Tips & Advice

  1. Windows 10 End of Support: What This Means for Your Business and Personal Computing

    Windows 10 End of Support: What This Means for Your Business and Personal Computing
    The clock is ticking. In just a month, on October 14, 2025, Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10. If you're running a small business or managing personal computers, this isn't just another tech update—it's a critical decision point that could affect your security, productivity, and budget.

    Hi! We're Nathan and Emmanuel from Landmark Computers. Between us, we have over 38 years of experience helping Australian businesses navigate technology changes, and we can tell you that Windows support transitions are among the most important decisions you'll face. Let us break down exactly what Windows 10's end of support means in plain English, and what your options are moving forward.

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  2. Is Upgrading RAM and SSD on Your Laptop Worth It?

    Is Upgrading RAM and SSD on Your Laptop Worth It?

    Feeling like your laptop's running slower than a wet week? Before you rush out to buy a new one, upgrading your RAM or swapping in a faster SSD might be exactly what you need to breathe new life into your machine. But when does it make sense, and when are you just throwing good money after bad?

    Hi guys, Emmanuel here again. After 12 years of upgrading laptops for folks across Australia, I've seen firsthand how the right upgrade can transform a sluggish machine into a productivity powerhouse. I've also seen people spend money on upgrades that barely made a difference to their daily experience.

    Let me share what I've learned about when laptop upgrades are brilliant investments, and when you're better off putting that cash towards something new.

    The Quick Decision Framework

    Before we dive deep, here's my simple test to determine if upgrades are worth it:

    Upgrade Makes Sense When:

    • Your laptop is less than 4 years old and generally runs well
    • You're hitting specific bottlenecks - slow boot times,
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  3. HP Care Pack Guide: Essential Protection for Your Business Technology

    HP Care Pack Guide: Essential Protection for Your Business Technology

    HP Care Pack Guide: Essential Protection for Your Business Technology

    Your HP equipment is a vital business asset—shouldn't it have the protection it deserves? HP Care Packs provide comprehensive warranty coverage and support services that go far beyond standard manufacturer warranties, helping Australian small and medium businesses minimise downtime and protect their technology investments.

    When you purchase HP equipment for your business, you're making a significant investment in productivity and growth. However, technology can be unpredictable, and even the most reliable systems occasionally need support. That's where HP Care Packs come in, providing peace of mind and professional-grade protection for your critical business systems.

    What Exactly Are HP Care Packs?

    HP Care Packs are extended warranty and support service agreements designed specifically for business users. Think of them as comprehensive insurance policies for your HP computers, laptops, printers, and servers that provide

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  4. Touch vs Non-Touch Laptops: Which One Should You Buy?

    Touch vs Non-Touch Laptops: Which One Should You Buy?

    Touch vs Non-Touch Laptops: Which One Should You Buy?

    Choosing between a touchscreen and non-touchscreen laptop is one of those decisions that seems straightforward until you start weighing the pros and cons. With touchscreen laptops becoming increasingly common and affordable, many buyers wonder whether the extra functionality justifies the additional cost and potential drawbacks.

    The answer isn't universal—it depends entirely on how you plan to use your laptop. Our comprehensive guide examines the real-world advantages and disadvantages of both options, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and usage patterns.

    Understanding Touchscreen Technology in Laptops

    Modern laptop touchscreens use capacitive touch technology, the same type found in smartphones and tablets. This allows for multi-touch gestures, precise input, and responsive interaction with on-screen elements.

    Touchscreen laptops typically fall into several categories:

    • Traditional touchscreen laptops
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  5. What Exactly is a Copilot+ PC? Your Simple Guide to new AI-Powered Computing

    What Exactly is a Copilot+ PC? Your Simple Guide to new AI-Powered Computing

    If you've been shopping for a new laptop recently, you might have come across the term "Copilot+ PC" and wondered what all the fuss is about. Is it just another marketing term, or does it represent something genuinely different? At Landmark Computers, we've been helping Australians navigate technology choices for years, and we can tell you that Copilot+ PCs mark a significant shift in how laptops handle artificial intelligence, bringing powerful AI capabilities directly to your device.

    Let's break down what Copilot+ PCs are, what makes them special, and whether you should consider one for your next laptop purchase.

    Understanding Copilot+ PCs: The Basics

    A Copilot+ PC is Microsoft's term for a new category of Windows 11 laptops that include dedicated AI hardware called a Neural Processing Unit (NPU). Think of it as having a specialised AI brain built into your laptop, separate from the main processor and graphics card.

    To earn the Copilot+ PC badge, a laptop must meet specific requirements:

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  6. What to Do When You Spill Liquid on Your Laptop

    What to Do When You Spill Liquid on Your Laptop

    Emergency Guide: What to Do When You Spill Liquid on Your Laptop

    Spilled water on your laptop? Spilled coffee on your laptop keyboard? Don't panic! Quick action can save your laptop from permanent damage. Follow these immediate steps to minimise harm and protect your data.

    G'day! I'm Emmanuel from Landmark Computers, and after 12 years working with water damaged laptops, I can tell you that liquid spills are one of the most common (and panic-inducing) accidents we see. Whether you've spilled coffee on your laptop, dropped water on your keyboard, or had any other liquid mishap, the good news is that if you act fast and follow the right steps, there's a great chance your laptop can be saved.

    Let me walk you through exactly what to do when disaster strikes.

    Immediate Action Required (First 60 Seconds)

    Time is absolutely critical when liquid meets electronics. Here's what you need to do right now:

    1. Power Down Immediately

    • Turn off your laptop instantly - don't wait for a proper shutdown,
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  7. Neural Processing Units in Laptops: Your Guide to AI-Powered Computing

    Neural Processing Units in Laptops: Your Guide to AI-Powered Computing

    Neural Processing Units in Laptops: Your Guide to AI-Powered Computing

    If you've been shopping for a new laptop recently, you might have noticed a new term appearing in spec sheets: Neural Processing Unit, or NPU. While this might sound like tech jargon, NPUs are quietly revolutionising how laptops handle everyday tasks, and understanding what they do could help you make a smarter purchasing decision.

    What Exactly is a Neural Processing Unit?

    Think of an NPU as your laptop's dedicated AI assistant—a specialised chip designed specifically to handle artificial intelligence tasks. While your laptop's main processor (CPU) is like a highly skilled generalist that can handle any task thrown at it, and your graphics card (GPU) excels at visual processing, the NPU is the specialist that's brilliant at one particular job: running AI applications efficiently.

    Just as you wouldn't use a screwdriver to hammer in a nail, your laptop's CPU isn't the most efficient tool for AI tasks. That's where the

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  8. Certified vs Non-Certified Graphics Drivers: What's the Difference?

    Certified vs Non-Certified Graphics Drivers: What's the Difference?
    Certified vs Non-Certified Graphics Drivers: What's the Difference?

    Certified vs Non-Certified Graphics Drivers: What's the Difference?

    When selecting a CAD laptop, understanding the difference between certified and non-certified graphics drivers can be crucial for your professional workflow. While many users focus on graphics card specifications like VRAM and processing power, the type of driver support your graphics card receives can significantly impact stability, performance, and compatibility with professional CAD applications.

    Quarterly updates aligned with major CAD software releases

    Stability focus over cutting-edge features

    Thorough testing before public release

    Long-term support for established driver versions

    Best Practices for Driver Management

    Professional CAD users should follow these driver management practices:

    Use certified driver versions recommended by CAD software vendors

    Test new drivers in non-production environments first

    Maintain driver consistency across team workstations

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  9. Mobile Workstation vs Gaming Laptop: Why CAD Users Need Professional Hardware

    Mobile Workstation vs Gaming Lapto
    Mobile Workstation vs Gaming Laptop: Why CAD Users Need Professional Hardware

    When shopping for a laptop capable of running CAD software, you might be tempted by high-end gaming laptops. After all, they boast powerful graphics cards, fast processors, and often come with attractive price tags. However, there are crucial differences between gaming laptops and mobile workstations that can significantly impact your CAD workflow and productivity.

    Understanding these differences is essential for making an informed decision that will serve your professional needs for years to come.

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  10. A Simple Guide to Line Interactive UPS

    A Simple Guide to Line Interactive UPS

    When it comes to protecting your computer, servers, or other sensitive electronics from power issues, a Line Interactive UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) is one of the most effective and popular solutions. But what exactly is a Line Interactive UPS, and why should you consider using one? Let’s break it down in simple terms.

    What is a Line Interactive UPS?

    A Line Interactive UPS keeps your devices powered during outages and protects them from voltage changes like sags (dips) and surges (spikes). Unlike a basic standby UPS, it actively regulates voltage without switching to battery power every time there’s a minor fluctuation.

    How It Works

    1. Normal Operation: When the power supply is stable, the UPS allows electricity to flow directly to your devices.
    2. Voltage Regulation: If voltage drops (a "sag") or spikes (a "surge"), the UPS automatically adjusts the voltage using an Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR)—without switching to battery power.
    3. Battery Backup: During a power outage, the UPS switches
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