Happy New Year!
We hope everyone had a great Christmas and New Year! We're looking forward to what 2007 will bring in the world of technology, and we'd like to share any information we think you'd find useful with you! That's why we've decided to run TechTips with all the best tips...and here's the first edition.
AVG Antivirus is still FREE!
Users of AVG free antivirus software are currently being informed that the 7.1 version of AVG Free will no longer be available after January 2007. Don't worry: you don't have to purchase the new version! All this means is that a download is required of the new free 7.5 version. There are no charges involved.
The download can be obtained from here: www.claygatecomputers.co.uk/freebies.htm.
Essentials for a stress-free computer experience
Below I've outlined the essential 5 items to consider in order to maintain a (relatively) stress free computer experience. And yes, EVERYONE should have a backup system in place. It's really even more important than a printer! Think of all those photos, music and work that's stored on your PC. Even if your software runs perfectly and virus-free forever, the chances are at some point a hardware failure will occur which can cause irrecoverable data loss. You can either buy the items (maximum stress-relief), or you can do the whole lot for minimum cost (£8.99 if you know what you're doing and you have an old hard drive lying around!)
The Essentials |
Cheaper solution |
Pricier solution |
Antivirus
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AVG Free 7.5 (free from here) |
Norton Internet Security (£49.99 from Symantec or £29.95 from us) This program covers all 3 items. It also includes Antispam and Parental Control. |
Antispyware |
Windows Defender or Spybot Search & Destroy (both free from here) - make sure Windows is up-to-date before attempting installation as this program requires Service Pack 2. |
Firewall |
Windows XP Service Pack 2 (just make sure Windows is up-to-date) |
Surge protector |
£8.99 from us! Also available from most supermarkets, electrical stores etc) |
Backup system |
Use an old hard drive as a slave, or burn to CD/DVD, or copy to a USB flash drive. |
USB HDD (£99) |
Free backup software is available on your Windows XP CD (installation & user guide available from Microsoft here) |
Out with XP, in with Vista: the new Windows operating system!
Microsoft is releasing Vista, the new version of its all-conquering Windows software, on January 30, 2007.
There are number of considerations facing computer users when deciding whether to perform the upgrade:
- What new facilities does it offer? These include better performance, security, usability and reliability, enhanced parental controls, improved management of digital photographs, and a greatly improved audio subsystem. It has been designed to integrate with latest multimedia technologies and its graphical interface has been built to offer optimum performance with the latest 3D graphics adapters.
- Is it necessary to upgrade? Windows XP will be supported for many years yet, so there are no deadline issues. In the light of previous experience, it is probably advisable to leave the upgrade for at least another six months to permit the resolution of any as yet unrecognised problems.
- Will my computer run Vista? There is a software tool available from www.claygatecomputers.co.uk, in the Freebies section, called Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor that will provide recommendations on this.
- Is it expensive to upgrade? For many users with recently purchased computers, a free upgrade, other than a small handling charge, may be available. Information on this is available at www.claygatecomputers.co.uk/vistaupgrade.htm.
Received a new PC for Christmas? Want it set up? Need wireless?
Claygate Computers offer a number of invaluable, guaranteed, professional services for setting up new systems painlessly, taking all the stress out of the process and allowing users the confidence that their machines are running efficiently and securely. These include:
- Advice on, and if required, provision of good value systems.
- Initial set up.
- Wireless Networking.
- Advice on best broadband suppliers – visit www.broadbandchecker.co.uk for details of broadband suppliers & packages in your area
- Automated backups. Most people learn the hard way that backups are the most important peripheral to buy. A backup drive can be purchased for less than £100 that will store hundreds of thousands of photos, music files and an almost limitless number of office documents. There are a variety of techniques that can be used to back up information, from copying a photo onto a floppy disk to emailing a file to yourself, and burning files onto CDs or DVDs. However, such methods are not always the most practical and have to be remembered to be carried out. We can advise which method is best suited to individual circumstances, supply the hardware, and carry out any necessary installations. Backups are automated to be taken periodically (eg. weekly).
- Training.
Launching a new business in 2007?
In the modern business environment, websites and IT infrastructure are an essential component of any company.
- We can build a professional website for your business from £299. See our portfolio.
- We provide a range of services from advice on individual items to complete system builds that include all hardware and software installation, as well as broadband and wireless network set up, to enable clients to have cost effective, efficiently, functioning systems in the shortest possible time.
Looking for a local shop, business or trade?
Try the Claygate Business Directory. It's free to view and free to be listed.
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