Author Archives: quill

The weakest link in cyber security – the human

As anti-malware software and firewall protections improve, the classic ‘barging in through the front door’ methods that criminals use to breach a network or deliver malware and ransomware, have given way to gaining access to computers and networks through social … Continue reading

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How much RAM Memory can I install in my Windows computer? What does it depend on?

Your computer has a certain number of sockets for memory on its logic board. That will define how many modules can be installed. The machine will also have a maximum RAM module size that can be addressed. In most cases, … Continue reading

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Q. Some manufacturers sell Pro, Business, or Enterprise lines of SSDs. Are they worth it?

Q. Why should I invest more money in a Pro, Business or Enterprise line of Solid State Drives instead of the cheaper consumer SSD’s? A. In order to answer the question, we need to dive into how SSD drives are … Continue reading

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Have you talked to an elder today? Reach out to others

Have you talked to an elder today? With social distancing, isolation takes its toll. Consider reaching out by phone, daily, to neighbors, shut-ins, singles, elders and any other vulnerable people you know. Offer your support in whatever way you can, connect … Continue reading

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What SSD drives and RAM fit Late-2012 and newer Macintoshes?

Starting with the Late 2012 models, Apple changed the format of drives and memory in most Macs. ( Link to pre-2012 model list ) MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models (including all the “Retina” screen models) lost the ability to … Continue reading

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Q. Overclocking RAM, what does that mean?

Q. I have heard of overclocking RAM – Is this possible at all? A. Yes, a computer has a standard memory speed it is designed for, and it is possible to increase the memory speed, if your memory and computer … Continue reading

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Q. Do I upgrade my Drive or my RAM?

Q. What is better, a SSD Drive upgrade versus a RAM upgrade? A. It depends a lot on what you are doing with your computer, whether you have an adequate amount of either right now, and what your goals are. … Continue reading

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Q. Why isn’t my new vocal microphone working?

Q. I just bought a new microphone, and I have plugged it in and there is no sound. Is it broken? A. Chances are, your microphone is a condenser microphone, either a large diameter diaphragm or small diameter diaphragm mic … Continue reading

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Q. Why do I have to install my RAM modules in pairs?

Q. Why do I have to install my computer memory modules in pairs? A. Normally a motherboard addresses memory through a 64 bit data channel. When a computer motherboard is designed to use Dual Channel memory access, it can address … Continue reading

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Q. My machine feels slower than before, what do I do?

Q. My machine feels slower than before, I have done all I know to make it feel like before but no luck – do I need to upgrade? A. Performance slows when your software demands more than your hardware can … Continue reading

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How to test a hard drive (Windows)

First. last and always – Back up There is no substitute for having regular and verified backups of your data. If you don’t have a backup routine, you need to establish one, ASAP. How do I know a drive is … Continue reading

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Q. Why can you sometimes upgrade RAM to more than the manufacturer suggested?

1. How is that I can install more memory on my Apple machine than Apple supports? A. When manufacturers release a machine, the manuals are written with the available information at that time – for example, a machine may be … Continue reading

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Q. My old MacBook Pro is dead. How can I run its internal drive with OS X 10.11 as an external drive?

A. First, what year and model of MacBook Pro is it? If it is a 2012 or older, it is simple, because it is a 2.5 inch SATA drive. You’ll remove the hard drive and put the drive into an … Continue reading

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Q. I have a broken iMac Mid 2011. Can I re-use the iMac’s SSD drive with a Windows machine?

A. Your iMac Mid-2011 came standard with a 3.5 inch hard disk drive. (Note: The Apple Fusion drives were not brought out ’til the Late 2012 model, so your particular iMac has no socket for a SSD blade). Therefore, the … Continue reading

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Q. Is it possible to connect a USB thumb drive to an iPad?

A. The iPad doesn’t have a USB port so you may think you can’t use a USB stick but actually you can. First you get an Apple USB 3.0 Camera Connection Kit for Lightning, which gives you USB 3.0 A … Continue reading

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