Resources – Scroll down for tech resources.

Summary

Here are some common resources for computer purchase, upgrade, setup, and repair. If you’re interested in starting your own independent tech consulting business, visit the Start Here page. Some legacy reference documents are also available on the Documents page.

Primary Support Documents by Topic

AcuRite – AcuRite Weather Station and Weather Underground, 13 Nov 2023 [View]
Airplane Mode – How to Know When Airplane Mode is On or Off, 28 Mar 2023 [View]
Apple Computer – Empty Trash Taking Forever – Erase Drive to Save Time, 19 Feb 2020 [View]
Apple Computer – Desktop and Documents Synchronization with Apple iCloud Drive — Considerations, 19 Feb 2020 [View]
Apple Computer – How to Recover an Apple Mac Computer that Won’t Start, 2 Jun 2022 [View]
Apple Computer – Location of Apple DVD Player App Software Program in macOS, 17 May 2020 [View]
Apple Computer – Mac Computer Setup Steps 2023, 22 Jan 2023 [View]
Apple Computer – MacBook Pro Mid-2012 Upgrade to macOS 10.15 Catalina with APFS, 13 June 2022 [View]
Apple Computer – MacBook Pro Disable Startup on Lid Open / Close, 19 Sep 2022 [View]
Apple Computer – MacOS Sonoma – Show Desktop, 17 Oct 2023 [View]
Apple Computer – Modify Windows Keyboard Layout for Apple Mac, 23 Oct 2022 [View]
Apple Computer – Quick Setup Guide, 29 Jul 2022 [View]
Apple Computer – Restore Lost Open Tabs and Pages After Closing Safari, 4 Jun 2023 [View]
Apple Computer – Setting up a New Apple Mac Computer as an Additional or Replacement System, 17 Nov 2021 [View]
Apple Computer – Upgrade macOS on a 13-Inch Mid-2012 MacBook Pro, 22 Sept 2021 [View]
Apple HomeKit – Apple HomeKit with HomePod mini 20 Feb 2024 [View]
Apple iCloud – Apple iCloud Drive Desktop and Document Files Sync, 22 Jan 2022 [View]
Apple iPhone – See iPhone below.
Apple Mail – Apple Mac Mail Outbox Showing, 10 Jul 2023 [View]
Apple Video – Video Streaming to Apple TV Display, 1 Jul 2023 [View]
Audio Cassette – Audio Cassette Digitizing Services, 3 Sep 2023 [View]
Backups – Setup Guide for Time Machine Backup on an Apple Mac, 13 Nov 2021 [View]
Charging – Wireless Charging Guide, 1 May 2023 [View]
Cloud Storage – Three Cloud Storage Configuration Options, 18 Aug 2022 [View]
Cloud Storage – Three Levels of Cloud Drive Storage Use, 10 Dec 2021 [View]
Contacts – Cleaning Duplicate Contact Entries for Apple Devices, 11 Dec 2021 [View]
Data Recovery – Basic Laptop Restore With Data Recovery, 24 Oct [View]
Data Recovery – Laptop Computer Data Recovery and Drive Removal Options, 3 Jun 2022 [View]
Distributive Computing – Benefits of Personal Distributive Computing, 8 Sep 2023 [View]
DreamHost – Email Account Setup for Mail Clients, 18 Sept 2021 [View]
Drive Erase – Secure Erase of Hard Drive Before Donation or Disposal — Why and How, 8 Nov 2021 [View]
Drive Disposal and Recycling — Secure Data Scrubbing and Drive Disposal or Recycling Service, 21 Feb 2022 [View]
Email – Apple Mail — Show Missing Trash Folder, 19 Nov 2021 [View]
Email – Better Spam Management for Desired Advertisers and Stores, 21 Nov 2021 [View]
Email – DreamHost Email Account Setup for Mail Clients, 18 Sept 2021 [View]
Email – Here’s why legitimate emails get marked as junk, 23 Sept 2021 [View]
Email – Accessing Mediacom MCHSI Email with Microsoft Outlook, 5 Dec 2021, [View]
Email – Network Solutions — Email Client Setup Configuration for New SSL, 10 October 2021 [View]
Email – Network Solutions Phishing Scam Fake Emails, 7 Feb 2022 [View]
Email – Spam Analysis Junk Mail Folder, 2 Oct 2023 [View]
Email – Two Types of Spam and Junk Mail — Which Ones to Save,26 Sept 2021 [View]
Facebook – Business Suite and Customer Communications, 15 Sept 2021 [View]
Facebook – Fixing the “Something Went Wrong” Error, 30 Sept 2021 [View]
Facebook – Recovering From a Hacked Facebook Account, 25 Jan 2024 [View]
File Organizing – Naming Files and Folders — Start With the Date as YYYYMMDD, 22 Sept 2021 [View]
Finance – Microsoft Money in Excel — Installation and Use, 7 Oct 2021 [View]
Ford – Ford Maverick — Reference Guide, 2 Dec 2021 [View]
Google Chrome – Disable Installation of Google Chrome Extensions, 26 Oct 2022 [View]
Google Chrome – How to Update Google Chrome, 25 Mar 2022 [View]
Google Chrome – Security, 30 Apr 2023 [View]
Google Docs – Sharing Files, 13 Oct 2022 [View]
Gmail – Create Multiple Local Backup Copies of Your Gmail Emails — How and Why, 12 Sept 2021 [View]
Handwriting – Scan Handwriting and Convert to Editable Searchable Text, 16 March 2022 [View]
Hard Drive Recycling — See Drive Disposal and Recycling, 21 Feb 2022 [View]
Health – Safety Considerations for 5G Services, 10 May 2022 [View]
Health – Tech Tips to Protect Your Eyes and Ears, 10 Nov 2021 [View]
Health – Tech Devices and Settings for Improved Hearing and Vision, 2 Oct 2022 [View]
Home Theater – User Guide for Operating a Samsung Smart TV and Home Theater, 13 Nov 2021 [View]
Hosting Migration – Guide to Hosting Migration, 20 Sept 2021 [More at Iowa City Web]
Iowa Unclaimed Property — Guide to the Iowa Unclaimed Property Program, 29 Jun 2023 [View]
iPad Status Icons – The meaning of icons and symbols at the top of the screen, 13 Jan 2022 [View]
iPhone – How and Why to Setup Cellular Data on iPhone, 21 Jun 2022 [View]
iPhone – How and Why to Setup Wi-Fi Calling on iPhone, 21 Jun 2022 [View]
iPhone – How and Why to Use WiFi on iPhone, 21 Jun 2022 [View]
iPhone – iMessage is Signed Out and Sign-in Not Working, 17 Sep 2023 [View]
Kia – Kia Soul 2024 Reference, 24 Oct 2023 [View]
Kindle – Convert a Document to EPUB and Send to Your Kindle, 19 Oct 2022 [View]
Kindle – Send a Document to Your Kindle, 15 Oct 2022 [View]
Label Printers – Guide to Brother and Dymo Label Makers, 23 Feb 2024 [View]
Language – Khipu Reference and Image Scanning Guide, 11 Mar 2023 [View]
Language – Typing Yiddish with Windows 11, 28 Apr 2023 [View]
Laptop as Desktop – Turn Your Laptop Computer Into a Desktop System — How and Why, 7 Oct 2021 [View]
Laptop Restore – Basic Laptop Restore With Data Recovery, 24 Oct 2021 [View]
Maintenance – Regular Tech Maintenance Checklist [View]
MailChimp – MailChimp Mobile Email Font Size Too Small, 8 Dec 2022 [View]
Mediacom – How to change your Mediacom password, 24 Mar 2023 [View]
Mediacom – Mediacom Modem Replacement and Setup, 27 March 2022 [View]
Microsoft 365 – Sharing Your Microsoft 365 Office Subscription, 4 Oct 2021 [View]
Microsoft Billing – How to check details of Microsoft charges and subscription fees, 24 Feb 2022 [View]
Microsoft Office – How to Repair Microsoft Office, 18 Dec 2023 [View]
Microsoft Office – Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and Outlook — Free, Rental, Purchase, and Alternatives, 8 Sept 2021 [View]
Microsoft OneDrive – Using Microsoft OneDrive, 19 sept 2021 [View]
Music – Using Apple iTunes Match, 21 Jun 2022 [View]
Network Solutions – Network Solutions — Email Client Setup Configuration for New SSL, 10 October 2021 [View]
PayPal – How do I change my PayPal email for receiving money? 10 Nov 2021 [View]
Passwords – Here’s why your password was found in a data leak on the dark web, and what to do about it. 2 Dec 2021 [View]
Photo Printing – Apple Photos — Upload to Walgreens or CVS for Printing, 3 Dec 2021 [View]
Power Systems – Jackery 240 Battery Power Pack User Guide, 8 Dec 2021 [View]
Power Systems – Low Power Computing During Power Outages, 01 Oct 2021 [View]
Remote Desktop – Google Chrome Remote Desktop — Use and Setup, 14 Sep 2022 [View]
Remote Support – The Increasing Need for Remote Support [View]
Remote Workers -Setup Inexpensive Laptop PCs with Chrome Remote Desktop, 1 May 2023 [View]
Samsung TV – User Guide for Playing a DVD on your Samsung Smart TV with Blu-ray Player, 13 Nov 2021 [View]
Screenshots – Screenshots and Screen Image Capture for Apple iPhone and iPad, 12 Dec 2021 [View]
Screenshots – Screenshots and Screen Image Capture for Apple Mac Computers, 11 Dec 2021 [View]
Screenshots – Screenshots and Screen Image Capture for Windows Computers, 12 Dec 2021 [View]
Secure Disposal of Old Tech – Best Practices for Secure and Sustainable Disposal of Old Computers and Tech Devices, 26 Feb 2022 [View]
Security – Android Smartphone Security, 26 May 2022 [View]
Security – iPhone Security, 26 May 2022 [View]
Security – How to Scan and Check Website Security and Reputation for Safety, 10 Nov 2021 [View]
Security – Here’s why your password was found in a data leak on the dark web, and what to do about it. 2 Dec 2021 [View]
Security – Three Step Security Check for iPhone and iPad, 16 Jun 2022 [View]
Simple Tech – Tech Advisory — The Need to Simplify for the Coming Year, 27 Nov 2021 [View]
Solar Power – Battery Backup Power Packs and Solar Panels, 3 Sep 2022 [View]
SoundCloud – How to cancel a SoundCloud subscription, 1 Dec 2022 [View]
Square – Square Purchase Receipts – Change Your Email, 14 Aug 2021 [View]
Storage – Build Your Own External Solid State Drive, 18 Jun 2022 [View]
Supply Shortages – Recent news about tech industry shortages. 19 March 2022 [View]
TeamViewer – TeamViewer Remote Support Software — Installing and Using, 20 Sept 2021 [View]
TeamViewer – Installing and Using TeamViewer for Windows – 23 Feb 2022 [View]
Text Messaging – Sending a Text Message to an Email Address, 18 Sept 2021 [View]
Thunderstorms – Why and how to turn off your computer during a thunderstorm, 21 Sept 2021 [View]
T-Mobile – T-Mobile Android Phone Buying Guide, 9 Jul 2023 [View]
Video – Adjusting Video Resolution for a Secondary Display, 11 Dec 2021 [View]
Website Content – Printing Missing Images and Full Web Content, 29 Apr 2023 [View]
Website Login – Fix Website Login Problems, 27 Jun 2022 [View]
WiFi – How to Know When Airplane Mode is On or Off, 28 Mar 2023 [View]
Windows 10 – Create Windows 10 Installation USB, 10 Sep 2023 [View]
Windows 10 – Start Menu, 12 Feb 2022 [View]
Windows 11 – 7 Reasons to Avoid Windows 11 Until 2022, 7 Nov 2021 [View]
Windows 11 – Check your TPM Version, 26 Sept 2021 [View]
Windows 11 – How to set a login PIN for Windows 11, 28 Oct 2022 [View]
Windows BitLocker – Windows Startup BitLocker Recovery, 4 April 2022 [View]
Windows Computer – Setup Checklist, 20 Sept 2021 [View]
Windows Widgets – Windows News and Interest Weather Widget Pop-up, 25 Feb 2022 [View]
YouTube – Obtain Video URL for YouTube Ad, 2 Mar 2023 [View]
YouTube – Get YouTube Ad URL for Sharing and Reviewing Videos, 10 Sep 2023 [View]
Zoom – Fixing Zoom Audio Output Issues, 25 March 2022 [View]

Buying Guides

Apple iPad Pro 11-Inch — Keyboard and Accessories Buying Guide, 25 Sept 2022 [View]
Apple MacBook — Best MacBook Air M2 for Fall 2022, 28 Nov 2022 [View]
Apple TV – Buying Guide for Apple TV, 27 Oct 2021 [View]
Apple or Windows – See Mac Versus PC, 14 Feb 2022 [View]
Apple Watch — Apple Watch Screen Protection and Case Cover, 3 Oct 2023 [View]
Best Buy — Best Buy Rewards are Not Listed by Date, 23 Oct 2023 [View]
Bluetooth Mouse Buying Guide, 14 Jan 2022 [View]
Chromebook – Benefits of Chromebook Computers, 3 Sept 2021 [View]
Extended Warranties – Costco Computer and Tech Warranty Guide, 15 Jan 2022 [View]
Google – Pixel 6a Buying Guide, 2 Aug 2022 [View]
Hard Drives – Buying Guide for External Backup Drives, 13 Nov 2021 [View]
Internet Service – Buying Guide to Internet Service in Iowa City, 7 March 2022 [View]
Lenovo — Lenovo Laptop-Desktop Combo, 11 Apr 2023 [View]
Mac Versus PC – Apple and Widows Comparison, 14 Feb 2022 [View]
Printer Buying Guide – General, 10 Jan 2022 [View]
Printer Buying Guide – Simple Printers Without Scan-Copy Functions, 18 Mar 2023 [View]
Printer Buying Guide – Review of Epson Printers ET-2800 and XP-7100, 24 Dec 2022 [View]
Printer Ink Auto Order – Printer Ink Automatic Replenishment Delivery Subscription, 24 Mar 2023 [View]
Smartphone Cases – Smartphone Case Buying Guide for iPhone and Pixel 6a, 4 Aug 2022 [View]
Smartphone Buying Guide – Guidance and considerations for purchasing a smartphone, 18 Sept 2021 [View]
Solar Power – Battery Backup Power Packs and Solar Panels, 3 Sep 2022 [View]
Solid State Drives – Solid State External USB Drive Buying Guide, 26 Nov 2023 [View]

Computer Sales — Iowa City Area

Best Buy – Coralville [View]
Costco – Coralville [View]
Staples – Riverside Drive in Iowa City [View]
Target – Coralville [View]
Target – Downtown Iowa City [View]

Those who take the time to buy locally, usually want to support locally-owned businesses rather than big box national chain stores. If you’d like a locally assembled computer, contact us and we will build you one.

Computer Sales — Online

Apple – Artistically designed computers and other devices crafted from glass and metal. [View]
Apple Check Coverage – Check to see if your device is under warranty. [View]NOTE: Products purchased using a Costco VISA card may have an additional extended warranty added automatically at the time of purchase. This is not reflected in the Apple warranty coverage lookup.
Apple Support – Get support from Apple for your Apple device. [View]
Apple System Info – Check your system configuration and specifications using your serial number. Not affiliated with Apple. [View]
Dell – Computers and accessories. [View]
Dell Support – Enter your computer serial number to lookup your system configuration, warranty details, and find important software for your computer. [View]
HP – Computers, printers, and accessories. [View]
Bluetooth – Rename Bluetooth Device on iPad, 10 March 2022 [View]

Consumer Notifications and Warnings

Network Solutions Phishing Scam Fake Emails, 7 Feb 2022 [View]

Eco-Friendly Products

Eco-Paper – Sustainable paper products. [View]
Solar Power – Battery Backup Power Packs and Solar Panels, 3 Sep 2022 [View]

Fix-It Problem Solver Guides

Apple – Apple Mac Contacts Slow – Spinning Wheel Fixed, 18 Mar 2023 [View]
Apple – Mac Magic Trackpad Haptic Feedback Suddenly Stopped Working macOS 11.6 Big Sur, Oct 2021 [View]
Apple – Wireless Keyboard — Fixing Sharp Edges and Dents, 8 Oct 2021 [View]
Fitbit – Fix Fitbit Sleep Weekly Chart Missing Days, 2 Oct 2023 [View]
Speed – How to Fix a Slow Windows Computer, 30 Sept 2021 [View]
Microsoft Office – How to Repair Microsoft Office, 18 Dec 2023 [View]
Microsoft Word – Fix for Word file type that is “blocked from opening in this version,” 12 Feb 2023 [View]
Smartphone – Old Phone Number Showing on iPhone or Samsung After Reset, 16 Feb 2023 [View]
Velocifire Keyboard – Fix for Volocifire Keyboard Backlight Issue, 12 Feb 2023 [View]
Windows – Getting Files From a Windows PC With Unknown Password, 11 March 2022 [View]
Windows Updates – Microsoft Defender Windows Update KB2267602 Looping, 29 Sep 2022 [View]
Windows Updates – Windows Update Stuck and Not Updating, 29 Sep 2022 [View]

iPad User Guides

Bluetooth – Rename Bluetooth Device on iPad, 10 March 2022 [View]

Low Tech and Simple Tech Solutions

Benefits of using an iPad to simplify your life, 27 Nov 2021 [View]
Using Pen and Paper to Reduce Printer Ink Costs – scan or take pictures of handwritten notes, 19 Jan 2022 [View]

Printer Brands

Brother – Printers, labelers, and other devices. [View]
Canon – Printers, cameras, and more. [View]
Epson – Printers, projectors, office machines, and more. [View]
HP – Computers, printers, and accessories. [View]

Product Reference Guides

HP ENVY 6455e Printer Reference, 16 May 2022 [View]
Motorola Moto Smartphone Guide, 26 Nov 2023 [View]

Product Reviews

Video Conversion – VidBox Video Conversion for PC, 4 Nov 2021 [View]

Raspberry Pi — User Guides and Resources

In addition to the articles below, you can visit the primary Raspberry Pi User Guides and Resources page. [View]

CASES — Best Kits, Enclosures, Cases, and Cooling, 30 Sept 2020 [View]
COOLING — Cooling and Thermal Management, 10 Nov 2021 [View]
EMAIL — Installing the Thunderbird Email Client Software, 3 Oct 2020 [View]
LINUX — Helpful Linux Commands, 10 Nov 2021 [View]
PORTABLE — Portable Tablet, Display, and Laptop Enclosures, 7 Oct 2020 [View]
PRINT — Setup Your HP Printer, 3 Oct 2020 [View]
REMOTE SUPPORT — Installing TeamViewer for Remote Tech Support, 4 Oct 2020 [View]
SCREEN CAPTURE — Installing Screen Capture Snipping Utility, 4 Oct 2020 [View]
SPREADSHEET — LibreOffice Calc Spreadsheet Timestamp – Entering The Current Date and Time, 4 Oct 2020 [View]
UPDATE — Update Raspberry Pi OS, 3 Oct 2020 [View]

Recycling Resources

APPLIANCES — Best Buy has a recycling program for appliances. [Learn More]
COMPUTERS — Defective or outdated computers can be recycled through Dell. [Learn More] Apple has a similar trade-in program. [More] Best Buy also has a computer recycling program. [Learn More]
HARD DRIVES — Old hard drives can be shredded and recycled through the Western Digital Recycling Program. [Learn More]

Regular Maintenance

We offer regular maintenance services, and also provide training so you can learn how to perform your own regular computer care. [Learn More]

Setup Guides

Apple Computer – Quick Setup Guide, 29 Jul 2022 [View]
Apple Computer – Setting up a New Apple Mac Computer as an Additional or Replacement System, 17 Nov 2021 [View]
Windows Computer – Setup Checklist, 20 Sept 2021 [View]

Software

Firefox – Get the Firefox browser from Mozilla. [View]
Google Chrome – Get the Chrome browser from Google. [View]
iTunes – iTunes Music Sync in Windows for iPhone, 24 Sep 2023 [View]
LibreOffice.org – A free Microsoft Office alternative. [View]
Malwarebytes – Economical antivirus software that doesn’t slow down your computer.
Microsoft Office – Use the Microsoft Office suite of software for free online, or run the installed version on your own computers for $100 per year. The $100 subscription serves 6 people with 5 devices each. That’s 30 computers each having about $500 in software including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Publisher, Outlook, and 1TB of OneDrive cloud storage. So, all totaled, that’s $15,000 in software spread across 30 devices for $100. It’s a good deal. [Use Online | Buy Subscription]
Thunderbird – A great email client to manage your email. [View]

Tech Strategy Guides

Simple Tech – Tech Advisory — The Need to Simplify for the Coming Year, 27 Nov 2021 [View]
Simple Tech – The Power of Paper and Pen or Pencil, 6 Dec 2021 [View]
Tech Culture — Understanding Tech Culture and Behavior Norms, 26 Feb 2022 [View]

Tech Training – Empowering Independence and Confidence

Our training programs are personally tailored to fit your needs and experience level. [Learn More] We also have a guide to Iowa City tech training courses open to the public offered by local agencies and organizations. [Learn More]

The Model 1 Computer

This Iowa City Tech exclusive computer is assembled in Iowa City. [Learn More]

Upgrade Guides and DIY Computer Build

Cooling — Critical Design Requirement for Desktop PC Thermal Cooling Air Flow, 15 Nov 2023 [View]
Gaming System Upgrade — If you have an old gaming computer and want to upgrade the core components, this page offers some suggestions for possible component upgrades. 30 Aug 2023 [View]
Memory — Crucial is an online vendor of computer memory and storage has a helpful software utility that can tell you what memory your computer needs and what your upgrade options are. [View]
Upgrade Guide — How to Upgrade old Desktop Computers, 17 Sep 2023 [View]
Upgrade Guide — Typical Upgrade of Old Computer System, 16 Jul 2022 [View]