Backblaze Computer Backup — Unlimited, $99/year
Why: Set-and-forget unlimited backup for Mac and PC, 1-year version history included. This is the #1 thing that turns a dead drive from a disaster into an inconvenience.
Gear
Gear I Recommend
The same gear I install for clients in West LA. I don't recommend anything I wouldn't put in a client's home or office — if it comes back to my bench, I don't list it here.
Backup first — this pays for everything else
External backup drive — WD My Passport / Seagate Backup Plus (4–5TB)
Why: Local backup is fast backup. Pair one of these with Backblaze for a proper 3-2-1 setup (3 copies, 2 media, 1 off-site).
Wi-Fi that actually covers the house
TP-Link Deco Mesh (XE75 / BE65 class, 3-pack)
Why: Best coverage-per-dollar for most West LA homes, easy app, reliable roaming. For larger or business installs I go Omada or UniFi below.
Ubiquiti UniFi — Dream Router / UniFi Express + U6/U7 Access Points
Why: For clients who've outgrown consumer mesh — a proper, expandable network with no subscription.
Wi-Fi keeps dropping on one laptop? Fix the laptop setting first →
Speed upgrades
SSD upgrade — Samsung 990 Pro / Crucial MX500 (SATA, for older PCs)
Why: The single biggest speed-up for a 5–8 year old PC. Clone, swap, done — often cheaper than a new computer.
Power protection
UPS — APC Back-UPS Pro 1500 / CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD
Why: LA brownouts kill drives and corrupt Windows. A pure-sinewave UPS keeps a PC plus router up long enough to shut down cleanly.
Security software
1Password — Families / Business
Why: The password manager clients actually keep using.
NordPass / NordVPN
Why: A solid budget alternative for password management and VPN protection.
Read the scam this protects you from: the ClickFix 'prove you're human' trap →
Questions about any of this, or want it installed? West LA Computer Expert — (310) 850-8093 — support@westlacomputerexpert.tech — Same/next-day on-site service in West Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Brentwood, Culver City, Venice, Marina del Rey and surrounding areas.
Prices change constantly on Amazon — I don't list prices here on purpose. The link shows today's price.