IT specialist and Geeks2U technician Harvey shares his expert tips and the top tech tools that will help you stay organised. Find out how 2-in-1 devices, smart home tech and AI assistants can help you take your productivity to another level.

A person working on a laptop while sitting on a lounge in a cosy home environment.

My Computer Keeps Prompting Me to Upgrade Its Software. Why Do I Need to Do That?

The reason you need to keep your systems up to date is actually due to [security] vulnerabilities that get found within code, software and hardware over time and after an operating system is no longer supported. For example, Microsoft’s Windows 10 is ending support this October so there’ll be no security updates after this time. If you haven’t already updated to Windows 11, you still have time to do it.

I'm Looking For a New Computer; How Important Are Processors and What Role Do They Play in Computers?

When buying a computer, it’s important to consider the processing speeds you may need. The way to think about it is that it’s the brain of the computer. The processor handles everything you do on the computer, from opening applications, browsing the web to editing documents and much more! In some laptops and tablets, especially newer, lighter and thinner ones you’re starting to see new Snapdragon processors, which are highly efficient and offer increased battery life and a performance boost across plenty of day-to-day applications.

What to Try

A robot vacuum cleaner operating on a rug and wooden floor with a person sitting on a lounge nearby in a living room setting.

What Smart Home Device Could Help Me Win Back Some Precious Hours?

One smart device you might not immediately think of is a robot vacuum: you can set it and forget it. It could save you hours per week in cleaning and only occasionally will you need to empty its waste bin. Some newer models can even mop the floor for you!

What to Try

SEE ALSO: Smart Home Products for an Effective Home Office

My Desktop Is a Mess – What Are Your Best Tips for Organising Data and Files on My Device?

When people want to do a bit of a digital spring clean, I tell them to break it up into steps, like reorganising your filing system or going through old photos. It helps to have a plan. I use the cloud storage systems OneDrive and Google Drive so I can access my files on the go.

What Device Do You Suggest People Consider Upgrading to an AI Version and Why?

I am seeing more and more people installing outdoor and indoor cameras for their business and home. Google’s Nest Cam uses AI to detect what caused a motion alert and facial recognition so you can know if an unknown person has passed by. You can also customise the kind of notifications that get sent to you.

What to Try

SEE ALSO: An Expert Answers Your AI Questions

A person using a multifunction printer to scan a document in a small office setting.

What Do You Think Is the Best 2-in-1 Device That Can Help Me Save Time, and Not Take Up Too Much Space?

One of the most important and critical devices in a business is the printer. Having one that has multiple functions, such as printing and scanning, means you save space along with time. It’s well worth spending a little bit more these days for a printer that can do it all.

What to Try

How Can AI Help Me Better Manage My Time?

AI is becoming a powerful personal assistant and is now being built into devices we use every day. For example, Microsoft’s Copilot has become a feature of the new laptops that use the Snapdragon processor. You can now ask the AI tools to generate to-do lists, summarise meeting notes or even help write clearer emails. These tools integrate themselves deeply into your device so have much more oversight than web based tools.

SEE ALSO: The Benefits of an AI Laptop for Work, Study and Play