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Migrating a large amount of data to a new device can be quite troublesome, especially if you’re switching from a PC to a Mac. Fortunately, you can do it easily with Apple’s Windows Migration Assistant. Seamlessly transfer your data and get your Mac set up and ready to go by following these steps. Preparing to […]

The post Migrate your files seamlessly from a Windows PC to a Mac appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

17 Dec, 2021 / by Complete Technology Resources / in 2021december17apple_b, apple, how to, mac, macos, migration assistant, pc, Tech Tips, Windows, windows migration assistant category

Migrating a large amount of data to a new device can be quite troublesome, especially if you’re switching from a PC to a Mac. Fortunately, you can do it easily with Apple’s Windows Migration Assistant. Seamlessly transfer your data and get your Mac set up and ready to go by following these steps.

Preparing to migrate data

Both the PC and the Mac need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network, or if you prefer, you can run an Ethernet cable between the ports on the PC and the Mac for a direct connection. Since newer Mac models do not have an Ethernet port, you may need to purchase an Ethernet adapter, such as the Belkin USB-C to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter or Apple Thunderbolt to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter.

Next, you’ll want to make sure that your PC drive doesn’t have any issues. You can check for issues by following these steps.

  1. Type “Run” in the search bar. You can also press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run field.
  2. In the window that opens, type “cmd” and press Enter.
  3. In the command prompt, type “chkdsk” and press Enter.
  4. The check disk utility may report that it found problems. In that case, type “chkdsk drive: /F” and press Enter. Note that drive is the letter that represents your Windows startup disk, such as C: or D:.
  5. At the prompt that appears, press the Y key, then restart your PC.

This process might need to be repeated until the check disk utility reports no issues. If you can’t clear these issues, you may need to have your PC serviced before you migrate data to your Mac.

Migrating data from PC to Mac

You’ll need to download and install the Windows Migration Assistant on your PC based on the version of macOS on your Mac:

Once the Windows Migration Assistant is installed on your PC, you can start the migration process.

  1. Quit any open Windows apps.
  2. Launch Windows Migration Assistant.
  3. Click Continue to begin the process. If Windows updates are configured to install automatically on your PC, you may be asked to disable this feature. When you're ready to proceed, click Continue.
  4. Start up your Mac, if it’s not already up and running. If it’s a brand new Mac and has never been booted up before, Setup Assistant automatically launches. If you’ve already set it up, go to Applications > Utilities and launch Migration Assistant.
  5. In Migration Assistant on the Mac, go through the on-screen prompts until you reach the prompt asking how you want to transfer your information. Select From a Windows PC, then click Continue.
  6. When prompted, enter the administrator name and password. Then, click Continue and all other open apps will be closed.
  7. In the migration window on the Mac, a list of available computers will appear. Select your PC from the list, then wait for the PC to display a passcode. That same passcode should show up on the Mac as well. Once it does, you can click Continue on both the Mac and PC.
  8. The Mac will scan the drives of the PC and create a list of information you may wish to migrate. When the scan is complete, select the data you want to transfer, then click Continue. If you’re transferring a large volume of data, the process might take several hours to finish.
  9. When the migration is complete, quit Windows Migration Assistant on the PC, then log in to the new user account on your Mac. You’ll be asked to set a password for your new Mac account.

What types of data can you transfer?

A surprising amount of the data on a PC can be transferred to a Mac. For many business PC users, it’s important to know that transfers from Outlook are only supported for 32-bit versions of the program, as Migration Assistant doesn’t support the 64-bit versions. Outlook users can also run the app on Mac (as part of Microsoft Office for Mac) and connect to the same servers for access to their contacts, calendar, and so on.

Photos show up in your Mac’s Home folder, which is the one in the Users folder with your name. A good way to import all of those photos is to launch the Photos app on your Mac, select File > Import, and then choose your Home folder. The Photos app scans that folder for all photo files and presents them for review before being imported.

If you use either Windows Live Mail or Windows Mail on your PC, both your IMAP and POP settings and messages move to the Mac Mail app. For Windows Mail, People moves to the Mac Contacts app.

Any bookmark you had saved for Internet Explorer, the old Safari for Windows, and Firefox on the PC is transferred to Safari on your Mac. iTunes content like music, movies, and other files stored in the Windows version of iTunes are transferred to iTunes on the Mac. Finally, some system settings from the PC — language and location settings, web browser home page, and custom desktop pictures — are also moved to System Preferences.

Changing hardware and operating systems, as well as updating applications, can be a burden, especially if you have hundreds of workstations to manage. These tasks, however, are vital for growing businesses. If done right, scaling hardware and software can be secure, efficient, and cost-effective. Consult with a certified IT support expert today.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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All the benefits of syncing your Android device with Google ChromeHaving a wide range of helpful features has made Google Chrome one of the top web browsers in the market today. In particular, its ability to sync data with Android phones and tablets is one of its most useful features, as it makes it easy for users to swap between devices and stay on top […]

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29 Sep, 2021 / by Complete Technology Resources / in 2021september29android_b, android, google assistant, google calendar, google chrome, google keep, google maps, mobile device, pc, smartphone, sync, tablet category
All the benefits of syncing your Android device with Google Chrome

Having a wide range of helpful features has made Google Chrome one of the top web browsers in the market today. In particular, its ability to sync data with Android phones and tablets is one of its most useful features, as it makes it easy for users to swap between devices and stay on top of work and personal tasks. Read on to learn more about the benefits of syncing Android devices with Chrome.

View recently opened tabs on your Android device

This is especially useful when you need to bring your work outside of the office. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Open the Chrome app on your Android device.
  2. Tap the three-dotted menu icon on the upper-right corner.
  3. Tap Recent tabs. You’ll see all the tabs you’ve opened recently while logged into your Google account regardless of device.

Use your Android device to access your computer

For this to work, you need to install the Chrome Remote Desktop app from the Google Play Store on your Android device and the Chrome Remote Desktop extension app on your computer. This will work regardless if your computer runs on Chrome OS, Windows, macOS, or Linux. Each device you want to connect must have Chrome installed, and each Chrome browser must be signed into the same account.

With everything in place, you can remotely control a system that’s turned on, such as your desktop, via your phone. You can move around your desktop, open and edit files, and run programs from your mobile. You could also allow one-time access to give or receive remote support.

Set reminders via Google Assistant or Google Keep

You can use voice commands on your Android phone to set reminders. Simply say “OK Google” or “Hey Google,” or press the mic icon to activate Google Assistant, then say “Remind me to buy milk at the grocery store” or whatever it is you want to be reminded of.

Once the “Add a reminder” screen appears, you can edit reminder details, such as when and where you want to be alerted. For instance, you may want your device to remind you of your grocery list when you enter a grocery store.

Alternatively, you can install the Google Keep extension app in Chrome or the Google Keep app on your Android. To do this, open the app, click the “Take a note” field, type in your reminder, and click the “Remind me” icon. Then click on either Pick date & time (to set when you want to be reminded) or Pick place (to set where you want to be notified).

As long as you have syncing turned on for your Google account, you can use Google Calendar, Google Assistant, or Google Keep on one device to set and get reminders across all your devices.

Send directions from your computer to your Android device

To send driving, walking, or commuting directions from your PC to your Android phone or tablet, do the following:

  1. Click on a specific location on Google Maps, or enter a location in the search field and click on the desired result.
  2. Click on the “Send to your phone” button in the pane on the left side of your screen.
  3. Choose to have the directions sent to your mobile device via text or email.

Find your lost phone

As long as the Wi-Fi or data on your smartphone is turned on, you can find the device by entering “find my phone” in the Google search bar, which will then display the phone’s current or last known location. Click on that to bring up the Android Device Manager interface, from which you can lock or wipe your phone. On top of that, you can also use the Device Manager to ring your device for five minutes — even if it’s set to silent — in the hopes that a kind soul answers it and tells you where you can get your phone back.

Having access to Google Chrome across all your devices boosts your productivity and efficiency. If you want to learn more about how to get the most out of Chrome and your Android device, contact our experts today.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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4 Quick ways to speed up your Windows 10 PCIf your Windows 10 PC is showing signs of slowing down, there are ways to speed it up. Here are some quick, easy ways to improve your computer’s performance without spending hundreds of dollars on a replacement. Prevent programs from launching at startup Windows makes certain programs readily available by loading them at startup. While […]

The post 4 Quick ways to speed up your Windows 10 PC appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

25 Aug, 2021 / by Complete Technology Resources / in 2021august25windows_b, disk cleanup, microsoft, pc, Tips, Windows, windows 10 category
4 Quick ways to speed up your Windows 10 PC

If your Windows 10 PC is showing signs of slowing down, there are ways to speed it up. Here are some quick, easy ways to improve your computer’s performance without spending hundreds of dollars on a replacement.

Prevent programs from launching at startup

Windows makes certain programs readily available by loading them at startup. While Microsoft likely has good intentions for doing this, this auto-launch feature slows down your computer. To fix this issue, you’ll need to adjust your settings.

Open the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Esc. On the Startup tab, select a program you don’t want launching at startup — such as a media player or an optional accessory that doesn’t have to be active all the time — then click Disable. To be on the safe side, however, keep essential apps such as antivirus software enabled.

Get rid of useless applications

Having too many programs installed on your computer uses up valuable memory and hard disk space. This slows down your machine and makes it work harder than necessary. Quickly uninstall programs you don’t need by following these steps:

  • Tap the Windows key on your keyboard and type “Add or remove programs” in the search bar. Selecting the first result opens a System settings window.
  • Under Apps & features, you will see all the apps stored on your computer.
  • Select the program/s you no longer want, and click Uninstall.

You’ll then be guided through several steps to complete the uninstallation process.

Organize your disks

It’s important to regularly clean out your computer of data you don’t need. Thankfully, Microsoft’s Disk Cleanup tool makes it easy to do so.

To find the tool, tap on the Windows button on your keyboard and type “Disk Cleanup.” If you click on the first result, the tool will launch and automatically find files that take up too much memory space, such as temporary internet and system memory dump files. Make sure that the checkbox before each option is selected, then click OK to send these files to your Recycle Bin.

Turn off apps running in the background

You may not know it, but there are a lot of programs that run in the background as you use your computer. Even when you’re not actively using them, these apps run in the background so they can receive information, send notifications, and download and install updates. However, they also slow down your CPU. Disabling these apps will reduce the burden on your computer and speed it up.

To find out what programs are running in the background, press the Windows button on your keyboard, type “Background apps,” and hit Enter. Find the programs you don’t need running and toggle the On-Off button.

By following these four steps, you’ll see a noticeable difference in your PC speed. If you want to learn how to optimize your Windows system further or need assistance with other Microsoft products, give us a call.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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Reduce your PC power consumptionNowadays, there’s a computer in almost every home and office. A typical desktop that’s switched on 24/7 for a whole year releases carbon dioxide equivalent to what an average car releases in an 820-mile drive. To save energy, you don’t need to make drastic changes. You can start by making small adjustments that will ultimately […]

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28 Jul, 2021 / by Complete Technology Resources / in 2021july28hardware_b, computers, energy conservation, Hardware, pc, power saving category
Reduce your PC power consumption

Nowadays, there’s a computer in almost every home and office. A typical desktop that’s switched on 24/7 for a whole year releases carbon dioxide equivalent to what an average car releases in an 820-mile drive. To save energy, you don’t need to make drastic changes. You can start by making small adjustments that will ultimately lead to significant savings.

1. Unplug your computer when not in use

When you’re not using your computer, it’s best to shut it down and unplug it. This is because a plugged-in PC — even when switched off — still consumes standby power.

2. Disconnect external devices

When they're connected to your PC, devices such as printers, headphones, and webcams consume power even when they’re not in use. This is why you should disconnect or remove external devices from your PC once you're done using them.

3. Alternatively, use a smart strip, especially for computers you cannot turn off

A smart strip is a series of several electrical outlets in one strip, with circuits to monitor and maximize your gadgets’ power consumption. It can electronically unplug any device so that they stop drawing current, which saves energy. By connecting your PC and peripherals (e.g., printers, scanners) to the smart strip, you won’t need to unplug your equipment when you’re not using them.

4. Adjust your computer’s energy settings

Adjusting your PC’s power settings will help you consume less energy. For example, you can opt to put your hard drive and monitor into sleep mode when they’re left idle for a few minutes. Lowering the brightness of your screen also saves electricity.

5. Use a charger only when your laptop is charging

When we charge our laptops, we tend to forget about them, leaving them plugged in for hours. Unfortunately, overcharging degrades the battery over time. Leaving the charger plugged in — even if it’s not connected to your computer — also consumes standby power.

To save energy, make sure to unplug your laptop charger once you’re done charging. Alternatively, you can use a wall outlet with a timer or plug your charger into a smart strip.

6. Choose an Energy Star-compliant PC

Energy Star is the US Environmental Protection Agency’s symbol for energy efficiency. Every product that earns the Energy Star symbol is guaranteed to deliver both quality performance and energy savings. The more stars a product has, the more energy-efficient it is. Studies show that a single Energy Star-compliant computer and monitor can save between $7 and $52 per year in electricity bills.

These tips should help you lower your electricity costs and make smart hardware choices. If you need assistance in choosing the best hardware for your specific needs, give us a call. We’ll be glad to help.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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