When an in home computer client here in Honolulu Hawaii asked me to optimize his old Windows 7 computer I had some outside of the box ideas to speed up his laptop and make it more secure. Here's what I did....

Window 7 Is No Longer Secure and it still Hogs Memory

So I texted my in home computer client this video I did on Linux Mint

He was sold on the idea of using Linux Mint. A faster and more secure operating system than even Windows 10 or 11. Most people nowadays do all their work online. One of the first things I do is make sure my computer clients are using online email instead of having email downloaded to their computer. Work is usually done by signing into an office online location, Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace, or individuals often do their work right inside Google Drive

Once you're in Google Chrome or FireFox there's no difference in the UI, which is the User Interface or how the internet browser looks.

I Installed Linux Mint

If you do this on your own don't forget to disable Secure Boot in the Bios. I strongly recommend hiring someone such as myself to do this. I can even help you remotely up to a point.

I Couldn't Get The Wifi to Work to Get Online

So I plugged in a USB wifi adapter

Downloaded the driver I needed from Github

I'm not going to get into using terminal code to install it. That's easily found online.

Once I had the internet working through a wifi dongle (USB wifi adapter) I then looked up and found the code I needed to get the wifi modem itself to work.

I typed this into the terminal

sudo apt install bcmwl-kernel-source  

Pressed Enter. Let it run Tapped y for yes when it was necessary and restarted the computer. The wifi was working on its own without the dongle.

Now I Needed to Make This Familiar to My In Home Computer Client

I installed Google Chrome. As long as you have a 64bit computer you can install Google Chrome

I added Adblock Plus to Google Chrome. Even in Linux, which doesn't require any antivirus software, you can still get fake virus warnings and other attacks on Google Chrome itself. Most of these attacks come from bad advertisements.

My In Home Computer Client Asked for More RAM

RAM stands for Random Access Memory. It's the memory used to run the operating system and programs. Often if you have buffering (the circle) in a movie you're watching, that's your computer waiting for RAM to be freed up.

For Windows computers, I recommend a minimum of 8gb (gigabytes) of RAM if you're going to use your computer for business, movies or games. Because I had installed a better streamlined operating system, Linux Mint, the four gigabytes of RAM he already had in the computer was sufficient.

I asked my in home computer client if he wanted a new laptop battery

His laptop battery was dead so I had to keep it plugged in all the time. If he was going to keep it in one place he really didn't need to replace it. He was going to move it around so I went to Battery Bill's on Nimitz here in Honolulu Hawaii and got him a new one. The cost surprised me a bit. It was $140.00. I want to be clear on this. I'm not saying Battery Bill's was expensive. I'm saying the battery itself was expensive, but for an old computer like that, I was lucky to be able to get one at all. Battery Bill's lived up to their title and had one in stock.

The Computer Was Already a LOT Faster BUT I Knew I Could Get It Smokin Fast....

At the time my in home computer client's computer was manufactured, the hard drive was made of moving parts. Nowadays we call it a spinner because the hard drive had actual spinning parts to get the data and present it to the monitor.

Moving parts wear out

moving parts slow down the gathering of data

The slower gathering of data slows down the computer.

So I Got My In Home Computer Client an SSD

SSD stands for Solid State Drive.

To be precise, I got him a Samsung 870 EVO SATA III SSD 1TB 2.5” Internal Solid State Hard Drive, Upgrade PC or Laptop Memory and Storage for IT Pros, Creators, Everyday Users, MZ-77E1T0B/AM

Now I Had to Clone The SSD

I wanted to get a Clone Dock HDD duplicator Disk Drive Hard Reader SATA Hard Drive Docking Station USB 3.0 SSD HDD Docking Station Dual Bay for 2.5 or 3.5inch HDD with Hard Drive Duplicator/Cloner 12 TB but, neither store I looked in had the clone dock duplicator. I already had purchased the SSD, So used a SATA to USB adapter I already owned.

I downloaded Foxclone. In this case foxclone45-05.iso. I had read great things about its easy to use UI (User Interface).

Once downloaded it's easy to make a live USB on Linux Mint. I just found the downloaded ISO and right mouse clicked on it. I always tell my in home computer tutoring students here in Honolulu Hawaii right mouse click for a menu left mouse click for an action.

This advice paid off. I just right mouse clicked on the file and selected burn to USB (or something to that effect). Once I made the Foxclone live USB, I set up the BIOs to boot to the Foxclone flash drive. My research was correct. I found a tab that allowed me to clone disk to disk. In a few minutes, I was ready to install the SSD into the laptop. I took the old spinner drive out and replaced it with the new SSD.

WOW The Laptop was SMOKIN FAST!

I always say a prayer first before starting a computer after swapping hard drives. You never know what little thing could stop the computer from booting up. The computer not only booted up, it booted up FAST!

Final Check

I made sure the Google Chome home pages were set. Adblocker was installed in Chrome. I powered it completely down, waited and restarted again. Everything was great! I saved my in home computer client A BUNCH OF MONEY on having to buy a new computer that wouldn't have even been as fast and secure as the one I upgraded for him.

I Delivered the Laptop Computer to My In Home Computer Client

I had him start it up and he said, "WOW!"

Later on I got a text from my client and thought, "Uh Oh"

If you're in the service industry, you know what I'm talking about. My first thought was, "Uh oh what's wrong?" This is what it said,

"Hi Rick,

Thanks once again for upgrading my laptop. Wow!!! it's super fast. I really like it! Thank you!"

Very kind of him to take time to text me with his appreciation of my work.

Honolulu Hawaii and all of Oahu Text or Call me, Rick Kirkham To Upgrade Your Computer and Save Money on a New One!

Exceptional Onsite and In Home Windows, Apple Computer and Mobile Phone Training, Tutoring, Virus Removal, Preventive Maintenance and Troubleshooting for All of Oahu Call or Text 224.1870 Mainland U.S.A. Text Only 808.224.1870 for Remote Computer Lessons and Support

J. Richard Kirkham B.Sc.
https://InHomeComputerHelp.com

My in home computer tutoring schedule was full here on Oahu. Even remotely I had no slots left. If just one more person texted or called here in Honolulu Hawaii with a computer repair problem or for computer lessons I'd have to turn him or her down. So I reached out to the school IT where I'm substitute teaching....

Almost Immediately I Heard Back From...

The computer science teacher! Mr. Nathan Krahn agreed to help me make house calls to give computer lessons almost anywhere on Oahu.

Mr. Krahn not only joins our computer tutoring and troubleshooting family with an extensive computer and teaching background, but he's also built his own computers and loves a very secure, fast computer operating system called Linux. My own favorite flavor of Linux being Linux Mint. I've replaced several troublesome Windows 10 computers with Linux Mint and hardly hear from those computer clients at all since doing so. Previously I was seeing in home computer clients every 7 to 10 days with Windows update issues.

Additional Background of Mr. Krahn

Before teaching computer science, Mr. Krahn taught special education. This helped to develop the IT and teacher thick skin from handling frustrations and even verbal insults from both parents and students. He'll be utilizing that same thick skin to help frustrated in home computer users who have computer problems or simply have a difficult time with today's computers, cell phones and tablets.

Nathan is married and well established here in Honolulu Hawaii. He enjoys working with our computer clients and hopes to hear from you soon.

Contact Manager Rick Kirkham for an Appointment Time

Even with Nathan's help we still have almost a full schedule. Text or call ASAP to secure your appointment time. Warning: If you reschedule this could cause a delay of one week sometimes.

Honolulu Hawaii and all of Oahu call or Text me, Rick Kirkham, 808.224.1870 to check our availability.

Typing can be very frustrating if you haven't been shown the basics. As an in home computer tutor here in Honolulu Hawaii covering all of Oahu, learning keyboard basics for senior citizens or anyone else is an important step toward enjoying your computer.

Important Links for This Computer Tip

In Home, Onsite and Remote Cell Phone Tablet and Computer Lessons Training and Troubleshooting for Businesses and Senior Citizens For Honolulu Hawaii and All of Oahu Text or Call 808.224.0870 Mainland U.S.A. Text Only for Remote Lessons and Troubleshooting Due to Time Differences

https://InHomeComputerHelp.com/

The Big Plain English Computer Cell Phone and Tablet Help and Tips eBook

By in home and remote computer cell phone and tablet tutor and troubleshooter J. Richard Kirkham of Honolulu Hawaii covering all of Oahu and the mainland U.S.A. Text 808.224.1870 for computer help or download this tell all secrets computer cell phone and tablet tips and help eBook which even contains links to computer video tutorials created by Mr. Kirkham himself!
https://InHomeComputerHelp.com/computerhelpebook/

Senior Specialty In Home Computer Lessons and Computer Setup Oahu Call or Text 224-1870

https://www.mobilecomputersupportoahu.com/computerlessonsseniors/

Help is Now Available for Google Drive The Microsoft Office 365 Replacement and Gmail by Remote Computer Tutor and Troubleshooter J. Richard Kirkham B.Sc.

https://InHomeComputerHelp.com/googledrivehelp/

How to Keep Your Computer Files and Photos Safe in The 21st Century

Your cloud backup such as Google Drive, Dropbox and if you’re using Office 365, OneDrive is NOT enough to keep your files safe and secure any longer! Cloud backup will help save your files when your computer crashes, BUT it won’t help if many of the modern viruses infect your computer such as the Ransomware Encryption Virus.
https://InHomeComputerHelp.com/safecomputerbackups/

EXACT USB Touchpad Recommended by Rick Kirkham for Computer Users with Dexterity Issues

https://InHomeComputerHelp.com/touchpad/

Wireless keyboard/touchpad solution I use myself

https://InHomeComputerHelp.com/wirelesskeyboardandtouchpad/

Voice Dictation Software to Help with Dexterity Issues

https://InHomeComputerHelp.com/voicedictation/

Video - Linux Mint Your Windows Replacement by In Home and Remote Computer Tutor and Troubleshooter J. Richard Kirkham B.Sc. of Honolulu Hawaii Covering all of Oahu and The Mainland U.S.A. Text 808.224.1870 Due to Time Differences.

https://InHomeComputerHelp.com/computersupportoahu/videomintbasics.php

Legal Statement

Communists hate the fact that some of these links are affiliate links which help support my efforts to bring important information such as this to you. These affiliate links cost you nothing to click.
Thank you for your support!
Rick
J. Richard Kirkham B.Sc.
https://InHomeComputerHelp.com

As an in home and remote computer tutor here in Honolulu Hawaii covering all of Oahu and the mainland U.S.A., I run across senior citizens with various physical challenges for which I must come up with a solution. Here's a way of dealing with problems using a touchpad and mouse....

Important Links for This Computer Tip

In Home, Onsite and Remote Cell Phone Tablet and Computer Lessons Training and Troubleshooting for Businesses and Senior Citizens For Honolulu Hawaii and All of Oahu Text or Call 808.224.0870 Mainland U.S.A. Text Only for Remote Lessons and Troubleshooting Due to Time Differences

https://InHomeComputerHelp.com/

The Big Plain English Computer Cell Phone and Tablet Help and Tips eBook

By in home and remote computer cell phone and tablet tutor and troubleshooter J. Richard Kirkham of Honolulu Hawaii covering all of Oahu and the mainland U.S.A. Text 808.224.1870 for computer help or download this tell all secrets computer cell phone and tablet tips and help eBook which even contains links to computer video tutorials created by Mr. Kirkham himself!
https://InHomeComputerHelp.com/computerhelpebook/

Senior Specialty In Home Computer Lessons and Computer Setup Oahu Call or Text 224-1870

https://www.InHomeComputerHelp.com/computerlessonsseniors/

Help is Now Available for Google Drive The Microsoft Office 365 Replacement and Gmail by Remote Computer Tutor and Troubleshooter J. Richard Kirkham B.Sc.

https://InHomeComputerHelp.com/googledrivehelp/

How to Keep Your Computer Files and Photos Safe in The 21st Century

Your cloud backup such as Google Drive, Dropbox and if you’re using Office 365, OneDrive is NOT enough to keep your files safe and secure any longer! Cloud backup will help save your files when your computer crashes, BUT it won’t help if many of the modern viruses infect your computer such as the Ransomware Encryption Virus.
https://InHomeComputerHelp.com/safecomputerbackups/

EXACT USB Touchpad Recommended by Rick Kirkham for Computer Users with Dexterity Issues

https://InHomeComputerHelp.com/touchpad/

Wireless keyboard/touchpad solution I use myself

https://InHomeComputerHelp.com/wirelesskeyboardandtouchpad/

Voice Dictation Software to Help with Dexterity Issues

https://InHomeComputerHelp.com/voicedictation/

Legal Statement

Communists hate the fact that some of these links are affiliate links which help support my efforts to bring important information such as this to you. These affiliate links cost you nothing to click.
Thank you for your support!
Rick
J. Richard Kirkham B.Sc.
https://InHomeComputerHelp.com

Setting up a wired printer to print wirelessly can be accomplished by connecting it directly to your wireless router with an ethernet cable or, if the wireless router allows it, a USB cable and completing the printer setup on your Mac or Windows PC. This is called a network printer.

Once you've set up the printer, it will be available to any computer on your network. Your wired printer should have an Ethernet port or a USB cable that you can use to connect directly to your router. Use the Ethernet cable to give you a faster connection speed.

NETGEAR Nighthawk 12-Stream WiFi 6E Router (RAXE500) | AXE11000 Tri-Band Wireless Speed (Up to 10.8Gbps) |New 6GHz Band | Coverage up to 2,500 sq. ft. and 60 Devices

Connect the Wired Printer

Step 1

Plug one end of the Ethernet cable into an Ethernet port on your printer. Then, connect the other end to a port on the back of your wireless router.

Mediabridge Ethernet Cable (25 Feet) - Supports Cat6 / Cat5e / Cat5 Standards, 550MHz, 10Gbps - RJ45 Computer Networking Cord (Part 31-399-25X)

Step 2

Make sure your printer is plugged in to a wall socket or battery backup.

Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 Wireless Wide-Format Color All-in-One Supertank Printer with Scanner, Copier, Ethernet and 4.3-inch Color Touchscreen

Step 3

Turn on the printer if plugging it into an electric socket didn't power it on.

Step 4

If you have any issues try rebooting the modem and wireless router by unplugging the power cords from both

Wait one minute

Plug them both back in again.

You'll need time for the cache to build up. I usually tell my in home printer setup clients to reboot their computers. That clears the cache from the computer and gives the internet network time to connect.

Windows Setup

Newest HP 17 Business Laptop, 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7, 17.3" FHD IPS Display, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth, HDMI, Webcam, Windows 10 Pro | 32GB Tela USB Card

Step 1

On your keyboard press the Windows key and r.

Type in the word control

Press Enter on the keyboard

In the upper right hand corner see the type of view

If you're Windows PC is in Category view click Category view and select Large Icons.

Click Devices and Printers

Step 2

Click "Add a Printer" and select "Add a Network, Wireless or Bluetooth Printer" in the Add Printer window.

Step 3

Select the printer you connected to the network and click "Next."

Step 4

Click "Install Driver" and enter your username and password if the install procedure asks for them.

Step 5

Continue to follow the prompts in the wizard and click "Next."

Mac Setup

2019 Apple MacBook Pro (16-inch, 16GB RAM, 1TB Storage, 2.3GHz Intel Core i9) - Space Gray

Step 1

Click the "Apple" menu and select "System Preferences."

Step 2

Click "Print & Scan."

Step 3

Click the "Lock" icon and type in your password when asked. Click the "+" button and select your printer from the list. Wait for the printer drivers to download and install the wireless printer software.

Step 4

Click the Lock icon again to lock it.

The Absolute Easiest Way to Setup Your Network Printer....

Honolulu Hawaii and all of Oahu Text me, Rick Kirkham, 808.224.1870 to check my availability for a house call or office visit.

Some of these links are affiliate links. They cost you nothing to click on them and help to support my efforts in bringing you computer tips and articles such as the one you just read. Thank you for your support.