With more than 20 years of experience, Pacific NorthWest Computers provides affordable on-site and in-shop computer repair services in Washington and Oregon State! We provide services ranging from onsite and remote support, malware removal, data recovery, laptop hardware repairs, custom-built computers, networking, security services, consulting/training, and many other computer/tech-related support and services! www.linktr.ee/pnwcomputers
Monday, July 1, 2024
Wednesday, May 22, 2024
Easily Zero Fill a Hard Drive for FREE through Windows!
How To Zero-Fill A Hard Drivevia the Windows Command Prompt
Windows 7,8,10 and 11 actually can zero-fill a hard drive through the built-in Command Prompt utility. The Command Prompt adopts a special 'format' command to achieve writing zeros to the hard disk/partitions.
Friday, May 17, 2024
LoRA / Meshtastic & Unlicensed ISM
What is LoRA?
LoRA (which stands for Long Range) is a wireless communication technology designed for long-range, low-power communication in the Internet of Things (IoT) applications. It operates on unlicensed radio bands and is known for its ability to transmit data over long distances while consuming minimal power. LoRA technology is often used for connecting devices that need to communicate over long distances, such as in smart city applications, industrial automation, agricultural monitoring, and much, much more.Monday, April 29, 2024
Microsoft Battery & AC Adapter Driver Issue(s)
Laptop Battery/Charging Issue(s):
Microsoft AC Adapter & Microsoft ACPI-Compliant Control Method Battery Drivers
I have run into a few laptops lately that have been exhibiting some issues with charging their batteries and the issues have actually been related to Microsoft's Battery and AC adapter drivers!
It's an easy to fix, and you just have to do the following:
- You can open the "Device Manager" by searching for it through Windows search or by right-clicking the "Start" menu button and selecting "Device Manager."
- Click on "Batteries" in the device list to expand it, and you will see two items:
- Microsoft AC Adapter
- Microsoft ACPI-Compliant Control Method Battery.
- Right-click ON EACH ITEM (BOTH) and choose "Uninstall Device".
- Yes, you are uninstalling your laptop's battery drivers. But don't worry, they will automatically be reinstalled when you restart your laptop.
- Shut down your laptop.
- Unplug the power cable from your laptop.
- If your laptop has a removable battery, remove it. If it does not, you will need to remove the bottom panel and then disconnect the battery from the motherboard.
- If you removed the battery, put it back in, or reconnect it if you had to physically disconnect it.
- Plug your laptop back into power.
- Power on your laptop.
- Once you have booted back up and logged in, click the battery icon in the system tray, and you should see that your laptop is plugged in and charging!
Source:
Pacific NW Computers
Monday, April 22, 2024
SDR Radios - Hardware & Software Links
A Software-Defined Radio (SDR) is a wireless radio system that uses software to process radio signals instead of using hardware components. SDRs use software-based algorithms to configure radio parameters like frequency, modulation, and operating modes. This eliminates the need for hardware components like mixers, modulators, and demodulators.
Tuesday, April 16, 2024
Cyberdeck: "System In A Box" Build
Cyberdeck v1 Build
The goal of building this "system in a box" was to put something together that was a full-fledged portable network, had a mini-server, SDR/radio capabilities, GPS, and Bluetooth, all on the go! But it needed to be powered by a portable battery (such as a Jackery) or via a power inverter from a car.Flipper Zero: Tips & Tricks To Help Get You Started!
Flipper Zero: Tips & Tricks
So what is a Flipper Zero anyway?The Flipper Zero website describes the device as "a portable multi-tool for pen-testers and geeks in a toy-like body. It loves hacking digital stuff, such as radio protocols, access control systems, hardware, and more. It's fully open-source and customizable, so you can extend it in whatever way you like."
Monday, April 1, 2024
What Specs Do You Need In A New Computer!?
CPUs:
Both Intel and AMD employ a numbering system to classify their CPU models based on their respective performance.Wednesday, March 27, 2024
Upgrade To Windows 11 ~ With Your Apps and Data Intact!
Can You Install Windows 11,Without Losing Apps or Data In The Process?
Why yes you can!
Thanks to the Windows Installation Assistant!
I found an article (linked below) while looking into a "surefire" way to upgrade a Windows 10 system to Windows 11, without having to run the risk of needing to reinstall software and applications, or even potentially loose data. Currently, the only guaranteed method to install Windows 11 on your computer without performing a fresh install is by using the Installation Assistant. This tool from Microsoft acts as an update, transforming your existing Windows installation to the newer version without affecting any of the files or applications:
https://helpdeskgeek.com/windows-11/how-to-upgrade-to-windows-11-without-losing-any-data/
Pacific NW Computers
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
What 3D Printer to Get?!
Want to get into 3D printing?!
If money isn't a limiter:
https://us.store.bambulab.com/products/x1-carbon-combo...
If you're on a budget:
ELEGOO Neptune 4 Pro 3D Printer: https://a.co/d/eTdGxML
Most reliable:
https://www.prusa3d.com/product/original-prusa-mk4-2/...