FROM A TECHNICAL MIND

BUSINESS: FROM A TECHNICAL MIND Back-to-School Laptop Lesson by Austin Steger

Back-to-school season is when many people are searching for the perfect laptop computer to meet their educational needs.

Laptops are not only portable but also have important features a student needs, such as a webcam, a Bluetooth connection for headphones and file sharing, WiFi, speakers, and a microphone. Fortunately, laptops have become more affordable in recent years and even the most basic ones include necessary features and more.

Larger screens are tempting, but consider the weight of the machine since it will be carried around. Laptops in the 13- inch range usually have a good balance between screen size and portability. It is not advisable to go larger than a 15.6- inch screen or smaller than an 11 inch.

Having a touchscreen can significantly improve notetaking by increasing the speed for editing, copying and reformatting. It also allows the user to draw diagrams and images. However, touchscreens can be very expensive to replace, so it is important to not drop or spill liquid on the device.

Other features to look for are HDMI outputs, USB and USB Type C ports, and networking ports. These features allow the user to connect in a dorm or classroom and transfer files more efficiently.

The build quality of the machine also is important. It should be sturdy, but not too heavy. Many laptops offer a thin, durable design while remaining powerful.

When it comes to performance, get a device with a solid state drive (SSD) of at least 250 GB with enough storage for documents, pictures and videos and a newer generation processor like a Core i5 CPU 6000 series or better. Avoid hard disk drives (HDD), which are far slower. You can compare CPUs on any CPU benchmark website.

Finally, a minimum of 8 GB of RAM is recommended, but more than 16GB is likely unnecessary.

Keep in mind that certain fields of study, such as engineering, require their own programs that may have additional system requirements. If that is the case, talk with a computer sales consultant to ensure the laptop will meet more specific needs.

A back-to-school computer can be a big investment, but, with the right machine, it should last several years.

Austin Steger is a local computer and mobile electronics technician and technical communicator. He can be contacted at repairs.riztech@gmail.com or by calling 330-952-1225. BUSINESS: THE NETWORKER Virtual Expression by Bob Arnold

It was spontaneous, it was funny, and it was a good hearty laugh! But no one could hear me.

I was in a virtual networking event several days ago and the person presenting about their business said something to get a rise out of us in the audience. I caught it right away and laughed out loud. Others laughed also, but none of us could be heard; we were muted.

In a face-to-face event, a laugh like that can be heard across the room. It adds to our engagement with others. I have been told many times that I have a laugh that travels and causes smiles. All I know is it is genuine when I laugh.

No one could hear it the other day. Some may have seen me laugh and, because they know me well, could hear my laugh in their heads. However, most participants on the screen were very rigid and did not even crack a smile.

As we network, it is important to smile, laugh or twist our mouth to give input and to engage with others. It is an important part of relationship building. Most of these expressions get lost in the sea of faces on the screen and by wearing masks during this pandemic. However, here are a couple of suggestions to help compensate for these temporarily lost expressions.

Use your head and eyes more expressively. I find myself shaking my head more noticeably to express laughter or agreement. Also, use your eyebrows a bit more expressively than in the past.

You still have a voice, even though it may be muddled in the mask or muted in a virtual meeting, but you have to learn to be more clear and expressive with your voice if you want others to understand what you are saying. I have stood at a checkout counter and totally ignored the clerk because I heard only a mumble and did not realize she was talking to me.

Today, watch how you express yourself with others. How can you put the above suggestions into practice?

Bob Arnold is the founder of ONward Networking and the international best-selling author of “The Uncanny Power of the Networking Pencil,” which can be purchased at https:// amzn.to/2KSy3Xm More networking tips are available at “Bob’s Pencil Points” blog at http://onwardnetworking.com/ or by contacting Arnold at TheNetworkingPencil@gmail.com

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