Hi, my name is Jonathan. I’m 32 years old and from Northern Ireland. I started in the IT industry in 2009 by doing an apprenticeship at a local computer shop owned by a distant family member. While working there, I also studied to get my CompTIA A+ Certification, and by 2011, I opened my own shop.
When Windows 7 launched, we were incredibly busy with new PC builds and laptop sales. Customers were holding onto their XP machines, as we didn’t deal with Windows Vista, which wasn’t very popular. We advised them to stick with XP, which they trusted more at the time.
Around that period, I noticed technology becoming more integrated into our daily lives, connecting our PCs with phones and tablets. Back then, customers could buy computers with a strong processor like a Core i7 and then upgrade the RAM and storage later . This approach saved them money and made it easier to sell new laptops and desktops. back then but Today, though, most laptops and desktops have their SSDs and RAM soldered in. Customers have to spend more upfront because they can’t upgrade them later as easily.
The days of Windows XP and 7 felt simpler. Even now, though you can avoid creating a Microsoft account on new Windows systems, it feels like an unnecessary hassle. People should have more choices. It’s also tough explaining to customers that software they once bought outright now requires ongoing subscription payments. Additionally, repairing and upgrading customer machines has become more challenging. Parts are harder to find and often expensive, and manufacturers don’t make them as accessible as before.
I’m honestly at a point where I’m considering closing my home-based shop. I’m less interested in fixing or selling desktops and laptops because the work has become limited, with everything needing an account or a subscription service.
I’m uncertain about where to go from here, and I’d welcome any advice or suggestions to help me move forward.
When Windows 7 launched, we were incredibly busy with new PC builds and laptop sales. Customers were holding onto their XP machines, as we didn’t deal with Windows Vista, which wasn’t very popular. We advised them to stick with XP, which they trusted more at the time.
Around that period, I noticed technology becoming more integrated into our daily lives, connecting our PCs with phones and tablets. Back then, customers could buy computers with a strong processor like a Core i7 and then upgrade the RAM and storage later . This approach saved them money and made it easier to sell new laptops and desktops. back then but Today, though, most laptops and desktops have their SSDs and RAM soldered in. Customers have to spend more upfront because they can’t upgrade them later as easily.
The days of Windows XP and 7 felt simpler. Even now, though you can avoid creating a Microsoft account on new Windows systems, it feels like an unnecessary hassle. People should have more choices. It’s also tough explaining to customers that software they once bought outright now requires ongoing subscription payments. Additionally, repairing and upgrading customer machines has become more challenging. Parts are harder to find and often expensive, and manufacturers don’t make them as accessible as before.
I’m honestly at a point where I’m considering closing my home-based shop. I’m less interested in fixing or selling desktops and laptops because the work has become limited, with everything needing an account or a subscription service.
I’m uncertain about where to go from here, and I’d welcome any advice or suggestions to help me move forward.
