Thursday, September 4, 2025

Portable Sysinternals Suite System Tester


As IT professionals, we've all been there: you're troubleshooting a client's computer, performing routine maintenance, or trying to quickly assess a system's health before handing it back to a customer. Traditional diagnostic tools often require installation, leave traces on the system, or produce verbose outputs filled with technical jargon that clients don't need to see.

Enter the Portable Sysinternals Suite System Tester! A game-changing PowerShell toolkit that transforms how we approach Windows system diagnostics. This thumb-drive friendly solution combines the power of Microsoft's renowned Sysinternals Suite with built-in Windows tools to deliver comprehensive system health reports without leaving a footprint on the target machine.

https://github.com/Pnwcomputers/SystemTester


What Makes This Tool Special?

Unlike traditional diagnostic software that requires installation or complex setup, this PowerShell-based solution runs entirely portable. Simply copy it to a USB drive, plug it into any Windows 10 or 11 machine, and you're ready to perform comprehensive system diagnostics.


Key Features That Set It Apart:

  • ๐Ÿ–ฑ️ One-Click Operation: Choose between an interactive menu or fully automated runs
  • ๐Ÿงน Intelligent Output Cleaning: Automatically removes banners, EULA text, and verbose usage information
  • ๐Ÿง  Comprehensive Testing Suite: Covers CPU, RAM, disk health, running processes, security configurations, and network status
  • ๐Ÿ—‚️ Dual Reporting System: Generates both a clean summary for clients and detailed technical logs for IT professionals
  • ๐Ÿ“ฆ Zero Installation Required: Runs completely portable from USB drives or network locations
  • ๐Ÿงฐ Graceful Tool Detection: Automatically detects missing Sysinternals tools and skips them without errors
  • ๐Ÿ” Smart Elevation Handling: Uses advanced SID-based admin detection that works reliably across different Windows configurations

Technical Deep Dive:

The System Tester leverages a carefully curated selection of Sysinternals utilities combined with Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) and built-in Windows commands. Here's what runs under the hood:

System Information Gathering:

  • PSInfo: Comprehensive system configuration details
  • ClockRes: System timer resolution analysis
  • WMI Queries: Operating system and computer hardware overview

CPU Performance Analysis:

  • CoreInfo: Detailed processor architecture and feature detection
  • Performance Counters: Real-time CPU utilization monitoring
  • Process Analysis: Identification of CPU-intensive applications

Memory Health Assessment:

  • WMI Memory Details: Physical and virtual memory configuration
  • TestLimit: Memory stress testing and allocation verification
  • Performance Counters: Memory paging and performance metrics

Storage System Evaluation:

  • WMI Disk Overview: Drive configuration and health status
  • DU (Disk Usage): Detailed directory space analysis
  • Streams: NTFS alternate data stream detection
  • Contig: File fragmentation analysis
  • I/O Testing: Basic read/write performance verification


Getting Started!

Setting up the System Tester is straightforward and takes just a few minutes:

Required Folder Structure:

SystemTester.ps1
SystemTester.bat
Sysinternals\
├── psinfo.exe
├── coreinfo.exe
├── pslist.exe
├── testlimit.exe
├── du.exe
├── streams.exe
├── (optional) handle.exe, autorunsc.exe, contig.exe, sigcheck.exe, clockres.exe


Multiple Ways to Run:

Option A - Easy Launch: Simply run RunSystemTester.bat for an interactive menu.

Option B - Automated Classic Mode: Choose option 2 in the launcher for traditional full-system scanning.

Option C - Device-Grouped Testing: Select option 3 for structured diagnostics organized by hardware components.

Option D - Direct PowerShell Execution:

  • Interactive mode: powershell -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File .\SystemTester.ps1
  • Automated run: powershell -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File .\SystemTester.ps1 -AutoRun
  • Device-grouped: powershell -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File .\SystemTester.ps1 -AutoRunByDevice
  • Custom output location: powershell -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File .\SystemTester.ps1 -AutoRun -OutputPath "E:\Reports"


๐Ÿ“Š Understanding Your Reports:

The System Tester generates two complementary reports:

Clean Summary Report (SystemTest_Clean_YYYYMMDD_HHMMSS.txt)

This human-readable report is perfect for sharing with clients. It includes:

  • System specifications in plain English
  • Performance summary with easy-to-understand metrics
  • Health status indicators
  • Actionable recommendations when issues are detected

Detailed Technical Report (SystemTest_Detailed_YYYYMMDD_HHMMSS.txt)

The technical report provides comprehensive diagnostic data for IT professionals:

  • Complete tool outputs with technical details
  • Raw performance metrics and system counters
  • Detailed process and service information
  • Security configuration analysis (when Autoruns is available)

Ideal/Example Use Cases:

Field Service Technicians

Quickly assess customer systems on-site without installing diagnostic software. Generate professional reports that demonstrate thoroughness and build customer confidence.

IT Support Teams

Establish baseline system health documentation before and after maintenance. The portable nature means you can use the same tool across your entire fleet without deployment concerns.

Computer Repair Shops

Provide customers with detailed "health certificates" for their repaired systems. The clean summary reports are perfect for explaining technical findings in customer-friendly language.

System Administrators

Perform quick health checks during routine maintenance windows. The device-grouped testing mode helps focus on specific subsystems when troubleshooting targeted issues.


Security and Privacy Considerations:

The System Tester is designed with security awareness in mind:
  • Administrative Rights: While optional, some checks benefit from elevation. The tool clearly indicates which tests require admin access.
  • Information Disclosure: Reports include computer names and usernames - review before sharing outside your organization.
  • Sensitive Path Information: Autoruns and Streams can reveal executable paths - treat detailed reports as sensitive artifacts.
  • No Installation Footprint: The tool runs entirely in memory and doesn't modify the target system.

Future Roadmap:

The System Tester continues to evolve with planned enhancements including:
  • Version 1.1: Optional GPU and SMART drive checks, skip flags for selective testing, and tunable summary verbosity
  • Version 1.2: HTML report export, compressed output folders, and improved parsing algorithms
  • Version 2.0: WPF/WinUI graphical interface, pluggable module system, and JSON configuration support

Conclusion

The Portable Sysinternals Suite System Tester represents a significant step forward in field diagnostics tools. By combining the reliability of Microsoft's Sysinternals Suite with intelligent automation and clean reporting, it addresses real-world challenges faced by IT professionals daily.

Whether you're a field service technician needing quick system assessments, a repair shop owner wanting to provide professional diagnostic reports, or a system administrator performing routine health checks, this tool adapts to your workflow while maintaining the highest standards of portability and professionalism.

Ready to streamline your diagnostic workflow? Download the System Tester from the GitHub repository and experience the difference that thoughtful tool design can make in your daily IT operations.


The System Tester is released under the MIT license and welcomes community contributions. Found a bug or have a feature request? Open an issue on GitHub or submit a pull request to help make this tool even better for the IT community.



Created & Maintained by Pacific Northwest Computers


Tuesday, September 2, 2025

How Supply Chain Attacks Can Bypass Your Best Security Measures

 


The Hidden Threat:
How Supply Chain Attacks Can Bypass Your Best Security Measures

In the world of cybersecurity, organizations invest millions in firewalls, endpoint protection, network monitoring, and employee training. Yet some of the most devastating breaches in recent history have occurred not through brute force attacks on these defenses, but by targeting something far more insidious: the supply chain itself. Supply chain attacks represent a fundamental shift in the threat landscape, demonstrating how attackers can completely circumvent even the most robust security measures by compromising the very tools and systems we trust to keep us safe.

Windows PC Clean-up and Tune-up Guide - 2025 Update

 


Full & Complete Windows PC Clean-up Guide

Overview

This guide provides a systematic approach to cleaning, securing, and optimizing a Windows PC using both built-in tools and trusted third-party utilities. Follow these steps in order for best results.

Prerequisites

  • Administrator access to the Windows PC
  • Stable internet connection for downloads and updates
  • Create System Restore Point before beginning

Friday, August 29, 2025

Solving OneDrive For Business (Work/School) Errors & Issues


Solving OneDrive For Business Issues:
A Complete Troubleshooting Guide

OneDrive for Business is an essential tool for workplace collaboration, but like any cloud service, it can sometimes hit snags that disrupt your workflow. Whether you're dealing with sync issues, account confusion, or the dreaded "Cloud Provider Not Connected" error, this comprehensive guide will help you get back on track quickly.

The Most Common OneDrive Business Problems

Before diving into solutions, it's important to understand that most OneDrive issues stem from a few common sources: account mismatches, version confusion between personal and business accounts, connectivity problems, or corrupted sync processes. The good news? Most of these issues have straightforward fixes.

Friday, August 22, 2025

Clean-room Level Data Recovery Service: That's NOT a Rip Off!




In over 20 years of working with technology and data, I’ve encountered just about every kind of storage failure imaginable; from corrupted file systems to physically damaged drives. And while there are countless data recovery companies out there who would LOVE to charge you an obscene fortune to "help" you get your data back, one Company has gone against that trend has consistently stood out to me, HDD Recovery Services out of Ottawa, Canada: https://www.hddrecovery.ca/

Wednesday, August 20, 2025

Apple Phasing Out Network-Based Time Capsule, Time Machine Backups


The End of an Era:
Apple is Phasing Out Network-Based Time Capsule, Time Machine Backups

Apple is making a decisive shift in how macOS handles backups, and it’s a move that’s leaving many longtime users of Time Capsule and AirPort hardware with tough decisions. With the introduction of macOS 27, Apple will officially drop support for Time Machine backups over network-connected Time Capsule disks.
https://9to5mac.com/2025/06/10/time-machine-backup-macos/

Monday, August 18, 2025

Why Do Hackers Target & Attack Who They Do?

It’s quite rare for the average "someone" to be targeted by a deep, sophisticated cyberattack; without a compelling reason

Typically, this only happens when a hacker or group expects or knows they can achieve a significant payoff if they were to attack. If they think or know they could "score" something huge through an attack, they will be far more willing to invest their time and resources into that hack, attack, and/or SCAM.

Windows 10 End of Support: What You Need to Know About Microsoft's Timeline and Your Options

 


Windows 10 End of Support: What You Need to Know About Microsoft's Timeline and Your Options

If you're among the millions still using Windows 10, there's an important deadline approaching that could significantly impact your computer's security. Microsoft has announced that support for Windows 10 will officially end on October 14, 2025, but they've also introduced a new program that might give you more time to plan your next move.

Thursday, August 14, 2025

RAID Controller HBA Mode PLUS Proxmox ZFS Setup Tutorial


RAID HBA Mode & Proxmox ZFS Setup


Overview

This tutorial covers converting a RAID controller to HBA (Host Bus Adapter) mode and setting up ZFS storage in Proxmox. HBA mode allows ZFS to directly manage individual drives, providing better performance and ZFS's advanced features.

Monday, August 11, 2025

A Free Solution for Windows Driver Management

.

Snappy Driver Installer Origin:
A Free Solution for Windows OS Driver Management, ID & Installation

Windows device drivers can be a pain to identify, find, and obtain. When "bait" sites promise to provide needed drivers but deliver malware instead, or when Windows Device Manager fails to accurately identify a device that needs a driver, finding the right solution can feel impossible. More recently, I've run into support access limitations with commercial-grade systems and servers, where a corporate or partner account is required just to access necessary hardware drivers for a device.

That's where a free and completely open-source application called Snappy Driver Installer Origin (SDIO) comes to the rescue.

Wednesday, August 6, 2025

Maximize Your Digital Privacy

 


How to Maximize Your Digital Privacy in Today's Connected World

In recent months, I've noticed a surge in customer inquiries about online privacy and data security. Questions like "How can I keep my online accounts more secure?" and "I want to browse the internet as anonymously as possible; how do I do that?" have become increasingly common. The growing concern about personal data removal from the internet reflects our collective awakening to digital privacy risks.

This comprehensive guide covers the fundamentals of online privacy, practical steps to enhance your digital security, and methods for removing personal information from the internet.

ProxMox VE: Installation & Free Edition Configuration


Setting Up ProxMox VE:
Installation and Free Edition Configuration


ProxMox Virtual Environment (VE) is a powerful open-source virtualization platform that combines KVM virtualization and LXC containers on a single platform. Whether you're building a homelab or deploying enterprise infrastructure, ProxMox offers enterprise-grade features without the enterprise price tag.

In this guide, we'll walk through the essential steps for installing ProxMox and configuring it for the free edition, including the crucial repository fixes that every non-subscription user needs to know.

Server USB Boot & RAID Controller Access

Server Boot Methods:
USB Boot and RAID Controller Access

When working with servers, especially during initial setup or maintenance, you'll frequently need to boot from USB devices and access RAID controller configurations. This guide tries to help cover the essential methods for both operations across different server platforms.

Tuesday, July 29, 2025

Email Account Security Audit Guide

Email Account Security Audit Guide


Your email account is often the master key to your digital life. It's used for password resets, financial notifications, work communications, and personal correspondence. A compromised email account can lead to identity theft, financial loss, and privacy breaches. This guide will help you audit your email security and implement strong protection measures.

Monday, July 7, 2025

Network Rack Upgrade

Network Rack Upgrade

After 2 months of careful planning, part sourcing, and even some 3D printing magic, my freshly upgraded network rack is finally live! From a robust Tecmojo 12U frame to a lineup of SBCs and mini-PCs, every component has been placed with purpose. In this post, I’ll walk you through the hardware, share product links, and highlight the key modules that bring my homelab, and the Pacific Northwest Computers’ infrastructure, to life!!

*None of the links are affiliate links or anything! I am simply sharing what I used in this project!

Friday, July 4, 2025

Circuit Simulation & PCB Design Tools


In the fast-paced world of electronics design, having the right tools at your fingertips can make all the difference between a concept that stays on paper and one that comes to life. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned pro, circuit simulation and PCB design software help you prototype, test, and refine your ideas before you ever send files off for fabrication. Below is a curated roundup of both free and professional-grade applications, complete with links and brief descriptions, so you can quickly find the right fit for your next project.

Monday, June 23, 2025

Automated System-Wide Debloating & Basic Software Installation for Windows 10/11

Introducing "DeployWorkstation"

A System-Wide/All-Users Debloating & Basic Application Installation
PowerShell Script For Windows 10 & Windows 11 Systems

Tuesday, June 10, 2025

IoT Devices Wireless Troubleshooting Guide



Wireless Troubleshooting Guide for IoT Devices

(Amazon Echo, Smart Home Devices, etc.)

Ensuring stable wireless connectivity is essential for the proper functioning of IoT devices. If you're experiencing issues during setup or daily use, follow this checklist to optimize your network for compatibility.

Thursday, June 5, 2025

Does Your Device Support Wifi6 or Wifi6E

 

In this post we’ll give you a quick, jargon-free way to tell whether your current phone, laptop, desktop motherboard or router is likely to support Wi-Fi 6 or 6E, and what to do if it doesn’t. No deep dive into radio theory, just practical timelines, and some viable Wi-Fi upgrade options.

Tuesday, June 3, 2025

AI-Washing: The Potential Dot.Com Bubble Dejavu

AI-Washing: 

The Potential Dot.Com Bubble Dejavu...

Artificial intelligence is transforming software, but the gold-rush mentality around “AI-powered” everything has begun to look (and behave) like the dot-com bubble. Below is a concise look at the evidence, the warning signs, and what real AI work actually entails.

Saturday, May 31, 2025

AI Mechanistic Interpretability

AI Mechanistic Interpretability: Why Understanding AI is Just as Important as Building It

AI is no longer just a tech race, it’s turning into an arms race. We like to think we’re teaching AI, but in many ways, we’re struggling to keep up with what AI is teaching us. As AI systems grow more powerful, we’re granting them enormous levels of trust and control; sometimes without fully understanding how they work.

And that’s a problem.

Thursday, May 29, 2025

Allow a Blank User Password for Scheduled Tasks


To allow blank passwords for a scheduled task in Windows 11, you need to disable a security setting in the registry. A simple Windows Registry key controls whether blank passwords can be used for local account logins, including scheduled tasks. By disabling this setting, you can allow the scheduled task to run without a password!

Wednesday, May 28, 2025

Best "Bang for the Buck" Printers (ATM)

 


Looking for a new printer?

Maybe a printer that has not just high customer ratings, but also has cost-effective ink usage, and is also affordable?

Well here are some top options to consider!!

Monday, May 19, 2025

Custom Built Systems - From Over The Years...

Custom PC's I Have Built Over The Years! 



Official Printer & Scanner Support Sites

Printer & Scanner Support Sites
(Official Sites)


⚠️ Word of Warning:

Always avoid downloading drivers from unofficial sources or by using "driver update" tools or software; unless from the manufacturer! Third part "driver update" apps and software are almost ALWAYS unsafe, and ALWAYS unnecessary!

Scan to PC Not Working? Here's How to Try to Fix It!

 


Scan to PC Not Working?
Here's How to Try to Fix It!

If your printer or scanner won’t scan to your computer anymore, try these steps:

Windows Network Suddenly Stops Working – Troubleshoot File/Printer Access (Easy Guide)

Windows Network Access Stops:
Troubleshoot for File/Printer Sharing
*Easy Guide for Windows 10/11


If your computer could access shared folders or printers yesterday—but suddenly can’t today—don’t worry! These steps will help you check and fix the most common things that might have gone wrong.


Windows Network Suddenly Stops Working – Troubleshoot File/Printer Access (Technical Guide)

 
Windows Network Access Stops:
Troubleshoot for File/Printer Sharing
*Advanced Guide for Windows 10/11

If a previously working Windows network suddenly stops functioning—e.g., users can no longer access server shares, mapped drives, or network printers—this guide outlines what to check to restore connectivity.


*For an easier troubleshooting tutorial, please visit/use our "Easy Guide"


Tuesday, May 13, 2025

Fix Windows WMI Errors & Issues


When Windows system tools or third-party apps start throwing vague errors like Class not registered” or WMI repository is inconsistent,” it's usually a sign that something's gone wrong with the Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) system. WMI plays a critical role in diagnostics, hardware queries, and system-level management—so when it breaks, you’ll notice.

Recently, I helped a client in the music production industry who ran into a persistent issue while trying to launch Waves Centralthe app used to manage his VST plugins. The error pointed straight to a WMI problem. 

Bambu Labs X1 Carbon - Mods & Upgrades

Bambu Labs X1 Carbon
- Mods & Upgrades -


The Bambu Lab X1 Carbon is already a powerhouse of a 3D printer—fast, precise, and packed with features straight out of the box. But for those of us who can’t leave "good enough" alone, there’s a whole world of mods and upgrades that can take this already impressive machine to the next level. Whether you’re chasing print quality improvements, better filament handling, easier maintenance, or just adding some personality to your setup, these hardware upgrades and 3D printable mods have something to offer. 

In this article, I’ll walk through the upgrades I’ve personally tested on my X1C—from the solid feel of the BIQU Panda Extruder to the practical (and a little goofy) additions like the Poop Bucket with Emoji. 

Let’s dive in and give the X1C a proper enthusiast’s treatment!

Thursday, May 8, 2025

Best Value NAS System: Turn-Key & Custom Built

Best Value Turn-Key NAS (Plug-and-Play):


QNAP TS-464

Why it's great: Best balance of performance, expandability, and value. *Hot-swap supported.

  • Drives: 4x SATA 3.5"/2.5" bays (hot-swappable)

  • CPU: Intel Celeron N5105 Quad-core

  • RAM: 4GB DDR4 (upgradeable)

  • Network: 2x 2.5GbE LAN

  • Expansion: PCIe slot for 10GbE or NVMe cache card

Price: ~$1,100 *4 x 4TB HDD's

Set-Up & Prep Medicat Bootable Window PE


Set-Up & Prep Medicat Bootable Window PE 


1. Prepare Your Medicat USB or SSD

Download & Install Ventoy:

  1. Visit the official Ventoy website and download the latest release.
  2. Launch Ventoy2Disk and install it to your USB drive or external SSD.
  3. Enable Secure Boot support during installation (check the box in the installer).

Add Medicat ISO Data:

  1. Download the latest Medicat ISO from the official source.
  2. Copy the ISO file directly to the USB/SSD (no extraction necessary).

๐Ÿ“บ Video Tutorial:
How to Set Up Medicat on USB or External SSD

Tuesday, May 6, 2025

Email Address Change – What To Do When Switching Email Providers

Email Address Change:
What To Do When Switching Email Providers


If you’re moving to a new email service or provider, here are the key steps we recommend to ensure a smooth transition:

 

Friday, May 2, 2025

Fix Local Windows Network Discovery & Network Device/System Access Issues


Fix Windows Network Discovery & Network Device/System Access Issues


1. Ensure Network Discovery is Enabled.

Follow these steps to ensure that network discovery is enabled:
  1. Open the Control Panel.
  2. Navigate to "Network and Sharing Center".
  3. Click on "Change advanced sharing settings".
  4. Ensure that "Turn on network discovery" and "Turn on file and printer sharing" are selected.

Microsoft Office Blocking Content of Network/OneDrive Stored Data - FIX!

Microsoft Office - Blocking Content of Network/OneDrive Stored Data


You may have noticed that Microsoft Office applications like Word or Excel will sometimes block or restrict access to files stored on network drives or OneDrive, and you’re not alone. This feature is part of Microsoft’s tightening of security defaults, and while it's meant to protect users, it can interfere with legitimate workflows—especially in shared or networked environments. Fortunately, there’s a quick workaround that allows you to safely enable access by configuring your Trusted Sites settings in Windows.

Monday, April 28, 2025

Tutorial: Virus Scans and System Cleanup (PC)

 

Tutorial: Virus Scans & System Cleanup (PC)

1. Running a Virus Scan with Windows Defender (Microsoft Defender Antivirus)

Windows 10/11:

  1. Click the Start Menu and type Windows Security. Open it.

  2. In the Windows Security window, click Virus & threat protection.

  3. Under Current threats, click Quick Scan to immediately scan important areas of your computer.

  4. For a deeper scan:

    • Click Scan options under the Current threats section.

    • Choose Full Scan and click Scan Now. (This may take 1-2 hours.)

Notes:

  • Ensure that Windows is fully updated by checking Windows Update.

  • Threats found will be quarantined automatically or prompt you for action.

Monday, April 21, 2025

Misc Software Tools, Apps, Sites/Services & Utilities

๐Ÿ› ️ Misc Tools


Wednesday, April 16, 2025

Suspicious Network & Endpoint Activity Investigation Guide


Suspicious Network & Endpoint Activity Investigation Guide

This guide combines a structured documentation checklist with an actionable toolkit in PowerShell and Python to help rapidly investigate and respod to suspicious activity on a Windows-based endpoint. It includes tutorials for all tools and programs mentioned.

Documentation, Triage/Remediation & Reporting Structure


1. Initial Triage & Observation

Symptoms Observed: 

  • Unexpected outbound connections
  • CPU/disk spikes
  • Unknown open ports
  • Software behaving erratically
  • System slowdown
  • Time & Date Logged
  • System(s) Affected: IP address / Hostname
  • Alert Source Verficication/Review:
    • User report
    • SIEM
    • EDR alert
    • IDS/IPS
    • Valid Security Alert (OS/AV)
    • Etc.

MoCA Networking

MoCA Networking: The Best Alternative When Running Ethernet Isn’t an Option

If you've ever struggled with unreliable Wi-Fi in certain parts of your home, you've probably considered adding more access points or even running network cables. At Pacific Northwest Computers, we always recommend hard-wired Ethernet as the gold standard for home networking.

But what if running Ethernet cables isn’t possible? Maybe you're in a multi-story house, a rental property, or just don’t want to tear open walls. That’s where MoCA (Multimedia over Coax Alliance) steps in as a powerful, reliable alternative. In the right setup, MoCA can deliver Gigabit or even 2.5 Gigabit speeds—rivaling traditional wired networks.

Let’s walk you through what MoCA is, how it works, and how to build a successful network using it.

Tuesday, April 8, 2025

Recommended Computers: Desktops & Laptops, Used & New


Whether you're setting up a home office, upgrading your workspace, or simply looking for a dependable computer for daily use, finding the right system that balances performance, reliability, and price can be tricky. That’s why I’ve put together this quick list of recommended computers across different categories—from small towers to slim desktops, from affordable mini-PCs to reliable laptops—so you can choose what best fits your needs and budget. These are systems I’ve personally worked with, recommended to clients, or even used myself in the field. Let’s dive in!

Benefits of a Custom-Built Computer

Top Benefits of a Custom-Built Computer

✅ 1. Tailored Performance for Your Needs

You’re not paying for things you don’t need (or missing things you do). We can build specifically for:

  • Office work, QuickBooks, spreadsheets
  • Photo or video editing
  • Music Production
  • Gaming
  • Server or virtualization environments
  • Quiet or low-power systems

๐Ÿ’ก Example: If you don’t game, you won’t be sold a power-hungry GPU. If you do edit video, you’ll get the right CPU/GPU combo.

Monday, March 31, 2025

Apple Store - Share a Customized Apple Computer Build from the Apple Store

How to Share a Customized Apple Computer Build from the Apple Store

Whether you're an IT consultant, helping a friend, or buying a Mac for your business or creative work, Apple makes it easy to customize a Mac and share that build with someone else. They can then review, tweak, or purchase the system as-is directly from the Apple Store.

I use this method often for clients at Pacific Northwest Computers—it’s fast, professional, and ensures they get the exact specs they need.

Friday, March 21, 2025

General Quickbooks Network Troubleshooting & Repair

For a QuickBooks network setup, routine troubleshooting and repair procedures typically involve both network-level and QuickBooks-specific checks. These ensure proper file sharing, database server access, and multi-user functionality. Below is a clear, organized breakdown of routine troubleshooting and repair steps for a QuickBooks multi-user network setup (usually for QuickBooks Desktop versions).

Tuesday, March 11, 2025

Intel CPU Instability Issues; 13th & 14th Gen Processors

​Intel has addressed instability issues in its 13th and 14th Gen Core desktop processors, particularly the K, KF, and KS-series Core i5, i7, and i9 models. These issues were linked to elevated operating voltages causing premature aging and system instability.
(​The Verge)

To mitigate these problems, Intel released microcode updates, including version 0x12B, which limit voltage requests above 1.55V. This update aims to improve stability without significantly impacting performance. ​
(techpowerup.com)

QuickBooks Desktop: Error 350

Error 350 in QuickBooks Desktop during a rebuild process usually indicates corruption within the company file that QuickBooks' built-in tools (Verify/Rebuild and File Doctor) are unable to fix. Since you've already worked with QuickBooks support and used their repair tools without success, here are some advanced steps to try:

HIPAA-Compliant Cloud Storage


If you're looking for HIPAA/HITECH-compliant cloud storage, you'll need a provider that offers encryption, access controls, audit logs, and a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) to ensure compliance with HIPAA regulations. Here are some of the best options!