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In This Issue |
Joe's Hours |
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Upcoming Holidays: Easter Closed: Monday, April 21st Memorial Day: Monday, May 26th |
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4th of July: Friday, July 4th Labor Day: Monday, Sept 1st |
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If there is an important message that I need to share with you, it will appear in the Breaking News Section of the newsletter.
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Rent-A-Geek, how it
works.
With Windows 10 retiring in October 2025, now is the time to start the process of replacing your Microsoft PC computer that cannot upgrade to Windows 11. I offer a free service that guides you through the steps safely. If you are on my Maintenance Plan, and when its time for your 6 month or 1 year visit, I will be using this Service to find the right computer for you. For everyone else, when you are ready, please contact me to get the process going. I start by reviewing my notes and any comments that we discussed on my last visit, in reference to what type of computer you want next. There are 3 styles of Computers: Laptop - The Cons and Pros of each: Laptop - Biggest Pro: Portable: can use plugged into power or without on battery. Biggest Con: Battery fails after two years in some cases, may need to be replaced ($150 additional cost). Desktop - Pro: can take off cover to add or remove parts. Con: Too many wires running from monitor to back of tower. All in One - Pro: compact design, no wires, webcam, speakers, etc. built in. 24" screen. Con: I cannot think of any, which is why I am recommending this type of computer. How it works: Most stores start the new sales on Sundays, so on Mondays I email my recommendations. The email contains suggestions like this (note that this offer has expired): $500 (sale, was $750) HP 23.8" All-in-One Desktop PC, AMD Ryzen 5, 16GB RAM, 512 GB SSD
When you click on the link, your Internet browser will open to the store that sells that computer. There you can see details and a photo of the computer. As you scroll down there are also reviews from people who also purchased this computer. Then you purchase the computer that you like out of my suggestions. You can either buy it online and ship it to your home or go to the local store and pick it up. If you go to the store, just buy the computer. The salesperson may try to talk you into buying additional things that you do not need. If they offer to setup the computer for you, turn them down, that is my job. A store in Leesburg, FL recently tricked two of my clients into purchasing a "Bundle Package" that sold them programs that I did not recommend. Then they took it out of the box and spent 2+ hours "trying" to set it up. They screwed up the computer because they were asking for email addresses and passwords that the clients did not have with them. I am now Boycotting that store for taking advantage of Seniors! When the Computer arrives, you leave it in the box. Clients on my Maintenance plan get a reserved appointment from me to setup the computer within 2 weeks of purchase. When I arrive, I start on your old computer, backing up your files and photos onto flash drives or external hard drives. Then I confirm your wifi password and your Microsoft Account that is required to setup the new computer. The final step is to sync your browsers so your Favorites/Bookmarks can be moved to your new computer. Then I'll take the new computer out of the box, and ask you to turn it on. Then the fun begins. Please note, if you are on the Computer Maintenance program and you decide to keep Windows 10 after the expiration date, you will be dropped from the Maintenance Plan. Once Microsoft drops support of Windows 10, I will no longer be able to update the computer(s). In time, most of the software support will also end (Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Firefox, etc will not load certain money related websites). If you would like to use this free Rent-a-Geek Service, please contact me when you are ready.
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"Stop-The-Scam-Sticker"
program. On recent home visits I have been taping these
"stickers" that I created to all my clients computers.
This is the one that I created for Windows PC computers:
This is the one that I created for Apple Mac Computers:
For remote Windows PC clients, I am emailing the stickers with the invoice to cut out and tape to computers. In my estimate, about 30% of websites in search engines online contain this bad link which turns off your mouse and tries to trick you into calling the phone number on the screen. They get onto your computer, and into your bank accounts, and then the trouble really begins. Never call the number on the screen! Always call me for help.
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The way it works is you give me your zip code, and I search for the right computer at your local stores. Then I email you what I find. You buy the computer that you like. If you buy it in the store, do not buy any additional software or services. Take the sealed carton home, do not let the store set it up. Then on our appointment, I'll give you the code number, and will take over your mouse on your old computer. You will need a flash drive or external hard drive. I will then backup your documents, photos and important files. I will sync your Internet browsers so we can keep the Bookmarks/Favorites. Finally I will confirm your wifi password and your Microsoft account information. Then the fun begins as I walk you through the steps setting up your new computer. Finally, when the desktop appears, I will have you open the Quick Assist program that is already on the new computer, and will take over the mouse and complete the setup.
The final step is to bring over your files that are on the flash drive or external hard drive. I will sign into the Internet browsers and set up everything the way it was on your previous computer. If you are tossing your old computer I will need to return to it to wipe it for you. When you are ready, please contact me for your Remote PC Computer setup.
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In March, many Yahoo email uses were shocked by this message above that their beloved email program has changed. The Semi-good news is you can switch back to Yahoo Basic email. Its is semi-good news because they took away what made Yahoo email fun to use. All formatting tools have been removed, no more Bold, Italic or smiley faces are offered. Below is what the new Yahoo email looks like. They now have room for three ads to show while you are checking your email, as in the past only one ad was shown. In my opinion, that is why they redesigned their app. They claim that its infused with AI (Artificial Intelligence) but to me it just looks like a dumb email program.
Follow the instructions below to Switch to the Yahoo basic email. Its not what you had, but the only option is to ditch Yahoo or use the AI Yahoo. Note, right after I logged in for the first time, a link appeared in the top right for a few minutes then it disappeared. It shows the "old Yahoo Mail". If you have this link, click on it instead of going to Yahoo Basic.
If you ditch Yahoo, you can try AOL, Gmail, MSN which are also free, but you cannot keep your current email address. You must create a new one.
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Windows News and
Tips
On October 14th 2025, Windows 10 support from Microsoft ends. When that happens, the only way to keep your computer safe is to unplug it from the Internet. Ten years ago that would not have been a deal breaker, but in 2025 90% of the work we do on our computers is on the Internet. In time, Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome and other Internet browsers will stop updating. Then some websites, like bank and financial institutions will stop loading, stating that your operating system is no longer supported. This puts you at risk when you use your computer past the Oct 25 expiration. Office 365 will also lose compatibility and functions.
During this time, the bad guys in the world will be sending out bad emails trying to take advantage of Windows 10 users. Since Microsoft will no longer support Windows 10, they will not update your computer to patch it for these attacks. You are on your own. The other thing you will lose if you keep Windows 10, is the Maintenance visits from me. In November 2025, I also will stop offering computer checkups and updates on Windows 10 devices. If you are on my Maintenance plans, you will be getting a final email checkup from me. The programs on your computer can no longer be updated, and there is nothing I can do to your computer. Summer 2025 should be the deadline to purchase a new computer to replace your expiring Windows 10 computer. Please contact me for guidance using the Rent-A-Geek free Service.
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2025 New Apple Devices: Released March 2025 Macbook Air Laptop
The 13" Laptop is starting at $999 and comes in four colors. 16GB RAM, 250 SSD hard drive and a M4 CPU. It is being sold by Best Buy, Amazon and the Apple Store. Click here to see it on the Best Buy website. The 15" Laptop model starts at $1,200 at Best Buy. It also comes with 16GB of RAM and a 250 SSD hard drive. It has the same four colors. Click here to take a look. Thunderbolt/USB-C is now standard port. You will need a USB-A to USB-C Adapter to use any older flash drives or external hard drives. This
is what it looks like. More Info- https://www.apple.com/macbook-air/
Mac Studio (Mac Mini)
To use this type of Apple Computer, you will need to have your own HDMI monitor. The computer comes with a keyboard, mouse and power supply. This model has both USB-A (2) and Thunderbolt/USB-C (4) ports. It also has a port for head phones. All devices plug into this box, which contains the computer hard drives and other components. The Model that has the 512 SSD Hard drive starting price is $2,000. This computer comes with 36GB of RAM, which gives the computer lots of speed. It also has the Apple M4 CPU chip. Note that the standard Mac Mini starts at $600, It looks like this:
iPad Air - 11" 13"
The new iPad Air also comes in two sizes, 11" and 13" and four colors. The 11" iPad Air starts at $699 at Best Buy (click here to take a look). It comes with a 250 SSD hard drive, Apple M3 CPU. It does not include a keyboard, that will need to be added to your purchase if you like to use one with your iPad. The 13" iPad Air comes with a smaller 128 SSD hard drive but comes with the same Apple M3 CPU. Its price starts at $799. Click here to take a look. More info from Apple - https://www.apple.com/ipad-air/ If you are shopping for a new Apple device, please contact me for some free advice.
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2025 Computer Classes are on hold for now. The classes will be for Trilogy Residents only. Space is limited. Topics to come.
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Click on the NO or Cancel Button - Reminder!
Please click the "NO" button on the PC, and the "Cancel" button on the Apple/Mac to stay safe. It is safe to click on the "Yes" or "OK" button in the Admin Account (if you are doing your own maintenance). If you have any questions, please contact me. |
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Click here to view previous issues Note: The content of this newsletter is intended for clients of Joe McDonald only. Not intended for public use.
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| Website
Links: Computer Tips: https://www.computersbyjoe.com/Tips.html Backup: https://www.computersbyjoe.com/Backup.html |
| If you do not want to do your own computer maintenance, I can visit you, and take care of it for you on an annual or semi-annual basis. Please contact me for more information. Call 352-449-8561. Remote visits available on Windows PC computers. |
Desktop - 
New All in One - 
Its like I am sitting right next to you! 
