Every Fall I see the same wave. A student laptop dies, or loses an essay, or turns out to be the wrong machine for a class, and the family is scrambling on a deadline. Almost every one of those emergencies traces back to a decision made, or not made, in August.

So this week was about getting ahead of it. Five posts on the school computer, from buying one to the checklist that heads off the October call.

Monday, buying a laptop for a student, and the two numbers on the box that actually matter. Most of the spec sheet is noise for schoolwork. Get the RAM and the drive right and you are most of the way there.

Tuesday, setting up a kid's computer safely, which is really two different jobs depending on whether you are setting up for a nine year old or a sixteen year old. The honest version, including where monitoring quietly backfires.

Wednesday, the hand-me-down computer, and how to tell in ten minutes whether the machine in the closet is worth reviving or worth retiring. Often a $100 upgrade is the whole answer.

Thursday, Chromebook, Windows, or Mac, a plain decision guide with no brand loyalty. The short version: check what the school requires first, because it often decides for you.

Friday, the back-to-school tech checklist, the practical run-through for new machines and old ones alike. Backups, accounts, printer, WiFi, and the charger.

And if you are still shopping, send me the listing before you buy. I will tell you honestly whether it is a good machine.

Mike
PCRescue | Portland, ME