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So what does AI mean for me?

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 04:14:07 GMT

A brief rundown of the AI world we live in

Note that AI is changing at a rapid rate. This was written in August/September 2026 so the information may have changed in since then

AI is all but unavoidable these days

It's becoming the assistant in your phone; all your online searches have AI based responses and every other app for your phone or computer seems to have added words like "powered by AI" into their description. They answer questions, make pictures and videos, can talk to you in fairly natural language, and some have some fairly convincing voices too. Intelligence is a stretch at this stage, but it is coming along very quickly. This will be a brief overview

Online Large Language Models (LLMS) The most common type you'll come across.

When most people think AI it's the LLM/chatbot that comes to mind. Names like ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude and Grok are getting to be household names and many other smaller lesser known and/or more specialised are out there. All these models work by taking your input (questions/requests/statements) and coming up with a reply. They analyse your input and decide what it means and then come up with the most likely response . This is important because it might not be the best response. There is also a good chance that the information isn't actually accurate . But with those warnings in mind, if you check the information you are getting is correct, they can be helpful tools. The most likely response is often the correct one given the amount of training data (the information the LLM was given to prime it to be ready to respond to users). This is especially so for things like programming but some areas the systems can be quite limited.

They all work within a context window. A single question usually is very little context while a long conversation including several documents is a larger context window. A longer or more complex conversation means that the AI can lose access to the early parts depending on how large the context window of the model you are using is. Some companies will meter the number of responses you get based on how much information needs to be considered in each response you get. This can mean you don't get as many inputs on some models/price tiers each day as each response given requires more processing.

Many AI have tools attached to them to be able to make files, author documents, summarise email and messages, create pictures/videos etc. The list of things they can do increases rapidly.

My experience so far with those big 4:

nb: each major LLM company will have several models available with different capabilities

ChatGPT (GPT 5.5) : Has a wide range of knowledge, likes to be quite verbose with detailed answers and dot points. It can be tuned to a certain degree and has the cheapest low-level tier (which is still ad supported). It's a fairly reasonable all-rounder.

Gemini (3.6 Flash): Is very assistant like, given its integration into android phones and google smart speakers and displays as well as showing up in google searches. It can get overconfident with its answers and is prone to "sycophancy" (always telling you your ideas are clever or observations sharp). It has a large context window and is good for quick answers, but I trust its answers the least after getting many incorrect answers. Higher levels are apparently better. You can give Gemini instructions on how to respond but has a much narrower range of allowed customisations compared to Grok.

Claude (Sonnet 5) : Claude feels very measured, going back and correcting its mistakes at times in conversations. Answers feel well thought through, but it is still able to make mistakes. You can tune the way it responds between dot points and formality or being conversational

Grok (4.5) : Grok describes itself as "maximally truth seeking". It is an AI with a lot less boundaries on what it will talk about. It will match the way you speak to it and can be heavily customised to react/speak how you want. Obviously, this can be good and bad. It's probably not one I'm letting my children use but if you want something that will go on an unhinged rant with you then it may be your go to for that. It has quite a small context window in my testing so not great at longer conversations that require details to be remembered.

I often find if one isn't getting to the right answer you can get another AI to look at that conversation and see where the first one is going wrong.

Things to note:

They don't think about things in-between inputs or sit with ideas; they answer in the moment based on what they know about you, giving preference to the conversation you are currently in to decide how to respond.

They will confidently give answers that are not correct if it is what best matches the response that makes sense given their training.

If you are using a free or low-priced tier with these systems your inputs may be used as future training data. This means you should be careful about giving it sensitive data about you as it may turn up as part of someone else's answer (it's unlikely to be tied back to you but something to think about).

Local LLM

Software such as LMStudio is available for your PC, Mac or phone. They require a computer with a lot of dedicated graphics memory or a shared memory setup such as the latest Snapdragon X PCs or M1 + macs. Running locally isn't going to give you something with the power of the online models but it will give you unlimited access to it and for the privacy side it means you keep all your information on your computer. There are a range of models available this way with different strengths and can be customised further to do a more narrow set of tasks better. Generally responses will be slower and context windows will be small.

Local Agents (such as OpenClaw)

This is like the agentic systems below but less integrated. You can run the agent on your own computer, give it a task and let it go to work. It is important to understand here that they are not the reasoning system and will access an LLM to get information to get a task done. It will keep asking for information until it gets the task done or decides it can't be done. Accessing the LLMs this way works via something called API where you pay for "tokens". These systems can run through thousands of tokens depending on the task costing a lot more money than people realise.

You can, however, pair OpenClaw with a local LLM (see above) and then it is just your own computer providing the responses to your own local agent. This means a less powerful overall system than using an online model, but you don't have the token costs involved.

The Future (already starting) with Agentic systems

Agentic Systems are different in that they are setup to monitor and automate processes. Unlike previous "if this then that" type automations, agentic systems can reason to complete a task. Imagine like a factory line that could adapt to many problems without human intervention, diagnosing problems (within the limits of its sensors and training). Not only that but it can learn from issues that happen to (hopefully) better perform its function. This will go into traditional automation as well as things like automated replies and workflow situations in offices plus more applications, many of which probably have not been thought of.

Future Caveats

As people get used to using these systems I think it is worth remembering that if you rely on one AI as they get better for your answers you are only going to get answers that the company who makes that AI think are OK. It is unknown how much these systems might be doctored to give certain types of information or how advertising could be so integrated that it is indistinguishable from actual information.

What is the Cloud

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 05:46:13 GMT

iCloud, OneDrive, Google Drive, Drop Box, Sugar Sync and many others are part of our lives now but what is "the cloud"?

The cloud is a term most people know but one that a lot of people don't really understand.

First things first. No, it doesn't mean anything in the sky. What you are looking at, really, are huge data centres. Building with racks and racks of servers connected to the internet. They are generally used to sync data between devices as well as sharing data with others and for many businesses it has replaced the need for physical servers.

Common Cloud Services

iCloud : This is Apple's service. This is the one most people use if they have Apple devices (iPhone, iPod, Mac). It provides a convenient way to sync photos and files and can be set to back up your device. It can be used with PCs as well and is often the easiest way to transfer photos from an iPhone to the PC

Google Drive : Google's cloud service does a similar job for android phones with the backup service and also works with PCs but they have dropped the photo backup comonent from the PC app. It neatly integrates with their Workspace with Docs, Sheets and other online productivity apps.

One Drive : Microsoft's home user targetted, OneDrive, comes as part of their office subscription model. It is available across many devices but doesn't integrate as neatly with mobile

Spot the Scam: A Real-World Guide to Staying Safe Online

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 00:33:19 GMT

How to see through the current scam techniques

Email and phone scams are becoming more convincing every year. With AI-generated emails, caller ID spoofing and fake SMS messages, even experienced computer users can be caught off guard. Every day, we talk to clients who have been targeted by increasingly clever online scams. While banks and big corporations offer plenty of standard advice, we want to share the practical, real-world warning signs we see most often—and how you can protect yourself.

Common warning signs of a scam

Unexpected urgency
Requests for passwords or MFA codes
Threats of account suspension
Payment by gift cards or cryptocurrency
Links that don't match the official website
Unexpected attachments

Email Scams:

The Subject line doesn’t look like plain text or has strange spacing. This is a classic scam email technique to get around spam filters.
Look at the email address the email is being sent from. If the email says it's from your bank, antivirus company, or Microsoft—for example, the email says it's from Norton but the email address is skjhs@outlook.com—this email address is an easy giveaway.
Does the email address you by name? If it doesn’t use your name (says “loyal customer” etc.) or has the start of your email address as the name, this is another common format for scammers.
Logos don’t look right: Sometimes scammers make very convincing emails, but a lot still have poorly done logos.

If you aren’t sure, then check with the provider/bank if possible, or give us a call or forward the email to check with us.

Phone Call Scams:

Asking you to confirm details without them giving you any information that shows they know who you are to start with (beyond a name).
Pressure: These calls often start in a friendly manner, but they end up using high-pressure tactics so you don’t have time to think. If you find yourself flustered in a conversation, legitimate callers will allow you to call them back.
Don’t allow remote access to your computer. Scam callers will sound like they are trying to help you out, often saying things like “if we act now we can catch them in the act.” This is a ruse to get onto your computer. Make sure you have verified anyone who wants access to your computer by calling the listed number on the organisation's website (and make sure you are on the correct website).

If you feel unsure, hang up the call and check that the call-back number is a genuine number for the service they say they are from.

Pop-ups/alerts on the computer:

If it takes over the screen and starts talking to you, it is not a legitimate alert. This is a common scam where they have hijacked an internet ad. This isn’t your computer being compromised. You can restart the computer and keep going in most cases.
Don’t call the number listed to get help. You won’t get help that way. If you want to check, look up the number for the company shown and ask them about it.c

Criminals are increasingly using artificial intelligence to write convincing emails, clone voices and impersonate trusted organisations. Even messages with perfect grammar and professional branding can be fraudulent, so always verify requests independently. Falling for a scam happend to all sorts of people. You don't need to feel stupid.

Contact us:

If you think you have been compromised by a scam, give Central Coast Mobile Computer Services a call and we can assess your computer and remove any remote software that may be left behind by the scammers to regain access to your computer. If you think they have had access to your passwords then change those passwords. If you looked at you internet banking in this time then let the bank know straight away.

How Do I Get Data Back Off a Dead Drive?

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 02:41:19 GMT

When the data just doesn't seem to be there anymore.

How Do I Get Data Back Off a Dead Drive?

Data loss can happen to anyone. Whether it's a failed hard drive, a corrupted SD card, or a backup that wasn't working as expected, losing important files is stressful. Here's what to do.

Check the simple stuff first

Run a search in Windows before assuming the worst. A misplaced folder is often the culprit — a rogue mouse drag can move hundreds of files without you noticing.

Steps to recover your data

Stop using the drive — every write operation risks overwriting what you're trying to recover.
Check for copies elsewhere — photos still on your phone or camera can save you a lot of trouble.
Try a free recovery program like Recuva — it's free and handles many common recovery scenarios. Just make sure you recover files to a different drive, not back onto the one you're recovering from.

Still not finding anything?

If the drive is inaccessible or Recuva comes up empty, professional help is the next step.

At CCMCS on the Central Coast, we assess drives, identify what's recoverable, and either retrieve the data ourselves or refer you to a specialist service. Contact us to get started.

Should I Upgrade My Computer or Replace It?

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 01:27:00 GMT

How old is too old

Should I Upgrade My Computer or Replace It?

One of the most common questions we hear is whether it's worth upgrading an existing computer or replacing it altogether.

The answer depends on the age of the computer and what you use it for.

When an minor Upgrade Makes Sense

If your computer is less than 8 years old, an upgrade can often provide excellent value. Replacing a traditional hard drive with a Solid State Drive (SSD) can dramatically improve startup times and overall performance. Increasing the amount of memory (RAM) can also help if you regularly run multiple programs at once.

Many computers that feel "slow" can be brought back to life with a relatively inexpensive upgrade.

When Replacement is the Better Option

If your computer is more than 9 years old, replacement is often the more cost-effective choice. Older systems may not support the latest operating systems, security features or software requirements. With windows 10 now no longer being supported these computers become more at risk of cybersecurity issues

Hardware failures also become more common as systems age, making ongoing repairs less economical.

Signs It May Be Time for a New Computer

Extremely slow startup times

Frequent crashes or freezing

Websites are no longer available on your browser

Inability to run current software

Hardware parts no longer available

Windows support ending for the operating system

Need Advice?

At CCMCS we can assess your existing computer and provide honest advice on whether an upgrade or replacement offers the best value. In many cases a simple upgrade can save hundreds of dollars while still delivering excellent performance.

Why Is My Computer Running So Slowly?

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 01:22:09 GMT

When your computer feels like a snail on a bad day.

Why Is My Computer Running So Slowly?

A slow computer can be frustrating, especially when it seems to take forever to start up or open programs.

While many people assume they need a new computer, there are often several causes that can be fixed.

Common Causes of a Slow Computer

Too Many Startup Programs

Many applications automatically load when Windows starts. Over time this can significantly increase startup times and reduce performance. You can find many running programs in task manager and disable them safely there.

Low Available Storage

When an SSD or hard drive is almost full, Windows has less room to work efficiently. This leads to slower performance and longer loading times. On Modern SSDs it can also lead to data corruption. Removing files you no longer use and cleaning out your recycle bin can give big speed increases.

Ageing Hard Drives

Traditional mechanical hard drives are one of the biggest causes of poor performance. Upgrading to a Solid State Drive (SSD) can make a dramatic difference to speed and responsiveness.

Insufficient Memory (RAM)

Running modern software with limited memory can cause the computer to constantly swap data between memory and storage, slowing everything down.

Malware and Unwanted Software

Viruses, malware and unwanted software can consume system resources and create security risks.

What Can Be Done?

The right solution depends on the cause. Sometimes a simple cleanup and optimisation is all that's needed. In other cases, hardware upgrades such as additional RAM or an SSD provide the greatest benefit.

CCMCS provides onsite computer repairs and troubleshooting throughout the Central Coast. If your computer is running slowly, we can diagnose the cause and recommend the most cost-effective solution.

Why Does My WiFi Keep Dropping Out? | Central Coast WiFi Support

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 01:09:37 GMT

Simple Fixes for Wifi that you can try yourself

Why Does My WiFi Keep Dropping Out?

One of the most common computer support calls we receive on the Central Coast is for slow or unreliable Wi-Fi. Whether you're working from home, streaming movies, or simply browsing the internet, poor wireless coverage can be frustrating.

Before looking at your WiFi setup, it's important to determine whether the issue is with your internet connection or your wireless network. If your NBN connection is stable but devices still lose connection around the house, the problem is usually related to WiFi coverage or interference.

Common Causes of WiFi Problems

Distance from the Router

The further you move away from your modem or router, the weaker the signal becomes. Large homes or multi-storey buildings can often have areas where coverage drops significantly.

Electrical Interference

Large appliances and electronic devices can interfere with wireless signals. TVs, microwaves, refrigerators and even cordless phones can sometimes affect Wi-Fi performance. Simply relocating the modem to a more open position can make a noticeable difference.

2.4GHz Interference

Many household devices operate on the 2.4GHz frequency band. If your WiFi network is also using 2.4GHz, congestion and interference can occur. Switching compatible devices to the 5GHz band often improves speed and reliability.

Building Materials

Steel-framed homes, concrete walls, brick walls and metal roofing can significantly reduce wireless signal strength. In these situations, additional equipment is often required to achieve reliable coverage throughout the property.

The Best Solution for Whole Home Coverage

For many homes, a quality mesh WiFi system is the most effective solution. Unlike traditional WiFi extenders, mesh systems provide better coverage, faster roaming between access points and a more reliable connection throughout the home.

With the right WiFi setup, it's possible to achieve strong, reliable wireless coverage in every room.

Still Need Help with WiFi Problems?

CCMCS provides onsite WiFi troubleshooting, network setup and computer support throughout the Central Coast. If you're experiencing slow WiFi, dropouts or poor coverage, we can assess your network and recommend the most effective solution.