Don’t want my advice, click here. Want my advice? Here it is below.
Favorite security websites
Other great websites and resources
My rules
Did your computer start running slow in July 2021 or thereafter? Try a system file check.
Likely, you have system file corruptions that need repaired.
– Open a command prompt with administrator privileges.
– Run the command “DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth & sfc /scannow” (without quotes)
– Reboot if corruptions were found and repaired
Best Mobile Phone brands
Android is my favorite, but I have a lot of respect for Apple. Android has more customization and transparency because of it’s open source roots with Linux. However, many manufacturers stop patching security vulnerabilities after 3 or 4 years (BOO!). Google (Pixel) and Samsung (Galaxy) are exceptions and they secure their devices for 7 years now. Apple typically patches up to 7 years (WOW!) and have been for a while. I still buy Android, but it is getting harder to justify it.
Android (or other brands) and Apple watches are updated less often.
That’s a lot of money to throw at mobile devices replacing them every 3-4 years and it irks me a LOT! Not much you can do about it, though, except make noise (like on this website) and hope they listen someday.
PC Specs to watch when buying a new PC
CPU – I recommend Intel. Typically an i3 or i5 is enough. i7 is mainly for the multitasker who uses their PC a LOT in ways most people don’t. Stick with the latest generation for the longest support and security (14 Generation is the latest as of 2023). The Core Ultra (Series 2) is a new line started after 2023.
I don’t use AMD and cannot make any recommendations (sorry). I hear they are good, but I am not familiar with their naming scheme or benchmarks to recommend anything. They are cheaper and that is their advantage.
Memory – Most people will find 8 GB enough. 4 GB if you really need to cheap out and only use it for BASIC internet browsing (browsing uses more than you think). 16GB is more comfortable if it makes sense financially.
Storage – Go SSD (solid state drive)! They are worth the money and the performance. It is the single best technological improvement in the last 20 years hands down! They are more expensive than hard drives, but not nearly as bad as they used to be. If you need a lot of storage (for pictures and videos), then get a hard drive in addition to it if possible. Otherwise, stick with the hard drive.
Windows – Windows 11. Stick with the Home version. The Pro version is mainly for enterprises and general consumers (home users) will not benefit.
Cost – You should be able to find the above around $400-500. Prices and availability change, especially now. Buy direct from Dell, HP, if you can. The manufacturer will honor warranties more readily. Don’t buy on eBay. Buy local as a second option, Amazon as a third option (depending on the seller), and where ever after that.
Video card – Most people are fine with just the built in graphics and don’t need one. If you do, you need to figure that one out on your own or check your game’s requirements. For most users who just browse, create documents, and do regular things, what is built into the CPU is enough.
Other considerations – make sure the new PC can use your current or new monitor. If not, get an adapter. Most plugs convert to others fine, but you need to verify the direction of the video (HDMI to DisplayPort might only go from PC (HDMI) to monitor (DisplayPort), but not the other way.
PC brands (in order)
The brand I recommend is Dell. I used to recommend Lenovo, but after seeing what that means being a China based company, I no longer recommend them. Dell’s Inspiron line is great for home users and is based on the Latitude line (better for businesses than home users).
HP has a place with an honorable mention as they are actually more recommended out there. I had experience with them at a previous company and liked it.
Other brands out there (in order) are Samsung (their Chromebooks are great), Razer, MSI, Microsoft Surface, Asus, Acer.
Remember, “You get what you pay for!” I repeat this all the time and find it so true. Spend just $50-100 more than the bottom of the barrel and it will be way, WAY better!
On that note, Apple is a great brand, but I typically don’t support them. They are another animal. I think they are higher priced than they are worth, but they are better priced than they used to be.
All that said, drivers and firmware security fixes stop after 3-5 years on all these brands and you should replace your computer that often or risk hackers’ exploitation. The same can be said for mobile devices and it is a shame in almost all technology these days.
Brands to Avoid
Do not buy China based brands as they are often found actively spying, violating copyright, or have serious security weaknesses. Remember, you get what you pay for. For that reason, I recommend avoiding the following brands I have seen in the news as being on my personal blacklist:
Lenovo (computers)
TP-Link (modems, routers, and other network equipment)*
Huawei (cell phones)*
ZTE (cell phones)
Motorola (cell phones)
DJI (drones) – I own one and use it, but if I buy another drone, I am NOT doing that again. They were caught doing shady things.
D-Link (network devices)
Zyxel (network devices)
* If you have these, you should replace them immediately!
See also RouterSecurity.org for further advice.