Vista Editions - be aware of the different versions!
There are four main editions of Windows Vista (the new Windows operating system). They are:

• Home Basic
• Home Premium
• Business
• Ultimate

We've seen many adverts for new PC's and laptops with Vista Home Basic installed (as it's the cheapest), but you might well find that this is not what you need. To easily compare the features of the versions against each other see here. Most home users wanting all the neat new features would prefer Vista Home Premium.

Free and Easy: Picasa, the best photo album & photo editor in one!
It's called Picasa. It's made by Google (what can't they do?). It's quick, simple, reliable and free. In my book that makes it a great program. If you use Google Mail, Microsoft Outlook or Outlook Express it also makes it really easy to email your photos, reducing them to an appropriate size for sending. We've been recommending it for years and have had plenty of positive feedback, even from people using powerful programs such as Adobe Photoshop saying it's "much easier to use". It's also quick to install. You needn't do anything so technical as import your photos into it either - it'll find them all for you by scanning and monitoring your computer for new photos all the time. If you're interested you can download it from here.

Online-Shop Update
We've added a category to our Online-Shop called "Our Recommendations".

Remember, from our online shop you can buy buy blank DVD's, digital cameras, memory, mice, keyboards, monitors, networking equipment and printers, all categorised making it easy for you to find what you're looking for. You can also buy CD's and DVD's, books, games and software. If you're not sure what you need please contact us for advice! Start shopping now!

Windows Vista: issues with broadband installation
Windows Vista is causing problems for some new PC owners hooking up their machine to a broadband connection.

Some old installation discs that simplify the task of configuring a PC for broadband have refused to work on machines loaded with Vista. One user had been warned by Virgin Media that it would be "weeks" before its software worked with Vista. Other net service firms have also admitted that the appearance of Vista has caused some hiccups for users. Net service firm Tiscali advises its users to back-up important data on their Vista PC before attempting to connect it to broadband.

As we predicted, Windows Vista has been causing the usual problems which occur when a new operating system is released. We stick by our original recommendation not to upgrade to Vista for the sake of it just yet. Give the other companies a bit of time to update their installation CD's, software, drivers and support staff so that they can handle Windows Vista.

Backup Drives - lots of options so no excuses!
We have noticed an increase in the number of customers who are requiring the information on their PC or laptop to be recovered after their system fails. If you have valuable data, like photos or business documents, make sure you're backing up! Ever heard of Murphy's Law? It states: "Whatever can go wrong will go wrong, and at the worst possible time" and we've seen it many times! For a quick backup of an important document, why not email it to yourself (so you then have a copy in your online inbox!).

Here are some storage options on which to backup your data:

• 1GB USB Flash Drive £5.08
• 250GB Backup Drive £62.00 (a scheduled backup can be created to automate the process. If you'd like us to set this up for you please contact us).
• 50 Writable CD's (about 650MB each) £18.37
• 50 Writable DVD's (about 4.5GB each) £16.84
• 10 Floppy Disks (about 1.4MB each) £4.51

NB. 1GB is about 1000MB; prices are subject to change; more options available from CC-Shop.

Where should I buy a new PC/Laptop from?
This is a question we're often asked. Currently, we don't sell computers or laptops (although we can supply them). This gives us the advantage of advising you of the best places to buy your machine! And best doesn't necessarily mean cheapest. Just because a company advertises heavily on TV and has low prices doesn't mean they have a good after-sales service or that their PC's are any good.

We recommend that you take a look at John Lewis. They offer a good range of decent brands, and if you find one of their computers cheaper elsewhere, they also price match so you can't lose (see here for their price match details). Also, if it goes wrong you can walk back into the shop with it (as opposed to having to mail it if bought online); plus most (if not all) of their machines come with a 2-year guarantee.

3 Like Home
Mobile phone firm 3 has thrown down the gauntlet to the other mobile operators to put an end the 'international roaming rip-off' with the launch of '3 Like Home'. '3 Like Home' marks an end to extra charges for all 3 customers by allowing them to use their existing bundles when using any 3 network abroad.

All 3 customers visiting Ireland, Italy, Austria, Australia, Hong Kong, Sweden and Denmark will now be able to take advantage of being on one of 3's sister networks to use their existing minutes, text and data bundles to make voice and video calls, send texts, picture and video messages, and even surf the internet or watch TV from their handsets while abroad without accruing any additional charges. For full details see here.

Claygate in Bloom 2007
There's loads of info from the Claygate website here. Initial dates for your diary are:

• Friday 2nd March: Closing date for school poster competition.
• Saturday 3rd March, 10am - 1pm: The committee of Claygate in Bloom will have a stand on the Parade. This will be a good opportunity for residents to put forward practical and creative ideas to make Claygate a cleaner and brighter place, suggest areas for Clear Up Claygate day and sign up for the best kept front garden.
• Thursday 22nd March, 8pm: Claygate in Bloom stand at the Parish Council annual meeting.

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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Got something to add?
If you have any news or tips you think might be useful to others please email your tip to info@claygatecomputers.co.uk.