Jakob Stanfield

If you are at all interested in computer hardware repair, then you need to clear your calendar and read:

"The Ultimate Guide to Building and Repairing PCs" by Tom's Hardware.

And here's why:

Reason #1: It covers both beginner and advanced topics, from basic hardware components to intricate repair details.
Reason #2: The guide is consistently updated to reflect the latest advancements in PC building and repair techniques.
Reason #3: It provides step-by-step walkthroughs with pictures, making it easy to follow along, even if you're new to hardware repair.
Reason #4: The blog includes troubleshooting tips that go beyond typical repair guides, helping you solve common hardware problems.
Reason #5: The community on Tom's Hardware is active, and you can get real-time advice from other tech enthusiasts and professionals.

Honestly, this blog post changed my life—and completely changed the way I think about computer hardware repair.

I can't believe stuff like this is free on the Internet.

Everyone struggles with imposter syndrome.

Personally, I have for years. I used to second-guess every repair I did, thinking I wasn’t experienced enough and that someone else could do a better job. It made me nervous about charging clients and even taking on jobs I was capable of doing.

But what changed for me was realizing that no one knows everything, and even experts keep learning. As soon as that clicked, I started to understand that overcoming imposter syndrome wasn't that hard—I was just doing the wrong thing.

Here's what I should have done instead:

Start trusting your process and keep learning.

Confidence comes from acknowledging that making mistakes is part of the learning curve. The more you accept that everyone starts somewhere, the faster you can grow in your skills.

I have been practicing computer repair (both hardware and software) for over 10 years.

Along the way, I have done all sorts of things to try to get better:

• I read "Upgrading and Repairing PCs" by Scott Mueller.

• I listened to "The WAN Show" by Linus Tech Tips.

• I asked for help from a local mentor who owned a tech repair shop.

And all of these things helped me a ton.

But if I had to start all over again (as a beginner), this is the simple framework I wish I had for learning how to repair computers:

Step 1: Start with the basics of hardware components.
Understanding the physical parts of a computer is crucial before diving into repairs.

Step 2: Practice common software troubleshooting.
Many repair issues are software-related, and having a solid grasp on this can save you a lot of time.

Step 3: Build or take apart a computer.
Hands-on experience is invaluable and teaches you how things work and fit together.

When you're first starting out, this is all that matters.

There are a lot of things most people don't know about working in tech repair.

For example, did you know...

• A lot of tech repairs involve simple fixes that most people could do themselves?

• People often forget their passwords, which can make basic troubleshooting nearly impossible?

• Sometimes, “broken” devices just need to be restarted to work again?

For anyone in the industry, this stuff is common knowledge.

But to those who haven't lived "a day in the life" in tech repair, some of these might come as a shock.

For example, here's the weirdest thing most people don't know about the tech repair industry:

Some clients get upset when you fix their device too quickly.

This happens because they feel like the problem must have been more serious and expensive to justify the service fee. Quick fixes can sometimes make them feel like they could have done it themselves or that they were overcharged.

Crazy, right?

Like most beginners, I made a lot of mistakes when I first started working in the tech industry.

But this was the biggest one, by far:

I undercharged my services and didn't offer as wide of a variety as I should have.

Here's what happened:

I was a bit hesitant on advertising as well as learning "how to advertise," and due to this, I was never really confident about charging the amounts I should have. This made me struggle to look as official as I should.

But it's also worth acknowledging that making this mistake taught me a ton.

I've learned my lesson on how to have a better business image, and this has made me look a lot more official in the process. This required me to have a clearer image of my services as well as prices.

This is why I encourage everyone to see their mistakes (and "failures") as necessary steps along the path.

There is always a lesson to be learned.

Elon Musk wants to stick a computer chip in your brain. Sounds cool, right? But before you go under the knife for some Jetsons-esque upgrades, let's pump the brakes. Neuralink may promise a future of thought-controlled everything, but this tech is still in diapers.

Brain surgery ain't like installing a new sound system - one wrong move and you're a drooling vegetable. Plus, you really want your inner monologue hackable? No thanks.

Sure, Neuralink could change lives, but it could also change your privacy, security, and free will as we know it. So tech nerds, keep your excitement in check - this corporate gamble may be a leap too far. Use that big brain of yours and look before you leap into the Neuralink abyss.

Do you want to get started working in tech repair?

I have been self-taught for over 10 years but have been doing job-related repairs for nearly a year now. And what I can tell you from my experience with computer repair, both hardware and software-related, is that in order to work in this industry you need to be detail-oriented, have a strong problem-solving mindset, and continuously update your knowledge about new technologies.

So, here's the 1 tip I would give you if you wanted to pursue a similar career path:

Develop a strong foundation in basic troubleshooting skills.

Here's why: In tech repair, you will often face various issues, and having a solid grasp of basic troubleshooting techniques will enable you to diagnose and resolve problems more efficiently. It’s the cornerstone of effective repair work and will set you up for success in handling more complex issues as you gain experience.

Most successful people share the same handful of things in common:

They are disciplined with their time.

They know how to stay focused on one goal at a time.

They have mentors and other influential people they can turn to for advice.

They have mastered one (or multiple) valuable skills.

But in the tech repair and technology industry in particular, I have noticed that the most successful people have this 1 habit in common:

Consistency, and the ability to adapt and excel in using new forms of technology.

And here's why:

Technology is ever-changing and always growing. If you don’t adapt to the constant changes, you’ll fall behind. Consistency in learning and applying new skills ensures that you stay ahead of the curve. It’s not just about fixing what’s broken—it’s about understanding where technology is headed and being prepared to navigate the next wave. This adaptability keeps successful people relevant and valuable in an industry that never stays the same for long.

I have been interested in electronic music production for a while now.

But I owe a lot of the progress I've made to these people:

Virtual Riot
I've always been amazed by Virtual Riot's complex styles, variety, and willingness to teach others. His ability to push the boundaries of sound design and share his knowledge with the community inspired me to dive deeper into my own production journey.

Will from EDMTips
Will is a great producer with his own tutorial series that has made a huge difference in my life. Most of what I learned about sound design came from his teachings. His clear, step-by-step approach helped me understand the intricacies of producing music and gave me the confidence to experiment with my own sounds.

Bunting
Bunting, a YouTube producer in the darker, bass-focused EDM scene, not only taught me how to master the DAW known as Ableton but also provided an in-depth education in sound design. His tutorials opened up new creative possibilities for me, and his deep understanding of sound design techniques has been invaluable.

These people have taught me so much—and, just like they did with me, I hope to pass along my own learnings to the next person.

Buckle up, reality-surfers! Full dive VR - where you don't just play the game, you live it - might be crashing into our craniums faster than you can say "digital déjà vu."

Enter Neuralink, Elon Musk's latest mind-bender. These mad scientists are cooking up brain-machine interfaces that make your smartphone look like a rock with delusions of grandeur.

But hold your horses! We're talking ethical dilemmas bigger than your search history and tech so complex it makes quantum physics look like tic-tac-toe.

Exciting? You bet your last bitcoin! Daunting? It's making skydivers look like couch potatoes.

So, strap in, neuron-nauts! The future's not just knocking - it's doing the cha-cha on our cerebral doorstep. Ready or not, here comes the mind-bending, reality-warping wild ride of full dive VR!

Electric cars promise a cleaner future, but the reality is messier. The batteries that power them are made from materials mined at a high environmental and human cost. And the electricity charging these cars? Often generated from coal and other dirty sources.

Even when their time is up, disposing of electric car batteries is a toxic challenge. The truth is, electric cars are not the perfect solution they’re made out to be. It’s time we stop idolizing them and start looking at the full picture.

When I was 12 years old, my father gave me an unforgettable piece of advice.

I was just starting to get interested in technology and had been running myself ragged trying to fix something on a laptop without knowing anything about laptop repair. But, like most beginners, I was making a lot of mistakes: I didn’t do my research, I kept trying the same fixes over and over without really understanding the problem, and I spent hours upon hours spinning my wheels without learning anything or making any real progress.

Until one day, my father said to me:

"Don’t force things. Learn about the issue before you try to fix it."

That day, my whole life changed.

From then on, I approached things differently. I worked on becoming more well-versed in whatever I was tackling, whether it was technology or life in general. This shift not only saved me time in the long run but also helped me avoid repeating the same mistakes. I learned the value of preparation, patience, and deep understanding, which became the foundation of how I approach challenges today.

Working as a trainee at Storti’s Wildlife Control taught me more than just how to handle a cage. It’s about understanding the animals you’re dealing with.

Raccoons are smart. They’ll outthink you if you’re not careful. The key isn’t just setting a trap; it’s about knowing where and how to place it. A poorly placed trap is a wasted effort.

But trapping is only half the job. Rehousing these creatures is where the real challenge lies. You can’t just drop them off anywhere. You need to ensure their new environment is suitable—away from human settlements, with enough resources for them to survive.

This experience taught me patience, precision, and the importance of humane treatment. In the end, it’s not about controlling pests; it’s about respecting wildlife and ensuring a balance between humans and nature.

Imagine your phone getting infected just by opening a text message. It sounds like science fiction, but it’s a real risk. Vulnerabilities like Stagefright on Android have proven that malware can spread without you even clicking a link.

Does this mean you should panic every time your phone buzzes? Not quite. While these threats are real, they're rare, and updates usually patch them quickly.

Your best defense? Keep your software up to date, be cautious with unknown senders, and think twice before clicking links. It’s about staying aware, not being afraid.

You might think the apps on your phone are safe because they come from the official App Store or Google Play. Think again. Spyware has found ways to sneak into these trusted platforms, disguised as harmless apps like games or utilities. Once downloaded, they can collect your data, track your activity, and even access your camera or microphone—all without your knowledge.

How does this happen? App developers use clever tricks to bypass the store's security checks. Some spyware is hidden within updates of legitimate apps, while others are outright malicious from the start but fly under the radar by masking their true intent until after they’re installed.

Protecting yourself isn’t complicated, but it requires vigilance. Stick to apps from well-known developers, check reviews, and pay attention to permissions. If something feels off, it probably is. Regularly updating your phone's operating system and apps also helps close security gaps that spyware might exploit.

Spyware in the app store isn’t just a theory—it’s a reality. By staying alert and informed, you can keep your data safe and your device secure.

There are many books on tech repair and computer education, but the standout is The Complete PC Upgrade and Repair Book by Mark Minasi.

Here’s why:

Reason #1: It simplifies complex topics with clear, detailed explanations.

Reason #2: Offers practical tips and step-by-step advice for real-world tech issues.

Reason #3: Covers everything from basic repairs to advanced upgrades comprehensively.

Reason #4: Minasi’s engaging writing makes technical content accessible to all.

Reason #5: Approachable for everyone and great for learning computer hardware upgrades.

If you’re into tech repair, this book is a must-read.

(Agree? Did you prefer the hardware repair or upgrade sections? What’s your top book recommendation for beginners?)

The internet is a jungle teeming with digital predators. Here's your field guide to the most notorious creatures:

1. Viruses: The Common Cold These buggers attach to your files and spread faster than office gossip.

2. Worms: The Party Crashers No invitation needed – they replicate and crash your network bash.

3. Trojans: The Wolves in Sheep's Clothing They promise a good time but leave you with a digital hangover.

4. Spyware: The Nosy Neighbor Always peeking over your digital fence, stealing your secrets.

5. Ransomware: The Digital Kidnapper It locks up your files and demands a hefty ransom. Talk about highway robbery!

Protect yourself: Keep your antivirus updated, avoid sketchy downloads, and back up your files. Remember, in this digital safari, common sense is your best defense. Stay vigilant, fellow cyber explorer – the wild web awaits!

I wouldn’t claim to be a tech guru or anything close. But after over a decade of diving into technology and hours spent tinkering with repairs, I’ve picked up a thing or two.

It all started when I was a kid. I accidentally poked my toe into my computer’s CPU fan. Thankfully, it didn’t hurt, but it did break the fan. That little mishap led me to learn about CPU fans and computer parts. It was the spark that ignited my curiosity.

From then on, I found myself constantly taking apart computers to figure out how they worked. That early fascination turned into a lifelong passion for tech repair.

Now, my goal is to turn my knowledge into a steady income and help others by sharing what I’ve learned. Here’s to turning curiosity into a career!

Your HDMI cable might be a secret informant. Here's the scoop:

1. Silent Signals HDMI cables emit electromagnetic waves. These invisible signals could be intercepted by nearby tech wizards.

2. AI Decoding Artificial intelligence can transform this electromagnetic noise into useful data. It's like having a genius codebreaker on the hacking team.

3. Reality Check This isn't just sci-fi, but it's not simple either. Hackers need to be close and have specialized equipment.

4. Smart Defense

• Use shielded HDMI cables

• Keep cables short

• Stay informed about emerging tech threats

5. Home Radiation Party Surprise! Many devices in your home emit similar signals. Your Wi-Fi router, microwave, and LED bulbs are all part of this invisible network.

Remember, in the tech world, today's impossibility could be tomorrow's headline. Stay alert and keep your gear updated!