Time to replace your computer? Used might be the way to go

But not a used computer like you’re probably thinking. I’m talking about a refurbished computer.

You can buy a refurbished computer direct from the manufacturer, e.g., Dell, HP, Apple, etc., or you can buy one from a company that specializes in refurbishing computers.

The refurbished computers that come directly from the manufacturer were probably returned by a customer for some reason. The manufacturer checks out the computer, replaces any parts that need replacing, and then does the same final checks that a new computer goes through before being put up for sale.

Refurbishers buy computers from companies that are upgrading their employee’s computers. The IRS allows three years to depreciate computers for tax purposes, so many large companies replace their computers every three years.

These computers are sold in bulk, usually shrink-wrapped on pallets, sometimes thousands of them at a time. The refurbisher then cleans and inspects every computer, replacing parts as necessary. Almost all refurbishers update the BIOS of the computer as well. You can find refurbished PCs with brand new hard drives.

Microsoft knows that lots of people refurbish computers for customers and has a Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher (MAR) program to ensure that refurbishers install only genuine Microsoft software on their refurbished PCs.

All MAR refurbished PCs come with a genuine copy of Windows installed. You can choose from Windows 7 and Windows 10, both Professional and Home versions.

Desktops, laptops, tablets, and all-in-one computers are all available refurbished.

Amazon’s Renewed program is for refurbished products, including computers. Amazon only allows select high-performing sellers to sell in their program.

Newegg.com in Los Angeles is also a good source for refurbished computers.

As an example of how much computer you can get for not much money, the best-selling refurbished computer on Amazon is an HP 8300 Elite small form factor PC with an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 500GB hard drive selling for $209. Unless you’re doing some hard core gaming, this PC can handle just about anything you need it to do.

Turn off push notifications in Chrome

Push notifications happen when Chrome pops up a window letting you know somebody posted something on Facebook, or there’s a new article on Forbes, or, heaven help us, one of the Kardashian spawn has done something.

The Google Chrome browser has supported push notifications for a couple of years. Getting the notifications to stop keeps getting harder to find in the Chrome settings.

Here’s how to shut up the Kardashians and everyone else:

1.Open Chrome

2.Paste chrome://settings/content/notifications into your browser

3.Next to the Ask before sending (recommended) text, click the toggle button. It should now say Blocked.

That’s it.

Keyed up

I am thankful the most important key in history was invented. It’s not the key to your house, your car, your boat, your safety deposit box, your bike lock or your private community. It’s the key to order, sanity, and peace of mind. The key is ‘Delete.’

- Elayne Boosler, American comedienne

Do you have a computer or technology question? Greg Cunningham has been providing Tehachapi with on-site PC and network services since 2007. Email Greg at [email protected]