Sometimes I write about PCs, sometimes about MACs, and also about tablets and phones. I was looking for a tech tip and came upon a story about the internet itself. I had no idea it was started in 1969. It started with 4 computers? If you are interested, you may read a history of the internet HERE. 

There are still a few of us out there using desktops as our computers. More & more, people are moving to mobile devices like phones and tablets to do their computer work. You can’t beat the convenience, and I certainly use my phone for almost everything. So here’s a hint, give me your computer that you aren’t using anymore.

I still like my computer though. I have a homemade desktop. I guess I like the formality of sitting at a desk and doing my work. For the 15 years I worked from home remotely, I always got dressed in the morning and went down and worked in front of my computer. People at work were always asking me if I worked in my pajamas. I don’t know. I’m just not like that. I didn’t wear a tie though, if that helps me look a bit less nerdy.
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Back to desktops. I had an interesting job this week. A person had a computer with a bad fan. The exhaust fan was working intermittently. I usually have a million of those laying about, but I had recently taken them all to a recycler and had not a single fan to use. You know I’ll never do that again. Sorry Carol.

If you use Facebook this is a great tip for keeping your friends organized without setting up multiple accounts.

Facebook friends. Hundreds of people that include your close friends and family, as well as someone you met once or twice walking your dog in the park. Just like in real life, you don’t always want to share the same things with every one of those people. The good news is, you don’t have to. 
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Facebook allows you to create custom friend lists. This comes in handy at times when you have an update you’d like to share with only certain friends. You can create as many friend lists as you like and separate your professional contacts from personal ones. 

Facebook custom friends lists will help you keep your Facebook news feed organized. You can also select any friend list to see a feed of posts made by just the people on that list. 
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Create Facebook Custom Friend Lists. First of all, you’ll need to log into your Facebook account on your desktop. You can’t create Facebook custom friend lists on the mobile app. 

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Last week we received a comment asking who writes this column and how to get in touch.   A little about what we do (mostly Brian).  

Brian Bondy started Abiquiu Computers in 2008.  Since that time he has given away 393 computers.  These were computers that were recycled, cleaned, sometimes upgraded at his expense and given away with no strings attached.  They have been provided to locals and local organizations.  It stemmed from a desire to give back to our community, keep computers out of the landfill, and give them a new life.  It also involves taking once or twice monthly runs into Santa Fe to Goodwill to recycle those items, often old printers that could not be fixed.

In addition Brian also does computer consulting. Brian repairs and upgrades computers at a competitive rate and you don't need to leave Abiquiu!  Estimates are free.  

Just have a question.  Email Brian at [email protected]  

In 2012 when I began Abiquiu News and it was a natural to include a tech tip from Brian and occasionally from myself.  He often sees the same issues - files lost, malware, hard drive failure (with no back up).  He writes the tech tip to, in part, help you avoid problems or to work more efficiently. 

So if you have a question drop an email or give us a call and leave a message.

If a new computer is in your future this holiday season keep Brian in mind to give that computer a new home.

Carol ​

This week we've gotten several calls with questions about upgrading to Windows 10. October 25th we talked about the Window 10 Upgrade Assistant.  Please look back.  

Our tech tips come from questions we get weekly or computer issues we see that are often repeated. 

Back up your files.  Remember, backing off your files is not the same as a back up.  It's only a back up if your files are kept in more than one place. 

Keep you computer updated. 

Don't click on a link in emails unless you are sure it's safe. 

​Don't share your personal information. 

That's all for this week