Tag: Windows Home and Family Resources

3 reasons to consider getting a new computer

We’re relying more than ever on the technology in our homes. The refrigerator to keep our stocked-up food cold and safe to eat, the dishwasher to clean endless loads of dishes after eating meals at home, and our devices to keep us connected to the world outside.

For a lot of people, basic internet is no longer sufficient; calling and texting doesn’t seem like enough. Now people are working, learning, teaching, and connecting from home. Video chatting with family and friends. Streaming first-run movies, binge-watching TV, submitting daily class assignments, video conferencing with global participants—the needs are much more complex.

Is your older computer keeping up with what you want to do? If not, look at these simple tips to help you find a new computer so you can do more of what you want and what you love.

1. Make the most of your time with a faster device.

We know that you want to do what you want to do when you want to do it, and it needs to keep up with you, too. Whether that’s a faster response time when opening apps, streaming movies or music while you do your work, or surfing the web with all of your saved tabs open, we can help guide you to the device that will do just that.

With the latest Intel processors (the “brain” inside your computer) and solid-state drives (“SSDs” and the storage compartment within your device), starting up your device is up to three times faster than what you may be experiencing on an older device¹. What does this mean? It means that you’ll have the speed and power you’re looking for when working, playing, connecting, or learning online.

How do you choose?

We can help determine the right processor for you, based on your needs. Whether you are looking for an entry-level computer to do the basics, or if you expect a higher level of performance from your device to work and play games, there is something for everyone.

What processor do you need?

Your needs influence what processor is right for you.

• Best value, lowest price: The 10th Gen Intel® Core™ i3 processor is perfect if you’re looking for a sub-$500 computer for basic computing tasks.
• Everyday requirements: If you’re looking to balance performance and cost, the 10th Gen Intel® Core™ i5 processor helps you find this balance.
• Heavy work and play: If you’re a gamer or work a lot on your computer, 10th Gen Intel® Core™ i7 and i9 processors are worth the expense and peace of mind.

A solid-state drive or a hard disk drive?

Which choice is best for you? Differences are based on price, speed, and storage.

• SSD: While these may cost you a little extra, they are worth it for the weight, speed, durability, and lower energy usage to have on your device.
• HDD: Hard disk drives provide a bit more storage at less cost, however with this storage comes a significant impact on performance—so if you like a responsive computer, SSD is the way to go.

2. It’s easier to work, play, learn, and connect from anywhere.

On average, modern computers with solid-state drives (SSDs) weigh less than five pounds. And because SSDs consume less power, you’ll get longer battery life—on average, eight-plus hours of video playback.² These portable powerhouses are just what you need to do whatever you want from wherever you are, with or without the cord—even if you are just moving from room to room.

What do you look for to meet these needs?

• Consider a 2-in-1 laptop for complete flexibility, giving you the experience of a tablet, usually with a keyboard you can flip over and a touchscreen interface, with the software and computing capability of a laptop for when you need it.
• Touchscreens are worth it. You love it on your phone, right? Especially with a smaller laptop, tablet or 2-in-1, you’ll love it there, too. Pinch and zoom, move things around, or just use it instead of a mouse or touchpad. Once you try it, you’ll wonder why you waited so long to get one.

3. You can find something that fits your style and budget.

Computers have more personality these days, and you can choose one that reflects yours.

Buying a device is an investment for today and in the future, but that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank. With the broad selection of devices available today, there is a computer that not only fits your budget and personal needs, but your style too. Whether you are looking for thin and light to make moving throughout your home easier, or a new color to match your home office, there are options available for everyone.

1. Learn the basics.

If you want to learn to cook, but the most complicated recipe you’ve ever attempted is macaroni and cheese from a box, you can find plenty of resources online to help you master the basics or to take your skills to the next level. Try a Bing search for instructional videos like how to poach an egg, how to cook the perfect steak, or even how to sharpen your kitchen knife skills.

2. Figure out what to make.

Sometimes, the hardest part of cooking is figuring out what to cook. If you want a recipe to guide you, let Bing help you out. Start out with a very basic search like “recipe ideas” or try some searches using ingredients you want to use, such as:

Do you have a handful of ingredients on hand and don’t know what to do with them? Text a list of ingredients to Samsung’s Cook Magic recipe bot and it’ll respond with recipe links using those ingredients.

3. Organize your meal planning.

Years ago, if you wanted to look for a recipe, you pulled out a cookbook. Now, you can find almost any recipe you want online. But rather than opening a dozen tabs in your browser or trying to copy and paste links from Edge into Word or even Notepad, try making a recipe collection in Microsoft Edge.

4. Plan your shopping trips.

If you’re finding it harder to get to the store, you’ll want to make sure you remember everything when you do go shopping. OneNote notebooks are great for keeping track of your grocery lists, favorite items from specialty stores, weekly staples, or just today’s list of what you need for a specific meal. Add items to your list in OneNote with checkboxes, so as you’re cruising the aisles of your store, you can mark off what’s in your cart.

You can also share your notebook with others so if one person runs to the store, others in your household can add new items to the list as they shop, because OneNote notebooks are always in sync (as long as you have an internet connection).

5. Exchange recipes with friends and family.

Food is more than a way to sustain our bodies. Recipes and traditions are passed down through families and among friends. Now is a great time to create a OneNote notebook, share it with family members or friends, and encourage them to write down all of those recipes that they know so well. Whether it’s the sweet potato casserole you had as a child or that new chocolate chip cookie recipe you found last week, OneNote can help ensure your most meaningful recipes are always preserved.

You can also pass on your culinary creations when you create a cookbook or a series of recipe cards using our free Word templates and gift them to friends and family members who love your cooking.

6. Get creative and grow your skills.

Rather than starting from a recipe, start with your favorite sauce. Then mix-and-match to create different meals based on which protein, vegetable, fruit, and extras you have on hand. Jarred pasta, sauce, salsa, and condiments are inexpensive and can be used whenever you’re ready for them. Cooking creatively can reduce stress, and you can find some tips to get started here.

7. Share a meal—virtually.

Do you long for big dinners with family or friends? Why not have a virtual dinner party? You can use OneNote to keep a list of the recipes you want to make and share that with your virtual guests so they can cook along in their own homes.

Send out invitations to your dinner party that include a Skype link, and when it comes time to dine, start Skype, turn on your video camera, and share a meal with those you can’t join in person.