What are Mini-Pcs?

[Lost_in_the_HTTP]

Going OK. Some questions about version installed, but getting things updated and worked out.

It really isn't a whole lot different than 7. Some stuff in different places, but mostly still there.

Notepad, Snipping Tool, Paint .....

File Explorer is a bit different.

Start menu is different, but OK.

 

[Brainonska511]

We have RAM in green, NVME in yellow and .... a 2.5" drive bay (cyan)????

Got the tiny little cable and SATA connectors.

That'd be mighty cool. But then I'd need to order one of those.


View attachment 113847

That's basically how the Intel NUC was when I put it together for my mom. I ended up using her old 2.5" SSD in the slot to serve as an internal backup drive.

For probably 94% of average PC users, some $500 laptop + Dock will cover basically every use case they are liable to have.

Yes and no. Laptops are an easy solution because it's an all-in-one package, but they can be clunky once you start throwing docks and whatnot into the mix, because now you need desk space to accommodate the laptop in addition to whatever other accessories you intend to use. These mini PCs have the advantage of having an extremely small footprint, making them perfect for many home users that may not really move their laptop from place-to-place. If someone is just going to use a laptop with the built-in screen and keyboard, go with a laptop. But the moment you start wanting to use it like a desktop, these mini PCs should start to enter the picture as a viable option (vs jumping to a larger desktop setup).

Going OK. Some questions about version installed, but getting things updated and worked out.

It really isn't a whole lot different than 7. Some stuff in different places, but mostly still there.

Notepad, Snipping Tool, Paint .....

File Explorer is a bit different.

Start menu is different, but OK.

I don't think the changes are too dramatic with Windows 11 vs earlier versions, and some of the cosmetic changes can be somewhat mitigated by expanding ribbons and changing some settings.

The biggest thing though is to turn off the Microsoft tracking "features".

 

[GodisanAtheist]

C'mon people, a dock gives you a +1 screen.

I have 4 motherloving screens at work, 3 stand alones +1 from my laptop itself.

It is truly magnificient, I can give ATF one whole screen like it deserves!

 

[Lost_in_the_HTTP]

Posting from my new Mini.

Do my letters look smaller?

 

[Lost_in_the_HTTP]

This 24" screen might be almost too big. Might take some getting used to. Its mounted on an adjustable am, so I can play with position and angle.

 

[lakedude]

This 24" screen might be almost too big.

Yeah that is what I thought when I bought my first 27". You get accustomed to it, I have a 32" now...

Which is just crazy, we grew up with a 19 inch black and white TV. We thought we were in heaven when we got a 19 inch color with touch controls (but no remote).



Now I have a monitor bigger than the grandparent's 25 inch console TV!

 

[Lost_in_the_HTTP]

Shut it down to add a new PNY 250Gb STATA-III drive in the spare bay. While installing the drive the SATA cable came loose from the MoBo. Eyes aren't great and even with strong readers I had trouble seeing where and how to put it back in.

Booted up .... no new drive.

Took me a while to recall something about Disk Management. Then I had to find it. Win11 Calls it something else. But once opened ... yup ... unallocated drive. Simple Volume and now I have my E: drive.

 

[Lost_in_the_HTTP]

MiniPC >> Trendnet 5 port switch >> Modem/Router >> World.

Multiple power glitches and I lost my wired LAN connection. Wireless worked. Re-set the LAN adapter a couple of times ... no connection. Looked at the modem, no LAN lights. Rebooted the modem. No change.

Took LAN cable from PC out from 5 port switch to plug directly into modem ... connection.

Reset/rebooted 5 port switch, all back to normal. Can't say as I've ever had a switch do that.


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[Lost_in_the_HTTP]

What is Oracle's Virtual Box and how do I use it?

 

[Lost_in_the_HTTP]

Also, I installed Macrium Reflect free and it looks all confusing and overwhelming. No idea what to do to make a simple backup.

 

[Brainonska511]

Also, I installed Macrium Reflect free and it looks all confusing and overwhelming. No idea what to do to make a simple backup.

What kind of backup are you looking for to make?

If it's just files, I like Syncback. There is a freeware version I use; I just set it to one-way synchronize my personal files to a local backup location.

 

[manly]

What is Oracle's Virtual Box and how do I use it?

If you don't mind registering with Broadcom, get VMware for free instead. You can find some good videos on YouTube.

Also, I installed Macrium Reflect free and it looks all confusing and overwhelming. No idea what to do to make a simple backup.

Despite what others may have suggested, imaging software isn't a good fit for regular backups.
SyncBack Free is useful.
Veeam has a free version if you want traditional backup software.