David Risley, here. I’m the founder and owner of PCMech.com.
And, I sat down and recorded a quick video from my desk…
To answer a question that is bound to come up here… yes, Rich is still with PCMech. 
He’s still authoring the weekly newsletter as well as a couple of articles for the members-only PCMech Insider each week.
So, the question from the video is…
What would YOU like to see here at PCMech.com?
Please post your answer below in the comments. And, I look forward to chatting with you down there.
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I am in the process of going from Vista to Windows 7. First, I had to get five years of email saved, moved, or discarded. Next, I had downloads which I moved off C: drive to an external drive. I have perl scripts which execute 7-Zip to generate different zip files for documents, videos, music, projects (C and perl source), and my \bin directory tree. I figure that an image backup is ok for re-installing the operating system you have, but in an upgrade, you really only want your data, and re-install programs from the web (perhaps newer versions anyway).
Down and dirty how-to articles would be nice to have. I have built a Window 7/Ubuntu dual boot from parts. The Window 7 operating system probably cost about the same as some entire computers (around $250), so this has to be for fun, not for any cost savings. (I had built a Shuttle machine to run Ubuntu in the past, but it did not last, so I was more careful to pick components which were suggested by various other e-zines and forums.
Your original designs for PC-Mech are still ones that people will read. Not everyone, but hey, that is why we get to pick our content.
I have always loved the how-to video segments by Rich Menga. Wish you would do more of them.
Would also like to see more on Windows 8 topics. All of the whining and bitching about Windows 8 is off the mark, IMO. I use it now on my self-built desktop PC without any hassles. I consider myself a power user, but I occasionally like to play with the Metro side of the OS. I understand why MS did it this way, and it makes perfect sense to me. A tablet is somewhere in my future and it will likely be a Windows 8 tablet.
And BTW, I couldn’t care less about anything Apple.
Aside from the trend of moving to mobile devices, there is also a somewhat smaller trend of people opting for all-in-one desktop computers, where all the hardware that was formally in the desktop tower is now behind the monitor. Could you possibly have articles that cover how to work on these computers, if that’s possible?
Thanks
Right on, Phil. I’m a retiree perfectly happy to use internet cafes when away from my desktop PC. (I prefer the desktop description because, as PCMech has pointed out, some so-called all-in-one computers omit important features). So David, welcome back, and don’t forget those of us who chose not to go the minaturisation way. My main reason is expense: when I used my cellphone to access email, watch YouTube, etc the price was not worth the product, and I have turned all internet functions off.
I agree with Richard 100%. I like the How-To videos, I like and understand Windows 8, and could care less about anything Apple.
I would like to see something similar that you had done in the past but with focus on software.
For example:
a) In depth tutorials on single subjects where one would get
enough information on that subject AND at its
conclusion a list of references where additional
information can be found. Also include BROWSERS
b) A periodic “Heads-up” on crappy products so us neophytes
wont’s be harmed by such products —
Call it CPR Crappy Product Review.
c) list GRP (Great Product Review)
FGPR (Free Great Product Review
NWI) Not Worth it
– Maybe an occasional hardware bit.
d) I recently built my PC but was lucky to have somebody
correctly guess which boards go with the ‘correct’ CPU
It works OK but if, in the future, I would want to upgrade
I would be at a loss to pick the proper components.
So maybe a list of Mother Boards and CPUs supported …and
other such lists. {like Michael Payne’s comment}
David Barth
The how-to videos have always been the best thing about PCMech. You guys did one on Gimp sometime back that was great. I was a complete noob with programs like that, and Rich did a very good job. More things like that come to mind. I don’t think desktops are going away anytime soon, especially with more and more people working from home and home offices, but the builds aren’t like the old days (think 1998-2008) I like the portability of laptops (I have two) as well as a Kindle Fire for reading/movies. My desktop is still the first thing I boot up in the morning, and it’s had its share of motherboards, power supplies, video and sound cards and numerous hard drives over the years. The Kindle is the closest thing I have to a tablet, and I see they’re value for certain situations. Most of my needs are writing and research, so a full-size keyboard is an option I’m not willing to do without. Any information that would educate, make us more productive and communicate clearly are always must-reads/views for me! Keep them coming!
I am in complete agreement with all that has been said and would add knowing how to upgrade an Apple product would be good as well. Many say they could care less … they would not be Apple users AND as the name of your company suggests we must remember PC really means Personal Computing Apple or otherwise ..so mobile stuff would be included for the more casual users of the internet which is any more what made Personal Computing relavent to the masses. I personally like the down and dirty of the hardware, but recognize that many that use the internet may not.
I too could not care less about apple
I really enjoy your videos you taught me much THANKS using Dell Os 7 laptop maybe more tutorials tips and tricks for FIREFOX
snipping tool F4 and many others….. where great videos
thanks so nuch.good site …..keep up the good work…
Tab browsing and libraries etc…
Merry Christmas
I would like information/reviews of new hardware of all genres, I like detailed specs but also real life experiences. Information regarding using devices alternatively ie. using a smartphone as a media centre, jailbreaking i devices is a bit of fun. Troubleshooting common issues is always helpfull. Things that I would not really be thinking about.
I think John pretty much expressed my desires (better than I did) in learning about common troubleshooting issues. I know several people expressed having no interest in Apple products, but I think they’re a main force and here to stay. Although I may not need help with Apple products, I may learn something by reading more about them. Education is always helpful in expanding–and even changing–a mind.
On one hand Dave, I think you got your work cut out for you as there’s a large variety of desires. But many also seem to be asking for ANY type of computer knowledge. I also agree with what Kyle said: “Let the tech knowledge flow, just let it flow.”!
That’s the plan.
I quite like the Retro Friday articles that Rich does.
I’d love to see an article about properly configuring a Windows Server-Based OS to act in various functions. (Having just acquired an old server and actually wanting to make use of it)