So, what are the options?

• Update to Windows 11
  If your system supports it then you can install Windows 11 for free – check to see if your system meets the minimum requirements by opening Settings > Privacy and Security > Windows Update. Make sure you backup your computer before you install any updates!

 

• Update Outdated Components
  Windows 11 requires a Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0) chip. You could upgrade your PC to include a TPM 2.0 chip but doing so may actually require a new motherboard etc and should probably only be considered if you have the skills or an IT specialist on hand.

 

• Pay to Extend your Windows 10 Licence for 1 Year
  This is really only a short term solution until you have to invest in a new PC but it can buy you a bit of time while you research your options. Microsoft have said this will cost $30 (USD) for individuals and will be available in November 2025. Businesses can already purchase the extended security update through the Microsoft Volume Licensing Program, at $61 USD per device for Year One. Find out more here: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/whats-new/extended-security-updates

 

• Buy a new PC
  If you’re thinking of buying a new computer then now might be a good time rather than investing in legacy technology. Use a trusted technician  to help guide you on the best options to suit your needs rather than buying the first shiny PC you see in store. To invest in a new PC, take some time to evaluate what your needs are before you begin the search. This will help you narrow down to a few options and ensure you get a machine that will serve you well. 

 

• What will the main use of the PC be? Gaming would require a top notch graphics card and you’d probably need a separate tower/monitor setup. If you would mainly be using your PC for browsing the internet and writing emails then an all in one or laptop could be a nice, sleek alternative.

 

• How many people will use the PC? If you need a family workhorse that can do everything from office tasks and design work to gaming and online shopping then an all singing all dancing tower and monitor will fit the bill.

​Whatever your requirements, there is the perfect solution out there for you and File Genie are on hand to offer advice and support. They can even source the parts and build your dream machine for you!

Get in touch and talk us through your needs.

Here are our 5 must-do jobs to clean up your tech:

1. Clean your Hardware – Remove crumbs and dust from your PC or laptop – you can use compressed air to help blast the debris out from nooks and crannies (be sure to follow the instructions). Use a damp microfibre cloth to clean the casing, screen, smartphone and tablet.
2. Cut the Clutter – Remove unused apps (if you are unsure which apps you should leave you can check here). Freeing up space by deleting unwanted apps and software will speed up your device and help it last longer.
3. Have a Sort out – Go through your files and photos, delete duplicates, old screenshots and any that are blurry and get them organised into folders – be sure to back them up to an external drive. Print your faves and put them up to enjoy!
4. Clear the Cache – When you visit a website or open an app for the first time your device collects data and stores it in order to make it quicker to load in the future. Over time this cached data can cause your devices to run slower so it makes sense to periodically clear the cache.
5. Update Your Operating System and Antivirus – Make sure your devices are running the latest operating system – any known bugs and security issues will get fixed and your devices will run more efficiently. Antivirus is a non negotiable – make sure it’s up to date and running to protect your devices from phishing, hacks and viruses.

Have fun clearing out some garbage and give your devices a well deserved spruce up.

If you need any help cleaning your laptop, PC, smartphone or tablet then we are always on hand. Contact Ben here: https://www.filegenie.co.uk/get-in-touch.html

Then broadband came along and changed life as we know it. Suddenly you could access the internet at the touch of a button, no annoying dial up tone and everything was super fast. That’s not to say it always runs smoothly, in fact more and more of us are dealing with slow broadband connection speeds on a daily basis. With our reliance on the internet for pretty much everything these days, it’s more than a little irritating if your broadband connection is running a bit under par.

But don’t panic just yet, there are a few tricks and tips you can try to help get the most out of your broadband:

Run a Speed Test
If you think your broadband is running much slower than the provider has guaranteed then you should run a speed test. There are lots of online speed test tools, Thinkbroadband.com gives comprehensive results which you can then use when you contact your provider. You need to check your broadband speed through a wired connection first and then check through the WiFi- if the speed is slow through both of these methods you need to contact your provider. If the speed is ok through the wired connection but slow with wifi then you have a problem with your router.

Contact Your ISP
They should be able to help you work out what the cause could be.

Slow WiFi
If you connect to your broadband using WiFi then there are a couple of things you can try to improve the speed such as moving your router:

• Avoid metal objects and appliances that send out electromagnetic waves (metal is one of the biggest wifi signal disruptors) and keep it off the floor and as far a way as possible from appliances such as tumble dryers, washing machines, microwaves and dishwashers. Ideally, your router needs to be as close to the centre of your house as possible and away from any obstructions.
• Give the signal a boost by making sure the antennae are vertical and place it on a high shelf.
• Update your router to make sure it’s running the latest firmware.
• If your router is old it might be time to upgrade- older tech is often outdated and it’s probably a good idea to replace it.
• Invest in a WiFi extender to give your WiFi a much needed boost. Check out TechRadar’s suggestions.
• Make sure your router is password protected.

Update Your Browser
Make sure you’re using the latest version of your browser as this will offer better security and run faster.

Most importantly, remember you have a right to request a decent broadband service. From March 2020 if your download speed is less than 10 M/bits and your upload speed is less than 1 M/bits you have a right to request an upgraded service. Find out more here.

Contact File Genie for further help with your broadband/WiFi speed or for advice on upgrading your router.