Frequently Asked Questions
Does Brevard Nerd Services work on mobile phones or tablets?
Most modern phones are difficult to repair due to challenges in sourcing parts and the high risk of damage during the repair process. Additionally, newer iPhones have software locks that restrict third-party repairs, leading to the removal of features like screen controls, camera controls, and finger/facial recognition when non-Apple authorized companies attempt repairs.
For these reasons, it is best to contact the manufacturer directly for mobile phone repairs and replacements. Apple Repair Google Repair
Upgrade to Windows 11
Windows 10 computers meeting Windows 11 specifications can be smoothly upgraded to Windows 11 directly through the Windows Upgrade option in settings.
Windows 11 can still be installed on systems that do not fully meet these specifications under specific circumstances. If a system lacks a compliant processor, sufficient RAM, or a TPM 2.0 chip, a "clean install" of Windows 11 is an alternative. Consider a modern Intel Core i5/i7 or AMD Ryzen processor, 16GB+ RAM, and an SSD.
Brevard Nerd Services has successfully performed this upgrade on hundreds of computers, and we are confident in our ability to assist you with your migration to Windows 11.
Read Upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11, MicroSoft End of Life and Moving to Windows 11 and Apple Hardware for more information.
Antivirus and Malware Software: Is Third-Party Protection Necessary?
While it's often believed that third-party antivirus and malware software was essential in the past, the reality is more nuanced, especially for modern operating systems.
Apple and Linux: These operating systems offer robust built-in protection against viruses and malware.
Windows: Windows 10 and newer versions include a superior, Microsoft-supported antivirus and malware solution called Windows Defender. Installing third-party software like McAfee, Norton, or Avast, etc. will typically disable Defender, potentially leaving your system less secure and incurring unnecessary costs.
Therefore, for most users, relying on the built-in security features of their operating system is the most effective and secure approach. Read Bad Guys Lineup for more information.
Why is my computer running slow?
The most common reasons for decreased performance in older computers are outdated hardware. Many were originally equipped with mechanical hard drives and only 4GB of RAM. Modern software demands more, and mechanical drives degrade over time, leading to a noticeable slowdown. Significant improvements can often be achieved by replacing the hard drive with a solid-state drive (SSD) and upgrading the RAM to at least 8GB, with 16GB or more being ideal. Additionally, with Windows 10 nearing its end-of-support in October 2025, considering a switch to a less resource-intensive operating system like Linux, which is designed for more modest hardware, could also boost your computer's speed.
Read Buy New or Upgrade for more information.
How do I donate, sell or hand down my devices?
To donate, sell, or hand down your devices to family and friends, you must properly disconnect them from your account. Devices from Apple and other manufacturers are linked to your account and will be presumed stolen if not disassociated before transfer. Read Donate Apple Devices for more information.
How can I extend the Wi-Fi range of my ISP-provided router?
A mesh network offers a robust and self-healing solution for efficient data routing. Unlike traditional networks, this decentralized system allows devices (nodes) to connect directly to multiple others, creating multiple data paths. Nodes utilize dynamic routing protocols to adapt to changes and find the optimal path, ensuring network resilience. Popular mesh network products like Google Nest WiFi, Eero, and Netgear Orbi effectively eliminate dead zones. These systems typically include three nodes and cost approximately $300, with additional nodes available for purchase as needed.
Enhancing home Wi-Fi coverage by eliminating dead zones
Disaster recovery
Connecting IoT (Internet of Things) devices
Wi-Fi extenders or repeaters, often suggested by common ISPs, are known to cause these problems.
halve bandwidth by using the same channel for router and device communication.
Separate Networks: Many extenders create a new Wi-Fi name, preventing automatic switching to the stronger signal.
Increased Latency: Data retransmission by repeaters adds delay, impacting video calls and gaming.
Limited Coverage: Extenders need line-of-sight and perform poorly with multiple hops or daisy-chaining.
Single Point of Weakness: Their effectiveness depends on a strong connection to the main router.
Read Wi-Fi, Extenders, and Mesh Networks for more information.
How to back up your files?
Apple's "Time Machine" software provides a comprehensive backup solution for your entire computer to an external drive, including a history of file changes. Microsoft offers various file backup strategies that are similar but more limited than Time Machine. Both companies also provide cloud storage options for some files on their servers, facilitating synchronization across multiple devices. Read Backup and Security and Backup, Sync and Protect Your Files for more information.