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:

 

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.

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.

Misc Software Tools, Apps, Sites/Services & Utilities

🛠️ Misc Tools

• msconfig
  System configuration Wikipedia Overview
• Task Manager
  System performance and process viewer Task Manager Info
• schtasks /query
  View scheduled tasks Microsoft Docs
• Services Manager
  Manage system services Windows Services Info
• Event Viewer
  View system logs Event Viewer Docs
• LogParser
  Microsoft tool that lets you query Event Logs, IIS logs, etc. LogParser

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.

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

💡 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.

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.