Toddler Tablet

Set up the best Toddler Tablet for under $100 and NO monthly subscription fees.

Yes, you read that right! I took what was a balky device for my use. First I performed a Restore to Factory Defaults. Then I purchased a kids case, used the appstore to load some apps, and presto! And just like that, we had the best Toddler Tablet money can buy. And cheap! For more details, read on.

Background

Computer Sprout moved to Lake Darby area of western Franklin County Ohio December 1, 2022. We did this primarily to be near our young grand children. And now I have pulled some care giver duty for the 2.5 year old grandson. This led to examining the electronics tstash to see what resources I might be able to employ. This led to The results I am sharing here.

For about $100 total investment, plus $0 monthly subscription we now have a toddler tablet that the grandson loves. It is responsive and robust. And he might be learning something too!

Setup a toddler tablet for $99 investment and NO further subscription fees.

Get the Hardware

Buy an Amazon Fire 10 HD 2019 or 2021. As I type, these range in price on Amazon from a high of $99.99 to a low of $59.99. The quality of your toddler’s experience is NOT dependent upon the price of this device.

For $20.98 I purchased a Shreborn ＨＤ 10 Tablet 2019 Case- SHREBORN Light Weight Shock Proof Kid Proof Cover Kids Friendly Case with Stand for All New ＨＤ 10 Tablet(9th/7th/5th Generation, 2019/2017/2015 Release) If you go with the 2021 tablet, make sure you get a case to match. As of this writing, that case was $3 cheaper!

Once you have the laptop and case, go ahead and get Khan Academy for kids from the Amazon Appstore. Set up the proper accounts, and you are good to go.

If this seems like too daunting a challenge for whatever reason, that is where Computer Sprout can help. Computer Sprout is a non profit operation. All that is asked is for out of pocket expenses to be reimbursed. Donations for time and expertise spent are accepted. Hardware setup, consultation, informal training. Call or contact for more information.

December 11, 2022December 11, 2022

Computer Sprout has a new home; 729 Platoon Dr, Galloway, OH

Computer Sprout has a new home at 729 Platoon Dr, Galloway, OH 43119. We have returned to the plains. As a result, Computer Sprout has a new address. We have moved to 729 Platoon Dr, Galloway, OH 43119. This is the far west side of Franklin County, OH, just a few miles from the Madison County line and the village of West Jefferson, OH.

Computer Sprout’s nice new space features easy access and a large comfortable area for working on and/or with computers. Contact Computer Sprout Now

As always, Computer Sprout offers sliding scale computer repairs, affordable select notebook computers, websites, SEO and tech consultation.

Computer Sprout has a track record of satisfied customers. By re-configuring your old computer with a Linux based OS, you will no longer have to worry about viruses, malware, and fragmented hard drive. Your computer will become responsive and robust, maybe even more so than when it was new.

If you are having Windows 10 or Windows 11 problems, Computer Sprout can help. File system corruption is a common problem for Windows 10. Symptoms include system slowdowns and programs that refuse to work correctly. Repairs are made depending upon the level corruption. However, most computers can work like new again for a suggested minimum donation of $30. Call today!

Computer renovations & repairs in Galloway, OH, Computer Sprout also offers website development, search engine optimization, expert help, sliding scale professional fees, good used computers and mobile devices and repair services.

Arrange for a visit. Computer Sprout has a new home; 729 Platoon Dr, Galloway, OH

July 26, 2020February 21, 2022

Computer Sprout has a new home in Logan, OH

Frank and Computer Sprout have moved to 10671 Ellinger Rd, Logan, OH. As always, Computer Sprout is your go to source for sliding scale computer repairs or used computers or Android phones. Computer Sprout specializes in Ubuntu, an open source Linux distribution that can replace Windows on your computer.

There are options as to how Ubuntu is configured. It is sometimes easy to configure Ubuntu to work in conjunction with Windows, and access all windows media files from the new Ubuntu installation.

In a rural environment where internet connections tend to be slow, Windows 10 updates can be incapacitating to an older computer. However, that very same computer, with Ubuntu installed, will work fast, responsive, robust. It can be almost like a new computer.

Computer Sprout is also a source for solid performing used computers. Computer Sprout purchases typically off-lease incomplete Dell Latitude laptops. Laptops are completed, tested with Ubuntu 20.04 installed and are available to you for replacement cost. These models tend to have solid longevity, unlike some consumer models purchased at Walmart.

Computer Sprout also can provide expert help with most things technological, all on a sliding scale.

January 4, 2019July 26, 2020

Business Websites 101

Intro – Business Websites 101

This is a very short course in utilizing a website and google to market your business. I am calling it Business Websites 101.

Question? How does a new business get noticed in 2019?

Answer Have a good functional website. Make sure the domain name works for you. Do SEO (Search Engine Optimization) home work. Incorporate this in your domain name and website. Make sure your Google listings are up to speed and good. Do good sense Google Adwords. Follow the principles of Businesses Websites 101.

Narrative – Business Websites 101

In 2019, well over half of all page views for your website are likely to happen from a mobile device. What website factors contribute to a website working well on a mobile device?Google and AnswerLab did a research study to answer this question. Here is their conclusion.

Mobile users are very goal-oriented. They expect to be able to get what they need, immediately, and on their own terms.

Here is what Google has to say on the subject. First, it has to scale; the website needs to be legible and well laid out on a variety of screen sizes. Also, the website has to load fast. In 2019, potential customers have very little patience with slow loading websites. Therefore, they will move on to the next potential business that might fulfill the need they are looking to meet.

This means the majority of websites have a lot of wasted effort on aesthetics. Your website should be well laid out, have good graphics, and convey important information to potential customers. But forget the fancy “sliders”, auto play videos, etc… Your potential customers will not wait around for them to load.

Also bear in mind, we are in Pocahontas County, WV. We have limited bandwidth in the best scenarios. Your website needs to load fast and your information must be complete and accurate in both search results and maps.

Contact Computer Sprout for a free no obligation initial consultation on Businesses Websites 101. Very Reasonable Professional Fees donated to local non-profit. 540-860-0089 or email info@computersprout.org

Monday	9:00	21:00
Tuesday	9:00	21:00
Wednesday	9:00	21:00
Thursday	9:00	21:00
Friday	9:00	21:00
Saturday	9:00	21:00
Sunday	9:00	21:00

March 11, 2018January 5, 2019

How to Get The Most Computing Bang for Your Buck

If you seek the most computing bang for your buck, then a laptop with a 3rd generation Intel Core i5 or Core i7 processor is for you. These processors were released in 2012. They were used in laptops built around 2013. Since that time, Intel has spent most of its efforts not on improving computing performance. Rather Intel’s focus has been on improving the energy efficiency of the core i line of processors.

Surprising Performance from 3rd Generation Core i Processors

My experience with 3rd generation core i5 and i7 suggests their performance is within about 10% of the new 6th and 7th generation core i line of processors. Prices for five year old high end laptops are amazingly affordable.

Cost and Availability of Replacement Parts

For these reasons, I strongly recommend buying Dell or HP. The business lines of computers from these two manufacturers are significantly better made and more robust than the consumer lines. I recommend Dell Latitude or HP Elitebook.

I purchase a significant number of these computers from Ebay with good results. When buying from Ebay, make sure you are buying from a reputable seller, one who has made a large number of sales. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this yourself, Computer Sprout offers this service. All that is required is to re-imburse for out of pocket costs, plus make a small donation to Hillsboro Library Friends. You can literally save several hundreds of dollars by taking this approach to sourcing your computing equipment.

February 27, 2018January 5, 2019

Windows 10 Updates Are Reason Alone to Use Ubuntu Instead

Window 10 updates are reason alone to use Ubuntu instead. Windows 10 handles updates in a massively unpredictable way. This is reason enough for most users to use Ubuntu instead. Ubuntu 16.04 is my go to OS. I always opt for Ubuntu given the choice.

I periodically use Windows 10. Not by choice , but because certain programs I need to use only work with Windows. For me, it is a program that manages photos for a Sony Cybershot camera. Additionally, a program that manages a software stack to run WordPress locally is sometimes needed. For others, they may have a vpn that allows them to connect with their work sites from home that needs to run on Windows.

Window 10 Especially Ill Suited for Rural Internet Connections

If you live in a rural area, chances are your internet speeds are marginal. This is true even if you have an acceptable internet experience most of the time. When Windows 10 begins to update and you have an internet connection of 10 Mbps or less, chances are your computer will become inoperable until Windows 10 has finished doing its thing. It is possible to futz around with metered connection settings. One can attempt to wrest some control over your own computer and Microsoft’s heavy handed approach to updates. But the experience will be frustrating at best, guaranteed.

However, for most people, Ubuntu does virtually everything they need from a computer. If Windows is needed, a computer can be easily configured to “dual boot”. Windows 10 is available when needed. Most people, over time, will gravitate to Ubuntu because it is more robust and user friendly. And with Ubuntu, updates are quick, simple, and fully under user control. Windows 10 updates are reason alone to use Ubuntu instead.

January 12, 2018July 26, 2020

Ubuntu is Free Open Source

Introduction

The Computer Sprout Blog is where I will discuss issues relevant to computing. This article discusses Ubuntu and Linux.

Ubuntu and Linux

Ubuntu is free and open source replacement for Windows 10, 8.1, and 7. It does not get viruses. It does not need disk defrag. All popular browsers including Chrome and Firefox run in Ubuntu.

For those committed to Microsoft Office, you may run the free cloud version of Office in your browser. Otherwise, LibreOffice is a free open source replacement for MS Office.

Most computers can run both Windows and Ubuntu. Computer Sprout computer repair services has made this repair literally hundreds of times on most brands of computer. Many clients find they prefer Ubuntu over Windows after acclimation.

Call 540-860-0089 9am – 9pm 7 days per week, or stop by the Hillsboro Library Wednesdays from 4pm – 7pm for a free demonstraton.