UniFi Console Migration Guide:

Dream Machine Upgrade or Migration: Including Cloud Account Claiming, Cellular WAN Failover, SSH Credential Capture & Orphaned Device Recovery

This guide covers migrating all adopted UniFi devices (APs, switches, cameras) from a Dream Machine (UDM) to a Dream Machine Pro (UDM-Pro) with minimal disruption. It assumes you are replacing the UDM entirely and the UDM-Pro will take the same network role.

This guide has been updated with real-world field experience from an actual UDM → UDM-Pro migration, including the cloud account claiming procedure, Mesh AP tweaks required post-restore, and cellular WAN failover configuration using a designated LAN port as WAN3.

SSD Reliability: Significant Concerns & Failure Risks

SSD Reliability:
Significant Concerns & Failure Risks

Recent data from 2025-2026 highlights a troubling decline in SSD reliability, driven by firmware-level defects and OS instability. For those accustomed to the historical resilience of flash storage, the current landscape requires a shift in strategy. Our internal data shows 5 client failures in the last 30 day; drives that were operational one day, and the next are DEAD and data is unrecoverable. 

Reported symptoms include spontaneous volume dismounting and critical failure during sustained write operations, and in some cases even issues with Windows Update installations, rendering the hardware entirely unreadable. 

This article's objective is to go over the current issue(s) trends we are noticing and things you can do to protect your data and information; JUST incase your SSD decides to call it quits!

The Manual Every Computer User Should Read

We’ve all been there... 

The screen freezes. 

The printer won’t connect. 

A suspicious email pops up in your inbox, and you aren't sure if you should click it. 

For most people, computers are essential tools, but they are also sources of endless frustration and anxiety.

After 20+ years of professional experience in IT, I realized that while technology changes, the fundamental skills users need to stay safe and efficient rarely do. I wanted to create a comprehensive, practical guide that bridges the gap between "technical jargon" and "what do I actually click?"

The Computer Handbook

*Updated 2-16-2026 to fix hyperlink issues!

New Computer Migration & Setup: How-To Guide

Setting Up Your New Computer:
A Complete Migration Guide

Getting a new computer is exciting, but the transition from your old system to the new one requires careful planning to ensure nothing important gets left behind. These principles apply universally, regardless of your hardware path: whether you are performing a standard upgrade (PC to PC, Mac to Mac) or switching operating systems entirely (PC to Mac or Mac to PC). Whether you're upgrading at home or replacing workstations at your business, proper preparation can mean the difference between a smooth, stress-free experience and hours of frustration tracking down missing files and forgotten passwords.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know before, during, and after a computer migration. There are several things you can do ahead of time to make the process faster and more successful; with less surprises!

For Mac/Apple Computer Time Machine Migrations, Click Here!

The Best Way to Transfer Data to a New Mac (Time Machine Guide)

The Cleanest Way to Migrate to
a New Mac Computer

Getting a new Mac is exciting, but the thought of moving all your files, passwords, and specific settings can be daunting. Over the years, I’ve found that one method stands out as the absolute best way to transfer your digital life: Apple’s Time Machine backup combined with Migration Assistant.

The Invisible Carbon Footprint: Top 10 "Greener" Cloud Storage Providers (with NAS Backup)

The Invisible Carbon Footprint: Cloud Storage

If you are serious about data protection, you likely follow the "3-2-1 Backup Rule": three copies of data, two different media, and one offsite. That "offsite" copy is the lifesaver; whether it’s a mirror of your Synology NAS or a full-system image of your workstation. But while your local hardware sits quietly on a shelf sipping 20 watts of power, the cloud datacenter holding those system archives is a different story.

Data centers currently consume an estimated 1-2% of global electricity, a number expected to rise sharply with the AI boom. As IT enthusiasts, system builders, and data hoarders, we have a responsibility to ask: Where are my system backups actually living, and how are they being kept cool?

Finding a "green" provider isn’t just about believing a leaf icon on a homepage. It’s about finding a balance between technical compatibility (S3, WebDAV, rclone) and verifiable sustainability (PUE metrics, water usage, and renewable sourcing). Here are the top 10 cloud storage options that balance robust system and NAS backup needs with environmental responsibility.

New Computer Setup; Our Process

When you get a new computer, it should feel exciting; not stressful.

At Pacific Northwest Computers, our goal is to make your new system feel familiar, functional, and secure, while minimizing downtime and surprises.

Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at what we typically do during a new computer setup & migration, whether we’re working in-shop, onsite at your home or office, or remotely where possible.

Bitwarden Password Vault Cleanup Guide

Bitwarden CLI Vault Cleanup Guide

A comprehensive guide for cleaning up your Bitwarden vault using the CLI, based on real troubleshooting sessions.

Prerequisites

• Bitwarden CLI installed in C:\Tools\Bitwarden (or your chosen directory)
• Windows PowerShell (works with PowerShell 5.x)
• Navigate to the Bitwarden directory in a Windows Terminal: cd C:\Tools\Bitwarden

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/

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/256112267

https://appleinsider.com/articles/25/06/10/time-machines-time-capsule-support-ends-with-macos-27

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.

Online Data Backup Solutions

Pacific NorthWest Computers is a reseller for several different online backup providers and recently partnered with BackSync. BackSync Backup is a secure online backup and recovery solution with unlimited retention, centralized management and industry leading features. Small to Medium Business who are looking for Enterprise class backup at a fraction of the price. We don’t waste your time by offering consumer grade products re-branded with a “Pro” label.

BackSync Backup Features:

• Exchange 2000 thru 2010 - Database, Mailbox and Mail item level restore 
• Synthetic Full Backup - Exchange Database and regular file backups 
• VMware ESX/ESXi – Guest level backup of licensed servers 
• Microsoft SQL 2000 thru 2008 
• SharePoint - 2003 thru 2010 and WSS 
• MySQL Server 
• Oracle Databases 
• Active Directory and System State 
• Open File Backup 
• Normal Flat File Backup- Select disks, folders and files 
• Network Drive Backup – Agent-less backups of other computers 
• NAS (Network Attached Storage) Backup 
• Outlook PST files 
• Windows Registry 
• Native Clients for Windows, OS X and Linux 
• Backup to Local Disk, NAS, File Share or Online 
• Unlimited file retention 

BackSync Backup Security

• Encryption – Up to 448 bit strong encryption. 
• Transmission – Backups are transmitted via a secured encrypted (SSL) link to the backup server. 
• High Availability – All data is stored on high availability RAID storage networks with the ability to replicate around the world. 
• Data Center- Backup servers are located in secured SAS70 Type-II data centers that are staffed and monitor 24x7x365. These facilities have redundant cooling, power and Internet. 

BackSync Backup is Simple!

• Automated – Backup jobs can be scheduled from every minute to once a year or continuous as the files change. 
• Continuous Data Protection (CDP) – Live monitoring and backup of files and folders for continuous data protection. (Great for laptops and mobile workers). 
• Retention - Retain data on a per backup job basis up to 10 years for both live and deleted files. 
• Consolidation – Backup as many computers as you want under a single account for easy management. 
• Rapid Restore – Restores are performed quickly from the client. Larger restores can be done in in the data center and delivered or shipped directly to you. 
• Easy to Manage – All backup clients and servers can be managed from a web browser. 
• Seeding – Large initial backups can be quickly seeded with a USB drive into the data center. 
• Reporting – Each client maintains detailed reports on every backup with the option to send notifications. 

If you are looking for a standard/non-commercial data backup services, here are some of our top picks!

• Backblaze.com provides unlimited and inexpensive data storage solutions; starting at $5 a month.
• If you went with a business package, from Carbonite you would have the easiest access to your data as well; you could access data from any type of device. You could also use it like an online file storage/access portal as well! Unlike some of the other online data backup providers, Carbonite does provide backup services for iphones and ipads!
  play.google.com/store/apps/details
  www.carbonite.com/online-backup/pricing-plans
• SOS's Online Backup plans aren't the cheapest but it's hard to compare apples to apples in this industry. For example, SOS's continuous data backup feature, which backs up a new version of a file the instant it's changed, is a killer feature that I haven't seen elsewhere!

There are other "alternative" solutions such as NAS Drives (Network Accessible Storage Drive) and other alternative services like Google Drive, DropBox, SkyDrive, Etc. But we will get into those later :)

Let us know if you have any questions or comments!

Jon Pienkowski
Pacific NorthWest Computers
www.pnwcomputers.com
360-624-7379

New Virus Alert: CryptoLocker!

A New Virus Has Surfaced ~ CryptoLocker

CryptoLocker is a new, nasty piece of malicious software that is infecting computers around the world; encrypting important files and demanding a ransom to unlock them. If you get hit with this virus you risk having your personal data encrypted and lost for good!

This sophisticated malware is delivered the old-fashioned way – an executable file hidden inside an attachment that looks like an ordinary ZIP file or PDF. One small business reports being compromised after clicking on an email attachment that was designed to look like a shipping invoice from the U.S. Postal Service.

The CryptoLocker virus can be removed from an infected system, but unfortunately at this time there is no way to retrieve the private key that can be used to decrypt your files without paying the ransom. Brute forcing the decryption key is not realistic due to the length of time required to break the key. Also any decryption tools that have been released by various companies will not work with this infection. The only method you have of restoring your files is from a backup or Shadow Volume Copies if you have System Restore enabled. Newer variants of CryptoLocker attempt to delete the Shadow Copies, but it is not always successful.

Preventive Measures:

1. BACKUP ALL OF YOUR DATA ASAP! That’s the only way to reduce the risk of losing your files forever. Also, to avoid getting your backup's encrypted your backup device should be disconnected from your computer until the next time you need to access it or run a backup. 
2. Download and install a free utility called 'Crypto Prevent'. Crypto Prevent is a small utility that changes a few settings in your computer to help prevent the CryptoLocker infection from happening in the first place! Its not a golden bullet however, so having current data backups is your ulitimate defense. You can downloading the Crypto Prevent utility directly from the link below!

http://www.foolishit.com/vb6-projects/cryptoprevent/

If you need any assistance we can setup a visit to help secure and backup your computer for you!

Let us know if you have any questions or issues!

Jon Pienkowski
Pacific NorthWest Computers
www.pnwcomputers.com
360-624-7379

Data Backup - Whats Out There Other Than Online?

Question...

Other than an online backup solution, what is a basic setup that you recommend for keeping your computer data backed up?

Answer: Pacific NorthWest Computers recommends getting a small portable hard drive for each individual computer you may have at your home/office. We have seen clients use one hard drive for multiple computers but that usually ends up being more of a hassle rather than a convenience. Plus if that one drive was to fail, everyone's data could be lost! So with an individual drive for each computer, backups can be scheduled and completely automated.  Additionally, in the case of hard drive failure, you only have to worry about the data for that one user versus potentially losing all of the data for multiple users!
If you want to make sure you data is REALLY secure, A Network Accessible Storage drive (also known as a NAS drive) is another option to take a look at. A NAS is like an external hard drive that is setup over your network. Besides creating easy access to data from any computer connected to that network, it also uses multiple hard drives to protect your data in the event that one of the drives was to fail. With a NAS, all your data and information is mirrored to additional drives so in the event a hard drive fails you don't lose any data OR have any down time! For businesses, no down time is VERY important!

So there are some other options as well, but this is a good starting point :)
If you have any general data backup questions or questions about your data backup system, give us a call or shoot us an email today!! 
360-624-7379
Jon@pnwcomputers.com
www.pnwcomputers.com