Frequently Asked Questions
What do you mean when you say that my computer is not obsolete?
You should be able to use your computer for the life of its hardware, which could be more than ten years for a PC of good quality. During this time Windows operating systems come and go, and your computer might not be able to function properly with the newest system. But your computer would still work well if I installed Linux or a PC-compatible version of the Chrome OS.
Do you service and repair Apple computers?
Because I am not an Apple-certified technician I would void the warranty of an Apple computer simply by opening it to look inside. That would not be a problem for an Apple computer whose warranty has already expired, but I have not received a formal education in the repair of such computers. I attended a public college and occupational school but these teach their students how to repair and maintain Windows computers. Apple operates its own schools in order to certify its technicians.
Do you repair tablets or cell phones?
No, I specialize in the repair of desktop and laptop computers.
What should I know about Linux?
Linux is a family of operating systems (called distributions) providing you with many choices. Some Linux distributions are designed to work on the newest, fastest computers available, while others work well with older, slower PCs. Some distributions resemble Windows while others look like Apple operating systems. Linux is ordinarily safe without an anti-virus program, just like the Chrome OS used on Chromebooks. In fact, Chrome OS is a Linux distribution designed to work on special hardware.
If there are many Linux operating systems how do I know which one is right for me?
When I create an installation flash drive or DVD most Linux distributions will give me the option of trying out the system without installing it. You might prefer one distribution over others because of its appearance or the way it works, or because it is more compatible with your computer's hardware.
Can you really install the Chrome OS to transform my computer into a Chromebook?
I can install special versions of the Chrome OS on many if not all computer models, and the resulting "Chromebook" might be better than the Chromebook that you can buy if having a large hard disk drive or solid state drive is important to you. On the other hand, not all Chrome apps will be available.