Tech Recommendations (updated 11/2024) 

Let’s be real—spending all day troubleshooting technology doesn’t leave much time or energy to explore the latest software and hardware innovations. Computer hardware and software is constantly evolving. Having worked with computers since the mid-90s, I’ve witnessed new models, updates, and upgrades emerging at a dizzying pace, it’s a challenge to keep up with everything that powers on, let alone understand how it works and how to fix it. One of the biggest hurdles in making recommendations is that I’ve had hands-on experience with nearly every brand of computer, printer, and software.

Even the products I recommend have sometimes required replacement, proving that no option is completely immune to issues or failures. The truth is, a perfect computer simply does not exist. I’ve invested significant time in research to compile this list of recommendations based on insights from Consumer Reports, PC Magazine, Tech Radar reviews, my personal experiences, and the feedback I hear from clients. These are the recommendations I stand by as of December 2019. Remember, you truly get what you pay for; cheaper computers tend to fail more frequently and can end up costing you more in the long run. If you opt for a $300 computer, you may find yourself needing to invest an additional $300 or more just to upgrade it to perform like a $600 model.

Ultimately, you pay for quality—whether upfront or through necessary upgrades later on. Additionally, don’t overlook the importance of the software ecosystem that supports your devices. The right software can significantly enhance performance and security, leading to a smoother tech experience.

Always prioritize user-friendly interfaces and dependable customer support when selecting software. Investing in quality peripherals, such as keyboards and mice, can also boost your productivity and comfort. Remember, technology is an investment in your future, so choose wisely and feel free to reach out for tailored recommendations.

Wireless Routers and Adapters Recommendations 

Are you one of those people constantly asking: Why is my Internet and/or WiFi so slow?!? You may be surprised to hear this, but it is often not the Internet provider’s fault. It all comes down to the power of the router and computer you are using. Replacing the router is a great option for most people, sometimes the computer itself is slow and no matter how fast the internet it is you can’t tell if the computer can’t process it fast enough.

WiFi has a lot of pros and cons so it is good to understand what you really need. Often times a new router will mean old printers and laptops won’t work but a new computer or tablet won’t connect or struggle to connect to an old router. Many times, a new computer means a new router which can mean a new printer too. Frustrating as it may be, I often get calls after a new router setup saying the new computer works great but the old stuff now is the problem and it gets old to be blamed for these situations.

A dual band router is often the safest option. A 2.4 and 5Ghz router will be your safest option. Comcast’s newest cable modems have built in AC which is why old equipment struggles.

I see people who get wireless extenders and complain about wifi trouble while having an old router, remember extenders only extend what it gets. So make sure you have a great router first then if needed get an extender.

Distance
2.4 GHz was the frequency used for WiFi until 2013 when the 5 GHz band was opened up for wireless devices.

The thing is the higher the frequency, the less distance it can reliably travel but the faster it is. 2.4GHz goes through walls better then 5Ghz

So a dongle using the old 2.4 GHz will transmit further than the new 5 GHz dongles but be slower.

So why use the new 5 GHz band?
Simply put there are too many devices talking in the 2.4 GHz frequency. The 2.4 GHz band used by Wireless-N & Wireless-G is cluttered with signal interference from cordless phones, Bluetooth headsets/keyboards, baby monitors, neighboring wireless networks, remote door openers, and even microwaves, to name a few disruptive devices. Just about anything wireless in your home builds the level of interference which will cause problems with your connectivity.

It has become overcrowded which slows everyone down trying to get a signal through.

The new 5 GHz while not able to send a signal as far, is not crowded and relatively used less for now.

If you live in a crowded city than using a 5 GHz dongle is likely your best option.

If you live outside a city with few if any neighbors a 2.4 GHz dongle is likely your best option.

802.11 protocols
802.11 is what sets the standards for manufacturers and device makers to create their products that all talk together.

Here are the main ones to know.

Most devices today are 802.11n also called Wireless-N. Wireless-N can work in both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency ranges.

Dongles that work in both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz ranges are called Dual Band.

The new 802.11ac is a new protocol introduced in 2013 and it can transfer data much faster than wireless N but often doesn’t work with older equipment.

So why not simply buy a wireless 802.11ac adapter?

802.11ac only works in the 5 GHz range which doesn’t travel as far as 2.4 GHz but is much faster then 2.4.

If distance is not an issue than a 802.11ac dongle is the best option.

If distance is an issue stay with a dual band 2.4 GHz Wireless-N dongle.

Antennas
Internal antennas are good at staying low profile but will not transmit as far as external antennas.

A antennas size is valued by its dBi number value, for example a 9 dBi antenna is bigger than a 5 dBi antenna.

Routers

Asus AX3000

TP-Link Archer AXE75

Asus ROG Rapture GT-BE98 Pro – Router for Gaming

Netgear Nighthawk RAX54S AX5400

TP-Link Archer AX73 AX5400 Wi-Fi 6 Router – Budget Router

Extending Wifi Mesh

Eero Pro 6 or 7

TP-Link Deco BE63 BE1000 Whole Home Mesh

For Email

Avoid Comcast.net and Yahoo mail if you use programs like Outlook, Windows Mail, Windows Live Mail, Thunderbird, etc. I have multiple email addresses in my Outlook and Comcast is the only one that fails a few times a week, if not a day. Its most common problem is receiving emails but not sending email. However, Comcast and Yahoo tend to work fine when you use the webmail. Ie go to mail.comcast.net or mail.yahoo.com and email from the browser.



Gmail is the most common option and I have no issues from it.

Microsoft Exchange – It is not perfect but to sync a lot of email, over 3,000 contacts and calendars for businesses users. Exchange is the current standard.

Buy a domain & hosting and have your own custom webmail like myemail@nashvillecomputerguru.com. Good for business.

Though not email I use and recommend iCloud if you have an iPhone and want to sync contacts and calendar with your Outlook and have less than 3,000 contacts. I find iCloud is the best way to manage contacts and calendars with Outlook and iPhone.

Printers

The problem with All-In-One Machines is they have a printer, scanner and fax in one machine often for $150 or below giving the impression that they will do what you need. My experience is they break down often in business environments due to cheap parts. I often hear it is only a year old, how could it be broken? Often they scan hundreds of pages a week for a machine that was designed for maybe a hundred a month.

Same with printers, a business using a consumer grade machine will fail or have lots of problems. A true business printer or scanner is thousands of dollars. Locally speaking, RJ Young and Nova Copy allows you to lease commercial grade machines.

Needs are different, one person needs a good document scanner, another needs a good photo scanner. One needs to print a lot in black and another needs color.

Laser has sharper text then inkjet printers, Laser is also better for volume over inkjet.

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Printers for Home

I find HP OfficeJets and ENVY work generally well for light home use. I get a lot of calls about HP and Brothers all in one machines that  print but not scan. If that is a problem with the printer model or just because so many people have them I don’t know. I would avoid HP OfficeJet 8600, 8610, 8620. A lot of calls on those models.

Epson Workforce Pro WF-4830

HP OfficeJet Pro 8035

HP OfficeJet 9025e

HP Color Laserjet Pro MFP 3301fdw

HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw Wireless Black & White All-in-One Laser Printer

Epson Workforce Pro WF-5690 printer

HP Officejet 5740

For Volume

HP Color LaserJet Enterprise M553DN HP Color LaserJet Enterprise M553dn

Printers for Business

Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5850

HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw Wireless Black & White All-in-One Laser Printer

Samsung Xpress M2835DW Black and White Laser

Brother MFC-L3780CDW

HP Color Laserjet Pro MFP 3301fdw

Scanners

For Documents

Xerox DocuMate 3220 (entry level for scanner for businesses)

$539 on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Xerox-DocuMate-Duplex-Color-Scanner/dp/B004HWXMVG

Panasonic KV-S1027C

For photos

Epson Perfection V850 Photo

Or any Epson Perfection, I have one V550 myself and it is great.

$859 on Amazon

Canon Canoscan 9000F Mark II

Scanners
For Documents

Xerox DocuMate 3220 (entry level for scanner for businesses)

Panasonic KV-S1027C for business level scanning

For photos

Epson Perfection V850 Photo
Or any Epson Perfection, I had the V550 myself and it is great.

Canon Canoscan 9000F Mark II

AntiVirus / Security Software

Everyone should have an anti-malware program running and a firewall enabled on their computers. Windows 10 enables its built-in Defender and SmartScreen anti-malware features if no other is installed, offering a modicum of protection. MacOS has built-in XProtect and Gatekeeper that block malicious Web downloads. But none of those offers the level of protection of a good anti-malware program.

Free anti-malware programs do not cost anything to install or maintain, though you may have to re-register yearly. Granted free version of products often will have popup ads or free trials attached that will expire and have nag screens after that. That paid versions don’t have the nag screens, after all it is free and they have to make their money somewhere. Fee-based Security Suites offer additional features, some of which may improve protection. If you opt to buy a Security Suite, be aware that they require yearly renewal, sometimes at the full purchase price.

I find Norton and McAfee to be useless. Almost everybody with an infected computer already has Norton or McAfee installed

I personally recommend the following trifecta of software



The only two I recommend 



Paid Version of Malwarebytes and of Hitman Pro

Bitddefender is also a good option

For techy people who are more careful on what they open

Honestly nowadays you can get away with no extra protection as the built-in Windows Defender in Windows 10 and 11 does a pretty good job but it doesn’t hurt have more premium protection.

A great program for preventing scams is Seraph Secure which was created by Kitboga, a legend in scam baiting. This is a great tool for older folks who struggle at knowing what a real website is vs a scam and also the software prevents remote program from being used which scammers love to use

Computer Backup

I personally think having a local and online cloud backup is important. Cloud backups can take days if not weeks but are safe from fire or disaster. Local backups are much quicker to recover from but do no good in a fire or disaster. 

I personally replace my hard drives ever two years and put the old drive in a fireproof safe as an additional layer of security. 

Local Backup

Acronis TrueImage

Carbonite

Backblaze

Cloud Backup

Acronis TrueImage Cloud

Carbonite


iDrive