February 25, 2025 By Mark Computer Techs

What You Need to Know About the End of Support for Windows 10

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  • Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. After this date, there will be no more free updates*, security patches, or technical support available from Microsoft – unless you take action.
  • Most users have 3 options: upgrade to Windows 11, get a new computer with Windows 11, or extend Windows 10 security updates until October 2026.
  • Upgrading to Windows 11 is recommended for most users for its advanced security, improved performance, and new features.

Updated 9/16/25:

As Microsoft’s Windows 10 operating system approaches the end of its lifecycle, it’s essential for users to prepare for the changes and take steps to transition smoothly. Microsoft’s official announcement in 2021 made it clear: the end of Windows 10 mainstream support is October 14, 2025. This means no more fixes or technical support will be available from Microsoft after that date. However, earlier in 2025 they announced for the first-time ever an Extended Security Updates program for personal computers using Windows 10 that will extend security updates for Windows 10 for an additional year – until October 13, 2026.

The Start button taskbar icons for Windows 10 vs Windows 11.

What Are Your Options?

If you haven’t already taken action, it’s time to do so now. Windows 10 users have three primary options:

  1. Upgrade your existing computer to Windows 11 for free
  2. Get a new computer with Windows 11
  3. Enroll in the Extended Security Updates program for free to Continue using Windows 10 until October 2026

Let’s explore these options and why ultimately upgrading to Windows 11 is probably your best choice.

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May 6, 2023 By Mark Computer Techs

New computer recommendations

Updated 11/7/24:

You may be reading this because the operating system on your existing computer will no longer be supported soon. Since you’ll likely be spending the next 5-10 years or more with your next computer, please take a few minutes now to make an informed decision about what to look for in a new computer and accessories – and get the best deal. 

Our recommended minimum new computer specifications are:

  • Intel Core i3/AMD Ryzen 5 processor or better. For an Apple Mac computer we recommend getting Apple’s “M” series processor rather than an Intel processor.
  • 8 GB RAM or more
  • 256GB Solid State Drive (SSD) or larger
  • Please read New Computer Buying Guide for more detailed information.

If you’re thinking about trying to save money by buying a refurbished computer – we don’t recommend it. Typically they won’t last as long as a new computer, and are less secure due to unpatched processor flaws and some cannot be upgraded to more recent secure operating systems.

We’ve seen the best reliability with HP and Dell brands. Keep in mind that cheaper laptops and all-in-ones typically only have a vertical screen resolution of 768 pixels, whereas higher quality and clearer screens are 1080 pixels or higher.

Click on the links below to view recommended computers meeting the minimum recommended specifications noted above at the respective retailer’s website. Some models may be available in-store. If you come across a good deal elsewhere, remember to look for specifications that are a minimum of what’s listed above.

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September 24, 2025 By Mark Computer Techs

Using Webmail for Reliable Email Troubleshooting

In today’s digital world, many people access their email through email clients or apps installed on their mobile devices or computers. Popular email clients include the Mail app on Mac and iOS, Microsoft Outlook and Thunderbird on Windows, and Samsung Email on Samsung Android devices. These applications provide a convenient, organized way to manage email from one or multiple accounts in a single interface.

However, when encountering email problems such as missing messages, sending or receiving errors, or synchronization issues, it is best to troubleshoot by going directly to the source of your email — known as webmail. Webmail is the online interface or website hosted by your email provider where your email is stored on their servers. From a webmail interface, you interact directly with the email server, bypassing the email client or device-specific issues.

Why Check Webmail?

  • Source of Truth: Since webmail interfaces connect directly to the email server, they show the true state of your inbox and messages without local app caching or syncing delays.
  • Bypasses Device Issues: If an email client or app is misconfigured or experiencing software problems, your webmail will still show your emails correctly.
  • Larger Screen Advantage: Using webmail on a computer or large-screen device offers better visibility, navigation, and options for managing complex email tasks.
  • Settings and Configurations: Many webmail portals offer comprehensive settings and diagnostic tools that can help identify issues such as filters, blocked addresses, or forwarding rules.

Common Webmail Services

Below are links to the most popular webmail services where users can log in to directly access their email accounts:

  • Yahoo Mail: A popular webmail service with a clean interface and organizational tools.
  • Gmail: Google’s widely used email service known for its powerful search and spam filtering.
  • AOL Mail: The classic free email provider is still around and popular with seniors.
  • Outlook.com Mail: Microsoft’s webmail for personal accounts including Outlook, Hotmail, and Live.com.
  • AT&T/Yahoo Mail: AT&T’s partnership with Yahoo offers a simplified version of Yahoo Mail branded for AT&T internet subscribers. Also accessible from the Mail button on AT&Ts Currently.com.
  • Spectrum Email: Spectrum’s webmail accessible for Charter/Spectrum internet subscribers.

Troubleshooting Tips Using Webmail

  • Log into your webmail account on a desktop or laptop browser.
  • Verify that new emails are arriving and old emails appear as expected.
  • Check your spam, trash, and other folders for misplaced or redirected emails.
  • Review account settings, filters, forwarding rules, and security notifications.
  • Test sending and receiving emails directly from webmail to isolate client-specific issues.
  • Reset passwords or security settings if login problems exist.

By starting troubleshooting at the source with webmail, users ensure they understand the true status of their email accounts before adjusting device or app settings. This approach simplifies diagnosing issues and often highlights whether the problem resides with the email provider or your local email client.

If you’re having problems with accessing all of your emails, contact Computer Techs for personal help.

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