Lee Cooke Computing and Design

19/02/2026

Important Notice: Think Twice Before Buying Used Computers
Protect Your Investment and Stay Informed!

Are you considering buying a used or refurbished computer? While the lower price tag may seem tempting, purchasing secondhand technology can come with serious risks. Used computers may have hidden hardware issues, outdated components, or even security vulnerabilities that could put your data and productivity at risk. Warranties are often limited or void, and you may end up spending more on repairs or upgrades than you would on a new, reliable device.
One issue that has come to light recently is that some individuals and dealers have been selling so-called ‘refurbished’ machines on eBay/Amazon or Facebook Marketplace running Windows 11 that were never designed to do so, or capable of it. On one occasion, I had to visit a client who had bought one of these machines. It was refusing to install a major update; this was because it didn’t meet the system requirements to run Windows 11 in the first place.
If you have any questions about your prospective purchase(s), please contact me and I’ll review them for you. I can help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure you get the best value for your money. Don’t take unnecessary risks with your technology investments—your peace of mind is worth it!
Also, one question that almost never gets asked is, “Do you actually need to upgrade?” A little known fact is that Windows 10 will still be supported until October this year; there are a few things you will need to do to achieve this, contact me to find out more. It means you don’t have to panic and rush into an upgrade without considering all the alternatives.
Additionally, please note that Microsoft Publisher is being retired this year. If you currently use Publisher or are considering it for your projects, now is the time to explore alternative solutions and plan for a smooth transition. Most features in Publisher can be found now in the other parts of Microsoft Office.
Stay safe, stay updated, and always reach out before making any hardware purchases!

15/10/2025

As an update to my previous post about 'Auto Update Expiration' on Chromebooks, many Chromebook sellers do NOT give the model number of the machines they sell, especially Amazon.

This means that you cannot confirm how long your machine is going to be supported for.

If in ANY doubt, contact the seller and ask for the actual model of the Chromebook you wish to purchase, or ask the seller for the AUE. If they don't know what you are talking about, don't buy it!

Note also, a used or refurbished machine is a lot more likely to be close to its AUE than a new one, and an unsupported Chromebook is just about useless. If in doubt, do NOT buy.

08/10/2025

🛑 **THINK TWICE Before You Buy That Chromebook! The "Auto Update Expiration" Time Bomb** 💣

Chromebooks are cheap, fast, and simple—but there's a huge catch Windows users don't face: **Every Chromebook has an expiration date.**

It's called the **Auto-Update Expiration (AUE)** date, and once it hits, your device stops receiving critical security and software updates from Google.

**What does that mean for you?**

* **Security Risk:** No more security patches means your device becomes increasingly vulnerable to new malware and cyber threats. Your "cheap" laptop suddenly feels very risky for banking or personal data.
* **A "Slow Death" of Usability:** Without new OS features and browser updates, major websites, apps, and extensions will eventually stop working or break. Your perfectly good hardware turns into a digital paperweight.
* **Hidden Costs:** The support clock starts ticking from the moment the *hardware platform* is released—not the day you buy it. You could buy a "new" Chromebook today that only has a couple of years of support left!
* **Windows Wins on Longevity:** While no device lasts forever, a Windows 11 laptop offers a more flexible path. Even older Windows versions often allow you to install up-to-date browsers and modern software, extending the machine's useful life far beyond a fixed AUE date.

**For your next laptop, ask yourself:** Do you want a device with a planned, unavoidable end date, or a platform that offers the flexibility and long-term support of Windows?

**Always check the AUE date before you buy!** Don't let your affordable purchase turn into an unexpected replacement expense.

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11/08/2025

The following is a summary of the services provided by Lee Cooke Computing and Design (LCCD):

Lee Cooke Computing and Design (LCCD) offers a variety of IT services for individuals and small businesses. With over 35 years of experience, they provide support for computer maintenance, upgrades, and training, along with telephone and email assistance. LCCD helps with internet installation, occasionally has second-hand laptops, and creates multimedia content for websites.

They also specialise in web design, Kindle Direct Publishing support, and desktop publishing. LCCD focuses on delivering high-quality services at affordable rates, with no callout fees for local clients. Their personalised approach ensures customer satisfaction and makes them a reliable choice for IT and design needs.

23/07/2025

Worried about the upcoming end of support for Windows 10? DON'T BE. There are alternatives and plenty of ways ahead. Comtact LCCD, leave a message, and we will get back to you to help.

12/07/2025

Dear All

I am writing to you because you have used the services of Lee Cooke Computing and Design (or Wellis Technology) in the past, and I wanted to make you aware of some upcoming important dates, as well as people that are scamming people because of them.

Microsoft support for Windows 10 ends on October 14th 2025.

What does this mean for you?

After the above date, Microsoft will no longer be fixing any bugs found in Windows 10, they will not provide support for any problems in Windows 10 and they will not add any new features to Windows 10.

This means that your machine will get less and less secure as time goes on; if it is anything like the end of Support for Windows 7 or 8.1, firms will stop releasing software that runs on it, and existing software will say it is no longer able to be updated. In some cases, this also means that you will no longer be able to visit some websites as you will be told that your browser needs updating.

As a ‘rule of thumb’, if you do any kind of shopping or online banking on your computer, you NEED to update.

Contact me regarding checking whether your existing equipment is capable of running Windows 11, or whether you need to replace it.

This is where the warning about Scammers comes in.

If you are thinking about buying a replacement machine, especially from Amazon or eBay and especially if it is a refurbished one, ASK ME FIRST to check whether it is really compatible or not.

It is possible to, essentially, ‘bodge’ the Windows 11 install programme to run on unsupported hardware. That works for a while; however, as soon as any major updates are needed, your machine will not install them as it is not truly Windows 11 compatible.

Scammers are taking advantage of this, and the panic about Windows 10 end of life, to bring tired hardware out of their back rooms, squeezing Windows 11 onto them and selling them as ‘quality refurbished machines’.

The machines can be demonstrated running Windows 11, they are just not designed to run it and will cause nothing but trouble later.

For those of you that think second-user or refurbished is the way to go, DON’T. These markets are effectively dead, as new machines (Windows 11 Laptops) start from only £149.00 for a machine good enough for browsing the internet and office or college work, with a good machine starting from about £349.00. You will need to pay more for a gaming PC, however.

If in any doubt at all, ASK ME, by replying to this newsletter.

If you don’t want to receive any further newsletters or other emails, just reply with the words ‘REMOVE ME’ and I will take you off of my list.

Regards to all, enjoy the summer, and don’t get caught by the scammers.



Lee Cooke,

LCCD (including home and small business support for Wellis Technology.)

12/06/2025

Unless you need data recovered from it, or the computer is of sentimental value, it's almost not worth repairing them, especially considering you can now buy a NEW laptop from £119!
If a machine is over 5 years old, or unreliable, or has been repaired before, DON'T 'throw good money after bad' and pay for yet another repair.
I know I am sort of shooting myself in the foot by saying this, but it's just not worth wasting money on getting old kit fixed anymore.
LCCD will provide all the support services that you need, as well as any assistance with transferring information from old machines to new ones, and will help set up any new equipment or software you have.
In these times of the cost-of-living crisis, there is still a false economy with trying to keep unreliable kit running, and it's usually better to just say 'enough is enough' and buy new.
I would use this, if you haven't already, as an ideal reason to upgrade to Windows 11-compatible hardware.

10/06/2025

You can now WhatsApp us with your computer problems!

10/06/2025

📢 Need Computer Help?
💻 Lee Cooke Computing & Design offers expert tech support & publishing solutions!
🔧 Remote & On-Site Assistance Available
📍 Serving Worthing & Beyond
📞 Call Now: 07880 538326
🌐 Visit: LeeCooke.co.uk

Call now to connect with business.

09/06/2025

I'd just like to say welcome to all the individual and small business customers from Wellis Technology!

Carry on using the same telephone number as before, and if you want to contact me by email it's [email protected] (or see my website).

23/04/2025

Booklet number 2 is Now available from Amazon! https://www.amazon.co.uk/Writers-Guide-Computers-author-advice/dp/B0F3VM2233 The paperback is out now, the eBook is in review and should be available in a day or two!