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gadgets / general / lifestyle / mobile phones7 Min Read
For the new year, you need to have some new streaming devices that cater to your needs.
This article will show you some of the best streaming devices you can buy online. No matter what TV you choose to go with, these devices should be compatible.
What Are The Best TV Streaming Services?
- Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max
- Roku Express 4K Plus
- Chromecast with Google TV
- Nvidia Shield TV
- Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max
- Roku Streaming Stick 4K Plus
- TiVo Stream 4K
- Apple TV 4K
- Roku Ultra
- Amazon Fire TV Cube
- Xbox Series S
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max
Roku Express 4K Plus
Chromecast with Google TV
Here’s what one reviewer says about Chromecast: “Pairing the remote is simple enough, put the chromecast and remote into pairing mode, and if it sees it, it’ll simply pair with the device after 10 seconds That is, unless there is any other bluetooth device in the area. Even if you time it perfectly so the first thing it sees is the remote, it will begin the 10 second countdown, but permanently stop it if it sees ANYTHING else. Simple enough, reason would have it so you would either tap or hold the one button on the chromecast to get it to pair with the remote.”
Nvidia Shield TV
Here’s what one reviewer says about the Nvidia streamer: “Finally. I’ve waited for this device for years. Every time Apple or Amazon or Roku release a new device I cross my fingers it checks all the boxes, and they never have, not even past Nvidia devices – until now. There is always one feature missing, at least.
The new Nvidia Shield finally solves the problems that kept them, In my opinion, from making it the perfect streaming box until now.The primary issues I always had with the previous versions have finally been fixed. I’m not going to review the software… you either like Android TV or not.”
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max
Here’s what one reviewer says of the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K: “First off, delivery was quick and the driver was friendly and that is about all I can say that I enjoyed of this so far. The Firestick doesn’t seem to want me to stream movies in full screen. I have a QLED TV and now I lost part of my screen with the firestick. Previews will be full screen but once you hit play, not full screen anymore. Don’t have this problem with a Roku which is what I was replacing to get an upgrade I thought. Can’t log into AMC+ with your existing account, it will make you setup a new account and pay double the money. I already paid for a year and will use my existing one. Amazon seems to be acting like Apple and want to control the apps and where you spend the money. My next move is to return this and get the latest Roku 4k stick. I have tried all the online fixes that were suggested and problems have persisted.”
Roku Streaming Stick 4K Plus
TiVo Stream 4K
Here’s what one reviewer says of the TiVo streamer: “This product should be way more popular than it is. It’s a competitor with Amazon Fire and Roku. And honestly, it’s faster and better than both… and is more open. Which means the apps that Amazon and Roku are screwing around… like Peacock and HBO Max… well, they are on this device. You think “TiVo” and the reality is that the TiVo portion is simply an app. The device itself is actually a pretty slick, fast, easy to operate Android TV device. Freaking great. We are dumping Roku and switching to the TiVo devices. They really are that much better. Basically every app on Roku and Fire is available on TiVo Stream… and more. Meaning, for example, HBO Max and Peacock, who Amazon and Roku are screwing around with, well, available on the TiVo! And not just that, for apps like YouTube TV, they work BETTER on this device than Roku! So really, why wouldn’t you use this?”
Apple TV 4K
Here is what a reviewer says of the Apple TV 4K streaming device: “If you liked the previous generation of the AppleTV, the original 4K, then you will like this new iteration. Because, it is near as makes no difference, exactly the same. Oh, there are spec sheet differences like higher frame 4K video for uncommon content and extremely modern TVs. And the processor has been bumped a couple generations, but I can’t tell the difference; it was plenty fast before and it’s plenty fast now.”
Roku Ultra
Here’s what somebody who bought the Roku Ultra says: ” ordered my Ultra 2020 directly from Roku, as Amazon was back ordered. It arrived on Oct 16th, one day after the release date. I am using it to replace my Ultra 2018 model. I also have a second 4K TV with a Roku Streaming Stick+ as well as a Sharp Roku TV. I recently tried and returned the Fire TV Cube. So besides reviewing the 2020 Ultra, I will be making comparisons. The 2020 Ultra is advertised as being 30 percent faster than previous versions. If it is, I can barely notice. Not worth an upgrade if speed is your only motivation and you already have a 2018 or 2019 Ultra. What it does bring to the party is support for Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision. I have a 4K TV and audio system that support both so the upgrade was worth it for me. I have found that Dolby Vision (offered on many Netflix Originals) is superior to standard HDR. If you’re not as fussy as I am about getting maximum picture quality, getting Dolby Vision might not matter to you. The Fire TV Cube does support both Atmos and Dolby Vision, so that is an alternative, of course. Personally, I prefer the menu system on Roku.”
Amazon Fire TV Cube
Here’s what one reviewer says about the Amazon Fire TV Cube: ” ran out of memory for apps in my Fire 4k sticks so I got one of these to replace the stick in my main theater room and am very pleased with the results. The 16 GB of memory leaves me space to add more apps and the menu navigation is much snappier than the 4k stick’s, most likely due to the Cube’s hex-core processor. It came with an ethernet adapter so I set it up using wired ethernet out of curiosity. After using this configuration for two evenings I realized that the occasional buffering pauses that I had been seeing on my three Fire 4k sticks and Recast DVR, that are sometimes all in use at the same time, was due to a WiFi bottleneck even though I had good WiFi signal strength at all of the devices.”
Xbox Series S
Here’s what one reviewer says about the Xbox Series S streamer: “Absolutely love it! I was one of the few lucky ones to be able to order an S 2 days ago at 11:27 AM. Performance for my needs is out standing. I’m an avid PC gamer but like to play console from time to time when I come home from work, and don’t quite feel like going on PC. Console I can just boot up and be on my way. Plus I can take it places easier than my huge desktop. I plan on upgrading to the Series X when available at a more steady rate, but this is awesome for now. 2 pics, 2nd one has controller for size comparison. (I saw how small it was online, but MAN when I pulled this sucker out of the box my mind was blown at how small it REALLY IS!”
Final Word
The best streaming devices should be capable to work with the latest TVs as well as some of the older models. After all, your streaming pleasure depends on it.
Some of the best reviews for streaming devices put the Roku as the best brand overall. Depending on the particular model though, products from Google or Amazon may have the edge.
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The TV streaming services are doing their best Superman imitation by going up, up and away!
Apple TV+ is hiking its monthly subscription from $6.99 to $9.99 a month, the company said recently.
Just last year, Apple TV+ cost just $4.99 a month. Following Netflix’s lead, many streaming platforms are starting to raise their rates.
Why Are Streaming Services Getting More Expensive?
Competition from not just the movie studios, but the tech industry has made the streaming business a war of attrition.
Hollywood, which had been working with Netflix for over 20 years, has increasingly sought to gain market share in the streaming business in recent years.
Faced with actors and writers strikes, the movie studios are seeking to raise more capital by increasing their streaming rates for movies and TV series.
You may choose to stick with Apple TV+ or search for some alternatives. That’s what I would do.
Streaming Alternatives To Apple TV+, Anyone?
One way to watch TV for cheap is to invest in a streaming device that has plenty of free apps. I Depending on which app you choose, you could get access to all types of free movies, TV series and more.
Read up on the best streaming devices for your TV.
Final Word
With the right TV, it matters little what kind of streaming platform you subscribe to.
If you already have a smart TV, you may just need a streaming device. Here are the best add-on streaming devices for your TV.
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When it comes to streaming services, a consumer would do well to shop around and not be brand-loyal to one platform.
Netflix used to be the top streaming platform, but a series of missteps and price increases have made other options more attractive and affordable.
This article will show you some Netflix alternatives that will be good for your money.
If you’re looking to cancel Netflix, you’re in good company. The once-popular service disclosed that it’s lost more than 200,000 subscribers over the past 12 months.
That means people are searching for and finding other streaming alternatives. We’ve researched the best ones so that you can know which ones are the best.
These Are The Best Netflix Alternatives
Streaming Service Monthly Price Channels Offered Plans Disney+ $13.99 85+ See Channels YouTube TV $64.99 85 See Plans FuboTV $32.99–$79.99 166 See Plans See Channels $25 65+ See Channels See Plans $6.99–$12.99 75+ See Plans See Plans $35–$50 50 See Plans See Channels Free 190 See Channels Free 55+ Amazon Prime Video $12.99 100+ See Channels There are several streaming platforms that serve as alternatives to Netflix, each offering a unique range of content. Here are some popular alternatives:
Amazon Prime Video: Amazon Prime Video is a major competitor to Netflix, offering a wide array of TV shows, movies, original series, and documentaries.
Hulu: Hulu is known for providing access to current episodes of popular TV shows shortly after they air. It also has a variety of movies and original content.
Disney+: Disney+ is a great option for fans of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic. It has a vast library of family-friendly content.
HBO Max: HBO Max offers a diverse range of content, including HBO original series, movies, documentaries, and more. It’s a good choice for those seeking high-quality, often critically acclaimed, content.
Apple TV+: Apple’s streaming service has been expanding its original content library and offers exclusive series, movies, and documentaries.
Peacock: Peacock is NBCUniversal’s streaming service, featuring a mix of current season TV shows, classic movies, original series, news, sports, and more.
YouTube Premium: YouTube Premium offers an ad-free experience, exclusive original series and movies, and access to YouTube Music. It’s a good option if you enjoy YouTube’s content.
Paramount+ (formerly CBS All Access): Paramount+ provides a mix of live TV, current season shows, original series, and a vast library of classic shows and movies.
Crave: Crave is a Canadian streaming service that offers a variety of content, including HBO shows, original series, movies, and more.
Vudu: Vudu offers a wide selection of movies and TV shows for rental or purchase, similar to Amazon Prime Video.
Tubi: Tubi is a free streaming service with a broad range of movies and TV shows, albeit with advertisements.
Sling TV: Sling TV is an internet-based live TV streaming service that offers a variety of channels, including sports, news, entertainment, and more.
Final Word
Netflix may have been knocked down a few pegs, but it still is the most well-known video streaming service. The issue is that subscribers continue to be asked to pay more.
Take a look at the streaming services we list above. Let us know if one of them suits your fancy. If you still decide to stick with Netflix, here’s how to make it worth your while.
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The only thing better than a brand-new cell phone is a used one. Why is that? Because of the money you could possibly save.
In this article, we’ll consider some reasons why buying a used cell phone makes sense.
Should I Buy A Used Cell Phone?
Whether or not you should buy a used cell phone depends on a variety of factors, such as your budget, the condition of the phone, if you know how to operate it and your personal preferences.
Here are some things to consider:
Cost
Used cell phones are generally cheaper than new ones. If you are on a tight budget and can’t afford to buy a new phone, a used phone might be a good option.
What Should I Pay For A Used Cell Phone?
Prices for used cell phones vary based on how old they are and the brand. Here are some used cell phones for sale online.
TCL 10L, Unlocked Android Smartphone 256GB
Apple iPhone XR, 64GB, Black – Fully Unlocked (Renewed)
Apple iPhone 8 Plus, Fully Unlocked, 256 GB – Space Gray (Renewed)
it’s true that nothing beats shopping in person. If you want to visit a store in person to buy a phone, you can do that too.
Condition
Make sure to inspect the phone thoroughly before purchasing. Look for any visible damage, such as cracks, scratches, or dents. Check if all the buttons and features are working properly. Also, check the battery health and any water damage indicators.
Warranty
Most used phones do not come with a warranty, which means that if something goes wrong with the phone, you’ll be responsible for the repair costs. Some sellers may offer a limited warranty or return policy, so make sure to ask about that.
Software Updates
Older phones may not be compatible with the latest operating system updates, so you may not have access to all the latest features and apps.
Security
Make sure to reset the phone to its factory settings before using it. Check for any suspicious apps or files, and be aware that the phone may have been compromised with malware or spyware.
Final Word
In general, buying a used cell phone can be a good option if you do your research and make an informed decision. Just make sure to check the condition, warranty, and security of the phone before making a purchase. Read our guide on where to find used phones in New Orleans.
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So you want to stream TV for free in the comforts of your own home. One of the best and easiest ways to do that is to invest in an antenna.
Antennas have come a long way since the days of “rabbit ears” and tin foil. This article will show you some of the best antennas for sale online.
What Antenna Should You Buy?
When it comes to antennas, you should know that the actual performance of the antenna depends on many factors, including the model of device you have, where you live, the terrain, and the type of signals in your area. It’s always a good idea to do some research and read reviews before purchasing an antenna.
The best antenna for watching TV depends on your location and the strength of the signals in your area. However, here are some of the top-rated antennas that are known to work well for most people:
Mohu Leaf 50
This is a popular indoor antenna that has a range of up to 50 miles. In addition to being easy to install on your TV setup, this device has a slim design that can be mounted on a wall or placed on a shelf.
TV Antenna for Smart TV
This digital antenna for your TV can receive 4K, ultra HD and 1080 HD TV broadcasts, which is more than many similar devices, which can only receive signals in one direction.
ClearStream Eclipse
ClearStream is a brand that is known for its indoor antennas with a range of up to 50 miles. They also come in several unique designs that allow them to be easily mounted on a wall or window. It’s also multi-directional, meaning it can receive signals from multiple directions.
Winegard Elite 7550
This outdoor antenna has a range of up to 70 miles and is designed to be mounted on a roof or pole. It’s weather-resistant and can pick up both UHF and VHF signals.
Channel Master CM-4228HD
This outdoor antenna has a range of up to 80 miles and is designed to be mounted on a roof or pole. It’s also multi-directional, meaning it can receive signals from multiple directions.
Antennas Direct ClearStream 4MAX
This outdoor antenna, again from ClearStream, has a range of up to 70 miles and features a unique design that can be mounted on a roof or pole. It’s also multi-directional and can pick up both UHF and VHF signals.
Final Word
You may be wondering why you should try to watch your favorite movies and TV series for free today. The fact is that millions of Americans are cutting the cord — and why should you be charged for TV content? Get a cheap antenna and start saving money.
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In this time that we’re living in, paper money is not as popular as it used to be. And that’s alright as long as you have a digital wallet.
You might have heard of the term “digital wallet,” and be unclear about what we’re talking about. In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about a digital wallet, including what are some great options.
What Is A Digital Wallet?
A digital wallet is an electronic platform that allows you to send, receive and spend money digitally rather than in person. That means you don’t have to visit a physical store to purchase an item.
Having a digital wallet also means that you don’t have to be in the physical presence of someone to pay them or receive payment from them.
I personally use Apple Pay as my go-to Digital Wallet. I even pay one of my utility bills with Apple Pay because it’s convenient.
Perhaps you’ve heard of G Pay (Google Pay) or Apple Pay. Those are some of the more popular digital wallets, but there are more out there. All of the ones we will discuss offer secure transactions that are protected by high-tech encryption.
Here Are Some Of The Best Digital Wallet Options
If you’re interested in moving beyond some of the most well-known digital wallets, there are both payment apps and digital wallets that offer a lot more robust capabilities.
We’ll list some popular digital wallets, first then go into some payment apps.
Digital Wallets
- Amazon Pay
- G Pay (Google Pay)
- Samsung Pay
Is Amazon Pay Good To Use?
Amazon Pay is a viable option for customers who frequently buy from retailers and resellers who specialize in e-commerce. With Amazon Pay, you can easily access a payment portal that allows you to checkout in a matter of seconds.
How Safe Is G Pay?
Backed by Google, G Pay is a secure payment method that uses several layers of security infrastructures to help keep your account safe. Google Support says this about G Pay’s safety: “When you pay in stores, Google Pay doesn’t share your actual card number, so your information stays secure.”
Samsung Pay
Of all the digital wallets we’ve discussed Samsung Pay is the only one that doesn’t facilitate a way for you to pay your friends. Although that may change, the lack of this feature is a major lapse as of this writing.
With Samsung Pay, you don’t have to worry about paying any fees, but you will have to keep your phone up to date for maximum compatibility.
Payment Apps
When it comes to payment apps, some other digital wallet alternatives are:
Final Thoughts
Accessing your money has never been as easy as it is right now. All you need is a bank account and a smartphone and you can make any transaction just about anywhere. Why is this the case? Because of the digital wallet.
If you need a digital wallet that allows you to take care of all your money needs, I’d suggest Apple Pay, which is what I used. I give it the edge because of Apple Pay, which can be used to collect or pay money in your iMessages app.
For more money-saving content, stay with Nolafi.com, a New Orleans-based news and entertainment channel.
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With the Super Bowl coming up, it’s a great time to snag a big-screen TV for less. Yes, you can buy a nice TV and save money.
In this article, we’ll show you some of the best smart TVs on the market for streaming.
What Kind Of TV Is Best For Streaming?
Smart TVs typically provide a better experience when it comes to streaming. The reason is because the video resolution is top quality.
Because smart TVs come equipped with internet-ready connections and apps, you can stream on them with relatively few problems.
Don’t make the mistake of buying a nice TV that doesn’t come with a media streamer built in. That means it should be a Chromecast, Roku, Amazon Fire TV or something like that.
Amazon Fire TV 55″ Omni Series 4K UHD smart TV With Alexa
Samsung UN65TU7000 65″ 4K Ultra HD Smart LED TV
Sony 75 Inch 4K Ultra HD TV X80K Series
SAMSUNG M5 Series 27-Inch FHD 1080p Smart Monitor & Streaming TV
TCL 65-inch 6-Series 4K UHD
Hisense ULED Premium 65-Inch U7G Quantum Dot QLED
Amazon Fire TV 65″ Omni Series 4K UHD smart TV with Dolby Vision & Alexa
Final Word
With the right TV, you can stream some great content from the Internet or local network to your TV.
If you already have a smart TV, you may just need a streaming device. Here are the best add-on streaming devices for your TV.
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Companies used to shun the idea of their employees working remotely, but that is no longer the case. Many businesses welcome remote employees. If you’re considering getting a remote job, you should have the equipment needed.
Many firms may provide one or two items needed to do the job, but for the most part, they will require that you already have equipment to qualify for the position.
When you find a job on a website, make sure you pay attention to the job description. That’s where you’ll find information about work equipment.
What Equipment Do I Need To Work Remotely?
When it comes to working remotely, there are some basic things that every job will typically require. Those items include a high-speed internet, a laptop or PC and a cell phone.
You may run across some positions that even stipulate how fast your internet should be, although that is not as common.
Remote Work Tool Kit:
Do Remote Companies Provide Equipment?
Another thing that is not as common are companies that provide the equipment you need to remote remotely. Again, this will always be stated in the jobs description.
Some gear that companies will typically provide include cell phone or landline, laptop and a headset.
What Equipment Do I Need To Work From Home?
Reliable High-Speed Internet
You’ll definitely need high-speed internet to handle a remote workload on a daily and weekly basis. Here are some specs you need to know:
According to broadband internet speed testing company Ookla, these are the internet speeds that are considered good:
- 1-5 Mbps for checking email and browsing the internet
- 15-25 Mbps for streaming HD video
- 40-100 Mbps for streaming 4K video and playing online games
Laptop Computer
These are some of the best-selling laptop computers on Amazon:
Lenovo Ideapad 3i Laptop, 15.6″ FHD Display
2020 Apple MacBook Pro with Apple M1 Chip 512GB
HP Laptop 14-fq1025nr Slim Laptop AMD 5 5500U CPU
Separate Monitor
It may be a good idea to get a large monitor so that you can expand your workspace with a larger screen. Here are some great monitors for sale online:
SideTrak Swivel 14” Attachable Portable Monitor
KYY 15.6” FHD 1080P Portable Laptop Monitor
When it comes to headsets, it’s best to go with noise-cancelling models, which many manufacturers make.
DAREU Gaming USB Headset
Headset
A headset is one of the most underrated pieces of remote-work equipment. One reason why it’s important is that a good headset will prevent you from using your personal phone to make business phone calls. You can make video calls and audio calls from a headset connected to your computer.
SENZER SG500 Surround Sound Pro Gaming Headset
Gaming Headset for PS4 PS5 Xbox One Switch PC
Ergonomic Chair
KOLLIEE Mid Back Mesh Office Chair
Ergonomic Office Chair W/ Recliner
HOMEFUN Mesh-Back Ergonomic Office Chair
Final Word
You may consider some other equipment that you’d like to have, but we’d consider the ones listed above as must-haves.
The essentials will always be the technology, such as reliable internet and a laptop. The other items will be depending on your taste and preferences.
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Women’s health is a serious matter. That’s why tech companies have invested so much money into making sure that we have apps that can help tend to our health.
There are many apps you can use that tell you when your menstrual cycle is due and whether it’s late or not. One question you may be wondering is whether period apps are any good.
Do Period Apps Actually Work?
Do period apps really work? It’s a good question. How can an app know the internal clock of my body, you may ask.
Here’s how period apps work: Once you input the times that you regularly experience your cycle, the app uses it to provide an estimate pertaining to your ovulation times and when your cycle is set to begin.
The prediction in the app is not 100%. In fact, some sources have reported that the accuracy can be as low as 21%, but that has not been my experience.
What Apps Are Good For Period Tracking?
Here are the best period apps in the Android and Apple app stores. The reviews were taken from the actual app pages in the Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store.
1. Period Tracker
Here’s what one reviewer says about Period Tracker: “I originally downloaded this app because I wanted to track certain behaviors with relation to my cycle. Specifically, back pains and those days I just got so frustrated. Sure enough, they were usually a few days before my cycle. What I love about this app is how customizable it is. It has a variety of little icons and pictures, and you can track anything you want from chocolate cravings to headaches. I used a little picture of a whale to track when I started feeling bloated. I just noticed they have a little corked wine bottle with incrementally more bubbles in it to represent constipation. How could you not love that?”
2. Eve
Here’s what one Google Play reviewer says about Eve by Glow: “Cons:First,glow premium is a whole joke. Understandable,not paying for the gems I don’t want is fair on the basis that I’ll never use a certain one.I feel as though I should be able to taylor my own experience on the app.I don’t care to know about my cycle twins when it’s about my own. ↪But why do I have too pay for my own cycle’s information?? All that needs to be free .I know bedsider exists-besides it, uneeded info abounds.Had app since 2017wasn’t like this Pros:Cycle preditions acc.”
3. Clue
Here’s what one reviewer says about Clue: “I’ve used this app for 4 years and it’s been great! It tracks my cycle accurately, as long as I put in the data (sometimes I forget lol). There is a lot of helpful information to understand what they’re tracking and why and what it tells them and you. It’s discreet, has a nice design, and isn’t overtly feminine, which is nice for trans and gender-nonconforming folks who menstruate!”
4. MyFlo
Here’s what one reviewer says about the MyFlo period tracker app. “The app has a lot of information. The only reason I didn’t give it five stars is because they have some things that need to be improved on the app. 1. It can take 10+ seconds to load 2. If you click back to go back to another screen it will freeze 3. If I want to add some details to my calendar for previous days I can’t.”
5. Flo
Here’s what one reviewer says about the Flo app: “I have been using this app for awhile now and have been very dedicated to tracking my body’s cycle. With this app I avoided pregnancy successfully for 2 years without hormonal birth control by working around my fertility rhythm using the information Flo provided. The longer you use it, the more accurate it it becomes.”
Final Word
Many women can’t remember when their periods are supposed to come. To figure out when your cycle starts, count starting with the first day of bleeding until it stops.
For the most part, a normal menstrual cycle will take about 28 days, but there could be a wide variety based on several factors like diet, trauma and stress.
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If you have a Dell laptop, you may have run into a bug that continues to show itself in various models. According to the experts, the problems have arisen due to SupportAssist, the laptop’s built-in program.
In this article, we’re going to show you how to get rid of the annoying problems associated with SupportAssist.
What Is SupportAssist?
DellAssist is an automated support program for Dell’s PCs, tablets and laptops. The program is designed to help you fix minor problems with other programs and the overall functionality of your device.
Dell also gauges the health of your device’s servers, storage and networking devices. But there are issues with it. For one, it can be quite buggy.
When issues occur with SupportAssist, it’s best to disable it and download a newer version.
Here’s How To Turn Off Dell SupportAssist
If you want to keep Dell SupportAssist, but disable it, here’s how to do that in three easy steps:
- Go to the Start menu and click the “Startup” tab
- Uncheck all programs associated with Dell support
- Click OK and if prompted to restart the computer, do so.
Once you turn off Dell’s SupportAssist, you’ll be able to use your computer like you always have without any issues.
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