Comtek Computer Sales and Services

02/25/2026

The "planned obsolescence" scam.

The industry has convinced people that a computer is like a carton of milk with an expiration date, when in reality, the hardware is often still top-tier. Microsoft and Apple just keep moving the goalposts with arbitrary requirements like TPM 2.0 for Windows 11 or Metal graphics requirements for macOS.

The Landfill Lie

It’s a massive environmental disaster disguised as "security."
• Windows 10 EOL: Millions of perfectly functional PCs are headed for the scrap heap soon because they "can't" run Windows 11.
• macOS Drops: Apple drops support for Macs that are objectively powerful enough to run the new OS, just to force a hardware upgrade.

Linux: The Great Equalizer

Linux (especially Mint) is the only thing standing between those machines and a shredder.
• Kernel Efficiency: Linux doesn't have 150 background processes "telemetrizing" your keystrokes to a corporate server.
• Resource Management: It doesn't treat your RAM like an all-you-can-eat buffet.
• Security: A 10-year-old computer running Linux is infinitely more secure than an old computer running an "unsupported" version of the OS. And as secure as any new computer.

Why "Average Users" Love It

The secret is that 90% of what people do is in a browser (Firefox / Chrome), a document editor (LibreOffice), or a media player (VLC). Linux Mint gives them a familiar "Start Menu" layout, it’s rock-solid, and it doesn't give them a pop-up every 20 minutes asking them to subscribe to iCloud or OneDrive.

Send a message to learn more

09/14/2025

Linux Runs the World. So Why Are You Still Stuck on Windows?
Linux powers over 70% of all electronic devices worldwide
(including Android phones, smart TVs, routers, cars, and more)

• Windows? Just 15 - 20%
• macOS? Around 10 - 12%
• Android alone powers over 70% of the world’s smartphones and it’s built on Linux
• Chromebooks? Also Linux-based - fast, secure, and everywhere

From your phone to your fridge, Linux is the silent engine behind modern tech.

So why not your PC?

Linux: The Upgrade You Didn’t Know You Needed

• More secure - no forced updates, no hidden tracking
• Just as easy to use - familiar layout, smooth experience
• Runs fast on old hardware - even 15-year-old machines
• No mandatory accounts - your computer, your rules
• Full control - customize everything, update when you choose
• Same apps you already use - Google Chrome, Firefox, even Microsoft Edge
• LibreOffice included - fully compatible with Microsoft Office
• Most software is free - install everything from a built-in Software Manager (no accounts, no hassle)
• No need for antivirus software - Linux is built to be secure without the bloat (no more sluggish performance from heavy virus scanners)

Stop letting your computer boss you around.

Switch to Linux and take back control with speed, simplicity, and freedom.

Send a message to learn more

01/30/2024

Here are some screen shots of an 18 year old desktop computer and a 12 year old notebook that I installed Linux on for 2 customers. I upgraded the hard drives in both computers to an SSD drive for about $30.00. They boot up in seconds and launching programs only takes seconds. They were using Windows 7, so I set the theme to a Windows 7 look for a simple transition for them. One shows what the Software Manager looks like. It is similar to the Playstore or Apple Store or Microsoft Store. There are over 30,000 free programs you can install with a few clicks. Programs that you would be familiar with on Windows are available.

01/27/2024

Do you have an older computer that cannot be upgraded to the latest Windows, and Google Chrome or MS Edge are warning you that you need to upgrade? If so, Comtek may be able to upgrade your computer to a modern operating system, even if it is 10 or more years old. Windows is not the only Operating System that you can run. You may be surprised at how much better your computer could run without Windows on it.

Don't waste money on a new computer before checking with us.

10/21/2023

Comtek offers Upgrades of your Operating System to Linux Mint. Some of the reasons why you should upgrade.

Reasons to switch to Linux.

• Linux was originally developed for personal computers based on the Intel x86 architecture, but has since been ported to more platforms than any other operating system.

• Because of the dominance of the Linux-based Android on smartphones, Linux, including Android, has the largest installed base of all general-purpose operating systems, as of May 2022.

• The Chromebook, which runs the Linux kernel based ChromeOS, dominates the US education market and represents nearly 20 percent of sub-$300 notebook sales in the US.

• Linux is the leading operating system on servers (over 96.4% of the top 1 million web servers' operating systems are Linux).

• Leads other big iron systems such as mainframe computers and is used on all of the world's 500 fastest supercomputers (since November 2017, having gradually displaced all competitors).

• Linux also runs on embedded systems, i.e., devices whose operating system is typically built into the firmware and is highly tailored to the system. This includes routers, automation controls, smart home devices, video game consoles, televisions (Samsung and LG Smart Televisions), automobiles (Tesla, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai and Toyota), and spacecraft (Falcon 9 rocket, Dragon crew capsule and the Perseverance rover). Linux is one of the most prominent examples of free and open-source software collaboration.

11/07/2022

An introduction to the history of Comtek.

I started using computers about 1985. I found them to be amazing and I had no trouble finding my way around one. I was not afraid to experiment and try things that others would be afraid to try, afraid they might mess things up. Messing things up helps you understand them more in my opinion.

I put many years of self-taught hours into my computer. One day I got offered a job at a North American Distributor of Computer Hardware and Software. They were also a Distributor of British Magazines for a wide rage of topics including computers. They supplied stores that the end users shopped at. They were also the distributor for Commodore in Canada.

My knowledge of computers soon had me managing the warehouse as well as providing technical support for the retail stores we supplied. The company grew to hold one of the largest shares of the Game Distribution market in Canada. When the company decided to get out of the Commodore Amiga line of products, that left a hole that would need to be filled.

That is when I decided to branch out on my own. I started a Distribution Company, and I concentrated on the Amiga line of computers, and all the hardware and software that was popular. I acquired exclusive distribution rights for many products from around the world. If a store wanted to sell one of the products I had the distribution rights for, they would be directed to my company. I even hosted a 3 day computer show at the International Centre in Toronto. The companies I distributed for sent reps from around the world to be there. The Retailers were setup with booths to sell the products. A demonstration theater was also there to demonstrate, and teach different uses for hardware and software. It was a great success.

Later when the Amiga line of computers was not as popular after the demise of Commodore, I started Comtek and concentrated on local Businesses. That was late 1997 and I have been working at it since.

I have recently expanded my business to offer high resolution scanning and digital photo restoration. I also help people get started on their Family Tree.

I want to continue to grow my business into the end user market. I do remote work and can accept e-transfers for such work.

I can also set you up with the Linux Operating System if you are tired of how resource hungry and controlling windows has become.

Message Comtek today to see if we can help you with anything.

Thanks.

01/11/2022

Starting at $125. using technology that has dropped in price in recent months Comtek can upgrade your current desktop or Notebook and make it:

Boot Faster
Launch Programs almost Instantly
Access the Page File 10 to 12 Times Faster
Read and Write Files 10 to 12 Times Faster
Notebooks and Desktops that are unbearable to use because they are slow and are a few years old can be made enjoyable again.
Even New Notebooks and Desktops will run 10 to 12 Times Faster.

Included in the price is:

A New SSD (Solid State Hard Drive)
120 GB Drive included in Price
Cost will be Higher if Larger Drive Requested
A full scan to check for viruses and malware.
And cleaning of the inside to prevent overheating.

Comtek has been serving Woodstock and area for over 24 years.

Contact us or email us for more info and experience the Comtek Difference.

[email protected]

03/10/2021

Some of the examples of what we can do with your old pictures. Click on the first picture to see large view and then the right arrow at the edge to compare.

01/16/2021

Comtek now offers professional photo scanning services.

The difference in what we offer is each scan is done manually and checked to make sure the result is of optimal quality. With mass scanning services you don't get that type of quality control over each scan.

If you have old Photos, Negatives, or Slides from the past 100+ years we can scan them and save them as high quality digital files for you to share with family.

We can also digitally repair damaged photos with results that would surprise you depending on the damage.

Price depends on what your needs are.

We also offer onsite Ancestry help to get you started with your Family History Search. From our experience we find that most Family Trees are not as accurate as you may think. Once we show you the best sites and ways to search you will be able to trace your ancestors more accurately.

Contact us to get started.

09/14/2020

Comtek offers Remote Computer Service and Maintenance to follow social distancing practices. We accept e-Transfer Payments for this type of service.