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Home Computing Tip-of-the-Month:

"Troubleshooting Common Software Problems in Windows Vista and 7"

Slow Computer ProgramsWhen Windows 7 or Windows Vista programs won’t run right, there are some things you can do to get them working. Programs that won’t load quickly, don’t function correctly, freeze, won’t show up on your desktop or don’t install properly can all be fixed. Here are some tips on how to troubleshoot Windows software problems.

  1. Obviously, first make sure the program you have installed is compatible with Windows 7, Windows Vista or whatever version you are running.
  2. Second, make sure your computer meets the software’s minimum system requirements. You will need to upgrade your equipment to run software that exceeds your system’s capacity. Computers that barely comply with minimum requirements may perform unreliably or slowly when their capacity is being maxed out.
     
  3. Some software works better when few other programs are running, so close windows and programs you aren’t using. Try the program in question again after you close everything else.
     
  4. Make sure at least 5 to 10 percent of your total hard drive space is free to get the best performance from your Windows 7 or Windows Vista machine. This makes programs run faster and prevents annoying crashes. Use a disk cleanup utility to free some space if you’re running short.
     
  5. Visit your software maker’s website for updates and notes about frequent issues. If it’s a Microsoft program, run Windows Update and let it load all patches. Once you’ve installed all available updates for your system, restart the computer before you try your software again.
     
  6. Improve your system’s overall performance by deleting or uninstalling any unwanted programs. Windows 7 and Windows Vista work best when they’re not cluttered, so this may improve your software’s performance.
     
  7. Check your Startup folder and disable any Windows 7 or Windows Vista programs that load automatically when you start the computer. Once again, restart after making these changes.
     
  8. Next, further improve the performance of your machine by running its defragmenting utility to optimize your hard drive.
     
  9. If your new software still isn’t working correctly, scan for spyware and viruses. Both Windows 7 and Windows Vista can use Windows Defender, which can help eliminate threats and reduce pop-ups that claim system resources.

When everything else fails, you have two more options.

  1. After uninstalling the software and rebooting the computer, try loading the program again. Something may have gone wrong the first time.
     
  2. Finally, go for help from either Microsoft or the software company’s technical support, but be aware that these services may charge a fee. They may also be able to help you finally solve your problem.

Following these steps should get any piece of software up and running. Software can be finicky, and so can many computer systems. Every problem, however, has a solution.

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Offer-of-the-Month:

Secured refurbished computer, ideal for a kid's computer or one in the office that does not have a server. The computer will come with a program installed that restricts internet usage so that adult and known infected websites are blocked. We can also setup user account with the correct permissions to keep your computer as safe as possible.

 

These computers all their updates on and also come with software that will help with homework or general office duties.

Prices start at just £130 for a P4 desktop and £220 for a dual core laptop.

All come with a 2 month warranty

Our special this month is a refurbished Dell Studio 1535 dual core with a Dell warranty until April 2013 for £305

 

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Business Computing Tip-of-the-Month:

"Solving the 'Low Virtual Memory' Message"

Low Virtual MemoryHas this happened to you? Your computer’s performance gets slower and slower. Applications take a little longer to open each time. Web pages time out before they’ve fully loaded.

Then, something dramatic happens. You get a worrying message that your virtual memory is too low.

It’s not as bad as it seems, however. You can fix the problem of low virtual memory.

Simply put, your computer’s virtual memory is the hard drive space your machine uses when it is running short of random access memory, called RAM. Common programs like Microsoft Office PowerPoint and Microsoft Office Word can be real memory hogs, sometimes using all of your computer’s free RAM.

What can you do about a “virtual memory low” message?

If you get a warning that says your virtual memory minimum is too low or something similar, there are two things you can do to correct the situation.

The simplest solution is to increase the virtual memory size on your hard drive, if space allows. To do that, simply go to your control panel and increase the size in the System section. The exact location varies depending on whether you’re using Windows 7, Windows Vista or another version of the operating system.

A somewhat more complicated solution is to add more RAM to your computer. If you continue to get messages that say things like “your computer is running low on virtual memory” even after you increase the virtual memory size on your hard drive, adding more RAM is your only option. That requires opening the case, but the new RAM simply clips into place.

Here are some general guidelines for how much RAM average systems need:

  • Windows 7 requires 1 GB of RAM to work properly.
  • Windows Vista requires 2 GB of RAM or more to work well, but some applications, especially gaming software, need twice that much.
  • Windows XP can manage with only 512 MB of RAM, but like all systems, it will work better with more.

For a work computer, ask your company’s IT administrator to add more RAM for you. It’s a simple process. For your own computer let us chack what you need and install it for you..

A low virtual memory message isn’t really as terrible as it sounds. It indicates a problem you can easily solve.

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Our Clients Speak Out

I would like to thank you very much for your help in getting my netbook in working order. I have to say, dropping it on concrete is not the smartest move I have ever made, but the speed with which you took care of this for me and the quality of your work made the whole process stress free afterwards. My husband works within IT and even he could hardly tell that anything had happened to it, you made the whole thing look as good as new. I would not hesitate to recommend your services to friends and colleagues.

Lynsey Levy

 

"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.


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Home Computing Tip-of-the-Month:

"Recover a Deleted File in Windows 7"

Windows 7 has a built-in tool called Previous Version that allows users to recover files they mistakenly delete. In order to recover deleted files you have to first make sure that System Restore is enabled so that Windows can automatically create restore points. These restore points are what you can revert a folder to in order to recover the files that existed at that time and date.

Step 1 – Making Sure System Restore Is Enabled

You can verify that System Restore is turned on by right-clickingComputer and selecting Properties. Next, you'll want to click the System Protection tab and then click the drive you wish to turn on System Restore. The C: drive is usually the drive selected. After selecting the desired drive and clicking OK, System Restore will be turned on if it was previously off.

Step 2 – Recovering a Changed Document in Windows 7

  1. Open the folder where the file was located.
  2. Right-click in the white space within that folder.
  3. Select Properties and click OK.
  4. The Properties screen will then pop-up. In this screen, select the Previous Versions tab.
  5. The Previous Versions tab will then display various versions of changed or deleted files in that folder. These versions are based on automatic restore points created by System Restore.
  6. Choose the version time and date you wish to revert back to.
  7. Then click Open.
  8. You will then see all of the previous versions of files in that folder according to the time and date you selected.
  9. To recover one of those files, rick-click the file and select Send to and then choose the folder you wish to save the file to.

That's it! Now you know how to recover lost files. It's a handy, useful tool that Microsoft built into Windows 7. We recommend you take full advantage of tne Previous Versions tool as it will save you headaches down the road.

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Offer-of-the-Month:

All in One Support

Get a full support package that will help keep your computers running smoothly and know that you have your data backed up in the even of a hardware failure.

 

This package includes:

  • Remote access support – help when you need it without worrying about any extra bills
  • Online backup – backup your improtant data online, we encrypt your data so only you can access it

 

Get the following free:

  • daily health check and 24 x 7 monitoring so we can spot problems quickly before they bother you
  • Managed Anti Virus and Anti Malware – let us manage your anti virus software and we will make sure you computer stays virus free.

 

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Business Computing Tip-of-the-Month:

"How to Protect Your Network from Hacker Bots"

Not all hackers are only after your data. The real prize is your wallet.

To carry our cyber-crimes, many hackers will use email spam, phishing attacks, or insidious websites to infect computers and turn them into "Hacker Bots." These Hacker Bots become drones that can be controlled remotely by cybercriminals, unleashing attacks on businesses that generate a steady revenue stream for the criminals.

A Trend Micro study recently found that roughly 25% of all infected computers belonged to businesses. It's often hard to know for sure whether your computer has been turned into a Hacker Bot. The best solution you can take is to contact a security expert to fully assess the machine.

Before you call a security expert, there are a few initial steps you can take:

  1. Disconnect the potentially infected computer from the Internet. If the computer is infected, this step will immediately stop data from being stolen, and prevent attacks on other businesses.
  2. Search for any sensitive data on the potentially infected machine and move it to a clean computer. Another option is to move the data to an external hard drive for safe keeping.
  3. Clean the potentially infected computer using antivirus software. You can also hire a professional to utilize advanced tools to ensure a complete quarantine of your machine.

If you don't yet believe any of your machines are infected, you are in a great spot. Prevention is the best cure and is much easier and cost-effective to implement long-term. You can start by ensuring that your antivirus definitions are always updated and you download the latest security patches for Windows and the programs you run on Windows.

You can also outsource your security maintenance to a company such as ourselves who can professionally perform monthly work on your machines remotely to ensure they are as padlock safe as possible. This saves you the time and headache of having to do the work yourself, and will also give you peace of mind knowing that your data is professionally secure.

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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.


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Home Computing Tip-of-the-Month:

"Top 10 Keyboard Shortcuts"

Computer keyboard shortcuts are designed to save you valuable time and productivity. Yet, many computer users opt to stick to long-form commands, because they are afraid it will take too long to memorize shortcut combinations.

The truth is, memorizing shortcut commands is easy and will eliminate unnecessary steps. Your hand muscles and cartidge will not have to work as hard and you will free up more time than you may think.

In this month's newsletter, we've decided to feature our list of the top 10 keyboard shortcut commands we believe will be the most useful to you:

  1. Ctrl + F
    This command opens the Find function in any program you are using. This includes your Internet browser as well to find text on a page.
     
  2. Alt + Tab or Alt + Esc
    This command quickly switches between open programs moving forward. Pressing Ctrl + Tab will switch between tabs in a program. Adding the Shift key to Alt + Tab or Ctrl + Tab will move backwards.

    If you are using Windows Vista or 7, you can press the Windows Key + Tab to switch through open programs in a full screenshot of the Window.
     

  3. Ctrl + C or Ctrl + Insert
    This command copy's the highlighted text or selected item.
     
  4. Ctrl + V or Shift + Insert
    Use this command to paste the text you've copied from the clipboard to the spot your cursor is resting.
     
  5. Ctrl + Z and Ctrl + Y
    This command will undo any change you've just made. For example, if you paste text, pressing this command will undo that paste. Usually, you can press this command multiple times to continue to undo previous commands further and further back in the order they were performed. Pressing Ctrl + Y will redo the undo.
     
  6. Ctrl + Left arrow / Right arrow
    Use this command to move your cursor one word at a time instead of one character at a time. To highlight one word at a time, hold down Ctrl + Shift and then press the left or right arrow key to move one word at a time in that direction.
     
  7. Ctrl + Backspace
    Press this command to delete a full word at a time instead of a single character at a time.
     
  8. Ctrl + P
    This command will print the page you are currently viewing. This includes programs such as Microsoft Word and your Internet browsers.
     
  9. Ctrl + Home / End
    Use this command to move your cursor to the beginning or the end of your current document.
     
  10. Page Up / Spacebar and Page Down / Spacebar
    These commands will move your current document in either direction one full page at a time. When browsing the Internet, these commands will move your scrollbar one full page at a time in the direction you indicate.

These commands are easy to learn, and will save you a lot of time throughout your day. Every second that you waste in unnecessary steps adds up to minutes, hours, and days throughout the years you use your computer. Taking a few minutes to learn these commands now is well worth the investment for the long term.

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Business Offer-of-the-Month:

 

Well it's my Birthday this month and as it's better to give than receive I have this offer for online backup and our managed services.

 

Half price Online backup for laptops and computers now only £5 each for unlimited space or for servers a straight forward billing plan of £0.60 per GB, only only for what you use.  Our server solution also backups up MS Exchange and MS SQL databases.

 

Our managed services usually start at £5 for our daily health check but now we are going to give you our full package of 24 x 7 monitoring of your system.  See the bottom of the post for what this covers

 

Both of these packages cost just £0.17 a day, it's not that much for piece of mind and should you have any trouble with either of them then we are just a phone call away.  These packages do not tie you in cancel at any time and even try them for FREE.

 

For more details visit my offer page

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Business Computing Tip-of-the-Month:

"7 Steps to Cutting Costs in Your Business"

As a fellow business owner, I understand the importance of maximizing profits and cutting costs to grow a company. That is why all of the business computer consulting services we offer are designed to help our client's bottom line.

I decided to dedicate this month's Business Computing Tip to other ways you can save money at the workplace to free up resources you can use in more useful places.

Consider these 7 tips the next time you are balancing your budget:

  1. Migrating to laptop computers. Laptop computers consume approximately 90% less energy than standard desktop computers. Whenever possible, have your employees make the switch to laptops.
     
  2. Printer ink alternatives. Are you paying retail prices for your printer ink? Refilling your used cartridges at places like Cartridge World, and buying recycled cartridges online can save you almost 50% off the suggested retail price.
     
  3. Evaluate your phone systems and usage. It's never too late to take a close look at your current phone plan and comparing your usage. Many times, business owners can reduce the number of lines they have or switch to an Internet-based phone system such as VoIP to reduce the costs of their bill.
     
  4. Review your weekly spending. If you find yourself buying office supplies once a week, consider the benefits of buying in bulk once a month. Run a quick cost comparison to see how much you could save by simply re-arranging your buying procedures.
     
  5. Hiring interns. Many colleges run a college credit program for internships. Simply contact the careers department and ask for information regarding their business partnership and intern programs. They are always on the lookout for opportunities for their students to work as interns in exchange for college credit.
     
  6. Turn off the lights. Turning off the lights in unused areas in your office workspace can greatly reduce your monthly electric bill.
     
  7. Leverage unused office space. If you have available space in your office that you do not actively use, consider subletting the space out. Sharing the rent and not paying for unused space are two great points to bring to the attention of your landlord.

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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"

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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.

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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

 

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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.

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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.



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These tips are brought to you by:

www.4ycr.co.uk

"Enabling Technology to grow your business"

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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.

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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.

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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


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© 2010 4 Your Computer Repairs. All rights reserved.


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“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.

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.

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.

Home Computing Tip-of-the-Month:

“Virus Removal Prevention TIps

Getting a computer virus is frustrating to say the least, and can be dangerous to the health of your PC. Malicious software can erase your precious data and even wreck havoc to your hard-earned credit rating with identity theft.

You can fight back with the free prevention tips listed on the right side of this page. These tips will help you get rid of viruses and keep them from coming back.

In the event that you’d prefer a professional to handle your virus woes, consider hiring a consultant such as ourselves who specialize in these types of threats.


Free Virus Prevention Tips (courtesy of About.com):

 

Business Computing Tip-of-the-Month:

“Should I Upgrade My Computer Hardware?” Computer consulting firms, such as ourselves, dedicate our careers to advising business owners on when to upgrade their hardware. As with all business decisions, the answer boils down to a comparison of cost vs. benefit. While this may be true, quantifying the costs and benefits of hardware is not always an easy task. There are 3 factors you should consider when deciding if upgrading your hardware is the smartest choice:

  1. The Secret Cost of Upgrading In addition to the price tag you are looking at with a new system, you must also consider the time, energy and money it takes to migrate your information to your new equipment. You must plan on worst case scenarios. Can you put a price tag on your company’s data if migration goes wrong? In this instance, you will want to rely on a professional to protect your coveted information. You never want to upgrade unless you have a solid business case to do so. If you are just looking for the “latest and greatest,” you should stop now and look to invest your money in other areas.
  2. Compromise Solutions If it’s “bells and whistles” you are after, your system may not need to be replaced entirely. It’s quite possible that an upgrade in your RAM will have a significant impact on your system’s performance. If you are inexperienced with installing RAM, consider hiring a professional to perform the work for you.
  3. The Right Time to Upgrade Here’s the most important advice we can give you on upgrading: Always upgrade when the cost of NOT upgrading exceeds the cost of upgrading. Consider the benefits of new hardware–it helps you work faster and more efficiently. Also, consider the software you are running. Does it require more robust hardware to run itself? If this is the case, than upgrading is the smartest choice. Other situations that require upgrading are broken PCs and system crashes. Clearly, in each of these cases, the consequences of NOT upgrading will cost you more in the long run. In business, it’s always better to be proactive.

When you are ready to upgrade your system, take a look, not only at your current computing needs, but also at what your future requirements might be. Will you need a full-featured database program in the future? Will you run memory-hogging graphics programs or other special applications? Will your new machine integrate with your current network? Doing your due diligence before you take action will save you in the end.

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


© 2010 4 Your Computer Repairs. All rights reserved.

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