Author Archive


 

These tips are brought to you by:
www.4ycr.co.uk

"Enabling Technology to grow your business"

Keep upto date with our news and Competitions

 

Go to our Facebook page

 

Share These Tips on Facebook

Home Computing Tip-of-the-Month:

"Upgrading Your Computer on a Budget"

Replacing slow, obsolete parts in your computer can sometimes be a lot cheaper than buying a new one, and extend the life of your current PC for many more years. Many times, just a few small upgrades and make a world of difference in your computer's speed and overall performance.

You can achieve the most performance boost by upgrading your computer RAM, video card and/or hard drive. Before you decide whether an upgrade is the right choice for your computer, you'll want to find out what hardware or software your computer currently has. We recommend that you download and run a free software tool called Belarc Advisor. Belarc Advisor will generate a quick report for you with all your hardware and software components listed.

Once you have your report generated, you are welcome to give us a call for a free consultation and we'll be happy to go over the list with you and explain which upgrade options would provide the biggest "bang for your buck."

Here is a quick overview of the main upgrade options to consider:

  1. Upgrading your RAM
    RAM is often the cheapest and most significant upgrade you can give your computer. If your computer is older, it may only have 1GB of RAM currently installed. This is currently allow your computer to operate at only a fraction of it's overall capability. Upgrading to up to 4GB of RAM will increase speeds tremendously.
     
  2. Upgrading your Video Card
    If you, or members of your family, enjoy playing PC games, you will want to consider upgrading your computer's video card. It's quite possible that your current computer only has onboard video graphics, which is placing a great deal of processing burden on your motherboard. Upgrading to an advanced video card (which is separate from the motherboard) will improve the speed of your computer.
     
  3. Upgrading Your Hard Drive
    If your current hard drive has low storage space left, you should upgrade to a larger drive. Having more space will make your hard drive run cooler and work less. If you're low on space, your hard drive will bog your computer speeds down as it struggles to manage and move around your data.
     
  4. Upgrading Your Power Supply
    Most power supplies that ship with name brand computers are cheap, generic and ineffective at keeping your computer running cool. Upgrading to a modular power supply will more effectively pull hot air out of the computer case. The cooler your PC, the faster it will run.
     
  5. Upgrading Your Operating System
    If you're running Windows XP or Vista, it's time to consider upgrading to Windows 7. Windows 7 is easier on your system, more secure, more robust, and faster than all of it's predecessors.
     
  6. Upgrading Your Computer Monitor
    If you have an older computer monitor, you should consider upgrading to a large 20" HD monitor. Your experience with your computer and the internet will change dramatically and you'll find it more enjoyable.

With our fragile economy, sometimes upgrading your computer is the best option for extending the life of your PC and improving overall performance. If you're considering any possible upgrades, we are happy to discuss your options further to help you make an intelligent decision that will reap you benefits for years to come.

Share These Tips on Facebook

Business Offer-of-the-Month:

New!! Daily Server Safety Check Service

Keep your most vital systems safe – for just £5 per month.
Two of the most important systems for any business are its Backup and Anti Virus programs. The problem is when these programs stop working correctly, you usually don't know. In these cases, you're left vulnerable to critical data loss – or to virus attack.
Now with our easy and affordable Daily Server Safety Check, our sophisticated monitoring program will check these two vital systems each and every morning, ensuring they're working correctly – and alerting you when they're not.

Peace-of-Mind for just 17p per Day

For just 17 per day, here's what you get:

  • A start-of-day check of both your backup success and your AV update
  • When your backup hasn't completed properly, or when your AV program hasn't updated to the latest version, we'll alert you.
  • Hacker checks to make sure no one tries to access your account
  • Check for critical errors
  • We send you a short start-of-day report – before you even arrive in your office – showing the exact problems if any are found. You can fix them yourselves – or you can ask us to help.
  • If we find no problems, we'll still send you a short note showing that we have checked these two critical systems and that everything is in order.

Free Trial
Contact us for a free 35-day Daily Server Safety Check trial. It takes just five minutes to set up, and there's no obligation. Is 17p a day worth knowing that your most important data is safe and that your anti-virus systems are right up-to date?

 

Share These Tips on Facebook

Business Computing Tip-of-the-Month:

"Five Tips For Going Green With Technology in the Workplace"

Now that computers have become just a vital part of the workplace, it's important to consider ways we can conserve energy. After all, every little bit counts. Not only will you save on your utility and maintenance bills, but you will also be contributing to the greater good of society.

The following are 5 tips you can implement right now to go green with technology in your workplace:

  1. Remember to use your power management features on all computers. Set a company-wide policy that staff members place their computers into sleep mode when they are sitting idle. This should be done during breaks in the work day, as well as at the end of the day when it is time to go home.
     
  2. Use power strips on all of your electronic components. Power supplies help regulate the flow of electricity to your devices and save from much of the leakage that can occur from plugging devices directly into the wall.
     
  3. Purchase Energy Star-rated computers. A little research goes a long way. The next time you go to make a PC purchase, look for the Energy Star rating. This will tell you that the computer uses less power and will lesson the load on the environment.
     
  4. Detox your computers the next time you make a PC purchase. There are many chemicals in computers; however, several can (and should) be avoided at all costs. The first chemical to watch out for is lead. Other chemicals to avoid include mercury, Brominated Flame Retardants (BFR), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), cadmium, hexavalent, chromium, Polybrominated Biphenyl (PBB), and Pentabromodiphenyl Ether (PBDE). Look for a hazardous material use policy on the manufacturer's website that you are looking to make a purchase from. It will take just a couple minutes of your time to research which brand to choose, and your decision to purchase green will help the fight to convince any reluctant manufacturer's to change their ways.
     
  5. Look for green buying guides. There are multitudes of websites online that are designed to help you make smart, green technology purchasing decisions. http://www.thedailygreen.com/ is a great place to start.

Share These Tips on Facebook

Our Clients Speak Out

"Steven saved me hours of work checking my PC setup up, giving me confidence in what I was doing and resolving problems for me. He turned up when he said he would and did the work quickly and without fuss. On the basis of my first experience of his service I intend to sign-up for his online backup and daily health check services. I would strongly recommend Steven to others."

Sara Priestley

“Steven fixed a fault on my notebook keyboard after someone had told me I could try a new keyboard to see if that would work. Not only did he find and fix the fault the price he quoted for a new keyboard should I need one was half the price I had been given previously. I really appreciated having my notebook picked up from my house and delivered it just made my life so much easier. I cannot recommend him highly enough. His knowledge and professionalism were impressive, I will certainly be using him for any IT needs in future.”

  Pat L

“I have now used Steven for a number of repairs to our PC and network problems which he has provided consistent quality of service at competitive rates. Quick reponces and reliable.”

   George D

“Although Steven had only started in business less than a year ago he delivered his services like an old pro. He has a depth of knowledge in IT and computer hardware that will be of benefit to anyone who needs new or to upgrade their current machines. He is very helpful and trys hard to get a result for his customers.”

   Tony L

 
 

About 4 Your Computer Repairs

4 Your Computer Repairs is a full service computer consulting firm specializing in home user and small businesses. Our services range from virus removal, network support, data systems backup, hardware and software upgrades, as well as managed services.

More info? Click Here

  Connect with us:   Our Blog   Facebook   LinkedIn   Twitter

ACRBO

© 2010 4 Your Computer Repairs. All rights reserved.


 

These tips are brought to you by:
www.4ycr.co.uk

"Enabling Technology to grow your business"

Keep upto date with our news and Competitions

 

Go to our Facebook page

 

Share These Tips on Facebook

Home Computing Tip-of-the-Month:

"How to Create a Home Computer First-Aid Kit"

As each day passes, and we enter further into the technology age, people become more reliant on computers to play vital roles in their personal and business lives.

It's interesting to note that although this phenomenon continues to progress each year, the average computer user does not take any preventative measures to preserve their personal data, programs, and overall daily workflow.

That is why we decided to dedicate this month's home-user article on helping our clients plan ahead to prevent any dreadful circumstances that can come from relying so heavily on a device that is not preserved in some backup state.

We've prepared a quick guide to creating your personal "home computer first aid kit," you can have peace of mind in knowing that your pictures, videos, programs, files, settings, banking data, etc. are recoverable should your computer crash or hardware fail.

3 Elements of a "Home Computer First-Aid Kit"

  1. You'll want to start by bringing your computer to a perfect state of operating. Many times this can be acheived by re-installing Windows, updating your Windows updates, optimizing your personal settings, installing all of your favorite programs, organizing your personal folders and files, etc. We realize this is a lengthy step to take, but it is important to establish a "perfect state of operation" where your computer is running at optimal performance.
  2. The next step is to create a "system image" of your hard drive. There are various tools you can use to create an image of your computer. In layman's terms, a "system image" is like taking a picture of your hard drive that can be stored on a DVD (or two). That "picture" can then be restored onto your hard drive at any time. If your computer ever crashed, or you were interested in purchasing a new hard drive, this "system image" would come in handy as a convenient way to restoring your computer back to that perfect state.
  3. The next step in creating a "Home Computer First-Aid Kit" is to choose an online or offline backup system. There are websites online that will automatically backup your personal files (e.g. pictures, videos, music, software data, etc.). You can also purchase an external hard drive that has auto-backup capabilities.
  4. Once you have your "system image" and auto-backup system in place, you'll have peace of mind in knowing that your data, programs, settings, etc. are all recoverable.

We realize that some of these steps are advanced and not everyone would feel comfortable performing them. Many of our clients hire us for the re-install, system imaging, and auto-backup installation. You are welcome to implement these steps yourself. If you feel you would rather a professional handle them, we are happy to assist.

We cannot stress enough how important it is to protect your computer. We receive calls every week from clients who've lost everything, and it can be an extremely sudden and costly situation to be in. You can prevent this from happening to you if you go in with a plan.

Share These Tips on Facebook

Business Offer-of-the-Month:

"Free daily health checks with out online backup"

Quickly – think about everything you have on your computer. Family photos? A music collection? Financial documents? Lots and lots of email?

What would happen if all of that suddenly vanished and left you high and dry?
That's why 4 Your Computer Repair now offers an online backup and recovery solution that's designed to protect your data. 4YCR ONE is a state-of-the-art solution that's geared for what you need. It's completely secure, reliable, fast and easy to use.

How's it work?
Once you get started with your 4YCR ONE account, you'll back up everything you want to protect on your computer to the cloud. But after that first time, you never have to back up everything again: 4YCR ONE has features like global deduplication and incremental forever, which mean that you only have to back up new files and the files that changed since the last time you backed up. And even better, you only have to back up the parts of the file that changed. 4 Your Computer Repair's Powered By Nine® solution is powerful enough to figure out what those changes were and send only that to the cloud.
There's no need to worry about how safe your files are: 4YCR ONE encrypts all data using the same AES algorithm that the federal government uses to protect classified data. Nobody can see your data, from the moment you click "Backup Now" until the moment you get your data back if you have to restore. And 4YCR ONE can get that data back to you fast when you need it.

Okay, but why not back up with one of those guys I hear on the radio?
It's a fair question – all online backup services work the same, right? Wrong. Not only
does 4YCR ONE have technological advantages, 4 Your Computer Repair has personal
advantages. If you need help with your computer, you can call 4 Your Computer Repair
and know who you're going to get on the phone. The folks there will take the time to
know you, know your data protection needs, and help you keep those files and folders
safe.

 

Take a look at our pamphlet showing both services

 

Share These Tips on Facebook

Business Computing Tip-of-the-Month:

"Fighting the Malware Battle"

Fighting the battle with malware can really hurt your business when you have to spend a great deal of your IT budget on software to protect your machines from infection. Here are some tips to do it for free.

First, let's start with a definition of "malware" so that we are on the same page. Malware is malicious software (e.g. viruses, trojans, worms, adware, etc.) that is designed to secretly install on your computer with the sole purpose of wrecking havoc to the code or harvesting data.

There are a few free tools we'd like you to be aware of that will help you create a "first line of defense" against an attack. While no "over the counter" software is a guaranteed cure-all, you can certainly decrease the effects of malware and save your organization dollars over the course of the year as a result of fewer attacks.

You can fight malware with these free tools:

  1. Combofix – this software will assist in tracking down and removing malware. Make sure to disable your antivirus software first before running Combofix.
  2. CCleaner – this handy tool does two things well. It cleans the Windows registry and removes cached web data. It's a good idea to do a backup of your registry before running this tool, but plan on experiencing a faster computer with less problems afterwards.
  3. Microsoft Security Essentials – looking for an antivirus program that is effective and causes little drain on your system? This tool is it, and the cost is zero.
  4. Malwarebyes – it always amazes us when clients are surprised that they need anti-spyware software in addition to antivirus protection. While antivirus software is effective at protecting against viruses, there is a long laundry list of other types of malicious code (a.k.a. malware) that you have to protect your machine against. That's where Malwarebyes comes into play.
  5. Clonezilla – one of our favorite tools for creating "clones" of your machine so that you can perform a restore in the future should something catastrophic happen to your data.

There are many tools on the marketplace for businesses to use to protect their data and increase their company productivity. These 5 programs are a great place for you to start. Just keep in mind that not all computer problems are created equal and there is still a possibility that you will run into a situation that requires professional intervention. We are happy to assist if such a situation were to arise; however, we do feel it is important to educate our clients and enable them to implement steps they can perform on their own.

Share These Tips on Facebook

Our Clients Speak Out

"Steven saved me hours of work checking my PC setup up, giving me confidence in what I was doing and resolving problems for me. He turned up when he said he would and did the work quickly and without fuss. On the basis of my first experience of his service I intend to sign-up for his online backup and daily health check services. I would strongly recommend Steven to others."

Sara Priestley

“Steven fixed a fault on my notebook keyboard after someone had told me I could try a new keyboard to see if that would work. Not only did he find and fix the fault the price he quoted for a new keyboard should I need one was half the price I had been given previously. I really appreciated having my notebook picked up from my house and delivered it just made my life so much easier. I cannot recommend him highly enough. His knowledge and professionalism were impressive, I will certainly be using him for any IT needs in future.”

  Pat L

“I have now used Steven for a number of repairs to our PC and network problems which he has provided consistent quality of service at competitive rates. Quick reponces and reliable.”

   George D

“Although Steven had only started in business less than a year ago he delivered his services like an old pro. He has a depth of knowledge in IT and computer hardware that will be of benefit to anyone who needs new or to upgrade their current machines. He is very helpful and trys hard to get a result for his customers.”

   Tony L

 
 

About 4 Your Computer Repairs

4 Your Computer Repairs is a full service computer consulting firm specializing in home user and small businesses. Our services range from virus removal, network support, data systems backup, hardware and software upgrades, as well as managed services.

More info? Click Here

  Connect with us:   Our Blog   Facebook   LinkedIn   Twitter

ACRBO

© 2010 4 Your Computer Repairs. All rights reserved.



Difficulty viewing?
Hosted Version – Click Here

These tips are brought to you by:

www.4ycr.co.uk

"Enabling Technology to grow your business"

Keep upto date with our news and Competitions

 

Go to our Facebook page

 

Share These Tips on Facebook


Home Computing Tip-of-the-Month:

"Why and How You Should Recycle Your Old Computers"

We’ve decided to focus this month’s Home Computing Tip-of-the-Month to an important global effort to curb electronic waste. Below, you will find free computer recycling options for you to safely dispose of your electronics in a way that will not harm the environment.

Did you know that up to 43 million metric tons of electronic waste are not recycled each year? Instead, they are dumped into landfills and end up in third-world countries where children and parents strip the toxic material down for cash. Many of our clients that we speak to about this don’t realize that computers can contain chromium, nickel and zinc. Even worse, LCD monitors can contain mercury.

The following graph shows the dire state of recycling in 2007 of TVs, Computer Products, and Cell Phones.

computer waste graphHow to Recycle:
If you are a home user most recycling centres have an area that accepts electronic waste. to find your local recycling point go to the sort it websiteand enter your details or we can get it recycled for you. For businesses we offer a recycling option where we destroy all your data on your hard drives to make sure no one get hold of sensitive information.

Share These Tips on Facebook



Business Computing Tip-of-the-Month:

"Which Windows Server is Ideal for Your Small Business"

Microsoft Windows Server LogoWhich Microsoft server option is the best fit for your business? The following are some key points to consider.

Before we begin, let’s first discuss Linux. Yes, there are a few Linux options on the market; however, many of our clients prefer Microsoft, and so that is our focus as well.

Please note that this article is designed to be a starting point for your Server considerations. Ultimately, it is best for you to consult with us so we can further guide you in your decision-making process. When evaluating the various server options, it is important for us to understand how your business operates — from your line of products to your company culture to your financial systems to your communication efforts.

Microsoft now offers a complete and well-rounded product line that meets the demands of all businesses today. Below, we highlight recommendations on Microsoft server offerings based on how we believe they may fit your business needs:

Windows Home Server — This option is ideal for any home. WHS provides a centralized framework, which safeguards emails, letters, spreadsheets, home videos, family photos, and software databases (e.g. Quicken). This solution will easily allow your family and friends to share these files over the Internet, while safely backing up your cherished memories for future protection. This is also a great choice for micro-businesses who are looking for a very basic backup/storage solution.

Windows Foundation Server — This option offers a centralized security database, which controls access to your files, server resources, and remote access using AD (Active Directory). This product also allows you to leverage Terminal Services for remote access capabilities. If you have basic server needs, or if you are looking to combine local storage and business applications with online services like Hosted Exchange or SharePoint Services, than Windows Foundation Server is an ideal choice.

Windows Small Business Server — Perfect for small businesses looking for an enterprise solution that provides shared calendaring, data storage, company intranet, remote access, etc. Small Business Server offers Microsoft Exchange, SQL Server, Remote Web Workplace plus many core products to increase the productivity of your team and drive growth.

Windows Essential Business Server — Ideal for companies of 75+ employees. When your business reaches a point of growth where the computing power of SBS is simply not enough, then it is time to upgrade to Essential Business Server. EBS supports up to four different Microsoft Server solutions for the larger small business or small mid-market corporation. Some of the many features include management capabilities, security solutions leveraging Microsoft ForeFront, messaging through Microsoft Exchange and data storage with Microsoft SQL Server.

If you are considering any one of these servers, or have questions/concerns about your particular company’s needs, we’d be happy to have a conversation with you to discuss this further. Many times, our small business clients don’t realize the amount of money they could save or productivity they could add to their business by re-evaluating their current solutions.

Share These Tips on Facebook

Our Clients Speak Out

“Steven fixed a fault on my notebook keyboard after someone had told me I could try a new keyboard to see if that would work. Not only did he find and fix the fault the price he quoted for a new keyboard should I need one was half the price I had been given previously. I really appreciated having my notebook picked up from my house and delivered it just made my life so much easier. I cannot recommend him highly enough. His knowledge and professionalism were impressive, I will certainly be using him for any IT needs in future.”

  Pat L

“I have now used Steven for a number of repairs to our PC and network problems which he has provided consistent quality of service at competitive rates. Quick reponces and reliable.”

   George D

“Although Steven had only started in business less than a year ago he delivered his services like an old pro. He has a depth of knowledge in IT and computer hardware that will be of benefit to anyone who needs new or to upgrade their current machines. He is very helpful and trys hard to get a result for his customers.”

   Tony L

 
 

About 4 Your Computer Repairs

4 Your Computer Repairs is a full service computer consulting firm specializing in home user and small businesses. Our services range from virus removal, network support, data systems backup, hardware and software upgrades, as well as managed services.

More info? Click Here


  Connect with us:   Our Blog   Facebook

  LinkedIn   Twitter

  Federation of small businesses logo ACRBO


© 2010 4 Your Computer Repairs. All rights reserved.


What is a NAS and do I need one?

 

In this day and age it is becoming more popular to have more than one computer in the house and as businesses expand they may need to share information between employees.

 

While this can be done by email or creating a shared folder on a computer, sometimes it is not practical after all you need that computer switched on if you want to access the information and emailed files can become out of date and you end up with data missing.  Also with all this data you really should back it up to you don’t loose anything but buying a USB external hard drive for every computer or even trying to share it around is not practical.

 

The solution is a NAS which sits on your network and will allow sharing files easy and with less power needed than a computer but can offer almost as much flexibility.  Below are two videos showing you was a NAS is as well as the options it has for your home or office.

 

Basic description of a NAS

 

There are a lot of different models and without wanting to seem like I am promoting netgear here is one of their models that is suited both for office use and home use.

 

If want to see other devices here a re a couple more videos

 

 

Now do you think you need one?

These tips are brought to you by:

www.4ycr.co.uk

“Enabling Technology to grow your business”

Competition

Free online storage RRP £120

We are offing Unlimited online backup space for one computer using our backup solution 4YCR ONE all you have to do is go to my facebook page and clcik like, then go to our competition page and say where you found out about the competition here. It’s that simple

If you would like to try it yourself get a free 2GB online backup space at our backup signup portal


Home Computing Tip-of-the-Month:

“What You Need To Know About Computer Drivers” Cyber MondayComputer drivers are small pieces of software that tell your operating system (i.e. Windows 7) and other software programs how to communicate with a piece of hardware. Printers, for example, come packaged with drivers to install that tell your operating system exactly how to print information on a piece of paper. Sound card drivers tell your computer how to create audio signals that the card can output to your speakers. It’s important to understand this, because as you update your operating system, install new programs, install new hardware components (i.e. printers, cameras, speakers, etc.), download sytem updates from the Internet, etc., your existing drivers will likely become outdated and cause your hardware components not to function properly. If you run into a situation where your hardware is not working (e.g. your printer no longer prints, your speakers no longer play audio, etc.), you will likely need to run a driver update. Drivers are updated in Windows by using a driver update wizard from within Device Manager. About.com has a great article on Device Managers that will provide you with more details. You can also do a serach online for Driver Update Software programs and find an inexpensive program to help you do the job. If this does not sound like something you feel comfortable performing yourself, you can always consider hiring a computer consulting firm, like ours, to assist you.



Console Repairs

Don’t let spend more money on a new console when it could be repaired

Cloud Computing Services

These days’ consoles are so expensive and so complicated that it is no wonder they break down but before you go and buy a new one give us a call on 0845 805 9257 and see how much we can save you. We can repair all modern consoles and handheld consoles and fix a variety of faults plus with our no fix no fee policy you have nothing to lose so book it in today and get back to your gaming quickly.


Business Computing Tip-of-the-Month:

“Upgrading Your Network from 10Mbps to 100Mbps” Cloud Computing ServicesMany businesses still operate networks using traditional Ethernet connections. This is something to consider moving away from, because the technology needs of businesses are changing dramatically. The framework for these traditional Ethernet connections was built in the 1970s, when 10Mbps was like a rocket to the moon. Today’s multimedial applications are very bandwidth-intensive, and as a result, the traditional 10Mbps connections are barely adequate. For example, full video conferencing can require up to 25 Mbps to transmit full motion video. With a 10Mbps connection you are forced to watch poor quality video for a single session. Fast Ethernet (i.e. 100 Mbps) is capable of allowing you to watch full quality broadcasts in 4 different windows, while still providing enough margin for network-based application. The increase in speed and quality is well worth the investment of upgrading your network to Fast Ethernet. You will dramatically increase your staff’s productivity and provide them with an enriching experience.

Our Clients Speak Out

“Steven fixed a fault on my notebook keyboard after someone had told me I could try a new keyboard to see if that would work. Not only did he find and fix the fault the price he quoted for a new keyboard should I need one was half the price I had been given previously. I really appreciated having my notebook picked up from my house and delivered it just made my life so much easier. I cannot recommend him highly enough. His knowledge and professionalism were impressive, I will certainly be using him for any IT needs in future.”

Pat L

“I have now used Steven for a number of repairs to our PC and network problems which he has provided consistent quality of service at competitive rates. Quick reponces and reliable.”

George D

“Although Steven had only started in business less than a year ago he delivered his services like an old pro. He has a depth of knowledge in IT and computer hardware that will be of benefit to anyone who needs new or to upgrade their current machines. He is very helpful and trys hard to get a result for his customers.”

Tony L

About 4 Your Computer Repairs

4 Your Computer Repairs is a full service computer consulting firm specializing in home user and small businesses. Our services range from virus removal, network support, data systems backup, hardware and software upgrades, as well as managed services.

More info? Click Here


Connect with us: Our Blog Facebook LinkedIn Twitter

Federation of small businesses logo ACRBO


© 2010 4 Your Computer Repairs. All rights reserved.

I often get asked about where people pick up viruses and they always assume someone has been naughty and has been visiting adult websites but that is not the most common places.

 

Recently Google and Microsoft was tricked into displays adverts which lead to website that performed a "drive by download" to infect peoples computers. Google and Microsoft are not the only ones this has happened to Facebook also had links to these types of websites in their adverts.

 See here for more details

 

If this happens to you then switch your computer off and do not click on anything including the red X button to cancel it as they could have programmed that to be an okay button

"Drive by Download" – is a website that automatically downloads a file or files to your computer without your authorisation and is manly used by criminal groups to infect your computer with a virus.

These tips are brought to you by:

www.4ycr.co.uk

“Enabling Technology to grow your business”

Home Computing Tip-of-the-Month:

“Speed Up Windows 7 by Disabling the Search Index Feature”

Windows 7 is designed for speed. The Windows 7 team has placed special attention on making Windows 7 faster than Windows XP, and Windows Vista.

As we continue to progress in the information age, home users are increasingly expecting higher speeds from their computers. With that in mind, we’ve put together a quick tip to help you speed up Windows 7. This short tip will allow you to get more out of your operating system than what is provided “out of the box.”

Disable the Search Indexing Feature

  1. Right click on the “Computer” icon in the desktop and select “Manage.”
  2. Click “Services and Applications” in the “Computer Management” window.
  3. Click on “Services.”
  4. You can see a lot of services listed there. Look for “Windows Search” in this list.
  5. Right Click on “Windows Search” from the list and choose “Properties.”
  6. The “Windows Search Properties Window” will open up. From “Startup type,” click on the drop down menu and choose “Disabled.”
  7. Click “Apply” then “OK” and that’s it. The Windows 7 Search Indexing Feature is now disabled.

Most of the Windows 7 users do less searches in their system. The Search Indexing service in Windows 7 keeps track of your files at all times so that when you perform a search, the results can show quickly. This is a complete resource hog and waste of computing power for the average user who only performs searches periodically.


Fast Cloud based backups

Don’t let your backup provider slow you down when you need your data. 15% faster backup times 3x faster then Mozy, 5x than Carbonite, 10x than Dell retore times The above was tested using a Laptop, 4GB RAM runing Windows 7. The data size was 30GB sent over an internet connection. Mozy, Dell and Carbonite were tested along with our system Powered by Nine This is our new adventure and we hope to give you a competitive price.  to backup your computer you can use up to 2GB FREE, if you need more then for £10 a month you can have unlimited storage.  So keep all your music, pictures and home movies safe no matter what happens. For businesses who need a bit more like Microsoft Exchange, Microsoft SQL databases and open files backed up our PRO version is your option.  You can schedule backups to run throughout the day and with our militery strength encryption you know your data will be safe   For more informartion including user amnuals go to our website


Business Computing Tip-of-the-Month:

“What are Managed Services, and How Can They Save My Company Money?”

When a company subscribes to a managed servcie, the provider manages the network equipment and applications on the client’s premises according to the terms established to meet the client’s unique business needs.

For small and medium-sized businesses, managed services provide enterprise class capabilities for an affordable monthly fee-with no large initial capital investment required.

Subscribing to managed services will:

  1. Bring high levels of network support and availability.
  2. Enable internal IT staff to focus on strategic activities instead of network support.
  3. Allow you to pay only for those networking services that you need.

Managed services bridge the gap by giving companies access to leading network technologies and management expertise without the need to invest in technology upgrades.


Our Clients Speak Out

“Steven fixed a fault on my notebook keyboard after someone had told me I could try a new keyboard to see if that would work. Not only did he find and fix the fault the price he quoted for a new keyboard should I need one was half the price I had been given previously. I really appreciated having my notebook picked up from my house and delivered it just made my life so much easier. I cannot recommend him highly enough. His knowledge and professionalism were impressive, I will certainly be using him for any IT needs in future.”

Pat L

“I have now used Steven for a number of repairs to our PC and network problems which he has provided consistent quality of service at competitive rates. Quick reponces and reliable.”

George D

“Although Steven had only started in business less than a year ago he delivered his services like an old pro. He has a depth of knowledge in IT and computer hardware that will be of benefit to anyone who needs new or to upgrade their current machines. He is very helpful and trys hard to get a result for his customers.”

Tony L

About 4 Your Computer Repairs

4 Your Computer Repairs is a full service computer consulting firm specializing in home user and small businesses. Our services range from virus removal, network support, data systems backup, hardware and software upgrades, as well as managed services.

More info? Click Here


Connect with us: Our Blog Facebook LinkedIn Twitter

Federation of small businesses logo ACRBO


© 2010 4 Your Computer Repairs. All rights reserved.

Get Instant Help When YOU Need It

Do you have a problem that needs help quickly or are in an inaccessible location?

If you follow these 3 steps then you can get this help quickly and without disturbing you.

Step 1

Download our instant help program to your desktop

Screen shout of our remote access page on our websiteStep 2

Double click on the Instant support file, if you are using Windows Vista or Windows 7 then you will need to allow the program to run when the UAC prompt appears.

If you have a 3rd party firewall like Norton or AVG then you may also need to grant permission for the program to access to the internet.

instant support icon on my desktop

screen shot of windows 7 UACStep 3

Phone and tell us your access code

Some other things you should have to hand when calling

  1. Administrator password
  2. User Password, if different account from the administrator
  3. For network setup Router make and model and who your internet provider is.

When the remote access support is over

close down the area showing you the access code or if I have had to install it as a service you will see an extra icon on your desktop for uninstalling it.

These tips are brought to you by:

www.4ycr.co.uk

“Enabling Technology to grow your business”

Home Computing Tip-of-the-Month:

“Press F1 for Help: Instant Assistance Right From Your Keyboard”

The F1 key is a powerful feature in Windows. Many people are unaware that they have a little technician hiding inside their computer, waiting to provide solutions to questions or problems you have with your computer’s hardware and software.

The F1 key, when pressed in any program, instantly activates the help features within that particular environment. If you press F1 while on your desktop, the Help and Support features launch. If you’re in Outlook and Press F1, the Help dialogue box appears. Although the help that is provided can be generic, it does include answers to common questions, instructions on various tasks and solutions to problems. The information waiting within the F1 key is very useful, and it may just be a lifesaver for you the next time you find yourself in a tough spot.

F1 can help you setup printers, activate remote desktop support, utilize file sharing, and implement other tasks that will help you get the most out of your Windows experience. So the next time you want to know how to add a signature to your Outlook, or how to defragment your computer, simply press the F1 key for help.

Now, of course, there are situations you will run into where a professional is needed. In those cases, we hope you will keep us in mind as your “go to” computer repair experts. Just give us a call and we’ll be happy to assist.


Business Computing Tip-of-the-Month:

“Do You Have The Right Security Policies In Place For Your Small Business?” Many small business owners overlook the need to implement strict security policies within their network. These policies are vital to protecting your prized digital assets. Consider the threats to your business network and PC security:

  1. Domain Privileges It’s important to lock down your computer systems and set access permissions appropriately according to the user. Only senior-level IT staff should have full access to your network. The rest of your employees should be limited in their ability to provide changes to the system. Many small and even large businesses setup their receptionists with domain administrative privileges. This means that anyone who sits at the receptionist desk (an intern?) can access every piece of data, sensitive file, credit card record, username/password, stored in your system.
  2. Passwords Do you require your employees to change their passwords once a month? Do you require that the password uses uppercase letters, lowercase letters, and numbers? Do you strictly prohibit your employees from using their name, birthday, company name, or telephone number as part, or all, of their password? These are the types of password policies you should be considering. Many business owners leave it up to their employees to choose any password they like. This opens up the possiblity of your staff choosing easy-to-remember passwords. Simple passwords are easy-to-guess by a hacker.

Making policy changes within your organization does not have to be a difficult task. Many times it involves writing out a one-page summary sheet and holding a staff meeting to implement the change.

Our Clients Speak Out

“Steven fixed a fault on my notebook keyboard after someone had told me I could try a new keyboard to see if that would work. Not only did he find and fix the fault the price he quoted for a new keyboard should I need one was half the price I had been given previously. I really appreciated having my notebook picked up from my house and delivered it just made my life so much easier. I cannot recommend him highly enough. His knowledge and professionalism were impressive, I will certainly be using him for any IT needs in future.”

Pat L

“I have now used Steven for a number of repairs to our PC and network problems which he has provided consistent quality of service at competitive rates. Quick reponces and reliable.”

George D

“Although Steven had only started in business less than a year ago he delivered his services like an old pro. He has a depth of knowledge in IT and computer hardware that will be of benefit to anyone who needs new or to upgrade their current machines. He is very helpful and trys hard to get a result for his customers.”

Tony L

About 4 Your Computer Repairs

4 Your Computer Repairs is a full service computer consulting firm specializing in home user and small businesses. Our services range from virus removal, network support, data systems backup, hardware and software upgrades, as well as managed services.

More info? Click Here


Connect with us: Our Blog Facebook LinkedIn Twitter

Federation of small businesses logo ACRBO


© 2010 4 Your Computer Repairs. All rights reserved.

Adobe patched an impressive 23 vulnerabilities in Reader and Acrobat today, setting a record for this year. Computer World reports that the patches are mostly critical and include one for a flaw that has been actively exploited for a month or more. This update comes to us a week ahead of schedule after Adobe promised to move the date up for this patch to address a new vulnerability in font parsing that is seeing attacks.

Recently Adobe has had to put out quite a few zero-day patches, with an attack on Flash in September that required an out-of-band patch and now this new font bug. The patch put out today includes the Flash patch as well because Reader and Acrobat include code to run Flash embedded in pdfs.

The most notable patch is for the exploit found in early September by Mila Parkour. This exploit was lauded as “scary” and “clever” because it bypassed built-in Windows protections with ease and used a stolen signed digital certificate. The exploit was later named after David Letterbeater who was the subject of many rigged emails as part of the attack.

Adobe notes that 20 of the vulnerabilities being patched could lead to code execution where hackers could hijack the computer. Unlike Microsoft, Adobe does not assign official threat ratings to patches. Two of the remaining bugs could be used to crash Reader or Acrobat and the last is a bug just for the Linux version of Reader. To update your copy of Reader or Acrobat fire up the auto-updater or grab the link from the official Adobe advisory.

Let’s connect
Call us

Call us on

0845 805 9257

or

07940964018

Sign Up For Our
Newsletter

* = required field
Facebook