Hartland Computer Services

If, like us, you are sending your daughter or son off to school with a new Apple Mac laptop, we strongly advise opting for the Apple Care+ option. Every year in the back-to-school season we get calls from parents asking if we can fix a Mac that has had water, coffee or some other unidentified liquid spilt into it. Apple has made their current computer nearly unrepairable.

As we have mentioned on Facebook, we are not fans of Windows 11 and its always-on Recall feature. This is the feature the Microsoft introduced that essentially records everything you do on your computer and the internet and feeds keeps it on your computer as well as feeding it to its AI engine (apparently). It's a spectacular invasion of privacy and it will change your relationship with your computer. The solution we have chosen is to switch to Apple Mac computers.

Apple is not a realistic alternative for everyone. For those on Windows 11 who would like a more private experience, the Brave browser appears to be a good alternative. Here at Chaos Manor South, Crystal has been a Brave user for years and it comes highly recommended.

Tech Companies Are Blocking Microsoft's Creepy 'Recall' Feature Mind your business, Microsoft.

🖥️ Windows Support Changes Are Coming — Consider Alternatives 🖥️

This October, Microsoft will begin phasing-in changes that affect older PCs, particularly those that can't meet the hardware requirements for Windows 11. If you're running an older Windows machine, especially anything pre-2018, it's worth checking whether your system will remain supported.

Given ongoing concerns about Windows 11’s reliability, forced updates, and increased hardware restrictions, we think this is a good moment to consider switching to macOS, as both Crystal and I have for our main personal computer.

🔍 What to look for in a Mac

Used Intel-based Macs (2019 or newer) are still viable, especially for users who need Intel compatibility.

But for most users, we recommend Apple Silicon Macs—released in late 2020 and after. These use Apple’s own M-series chips (M1, M2, M3), which are faster, more power-efficient, and run cooler than Intel equivalents. They’re also expected to receive OS support for much longer.

📉 Prices on used and even new Apple Silicon models are currently lower than usual, making this a relatively affordable time to upgrade.

If you're unsure whether your current system will be affected, or if you're considering switching platforms, feel free to reach out. We're happy help.

We haven't tested this but we will. This Recall feature, in our opinion, makes Windows 11 highly insecure. Again, insecure enough to strongly consider switching to Apple (we have).

We do disagree with the author's support of Bitlocker encryption. It's our opinion that this is second only to Recall as a security PROBLEM rather than solution. Our recommendation is to turn OFF Bitlocker. Microsoft turns it on my default now on all Windows 11 and many Windows 10 installations.

Turn Off Windows' Recall to Protect Your Privacy No thanks.