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June 13 NewsletterSummer’s almost here thank goodness. I hope you are fit and well. Here’s a roundup of the latest news from the IT world. Windows 8.1 Update.For those of you who use Windows 8, or are thinking of getting it, there is some news from Microsoft this week regarding a major update planned for later this month. One of the biggest complaints against W8 was the lack of the Start button in the bottom left corner, which made simple tasks like shutting down, much more complicated than it ever was. Apparently the new 8.1 update will bring back the Start button as well as addressing other complaints. For details click here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-22714048
HOWEVER you don’t need to wait for the W8 update. I’ve found a fantastic free programme called Pokki, which does it all for you now. The major benefits of Pokki is that it puts back the Start button, as well as giving you the option of booting up straight onto the desktop, instead of the new W8 tiles screen, which so many people hate. It is fully customisable so you can choose what shortcuts you want to have displayed, such as My Documents, Pictures etc. It’s really good and I’d advise anybody using W8 to install it now. You can download it free from http://www.pokki.com
and it only takes a few minutes to install. Tablet Computers
If money is tight, then you can now buy a mini tablet from PC World from as little as £59. http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/laptops-netbooks/ipad-tablets-and-ereaders/tablets/attab-seven-7-tablet-8-gb-21312138-pdt.html perfect for those on a tight budget. If you need any help or advice on using or buying a tablet, please call or email me. Still BIG problems with Yahoo Mail and now AOL too.
I’ve reported over the last few months about the ongoing problems with Yahoo Mail users having their email accounts being hacked into, and having emails sent out in their name to all their contacts. The emails contain no covering message, just a link to a dodgy website, which when clicked on, can leave a tracing cookie on your computer. It’s still ongoing, and I’m still having at least 1 or 2 customers a week having their Yahoo email account compromised. But even more worrying, is that the same has been happening with more regularity to AOL email users. I’ve had emails from 2 of my AOL customers this week, who didn’t actually send them out. Both were asking me to send them money. One was asking for £15,000 to get a new kidney for her very sick sister!!!! Of course I sent a cheque immediately! So what can be done? Not a lot is the short answer; it’s a problem with Yahoo & AOL, NOT a problem with your computer. It’s advisable to regularly charge your email password and security information, such as mother’s maiden name. But it’s ALWAYS going to be a problem for anyone who uses one of the big free online email services, such as Yahoo, AOL, Gmail and Hotmail. Sorry, but it’s true. One way of sorting this out once and for all is by having your own domain name. See below: Have your own domain name.An effective answer to email hacking is to have your own domain name. My email address is henry@henrymoss.co.uk and my website is www.henrymoss.co.uk I own the henrymoss.co.uk domain name, which is not expensive to set up, and looks more professional as well as being highly unlikely (but not impossible) for hackers to access and send out emails to my contacts. From less than £30, you could have your own domain name and personalised email address (you@yourname.com) If you would like me to set this up for you I can have you up and running with your own email domain quickly and efficiently. Just call me for further information. And finally…….Who doesn’t love a laughing monkey? Click here to view it. Pathetic, but it tickled me. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlNXKOChi8w That’s it for now. I hope you have a great summer, and remember I’m here if you need me.
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Who would have
predicted 3 years ago, that the growth and popularity of Tablet computers would
have exploded as they have? When the first Ipad was launched 3 years ago, many
people (including myself) couldn’t see a market place for them. Who was going
to buy it? But now, I can’t see anyone who can afford one, not having one. If
you are already the proud owner of an Ipad or similar tablet, you’ll know what
I mean. But for those of you still thinking about whether to get one, my strong
advice is DO IT! They are ideal for accessing your emails, and super fast access
to the Internet, which makes getting information a joy to do. They are brilliant
for enjoying TV, movies, your pictures and music. Many people use it for Skype
to keep in touch with family and friends anywhere in the world for free. The
tens of thousands of Apps available from both Apple & Android are the real
strength of tablets. There’s an App for just about anything you can imagine,
with new ones coming out weekly. I still favour the Ipad, which starts at £269
for the mini, or £399 for the proper 9.7” screen, but I also love the Samsung
Galaxy range and Microsoft Surface tablet which has a free touch cover keyboard.