Showing posts with label hardware. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hardware. Show all posts

Friday, July 10, 2026

Migrating or Installing New Meraki Access Points


Migration & Installation of New or Replacement
Meraki Access Points: What Actually Works

Wireless access point refreshes sound simple on paper: buy new hardware, swap it in, done. In practice, your Meraki AP migrations will likely turn up a few real-world wrinkles. Here is a process you should follow to get everything cut over cleanly with zero extended downtime for your end users.

Tuesday, April 21, 2026

The Fragile State of Modern Tech: Where Accountability Goes to Die

The Fragile State of Modern Tech:
Where Accountability Goes to Die

So... I need to rant about a few things.

Technology today is the most powerful and accessible it has ever been... and yet somehow, also the most unreliable I can remember. We have more computing power, more tools, and more connectivity than ever, yet reliability and accountability feel like they are going backwards. 

At some point, “good enough” stopped being good enough.

We’ve reached a stage where almost everything is “easy” to use on the surface, but underneath, it’s held together with layers of complexity that break in ways that don't make sense anymore. Updates fix one thing and quietly break three others. Features get pushed out half-baked. 

Stability has become an afterthought.

Thursday, March 12, 2026

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!

Tuesday, February 3, 2026

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!

Tuesday, January 13, 2026

Spilled Liquid on A Device: Your Emergency Step-by-Step Survival Guide


Spill Emergencies:
How to Save Your Laptop & Electronics

Whether it’s a splash of water on your smartphone or a full cup of coffee dumped into your laptop keyboard, liquid is the #1 enemy of electronics. When moisture meets electricity, you are in a race against short-circuits and corrosion.

If you’ve just had a spill, don't panic. Follow this step-by-step guide to give your device the best chance of survival.

Monday, December 1, 2025

PNW Computers' Recommended Hardware

 


PNW Computers' Recommended Hardware

After years of working with small and medium businesses across the Pacific Northwest, I've learned one fundamental truth: the right hardware makes all the difference. Whether you're building out a new office network, upgrading your storage infrastructure, or simply need a reliable mouse that won't quit on you during a critical deadline, choosing the right equipment saves time, money, and headaches down the road.

This guide represents my go-to recommendations for devices that consistently deliver performance, reliability, and value. These aren't just products I recommend; they're the equipment I trust for my own infrastructure and confidently recommend to clients.

Ryzen 9800X3D NO POST on B650 Motherboards

 


Ryzen 9800X3D NO POST on B650 Boards:
What You Need to Know


Upgrading to the new AMD Ryzen 9000-series is exciting; especially the 9800X3D, which promises top-tier gaming performance thanks to its stacked 3D V-Cache technology. But over the past few months, a trend has emerged: a noticeable number of these chips simply refuse to POST, even on fully compatible AM5 motherboards.


If you’ve dropped a 9800X3D into a B650 board and you’re staring at yellow + red debug LEDs (CPU + DRAM) with zero video output, you’re not alone. This article breaks down what’s going on, what’s not the problem, and whether switching to a 7800X3D or another CPU might save you a ton of trouble.

Sunday, September 14, 2025

A Complete Guide To SSD Cache Types

 


Understanding SSD Cache Types:
Complete Guide to SLC, MLC, TLC, QLC, and More

When shopping for an SSD, you'll encounter a bewildering array of acronyms: SLC, MLC, TLC, QLC, and various caching technologies. Understanding these different memory types and caching strategies is crucial for making informed decisions about storage performance, endurance, and value. Let's break down everything you need to know about SSD cache types and technologies.

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.

Wednesday, August 6, 2025

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.