July/August ’13 Newsletter

I hope you are well and enjoying the glorious summer, for a change. I’ve just come back from Tenerife , and I’ve brought back the good weather with me, so you have me to thank for this fabulous weather!

Here’s a roundup of the latest news, starting with a major announcement.

CLOUD STORAGE.

Regular readers of my newsletters will know that I nag you almost every month to do your backups on your computer. I have too many cases where a computer (old or new) will suddenly die without warning and all the data (documents, pictures, emails etc) are lost forever.

Some of my customers will do backups, most won't.

If you back up to an external hard drive plugged into your computer, there are 2 problems with this. Firstly, it is a piece of equipment which could fail. Secondly, heaven forbid you are burgled; it’s highly likely that they will steal the hard drive as well as your computer.

So, how can you ensure your valuable, irreplaceable files are safe?

The answer is The Cloud.

Over the last few months, I've been evaluating various methods of cloud storage, and there is a good selection of cloud services available, which vary in cost and capabilities. Most of them only offer storage space, but won’t automatically back up for you, you need to do it manually when you remember to do it.

I've now settled on an excellent service, called SecureData Online.

Basically, it is a hassle free, completely automatic service, which initially backs up your whole computer, and then continuously adds any new documents, pictures, emails, music etc. you add to your computer. Once it's been set up, there is literally NOTHING else you need to do, it's all done automatically.

Your files are stored securely online, which then allows you to access any file from your PC or Mac, from any computer in the world, anytime, anyplace.

Should you then buy a new computer, it's simple to transfer everything on your Cloud account, into a new PC or Mac.

The service also has many other benefits, among the highlights are:

You can not only access your files remotely, but also edit them, add photos and music.

You can use your online account to send files to anyone else via email (like Dropbox)

You can use the online storage to save your pictures and music from your mobile phone, to free up storage space on your phone, then use the downloadable app to play music and videos from your phone or tablet.

You have UNLIMITED storage space. Literally store everything on all your computers and never run out of space.

The costs start from just £5.50 per month, which I think is very cheap insurance.

Also, don't worry about setting this up, I can do it all for you.

I'm really excited about this; it really is the way ahead for the future.

I strongly recommend that everyone takes this service.  Remember prevention is better than cure.

Please call or email me to get further details.

Windows 8 Update

One of the biggest complaints about Windows 8, is the lack of the traditional Start button in the bottom left corner, which makes it a hassle to shut down your computer, or do the usual simple task like open a programme or the control panel. Also, most people want their computer to open onto the traditional desktop screen rather than the new Start screen with all the big tiles.

There is a major Windows update about to be released, called Windows 8.1, which supposedly addresses many of the complaints. Time will tell whether this is true.

However, I have found a fantastic free programme, which makes W8 do everything I want it to, such as puts back the Start button with all its features, and starts Windows into the traditional desktop.

It’s called IOBIT and can be downloaded and installed for free, by clicking on the link below:

http://www.iobit.com/iobitstartmenu8.php#none

Simply follow the onscreen instructions to download and install it. Any problems please call or email me.

BT Infinity

I have just had BT Infinity installed. Previously I was getting a download speed of about 11 Mb. That has now increased to around 52Mb, which means that files download at lightning speed, and there’s never any buffering or pausing when watching streaming video, such as BBC IPlayer. But even more impressive is the increased Upload speed, which has moved from 0.5Mb to now being about 15Mb! This means that when I’m uploading files, especially when using the Cloud backup system, it’s so much faster.

And even better, it actually works out at £5 per month cheaper on the new package, and also now has unlimited download allowance. So I’m £60 per year better off for a vastly improved service.

If you don’t ask, you don’t get! So if you are in an area which supports high speed Fibre, then ask your Internet provider, such as BT, Sky, Virgin, and say you’re thinking of changing to another provider, and then see what the best deal is they can offer to entice you to stay.

Amazon Cloud

Speaking of the Cloud, did you know that if you have ever purchased any music from Amazon, in either CD or MP3 format, you can get it again free using the Amazon Cloud Player?

Yes it really that simple. Just log into your Amazon account and click on Your Cloud Player. Follow the on screen instructions which when completed, will allow you to play and download all of your past purchases, onto your PC or tablet or Phone.

Fantastic service for free. If you need any help or advice on this then please call this.

And finally…….

Yes back by popular demand, it’s the 3D stereogram image.

Can you find the hidden picture? If you are new to these, then simply stare at the picture, let your eyes relax, and after about 20 seconds or so, the hidden image will suddenly materialize and you will be amazed.

That’s it for this month. Please let me know if you want further information regarding the Cloud backup or anything else in this newsletter. Have a great summer.