President’s Message
We’ve been receiving lots of questions about Windows 11. Should I upgrade? Is Windows 11 a big change? Will I have to learn everything again? Do I have to upgrade? What happens if I don’t upgrade? I’ll address these concerns again and provide some additional insight about Microsoft’s newest of version of the Windows operating system.
The most important of the repeated questions we get is Should I upgrade to Windows 11.(Spoiler Alert – YES! But continue reading to learn why.) By now, when you buy a new PC, you’ll have no choice and Windows 11 will come pre-installed on it. And if you’re the type of person who wants the very latest and greatest, you should switch. But even if you’re not inclined to switch just yet, you’ll still be OK…at least for now. Microsoft has already addressed the initial problems in Windows 11 and recent updates have fixed these minor problems on all computers that have been updated. But eventually, Microsoft will stop providing updates to Windows 10.
I’ve been using Windows 11 since it first released and there is very little that changed functionally, so you will not need to learn things again. As for how it looks…I think the user interface is much more pleasing. Gone are the harsh square corners and antiquated look…these have been replaced by slightly rounded corners, a completely redesigned Start Menu, and Taskbar icons in the middle instead of on the right.
Unfortunately, not all computers can be upgraded. Microsoft didn’t do this to force you to buy a new computer…they did it because some older computers don’t have the necessary hardware and firmware to accommodate Windows 11. You can only do so much to assure backward compatibility, and in the case of Windows 11, to make it work with older computers would preclude it from embracing the new technology. It’s a line they had to draw. To find out if your current computer is eligible for the Windows 11 upgrade, go to this Microsoft webpage for the minimum requirements and to download a small app that will automatically check if your PC is compatible.
Larry McJunkin, President
TVCUC Updates
Technology Access Program. 2021 turned out to be a better year than we anticipated. Even with another full year of the pandemic, through 12/31 TAP refurbished and repurposed 766 systems. A total of 916 youths were served by these computers (some households have more than one child using the computer). This puts the TAP grand total through 12/31 at 9,111 systems, with 13,521 youths served. Every time I see these numbers, it makes me smile!
Membership Committee. If you haven’t paid your 2022 dues, you’re ineligible for free technology assistance from our First Level Support team. To renew your membership in the TVCUC, click here and then select the blue “Join or Renew” button. This will take you to the TVCUC page on TellicoLife where you can either securely pay by credit card or pay by check. If paying by check, be sure to print out the invoice and take it, along with your check for $20, to our TAP office (located under the Thai Bistro – enter from the rear of the building). The payment process MUST occur on TellicoLife.
First Level Support. This team of dedicated experts continues to help our members with in-home and remote-control support of their technology issues. Most problems with the Windows or Mac operating systems can be quickly solved, as can many other software-related problems. You can initiate a support request here. For hardware issues, such as hard drive replacement, etc., we will refer you to a TVCUC approved individual here in Tellico Village who is certified to repair your computer.
Trending Technology Articles
Windows 11 Cheat Sheet. Released in October 2021, Windows 11 is the first numbered update to Microsoft’s operating system in more than six years. You would expect there would be dramatic changes between Windows 11 and Windows 10. But there weren’t. To a great extent, Windows 11 looks and works much like its predecessor.
That said, there are quite a few minor differences between the two, and the new OS may take some getting used to, and this article will help. Whether you’ve upgraded a Windows 10 machine to Windows 11 or it came with a new PC, this cheat sheet will get you up to speed. Read the full article.
iPhone 12 “No-Sound” Recall. Just about a year after launching the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro, Apple started a service program for devices that see their speakers fail. Here’s how to check for iPhone 12 no-sound recall eligibility. Apple says that the no-sound service program affects iPhone 12 and 12 Pro smartphones that were originally made between October 2020 and April 2021 (but could have been sold after those dates).
The company says a “very small percentage” should see the speaker failure, but with Apple selling more than 100 million iPhone 12 devices, even a tiny percentage could mean hundreds of thousands of impacted smartphones. Read the full story.
Thinking About Cutting the Cord? Just in time for Super Bowl season, a three-month subscription to the YouTube TV streaming service is a little more affordable. Right now, new subscribers can pay $54.99 each month instead of $64.99 for your first three months. Normally, that would cost you around $195, so that means you’ll pay $165 by the end of this discount period. YouTube TV has become nearly synonymous with “Best Live TV Streaming Service” and it’s easy to see why. If you’re thinking about trying a live TV streaming service, this is your chance to try the best and save some money at the same time. Read the full article.
Request for Assistance. One of our TVCUC members is looking someone who can repair a Sony Reel-to-Reel tape deck. If you have any experience in this, please send us an email.