Computer/ Internet News & Tips
December 2022

  • When you need to replace your computer
  • Be careful what you search for
  • New map shows all internet providers available at your home
  • Please answer our poll about SMS text messaging
  • We've been helping people with more than just fixing computers...
  • ICYMI: Previous articles you may have missed or want to read again are available on our website and newsletter archives
Reno's PC & Technology Help Experts since 2003 

Affordable PC Repair - Experienced IT Consultants 
In-Home Service & Remote Support

No Geek Speak: Local techs that speak 
a language you can understand
Support for Windows - macOS - iOS - Android
When you need to replace your computer
"Your operating system is nearing end of support" message
If your computer is displaying a message similar to the one pictured above, it's time to get a new computer. Microsoft supports the Windows operating system for approximately 10 years after initial release.

In the past 10 years, hard drives alone - the computer component that stores the operating system, programs, and your data - are now 25x faster and much more reliable than they were 10 years ago. When you split-up the cost of the initial investment of your computer, it's likely calculated to less than $100 per year to own a computer.

When shopping for a new computer, you often "get what you pay for". So if you think a $300 computer is going to last 10 years - think again. But for $500-$600 on average, you can get a new computer that will be secure, fast and reliable for years to come.

See our latest Computer & Technology Buying Advice newsletter for expert advice and detailed recommendations on what to look for in your next 5-10 year computer investment.

Be careful what you search for
Clicking search ads can lead to a fake warning webpage.
When searching the internet for websites or support for name-brands, you'll likely encounter ads that may lead to fake warning messages that appear to block/lock your computer. When searching for technical support, "techs" that are not affiliated with any name-brand company will often coerce you into buying overpriced and unnecessary protection for your computer.

Remember to NEVER call a phone number that pops up on your screen - it's always a scam. In this article we show you how to close your browser or shut down your computer if you encounter a fake warning pop-up.

Also, NEVER allow someone you don't know access your computer. Tech support scammers will often ask for remote access to your computer so they can show you (harmless) errors or other security problems on your computer in an attempt to convince you that you need unnecessary and overpriced security protection.

Lastly, since we're talking about scams, another common one this year is the fake invoice scam. Click here to read more tips on how to identify fake emails.
New map shows all internet providers
available at your home
FCC Broadband Map search screenshot
Are you considering switching internet providers, or shopping for internet at a new residence? The FCC has just released a new broadband map where you can search any single-family residential address for internet availability and the maximum speeds provided. Both fixed/wired and mobile 4G and 5G broadband data is given. Information for the map is provided by the internet providers themselves, and inaccurate information can be challenged.
Please answer our poll below: Would you be interested in getting our tips via SMS text message on your smartphone?
We're considering adding the option for you to receive computer/internet news & tips as an SMS text message on your smartphone 1-2x per month. Please choose one of the 3 options below to let us know whether or not you would be interested in a free reminder such as this.
Would you be interested in getting our tips via SMS text message on your smartphone?
Yes - that would be timely and informative
No - I get too many texts already or just prefer getting emails
No - I don't use SMS text messaging or don't have a smartphone
Have more than 3 minutes?
Check out these informational videos on our YouTube channel.
Click the video above to view our Computer Techs YouTube playlist featuring helpful tips and information about your devices and the internet.
You can also view the playlist by typing youtube.CTreno.com in your browser address bar.
We've been helping people with more than just fixing computers...
Did you know that Computer Techs can help with more than just computers? Check out some of our services that you may have not known about:

  • New computer or mobile device (smartphone/tablet) buying advice
  • New computer or mobile device set-up & transfer settings and apps from an old device
  • Help with recovery of forgotten passwords or hacked accounts
  • Printer troubleshooting or setup
  • TV streaming media device setup
  • Smart speaker / voice assistant device setup
  • Wireless camera and security device setup
  • Software installation
  • Microsoft Office help
  • Email setup/customization
  • Wireless router & Internet set-up
  • Wi-Fi optimization and troubleshooting
  • Computer data back-up solutions
  • Diagnose misc. software or hardware problems
  • Telecom bill audit/review to help you save money on your phone/internet/TV services
  • Computer security analysis following access by a tech support scammer
  • & much more

ICYMI: In Case You Missed It
You can easily access tips and news from previous newsletters on our newsletter archives webpage. Articles you may have missed or wish to read again include:

  • Why you should probably wait to upgrade your existing computer to Windows 11
  • What to do is your computer is "blocked" by a scare screen
  • When NOT to unsubscribe to an email
  • Should you drop your cable/satellite service? 
  • Why you probably don’t need a VPN
  • Search Gmail like a pro
  • Understanding 3G vs 5G vs 5 GHz
  • Change these Facebook settings now
  • How to save money on your internet service
  • How to recognize fraudulent emails
  • Google isn’t evil, why we like Google
  • Protect your mobile number from hackers
  • Two new iPhone features you should turn on now
  • Google requiring 2-Step Verification to sign-in
  • Chip shortage likely to cause lower supply, higher prices
  • Top 5 password tips that you need to know
  • Reveal the passwords stored in your browser - and check for the logins exposed in a data breach
  • Verizon sells off Yahoo and AOL
  • How to make it easier to read articles in your web browser - use Reader Mode
  • FTC Identity Theft website guides victims through the recovery process
  • How to spot emails, texts and pop-ups that "phish" for your private information
  • Your old cellphone may stop working soon
  • We can help with more than just computers and smartphones
  • How to fix most printer problems
  • Watch the world from home
  • How to send a message or email from your phone correctly
  • Ad blockers becoming less effective
  • Why you don't need to buy AntiVirus for your device
  • Is it time to replace or optimize your Wi-Fi?
  • Be proactive about computer maintenance
  • Why you should keep your computer ON when you're not using it
  • How ads follow you around the internet
  • Are you prepared if you lost your data?
  • Check to see if your email address was exposed in a data breach
  • Are you fed up with your internet provider's email "service"?
  • The one spec your next computer must have

Please consider recommending us on Nextdoor
If you use the neighborhood social network Nextdoor, please consider recommending Mark Cobb @ Computer Techs Reno to your neighbors. We get lots of referrals from neighbors looking for a good "computer tech".


For more information about benefiting from our referral program click more...
Get regular computing device maintenance and priority support
It's time to be proactive about maintaining your computing devices - rather than calling after problems get out-of-control. With reports of websites and databases getting hacked occurring on a daily basis, and the increasing chance of your personal information being compromised, it’s more important than ever to keep your computing devices secure, up-to-date and maintained.

Thanks to the peace-of-mind that our Computer Maintenance Plan provides, clients that sign-up for the plan don't have to worry about the seemingly constant barrage of updates, security patches and computer hackers. They also get priority callbacks and messaging replies.

With our Computer Maintenance Plan we will maintain, update and check the security on your computer - and other devices (when performed on-site) - on a convenient regularly scheduled basis.

For more information read more...


Thank you!

Mark Cobb
Owner/Technician/IT Consultant