News items

July 5th, 2023 Posted by General 0 thoughts on “News items”

Windows 10

Windows 10 end of life

Windows 10 goes out of support in October 2025, thats a while off yet, but it is good to know for those thinking of keeping older computers going.

Another two years might be enough to make keeping your computer living and breathing a bit longer worthwhile! Get in touch for more information.

Believe it or not there are still some computers out there being sold with Windows 10.

If you are considering one, please make sure it is compatible for a Windows 11 upgrade.

Learn more about Windows 10 life cycle here

See Windows 11 system requirements here

Facebook

Not really news but as it generated no traffic and didn’t do anything I have deleted the Facebook page for SR Computers.

Anyone who previously used FB messenger to contact me will no longer be able to use this.

As it never actually notified me of new messages it will stop any delays in responding to you.

Going forward the best way to contact me is by email or phone.

https://srcomputers.co.uk/contact

Working Hours

My working hours are now Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

I don’t work evenings or weekends.

Windows 11

November 21st, 2022 Posted by General, Upgrades 0 thoughts on “Windows 11”

A person using Windows 11 on a laptop.

 

Windows 11 has been available for over a year now.

I haven’t mentioned much about Windows 11 yet, mainly as its only just started to appear on retail machines in the last few months.

Microsoft have been quite specific about system requirements to run Windows 11. This has ruled out a lot of existing machines from being upgraded. This is another reason why I’ve not mentioned it as uptake on upgrades has been slow too.

You can check the requirements here. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-11-specifications#table1

Now the year anniversary has passed, and the second version (22H2) of Windows 11 is out I thought it time to comment.  Most of the initial teething bugs have been ironed out so I would say it is safe to upgrade if you haven’t already.

Whats it like?

Under the skin not much has changed, it still does the same job as Windows has always done. Microsoft have changed the look and feel of Windows 11 from that in Windows 10. Corners are more rounded, the font has changed, new colour schemes introduced, all to bring a fresher and more modern feel to Windows 11.

The main difference is that the start or menu button has been shifted from the bottom left of the screen to the centre. You can move it back if desired, but you can no longer move the taskbar around the edges as before. It now has to stay at the bottom. So if you liked your taskbar to the side or at the top…hard luck.

New Start menu.

The start menu has been revamped too, with the first box being populated by pins Microsoft think you want. Some are obviously paid partnerships; some are from the catalogue of Windows apps already installed. Under that are recommendations they think you want. This has received a mixed reception and it is notable that Microsoft have amended this already in the second version to be smaller and allow more pinned content.

Settings.

Settings is anther area that is expanding and has a new look and feel from that of Windows 10. Some areas of control panel have now been moved permanently over to settings. Whether this is a good thing is open to debate. Personally I wish they would make their minds up and either stick with control Panel or wholly commit to settings. Having two places to look is just confusing to the average user. One area that has received a negative backlash is the change in how the user can set their default apps. Microsoft have made this more diffcult in an obvious move to discourage users away from the stock Microsoft products, especially their Edge browser.

Finally.

Having said all this, don’t let it put you off upgrading. Windows 10 has just over 2 years of shelf life left before it becomes unsupported so you will have to take some sort of action by then by either upgrading your exisiting kit or replacing it with new.

As always if you have any questions just get in touch.

Norton to replace Bullguard

February 17th, 2022 Posted by Security 0 thoughts on “Norton to replace Bullguard”

Norton

 

 

 

This month Norton is replacing Bullguard as the security package I sell.

Norton Lifelock have bought Bullguard and therefore their own product is replacing Bullguard. Some of Bullguards strong elements will be incorporated into Norton going forward.

Norton is a well respected, global brand and I feel this is a positive step myself.

As Norton themselves say;

Norton empowers people and families around the world to feel safer in their
digital lives, so you worry less about the darkness of cybercrime. Whether it’s
protection for your devices, online privacy, identity, or everything all-in-one, we
make it easier to keep your digital life safer. Opt-in to Cyber Safety.

Current Bullguard users will be receiving emails later this year with information regarding the change and an invitation to transfer over to Norton. As I understand it, full instructions will be given. However, if you have any queries do not hesitate to get in touch.

There are three packages on offer, AntiVirus Plus, Standard and Deluxe.

You can find out about each version in more details by downloading the data sheets.

Download here.

(Scroll to bottom of page to locate the download buttons)

Back to Normal.

August 5th, 2021 Posted by General, Security, Upgrades 0 thoughts on “Back to Normal.”

 

 

Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@mikepetrucci?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Mike Petrucci</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/usual?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a> Back to Normal.

With restrictions easing, and life getting “back to normal” slowly, I thought it about time to put finger to keyboard!

It’s been busy over the last 10 months, as everyone has been using their computers more than usual. I’ve been helping them keep going and run smoothly. I’ve helped and advised people get new computers or upgrade their existing machines.

During this time, I have been taking precautions to keep my customers, and myself, safe. Despite the easing  I have continued to wear a face mask and keep sanitising before each visit. I think it is the right thing to do.

I have had both my vaccinations and have not yet contracted Covid. Hopefully I won’t and maintaining careful practices when working will hopefully see this continue.

Here to help.

As ever I am here to assist and advise on any aspect of your computer needs and use. I can upgrade existing machines where economic to do so. Or I can source and supply new or refurbished machines if not. I can also help you get the most out of your computer by helping you work smarter. This is especially helpful if you have an older or less powerful system.

Be careful.

During the last 18 months scams have been on the increase again. The scammers never go away, and Covid gave them new opportunities to try and hoodwink the general public. The common ones where they pretend to be from Microsoft, Amazon etc have not disappeared. They have just been joined by fake NHS emails, calls and text messages. As ever, if anyone, apart from a trusted friend or IT professional, calls and asks for access to your computer to ‘fix’ an issue DO NOT let them. No one apart from yourself can know what is going on with your computer. If you do get strange messages on your computer, or calls then please contact myself or another professional first to check.

Get in touch.

Please get in touch if you require any of my services in the usual way.

www.srcomputers.co.uk/contact

Keep staying safe, let’s get back to normal in the right way.

 

Damian

Merry Xmas

December 23rd, 2020 Posted by Uncategorized 0 thoughts on “Merry Xmas”

Xmas greenery

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hello everyone,

This has been a very strange year for all of us. I’m sure everyone will be glad to see the old year out and the new one in. Let’s hope the situation improves for us all, not only here in Stockport, but all over the country and the globe.

I hope you all have a Merry Xmas, as best you can under the circumstances.

Please note I am closing between 24th December 2020 and 4th January 2021.

Wishing you all the best,

 

Damian

Covid-19 precautions- updated.

March 17th, 2020 Posted by Uncategorized 0 thoughts on “Covid-19 precautions- updated.”

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

Covid 19- what I am doing.

***UPDATE – Mon 20th July : ***

Now that restrictions are being lifted and government guidelines are changing it is now possible for me to visit people to carry out work. I can do remote work where possible and will accept work being dropped off with me. Please telephone first before any action is taken.

********************************************************************************

To reassure my customers, both old and new, here are my plans to keep running whilst continuing to stay safe and helping to beat this virus.

I am still willing to come out to customers, but will be taking precautions. I have sanisiting wipes for cleaning keyboards etc after working on your computer and will also be wearing disposable gloves to minimise transfer of anything from hand to computer. I would ask customers to keep their distance where practical, by keeping out of the same room.

If you need my services but don’t want a home or office visit, then I am happy for you to bring your computer to me. It can be dropped off in my porch so no actual contact needs to be made.

I can also undertake some work by remote connection if necessary as long as you are running Windows 10.

As most people are still working from home, be aware this will continue to have an impact on remote working software and the internet speed in general. Most Internet Service Providers will have already had contingency plans in place for this. BT have said the extra daytime demand will be no worse than when we all watch Netflix in the evening.

If you have any questions please get in touch by phone or email.

https://www.srcomputers.co.uk/contact

 

Scam and Hoax calls.

March 10th, 2020 Posted by General, Security 0 thoughts on “Scam and Hoax calls.”

Photo by Michael Geiger on Unsplash

I thought I would broach the subject of scam calls again this month.

 

They are still around and seem to be on the increase again.

There are two mains attacks to be aware of at the moment, as follows.

 

Amazon

Firstly, and the most common is a scam where the caller pretends to be from Amazon and is calling about your Amazon Prime account. They claim that your payments have lapsed, and your account will be suspended.

Quite often it is a recorded message or computerised voice that you hear. This should be obvious that it is a scam.

Then they try to take payment from you to ‘reactivate’ the account. It is, of course, bogus and under no circumstances should you give them any payment information.

If you do, the scammers will try and take as much as they can from you. One customer of mine was recently a victim and the scammers tried to take nearly £20,000. Luckily, the customer’s bank stopped the transaction as they suspected it was fraudulent.

ISP

The other scam calls still doing the rounds are callers pretending to be from your Internet Service Provider, or I.S.P. for short.

They claim to be from B.T., Virgin or whoever your ISP may be. The premise is that they have detected a problem with your service and need access to your computer to ‘fix’ it for you. This is untrue in every case and under no circumstances should you let them have access to your computer.

Once they gain access you have no control of what they do and see. They can then install anything, including malware, key logging software or set up the remote access so they can continue to get access in the future without your knowledge.

Computer message

Another variation on this scam is one that starts on your computer. A message may pop up on your screen saying you have a problem and to call a particular number in order to ‘fix’ it.

This again is a scam, and you should not ever call the number displayed. They will, again, try to persuade you to grant them access to your computer. Usually these messages pop up as a result of a compromised advert on a webpage.

 

As ever if you have been affected by any of the above scams then please get in touch for assistance and advice as to what to do next.

Contact me

Thank you for reading,

 

Damian

Windows 7 broken?

February 6th, 2020 Posted by Security, Upgrades 0 thoughts on “Windows 7 broken?”

Photo by Julia Joppien on UnsplashWindows 7 is broken…….

……or is it?

The question most people are asking about Windows 7 is “Will my computer stop working now it is out of support?”

The simple answer is NO.

But should you still continue to use Windows 7?

The correct answer is also NO.

Even though it will still work and do everything it always did, it no longer receives security updates. As time goes on it will become more vulnerable. Therefore, your online activities become less secure.

Banking, shopping and any other financial activity will become riskier over time. These sites may also stop you logging in to them at some point. This happened to Windows XP and Vista users when their support ended.

When security loopholes and vulnerabilities in Windows are found, they will NOT be fixed in Windows 7 any longer. Windows 8 & 10 will get fixed. Therefore the sensible option is to upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10. Do this before you encounter any problems or get infected with malware or ransomware.

My advice is to upgrade or replace your Windows 7 computer as soon as possible.

Contact me for further information or advice about doing this.

Further information from Microsoft is available here.

Windows 7 end of life page

Looking forward to 2020.

December 10th, 2019 Posted by Uncategorized 0 thoughts on “Looking forward to 2020.”

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

 

 

Well we are nearly at the end of 2020 already.

Where has the year gone? It seems to have flown by for me.

 

So what has been the main focus this year?

 

2019 started off with a flurry of new PC orders during January and February.

That settled down by March onwards, the main focus since has been upgrades to or replacements for Windows 7 machines.

I seem to have done upgrades and new PCs every month since then. We are now only one month away from the end of support date and so there will still be more I’m sure. If you have a Windows 7 computer then please get in touch.

I have also done an increasing number of SSD upgrades too. These are becoming very popular as it is a sure-fire way of speeding up a slowing computer. I enjoy seeing the reactions of customers when they see the upgraded computer start up for the first time.

 

My drop- in events.

I have also started doing a monthly drop in event for the local community. (Strictly speaking the first was December 2018 but who’s checking!)

It is kindly hosted by a local café owner Dawn, who is a friend, at her café Walkers Retreat. It is aimed at local people to come in and meet me and ask a quick technical question while they grab a coffee and cake at the café.

It was a slow start but now I regularly get people asking when the next one is.

 

Looking forward to 2020.

I am sure there will be many last minute Windows 7 owners getting in touch in January 2020 for upgrades or new computers.

I’m hoping the drop in events continue to be popular in 2020 too.

 

Hope you have a great Xmas and all the best for 2020!

 

Damian

Software and OS upgrades

October 17th, 2019 Posted by Upgrades 0 thoughts on “Software and OS upgrades”
Operating system

Photo by 🇨🇭 Claudio Schwarz | @purzlbaum on Unsplash

 

 

Software and operating systems are being updated and upgraded all the time.

Android 10 from Google, iOS 13 and MacOS 10.15 from Apple are being released. I thought a few words about upgrading and updating operating systems would be in order.

There are two distinct camps when it comes to this question.

Camp 1:

Upgrade now to get the new shiny look and awesome features!

Camp 2:

Wait a month or two to let all the first people iron out the bugs and instability in the new system.

 

Camp 1.

Quite a lot of these folk are also the ones who buy new kit when it is launched. They will have new iPhones or new Pixel devices that already come with the new OS from the start. I like to think of them as the guinea pigs and beta testers for the rest of us.

There are always some bugs and issues with new products and new operating systems. Despite what manufacturers tell us nothing is ever perfect straight out of the box.

Despite that most stuff these days does work pretty well when first released.

So, adopting early means you get to try the new features first.

 

Camp 2

These people are the more cautious type. Their current setup works just fine and they don’t want it messed up. They are happy to wait and see and then upgrade/update a month or two later. This will give time for any problems and bugs to be highlighted and fixed.

When they do eventually upgrade the system will be a more stable version. They should have fewer teething problems with the new software.

 

Computer OS upgrades.

There is a slightly different approach to this, especially for business users. When new operating systems are released there is always a chance older software may not work as it did. This is especially true of the latest macOS 10.15 release as it no longer supports 32-bit applications. Therefore anyone using 32-bit software will have problems if they upgrade.

 

A circumspect approach is recommended, especially if you have business critical software. It is essential to ensure your software will work as it did on any new system. The software developer themselves should be able to confirm this. It may mean you have to upgrade the software when you upgrade the operating system.

 

Verdict

My opinion is firmly in Camp 2.

 

It is nice to have the latest apps or features but only if they are problem free.

With software it is always better to wait a while before committing to an upgrade.

However, in some cases if you wait too long your old system may become more vulnerable to attack from malware and cyber-crime.

Finally- upgrading for security reasons is always a must.

 

As usual, if you have any thoughts or questions please get in touch.

https://www.srcomputers.co.uk/contact

Contact

07572 011 184
info@srcomputers.co.uk 

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