherboard. Due to this, while we are available to support your Chromebooks, Geek Easy Computers is limited in what we can repair with them. 

All of this is not to say that it isn’t worth owning a Chromebook. They are growing in popularity for their low price and ease of use, especially in the education sector. As long as you are willing to accept the limitations of Chrome OS, a Chromebook could be the perfect media consumption device for you or your child!


Adonis Pointer is a photographer, a collector of vintage razors, and a certified technology geek!
Adonis has been involved in computer technology since well, a LONG time! He has been involved in nearly every aspect of the industry from sales to repair to training to consulting. As the Social Media Manager he writes the majority of the posts on the Geek Easy Computers blog.

Disinfecting Your Computer!

In light of the heightened awareness of cleanliness the COVID-19 pandemic has brought on, we thought it would be prudent to indicate the safe and correct ways to disinfect your devices, especially if multiple people are using them! Viruses, bacteria and germs often lurk in a variety of office equipment, including keyboards, mice, monitors and phones, and are easily transferred by hand contact. This contamination can pose health risks for you and your employees, as well as cost your company time and money in lost productivity. Sanitize your office equipment to prevent the spread of bacteria and disease. Make sure to wash your hands prior to cleaning your equipment.

Computer
Power off the computer and monitor. If using a laptop with a removable battery, go ahead and take the battery out as well. If you are using a wireless keyboard and mouse, power off or remove the batteries for cleaning.

Remove dirt, dust and crumbs from the keyboard by using a can of compressed air. Hold the can approximately 6 inches from the keyboard and spray along the perimeter of each key. Or turn the keyboard upside down and tap on the bottom to dislodge any debris.

Sanitize the keyboard by using a disinfectant wipe or a soft, linen-free cloth dipped in isopropyl alcohol. Rub the cloth or wipe on the top and sides of each key and then clean the surface and bottom of the keyboard thoroughly. Use a new disinfectant wipe or cloth to clean the mouse.

Dampen a microfiber cloth with plain water. Gently wipe the computer monitor to remove dirt and fingerprints. Avoid placing pressure on the screen. Pushing on the screen can damage the pixels of a flat-screen monitor. Sanitize the monitor by using a disinfectant wipe specifically designed for LCD and laptop screens.

Cellphone/Smartphone/Tablet
Wipe the entire surface of the phone by using a bleach-free disinfectant wipe or a soft cloth dabbed in isopropyl alcohol. Use a separate cloth or disinfectant wipe to clean the entire surface of the headset, including the speaker and microphone.

And now, some DON’TS

  • Don’t use disinfectant wipes containing bleach or disinfectant sprays in general.
  • Don’t use an extremely damp disinfectant wipe to clean the area. If you encounter a very damp wipe it may need to be squeezed to remove some of the excess liquid before use.
  • Don’t use rough towels or cloths to dry the area.
  • Don’t use excess force when disinfecting the area around the keyboard; this could damage the keys.

This process will add some time to your always compressed schedule, but in the interest of your health and well being, we are recommending it be done frequently for shared workstations or when a new user takes control of the device. If you have any questions or concerns about cleaning your devices, feel free to give us a call! We want to make your technology easier!

Holiday Safety For Your Computer!

‘Tis the season for online shopping and travel! With excitement and distractions aplenty, it’s easy to get caught unawares by an online scam or hacker. It is also a time for increased sharing on social media. That increased information sharing also makes us more vulnerable to online threats and expensive identity thefts. Below are steps you can take to ensure your personal information stays safe and secure. 

ONLINE

– Limit Your Personal Information Online: Review the security settings of your online profiles and limit access to people not on your friends list (or them too!). The more specific information you share publicly, the easier it is for you to be compromised. .

– Use Strong Passwords and Change Them: Many sites now force you to use strong passwords and that’s a good thing. Use different passwords for each of your online accounts and set up two-step verification, when possible. You should also CHANGE YOUR PASSWORDS every three months. If you’re comfortable with it, password manager software like LastPass, Dashlane, RoboForm, etc. can help you set very complex secure passwords without having to remember or write them all down somewhere. 

– Keep Your Operating System Up to Date: Computer operating systems are periodically updated to stay in tune with technology requirements and to fix security holes. Be sure to install the updates to ensure your computer has the latest protection. Make sure your browser is also updated for similar reasons.

– Be Careful What You Download: Opening attachments in email is one of the top 3 (if not #1) way computers get infected with malware or otherwise compromised. Never open an email attachment from someone you don’t know and be suspicious of unexpected forwarded attachments from people you do know. They may have unwittingly sent you an infection!!.

– Use Secure URLs: Check to be sure websites are security enabled when performing an online transaction. Look for web addresses that start with “https://” which means the site takes extra measures to help secure your information. Stick to well-known, thoroughly vetted sites. Don’t pick the holiday season as the time to “try out” that new online shopping site that popped up in a Facebook ad!

– Turn Off Your Computer: Probably the simplest solution. When you are not using the computer, turn it off.  It can’t get hacked if it’s not on.

– Trust Your Instinct: If it looks too good to be true, then it probably is.

TRAVEL

The Bag – you definitely want a cushioned protective bag. With the new thinner, sleeker laptops and tablets, it’s tempting to buy an equally sexy case. Unfortunately, those cases tend to be focused on fashion, not protection. Also, a flashy case or bag is like a bullseye for thieves. Don’t advertise that you have a laptop or device! Tamper resistant zippers or checkpoint friendly bags are a good idea if you are flying.

Insurance – Make sure your insurance policy covers theft and loss of personal items, and the amount of coverage will be enough to buy you a new laptop. A good travel rewards credit card may cover travel protection. Check the terms of your card issuer.

WiFi – When traveling, using public WiFi is very tempting and sometimes unavoidable. Using public WiFi networks can lead to security breaches. Especially when using hotel or airport WiFi. Make sure your computer or device is protected by antivirus software, and that the software is updated and current. Avoid shopping online or logging on to your online banking website on a public WiFi network. Consider investing in a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service from a reputable security company. These services protect your connection by encrypting all the data you send and receive online through the security company’s servers.

Backup Your Data – You should be doing this regularly anyway, but definitely do it before you travel with your laptop or device. The data stored in your laptop can be more valuable than the computer to you. Protect yourself from losing your data by backing it up on an external hard drive or in the cloud.

The crew at Geek Easy Computers wants you to be able to enjoy the holidays with your friends and families, and not have to worry about your technology! We are here to make your technology easier! Let us know if you have any questions or concerns!  Happy Holidays!


Adonis Pointer is a photographer, a collector of vintage razors, and a certified technology geek!
Adonis has been involved in computer technology since well, a LONG time! He has been involved in nearly every aspect of the industry from sales to repair to training to consulting. As the Social Media Manager he writes the majority of the posts on the Geek Easy Computers blog.

WiFi vs Wired

What’s better, wireless or wired, when it comes to internet connections? Most people would instinctively say “WiFi”. Wireless does have many advantages, and in today’s connected culture it’s fairly ubiquitous. But is it truly better? Let’s find out!

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Have You Turned It Off & On Again?

You’re working on that report that’s due in class tomorrow when suddenly – up pops a blue screen with an error message on it. Or you’re trying to finish up that spreadsheet with the numbers your boss needs for his meeting in the morning, when the computer just freezes up! Or you’re in the middle of a firefight in Fortnite when the computer screen goes black. Or you’re checking out a web site and pop-ups start appearing on your screen! What do you do now? Don’t panic…

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Power Adapter/Cable Care

Everyone has been through it before. You go to charge your smartphone or your tablet, or even your laptop; you plug in your power adapter, and…. nothing happens. So you unplug it and try again. Still nothing. You wiggle the connector to make sure it’s in all the way. Nope. Your device isn’t charging. ARRRGH! WHY?

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Are Smartphones & Tablets computers? Not Quite.

Smartphones and tablets have gotten more powerful and capable over the last 5 years. Many people rely on them as their primary device to access the Internet or to consume media (stream video, listen to music). But are they really ready to replace a computer? In this article we’ll clarify the differences between computers & mobile devices, and hopefully answer any questions.


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Q & A: User Questions, Tech Answers! Year End 2017

Welcome to the 2017 edition of our “User Questions, Tech Answers”. In our ongoing mission to help make your technology easier, we like to provide you with tools and knowledge to make your computer interaction more “user friendly.” This edition will showcase some of the most popular questions asked throughout 2017, and also include some new things that we haven’t covered yet.

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September/October Newsletter

The holiday season is here! Are you ready for it? Online shopping is going to be at an all time high. This newsletter has some security tips to keep you safe while online!

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Phishing: What is it & How to detect it!

You get an new email. It’s from Paypal. It says there is a problem with your account. It provides a link and instructs you to click on it to “verify your login credentials.” You follow instructions, but when you you enter in your username and password, it doesn’t take you to your account. It takes you to a fake (but mostly legit-looking) page, and now your info is in the hands of criminals. What just happened? It’s called “phishing”.

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