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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)

upgrade

Common Mistakes When Building A Computer

Building your own desktop computer has had a surge in popularity recently. It’s a great project and fairly doable IF you follow certain protocols AND do thorough research BEFORE you make the attempt. We get “self builds” in for repair regularly because they didn’t work after assembly. It can be something simple like plugging in a cable wrong, installing unsupported RAM (specifically AMD systems), or it could be a worst-case scenario of shorting out the motherboard and processor. In this article we will spotlight some common mistakes made and how to avoid them!

Getting incompatible hardware – This is one of the most common mistakes to make when building a computer. From the physical size of the components to how much power will be needed, to the type and number of drive bays you want. Finding out your CPU won’t work with your motherboard in the middle of a build can be a serious headache. A good way to avoid that hassle is to go over your list with a trusted professional like Geek Easy before making your purchases. We are experts in build compatibility! Even if you use an online tool that is supposed to determine hardware compatibility, it’s always best to check with the motherboard manufacturer for their qualified vendor list (QVL) of supported processors and RAM.

Buying a cheap, underpowered PSU (power supply) – This should really be addressed during the compatibility phase, making sure your PSU has enough power for your desired setup. Most techs will tell you not to cheap out on the power supply which is typically sound advice. However, it should be noted that there are decent, affordable power supplies available and most systems don’t need a 1200w power supply to run well. But if you buy something smaller than 500w that weighs as much as a ball of tinfoil, you could easily run into issues later on due to cheap, unreliable components inside the power supply. Your power supply provides electricity for the whole system, so trying to power a $600 graphics card with a $25 power supply isn’t the best idea. What’s right for you depends on your budget and the components you are putting into your build.

Slotting your RAM incorrectly – Not seating your RAM properly can end up with your build not booting. RAM has a specific way it has to be installed in the DIMM slots. Check out the pins on your stick of RAM. Notice that it’s not split 50/50? If the motherboard slots are compatible, they will have a matching “split”. If your RAM isn’t lined up correctly you can easily cause damage to the stick itself and/or the DIMM slot. When installing RAM, use even pressure on both ends until you hear the stick *click* into the slot. If you didn’t hear any clicks while installing your RAM, chances are it’s not seated fully – just give it another push and you should be good to go.

Installing the CPU incorrectly – This is the most important one and more common than you’d think. Some beginners aren’t aware that processors must be installed in a specific orientation. All Intel processors will have some kind of marking on one of the corners. On AMD chips it’s a gold arrow usually found on the bottom-left corner. Line that up with the marking on your motherboard’s CPU socket, often on the metal part that secures your CPU down, but sometimes this indicator is found on the board itself. Great care should be taken when installing a CPU since bent\broken pins are not covered by manufacturer warranties and can make your system inoperable. Take it slow when installing your processor and it can save you time and money spent replacing the motherboard or CPU.

Plugging your monitor into the wrong display output – You get the computer all assembled and finally turn it on. Everything sounds normal and appears to be powered on, except there’s no video. What’s wrong? Another super common mistake is plugging your monitor into the motherboard’s integrated video port instead of the port on your graphics card. The video ports on motherboards only work with processors that come with integrated graphics and typically only work if you don’t have a GPU installed. Simply plug your monitor into a port on the graphics card and reboot. If that doesn’t fix it, make sure you have connected all needed power cables from the power supply. If your card has 2 PCI-E power slots on it, the card requires those to run. You may need to purchase adapters or a larger power supply if there aren’t enough power cables to feed your GPU.

Hopefully these tips will help you if you venture into building your own computer! We are always here to answer questions and to help make your technology easier! If building your own computer isn’t something you want to tackle, ask us about our custom build services!



Adonis Pointer is a photographer, a collector of vintage razors, and a certified technology greek!
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.

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.

What Should I Upgrade?

One of the aspects of owning a computer is upgrading. Whether it’s a desktop or a laptop, if you plan on using it longer than a couple of years, upgrading it is in your future. Technology and software advances make it almost a certainty. The question we typically hear from our clients is “What do I upgrade?” In this post we hope to make that decision a bit clearer and easier.

Image result for computer upgrades


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Refurbished Computers

What is a refurbished computer?

A refurbished computer is one that was previously in use, usually by a business or corporation, that has been reconditioned to be like “new”. There is a false perception that refurbished computers are just used and out-of-date computers. While it is true that refurbished units tend not to be the latest technology, they are typically no more than one or two generations older and very capable of running today’s applications! 

What is a ‘factory refurbished’ computer?

This is a little different than just a refurbished computer. Companies like Apple, Dell, HP, etc. may sell factory refurbished computers that they have returned to a “like new” condition. These systems typically have shorter warranties directly from the manufacturer (60 days vs. 1 year on new systems). These systems could be returns or systems that were replaced under warranty and then reconditioned by the manufacturer. Once concern we hear a lot about refurbished systems is that they might be the “broken” computers that were sent back to be fixed. While that concern could apply to factory refurbished systems, those aren’t the refurbished computers we sell or support.

What does “refurbishing” really mean?

First of all, refurbished is NOT the same as USED. When you purchase a used computer, it is typically sold AS IS, with no warranties or guarantees. You are basically rolling the dice. The phrase “buyer beware!” applies to this situation. It is unfortunately easy to get stuck with a bad machine as you have no way of knowing the true status of the internal components. Potential failures of the motherboard, hard drive, or even the screen are very real issues when dealing with used computers.

Refurbishing is a process by where previously utilized computers have all of the data wiped from them, and the operating system and associated software re-installed to factory settings. All of the components, internal and external, are thoroughly tested and verified to like-new performance parameters. At Geek Easy Computers, we purchase all of our refurbished units from a certified and authorized refurbisher. These computers were never owned by an individual, but are typically off-lease machines that were in use by a corporate entity. Once we receive these computers, we then put them through our own verification process and stress testing to further ensure that our machines are in A-1 condition before we offer them for sale.

Why should I buy one?

There are several advantages to purchasing a refurbished computer. The most obvious one is the cost savings! You can buy a slighter older model, and upgrade it. For example, a refurbished laptop may have 4-8GB of memory, be a year or two old and cost $250-$350. A new computer may have 8GB of memory and cost $500-$700. Most newer computers can be upgraded to at least 8GB of RAM cheaply saving you money overall. As mentioned earlier, another major advantage of buying refurbished is that the computer has been completely tested and verified. New computers are randomly spot tested on the assembly line, meaning that only a small percentage of them are actually (minimally) tested. A huge advantage to buying refurbished over a used computer is that refurbished computers come with a warranty! Geek Easy Computers includes a 30 day warranty on parts and labor with each of our refurbished machines. We also include a free complimentary tune-up 3 months after purchase to keep your computer running like new. You get technical support from the Kalamazoo area’s only full service computer repair shop located downtown! You also get the assurance that you will always have a friendly local face to talk to, located right in your community!

So if you’re looking to save some money, but don’t want to gamble on pawn shops or Craigslist, come down to Geek Easy Computers and check out our rotating stock of refurbished laptops and desktops. We want to make your technology easier!

Adonis Pointer is a photographer, a collector of vintage raptors, 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.

All-In-One Computers: Pros & Cons

These days it seems like everyone wants a laptop. While the laptop is indeed the most popular form of computer, there is still a definite market for desktop computers.One of the more popular types of desktop computer is called the all-In-one desktop or AIO computer. In this post, we will discuss the pros & cons of buying an AIO computer.

What is an AIO Computer?

All-In-one computers, also known as all-in-one desktops, are designed to combine the computer case and system components into the monitor so that the entire PC  is contained all in one unit.

Why Would I Want One?

  • Because you don’t have to find a spot for a separate computer case, the AIO PC takes up a lot less space. Which is great if you’re looking for a computer for a spot with little space, or if you have a small desk. AIO computers are popular in areas where space is a premium or a bunch of cords/cables would be inconvenient, such as: kitchens, medical offices, restaurants, dispatch, warehouses, etc. Some all-in-one computers can also be wall mounted, for even more convenience.
  • All-in-one PCs generally offer significantly larger screens than notebooks. A normal notebook typically has a screen size of 13in-15in; all-in-one PCs have screen diagonals of 20in-27in. The resolution is also higher.
  • Fewer cables – only one power cable. Speakers are built-in. Most have wireless keyboard & mouse.
  • Easier to transport than a regular desktop and monitor, should that become necessary.
  • Many AIOs are touchscreen enabled. Higher end versions add pen support.
  • Ease of setup.

Why Wouldn’t I Want One?

  •  Upgrading an all-in-one PC is more difficult. The parts are more difficult to reach, and frequently you have to remove the screen to access them.
  • If one thing breaks, the entire computer has to go in for repair. If the monitor breaks, that is going to be a costly repair, unlike a traditional desktop computer where you could just buy another monitor.
  • Stuck with one monitor. If you decide you’d like a larger monitor, your only options are to purchase another AIO with a larger screen, or add an additional screen via HDMI, DVI, etc. if that is an option.
  • AIOs can be more expensive when compared to a similarly outfitted traditional desktop computer.
  • Many all-in-one desktops are at a disadvantage because they’re built to be thin. That means minimal space for components and cooling. As a result, the AIO market is full of desktops that have low-power versions of desktop processors, or even mobile processors inside.

An AIO can be a good choice for any of the above stated reasons, but knowing the limitations or concessions of purchasing an all-in-one desktop will help you make the best decision for you, your family, or your business needs! If you have further questions, the team at Geek Easy Computers is happy to assist you!

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.

What Computer Do I Need – 2018?

When it comes time for the purchase of a computer, many people are at a loss as to what they actually need versus what some salesperson is trying to sell them. We want to make that process easier for you, so we will break down some of the basics in this post. For the purposes of this post, we will be focusing on Intel-based, Windows PCs.

What Do You Want To Do?

This is the first question that you should ask yourself. Determining what you are going to be using your computer for will help you establish a baseline for the specifications of new computer.

 

  • Are you mainly going to be doing things like reading email, visiting websites (news, social media, Internet searching) with maybe the occasional document created?

 

  • Are you going to be editing large or hi-res photos or video? Creating complex presentations or accessing large databases?

 

  • Are you going to be playing resource-intensive games or watching a lot of streaming video?

 

  • Is this going to be a work computer with heavy daily use?

 

These are the types of questions you should answer before you start looking at computers. If you need help figuring it out, the experts at Geek Easy Computers are always available to assist you. Whether a home or business computer, we can help you narrow down what will fulfill your needs.

What’s Next?

Certain activities will dictate a more obvious requirement of computer specifications, such as high-end gaming, video/music editing, or a heavy usage workstation. For the purposes of this section, we are looking at a general usage home/office computer.

RAM

For general purposes (and most operating systems), the de facto standard is 4GB minimum. In typical cases this amount of RAM is sufficient to handle most mundane tasks such as word processing, simple spreadsheets, viewing photos, streaming video, and playing more basic games. For better multitasking and snappier response, 8GB is recommended, but more RAM is always better. Especially with newer operating systems like Windows 10 and Mac OS 10.13 High Sierra.

Storage (Hard Drive)

When it comes to storage, it’s always better to have more than you need. If in doubt, go bigger. Currently for standard HDDs (conventional drives) the popular size is 1TB (1000 GB). If you opt for an SSD (solid state drive) 250GB – 500GB as your primary drive, then a 1TB HDD is a good pairing for storage. See our previous article on SSDs & HDDs.

Graphics

For everyday productivity tasks, the integrated graphics processor found on many logic boards is typically adequate. However if you want to get into more graphically demanding pursuits such as high-end photo editing, video production, or gaming, you are going to need to upgrade to a dedicated video card (GPU). GPUs can range from less than $100 to several hundred dollars depending on what type of performance you desire. Check back for an upcoming article on GPUs.

Processor

This is the core of your computer. The choice you make here will affect the overall performance and capabilities of your computer. For the purposes of this post we will focus on Intel processors as they are arguably the business and gaming standard.

 

Intel’s current processors are the basic Pentium series and the 8th generation Intel Core series of CPUs – Core i3, Core i5, Core i7 and the new “Extreme” Core i9s.

 

  • Pentium – This is Intel’s very basic line of processors. They are generally for light computer use. The 7th generation Pentium processors were like Core i3s with lower clock speeds.
  • Core i3 – This is the everyday level of the series. This CPU is more than adequate for tasks like surfing the web, listening to music, word processing, etc. The newest i3 processors can even handle light or casual gaming. This is the business entry-level of processor.
  • Core i5 – This is the minimum standard for those doing more advanced tasks such as complicated, multi-page documents, photo editing, music production and playing graphically demanding games. An i5 is our recommended processor speed for average business systems.
  • Core i7 – This is the high-end of this series. This CPU is the choice of any serious gamer or enthusiast. It should also be the choice of any professional photographer, videographer, musical producer, or any business using high end data driven software. It is also a great choice for the home user as it lengthens the amount of time before the demands of software outstrip the capabilities of your computer.
  • Core i9 – This is Intel’s new bleeding-edge series that has replaced the “enthusiast” tier of Core i7s. These would be used for extreme gaming, mega-tasking, very high-end content creation. This series has Intel’s first 18-core processor.

 

 

 

Recommended Starting Configurations

Budget:
CPU: Intel Pentium

RAM: 4GB RAM

Hard Drive: 500GB hard drive

 

Everyday:
CPU: Intel Core i3

RAM: 4GB RAM

Hard Drive: 1TB hard drive

 

General Business or Gaming:

CPU: Intel Core i5

RAM: 8GB RAM

Hard Drive: 250GB SSD and\or 1TB hard drive

 

Demanding Business, High-End Gaming, Power Users

CPU: Intel Core i7

RAM: 16GB RAM

Hard Drive: 500GB SSD with optional 1-4TB storage drive

 

The above information covers the basics of choosing a new computer. Hopefully it gives you more insight on what your family or business needs in new hardware. Like all things, computer needs like storage and RAM can vary, but these are a general guideline for picking out a new PC based on how you plan to use it. If you have further questions, feel free to give us a call, email, or use the form on this website to contact us! We are always available to help make your technology easier!

 

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.

 

Why Does My Computer Get Hot?

A common issue that many computers suffer from is overheating. As mobile computers are getting slimmer, there is less room for cooling fans or even just air to circulate. With desktop computers, more powerful processors and huge video cards are generating more heat inside the cases. In this article we will explain just why your computer overheats, and outline ways to combat it!

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Q & A: User Questions, Tech Answers! Year End 2016

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 2016, and also include some that we haven’t covered yet. So without further adieu…

 

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The Shrinking Laptop

In our previous post “The Desktop PC – Still Relevant?”, we touched on how the industry is trending more mobile, and the sizes of the devices we use are changing. Laptops are cheaper than they’ve ever been. They are thinner and lighter than ever, and they are much more powerful than they were even a few years ago. With that being said, we’d like to delve into a few minor setbacks to the cheaper, thinner, lighter laptops of today.

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The Desktop PC – Still Relevant?

As the technological world of computers skews more and more toward mobile, and everything is getting smaller and smaller, the questions arises – is the desktop PC still relevant? The short answer is a resounding YES. In this article we will elaborate as to why.

desktop2

Even though more and more people are moving from the desktop to their laptops, or even tablets or smartphones, a traditional desktop computer is still arguably a great choice as a secondary computing device today. Some of the reasons to buy a desktop today range from cost to performance ratio, upgrade-ability, to more productivity considerations. Check out these items:

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