They have appeared in several Expat Newspapers over the last couple of years. Everything is explained in Plain Simple English!
Topic Index:
1: Buying a laptop for Christmas?
2: What computer shall I buy?
3: Extinction is near for traditional email.
4: Wireless Computing Explained.
5: Sharing Photos and other Media!!
6: Free National & International Calls.
7: Computer Back - Keeping your Data Safe.
8: Social Networking ... The new revolution.
9: Computing - It is never too late to learn.
10: Educating Our Children Using Computers.
11: Time to Service & MOT your computer?
12: Recycling for the Planet and for Charity.
13: Illegal Operating System ... Help !!
1: Buying a laptop for Christmas?
December has arrived and all have now came to the rapid realisation that Christmas is just around the corner. Algarve Laptops will like to take this opportunity to Wish You A Merry Christmas !!
Want to buy a Laptop for Christmas?
As I have discussed in many a previous article, the factor to consider is what you will be using the laptop for, and what you hope to be able to do with it in the future.
It is important to remind ourselves of its true actual use as this is primarily the deciding factor on what bells and whistles you wish to have on top of any basic requirement.
This article will serve as a guide to untangling the perceived complexities of buying a Laptop, and hopefully giving you a clearer understanding of the things that actually truly matter when deciding on your purchase.
Branded or Unbranded?
Manufacturers spend millions every year building their Brand, thus making it easier to get a sense of quality, and also helping us recognise the support that you will receive from them based on their reputation, marketing, as well as price and performance.
The benefit of purchasing a well known branded Laptop is that in addition to the support and advice you receive from their reseller, you also have the support, and the infrastructure of the Manufacturer especially in terms of their value added services such as integrated solutions, and comprehensive online help such as software downloads relevant to your purchase.
Quality and compatibility is good due to economies of scales, as the configuration has to be guaranteed in order to mass produce their model ranges.
It is true that to a greater or lesser extent the amount you pay is relevant to the brand name, and just the name can increase the price you pay. However the manufacturer will justify and support that Brand by giving you the reassurance of its customer care and quality in relation to its price.
An alternative to buying a Branded Laptop is buying a laptop from a lesser known manufacturer, or buying an unrecognisable branded laptop, these are usually generic laptops prebuilt or partially build and then assembled locally and given some "Brand" name. These laptops are great value for money, but sometimes lack consistent quality, and little online help.
My personal opinion is to purchase a branded laptop. Which brand is entirely up to you, and in truth is primarily influenced by which brand you feel most comfortable with.
Operating System
The operating system is the piece of software that makes the Laptop work. There are 3 main operating systems available in general, these are XP, Vista, and Apple.
Everyone has an opinion as to which Operating System is best, but in truth from a users point of view it does not really matter, and is more about taste.
XP is visually contemporary, Vista is fresh and modern, and Apple is revolutionary.
The next major consideration is the operating system language, as this will influence how the Laptop communicates to you.
Would you like your error messages in Portuguese, English or German?
Joking aside this is certainly an important consideration, as most laptops sold in Portugal are only available in Portuguese.
Algarve Laptops for example supply Laptops in a variety of operating system languages directly from the manufacturers, which also include the relevant native keyboard layout.
Size of Screen
Laptop screen size comes in a variety of sizes which also influence factors such as weight, and the compactness of the keyboard.
The main sizes are as follows: 15.4", 17", and then to a lesser extend 12.1", 14".
The screen format can be traditional or wide screen.
On a popularity front the 15.4" offers the best value for money, but ultimately it is down to taste.
All the Rest
I am going to be very careful here and avoid confusing a very simple process by adding a long list of technical jargon.
You can purchase a top branded laptop for €500, but can equally spend €3000 should you so wish.
The main point of reference is that the more money you are willing to spend the more whistles and bells you are likely to get.
Relating your purchase back to actual use will help you decide how many whistles and bells you wish to include in your purchase.
It is generally accepted that a laptop will include a modem, wireless, DVD, and enough storage and memory for the majority of tasks.
There a certain whistles and bells which are worth looking out for such as integrated web cameras, and photo memory card readers.
Other factors such a processor type, memory size, hard drive size, graphics, etc are important, but not as important as many would wish to claim.
What type and size of anything is influenced by how much money you wish to spend.
Remember that prices are always falling, technology is forever evolving, and that the entire industry makes its money trying to convince you that you should buy a 5 instead of a 4.
The Plug
Hopefully by arming yourself with this simple guide you will be able to make a hassle free decision.
All our laptops come with a cup of coffee and a smile, and more importantly everything is explained in plain simple language.
Mince Pies and Mulled Wine are optional.
For all your I.T. needs please call or visit Algarve Laptops.
STOP!!
Before beginning the well trodden path of deciding what you may wish to buy first let us begin by asking what do you "REALLY" use your existing computer for.
7 times out of 10 the answer is email, Internet, shopping, photos, and playing solitaire.
In addition to these we can also have options to print, scan, use instant messaging, make cheap calls, write a letter, create a spreadsheet etc.
The next step could be video editing, gaming, gadgets, TV, music etc.
The "most" important thing to remember must be to relate back to actual use and likely use!!
The entire computer industry is awash with buzz words which usually bare no or little relation to it's actual use, and serves more the purpose of adding confusion.
XP, Vista, Office, 80GB, 120GB, 180GB, 240GB, 15", 17", 19", DVD-RW, DVD, Graphics Memory, PC Memory, 256MB, 512MB, 1GB, 802.11b/g, WIFI, etc etc etc.
Yes this is all important but before you begin to panic, stop, and think long and hard about what really matters.
The main purpose of a car is to get you from A to B, followed by comfort and safety, everything else is touchy feely, i.e. what colour? etc.
Computers are pretty much like cars, just a tool that gets to the place you need to go in a quick and hassle free fashion.
There is no majesty to computing, for too long the industry has traded on this premise.
The chances are that your current computer will do everything that you need it to, and just like a car only needs a change of oil from time to time.
Many are just looking for an excuse to buy a new shiny computer with the latest operating system and plenty more features.
This is absolutely fine, and if you need an excuse I am pretty sure one can be found if required but please try to remember to relate it back to actual use.
Before I would have written that technology was moving at fast pace, but now it is less about the technology and more about the delivery of a useful service.
Computers are now the portals to a much more exciting place. That place is the Internet.
The Internet not only delivers information, it now provides entertainment, email, applications, storage, and communications.
The traditional terminology of "computing" should be left in the teccy playground, a PC is now a commodity, use it, update it, recycle it.
What is important is to have a good reliable Internet connection, a clean hassle free computer, security, and a web browser.
What computer shall I buy? ... What's your favourite colour!!?
3: Outlookasaurus! Extinction is near for traditional email?
Hey let us begin with a working example of a typical environment on an average PC, email arrives in to Microsoft Outlook Express or into Microsoft Office Outlook. The connection to the Internet will usually be either dial-up or a broadband connection. The email program will either automatically or manually fetch email from the Internet and deliver the email into your inbox. This methodology of email has worked successfully for many many year.
So why Outlookasaurus?
With migration of towards faster Internet connections, with easier capture of digital photos and video, people are sending more and more of this type of media (attachments) via email to friends, family, and colleagues. These attachments have now become larger and more frequent. The nature of using an email program on your computer such as Outlook involves the software connecting to a email server via the Internet, it then checks the contents of your mailbox on this server, initiates the download of any email and their attachments found which then travels down your adsl/modem connection back onto your computer and into the mailbox that resides within Outlook. Once the mail program and the server are satisfied that the download was successfully completed then a message is sent back to the email server to usually erase the contents of the email server.
So please stay with me as I try to explain in as simple a language as possible the challenges often faced when such an environment takes place. If like many people you connect to the Internet and to your mail server via a conventional modem then your connected speed will affect how long it will take to download several emails. Usually this process takes a matter of seconds. However this can sometimes lead to long and expensive delays due to factors beyond your control. So if a family member decides to email you the complete works of Shakespeare, a friends emails a selection of high quality photos from their recent holiday, or a work colleague sends you funny video clips every Tuesday, then this has to be downloaded before the urgent email you are expecting as it has to take its place in the queue behind whatever has been sent previously. If you have a slow connection downloading such emails can take sometimes take hours. But wait there are more possible problems in store if you find yourself in this unfortunate situation. During the process of downloading if at some point the Internet connection is lost or if Outlook believes the email data is corrupted then Outlook will not send the signal to the server to say all is OK which means that the next time you try and collect your email it will try and download all the emails in that batch again. Corrupted email happens with ADSL connections also, and with the rise in unwanted spam emails this situation of upsetting email download is an all too familiar complaint. If this isn´t bad enough the entire process if often slowed down still further with the attention given to virus protection scanning.
The solution is far easier to understand than the problem (I promise)!!
Web mail is the process by which you can dispense with your email program. Rather than downloading email from a mail server into your computers Outlook it is far easier today to access many Internet based mail servers directly using Internet Explorer. All that is required is a user name and password. You will be presented with an online version of what you are familiar with already. The key advantages of such a method of reading email is that there is nothing to download, no delays, no corrupt emails to worry about. Also as the email will be permanently stored and viewable externally then your emails are not exposed to any computer vulnerabilities. It is unlikely that you will need to change your email address to take advantage of web mail, most providers including Portuguese Internet Providers now offer web mail as a free option.
Web mail has evolved from its early incarnations and now often surpasses conventional email systems in terms of function, integration with other online innovations such as calenders, address books, spam & email filters to name but a few.
Outlookasaurus and similar prehistoric programs are slowly out. People are more interested in writing emails rather than worrying about them
4: Wireless Computing Explained
Many computers include the option to utilise wireless capability, the words used to describe this functionality includes WIFI and 802.11b/g. Hearing of such functionality sounds great if it functionality and benefits can be clearly outlined and explained.
The principle advantage of having wireless in your home or business is the ability to access the Internet without the need to be permanently hooked up to a telephone line. Allow me to outline in as many examples as possible the benefits. Being able to check your email or maintain an instant messaging conversation from the kitchen whilst cooking the children´s tea, or perhaps on the sofa placing your next Internet shopping order whilst your partner watches television next to you. Or maybe perhaps listening to an Internet enabled radio station whilst swimming in the pool. Maybe you may wish to surf the Internet in bed. It is certainly possible to use an ordinary desktop PC as a wireless device, but in order to take advantage of multi room functionality then a laptop is required. Laptops were once associated with travel and business, but now they are used far more in the home. Prices for laptops continue to fall and are now available circa. €500 which is far better than the €2000 you needed to pay just a few years ago. This portability within the home has help reduce the use of the once intimidating big bulky computers that were usually situated in some obscure little visited spare bedroom. Actually adding a big bulky computer to a spare room does have a useful function of zapping up your time, and improving on ones anti-social skills. I am of course teasing a little, but is does demonstrate another benefit which is that having a wireless enabled laptop enables us to control how and when it is used. The process of creating this wireless bliss is relatively easy. To achieve this all you need to do is replace or amend your existing "Internet box" to a "Internet box with a aerial" (Wireless Router). Or rather than accessing the Internet through a wireless enabled ADSL telephone connection or via Cable TV, perhaps you would prefer access via the communication network used by mobile telephones, this is achieved by adding a small device to your computer which contains a data enabled mobile telephone SIM card. In no time at all you could be enjoying all the benefits that wireless computing brings. Portability means easeability. This is a sofa created article.
5: Sharing Photos and other Media!!
6: FREE NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL TELEPHONE CALLS FOR LIFE!!
Hopefully that headline has caught your attention.
Warning : Reading this article can seriously save you a lot of money.
Seriously Abridged Version - Get ADSL, Use Skype or VOIP, Save a lot of money.
One of the many benefits of having an ADSL Internet connection is the ability to make free and ridiculously low priced telephone calls.
Traditional phone calls work by allocating an entire phone line to each call which means that you are hiring this space for a given amount of time.
However when using Internet based telephone systems your voice data is instantaneously compressed and transmitted securely through the Internet for all or for the majority of its journey. This method has dramatically reduced the costs associated with telephone communication.
To take advantage of this method all that is principally required is an ADSL Internet connection.
Having a computer and telephony software is usually required but the technology is now also available without the need to use a computer.
There are a number of providers who facilitate this type of service, these range from the major traditional telecommunication companies, Internet based companies such as Skype, and IT equipment manufacturers. Techie terminology often used include phrases such as VoIP, SIP, RTP, Compression, POTS, and ITSP. Actually these phrases have been included just for fun, so now ignore them.
Using the Internet as a highway for the call doesn´t mean that the journey is exclusive to the web, however the more the web is involves in this process the cheaper the calls.
Computer through the Internet to another Computer are usually free.
Computer through the Internet to a traditional telephone number in any country is usually 1-2 cents per minute.
In addition to making calls via an Internet base system, it is possible to receive calls also even if the other person is not using a computer.
You can purchase a country specific Internet ready telephone number which when called will find its way to either your computer or regular telephone line.
What this means is that even though you may live in Portugal you can buy cheaply for example a UK, USA, German, or South African telephone number so that your friends and relatives can call a local number to them and reach you where ever you happen to be. If your computer is switched off then the call can either go to voicemail or be diverted to a normal external telephone number such as a regular house phone or a mobile.
I do not want to delve any deeper into this technology for fear of becoming a technical manual. The important aspect to remember is that ADSL has introduced a variety of truly incredible benefits such a cheap telephony. Substantial savings are achievable and the entire process of implementation is "straightforward".
Facilitating easy communication with family, friends, colleagues, and customers is probably the single most important reason for using a computer. Computers mean absolutely nothing unless they are used to improve our lives.
7: Computer Backup .. Keeping your Data Safe
Deep in the consciousness of most computer users is the fear that their emails, photos, documents, videos, and music will be lost forever.
The lost of this data could be the result of a malicious computer virus, hardware failure, theft, or worse still user error.
Despite the fear of an impending loss of family photos and emails most people do not backup their data, or do so very infrequently.
The most secure method of computer data backup is to create an external copy of the data so that is separate from the actual computer.
Data could be backed up onto Diskettes, Recordable CD/DVD´s, external hard disks, or much much better still be backed up onto the Internet!
Deciding how often to backup your data is key to keeping your data as fresh as possible, this can range from instant backup to monthly depending on your computer usage.
What to backup should be next on your list remembering that it is your personal irreplaceable data that should take priority such as docs, photos and email.
It is important to identify where your files are located on your hard drive, the principle location is in "My Documents" however data files such as email will be located elsewhere.
Protecting your data is very important, and one should not be complacent about the dangers of not backing up your precious photos etc.
Sure you could just ignore this article about the importance of computer backup, but you risk losing your data permanently.
Please allow me to compare backup to car insurance, it is something which in an ideal world we all wouldn´t bother with, but it is a necessary evil.
If you follow the highway code, avoid bad practices, maintain and protect your car, then you are less likely to be involved in an accident, but then again there is always the other driver!
I am one of the biggest advocates of utilising the Internet for a simpler and more productive computing experience for the computer user, and one of the biggest advantages of having an ADSL Internet connection is the ability to subscribe to a new breed of computer backup services which will allow your data to be backed up securely and automatically to the Internet with little user intervention.
Another option is to change the way you use your computer so that the data stays on the Internet such as webmail, thus giving you the advantage of accessing your data from any Internet computer.
With the proliferation of very advanced computer viruses, unreliable electricity supply, and component failures it is no wonder that more and more people are experiencing the loss of data. Hardware is replaceable, photos and the memories associated with them aren´t as easy to replace.
8: Social Networking ... The new revolution
One of the principle reasons why the Internet has proven to be so popular is its ability to facilitate easy communication.
Email and
instant messaging have been the staple communication method for many
many years and is still the preferred method of direct communication.
What
has been growing steadily over the past couple of years is what is
being called Social Networking, that is using computers to socialise,
mingle, and meet new people through your associates.
The main thrust of this new revolution is that fact it relies on creating a network.
Different types of networks exist to get things done, whether it is sending a letter or the electricity that powers your home. All this can only be done with the use of a network. To get from Faro to Porto we need to see the network of roads to get you to your destination. From a road map we can see that Faro is connected to Lisbon, which is connected to Coimbra, which is connected to Porto. Without seeing these connections it would be a slow process to get you to where you wish to go.
We all rely on people networks as this can help us finding jobs, meeting new friends, and find partners. You know how it works, Paul is your friend, he knows Jane, and Jane friend Charles has a job for you. This is a network of people, a social network. The problem with traditional social networks is that most of the connections between people are hidden. Your social network could have huge potential but is only as valuable as the people and the connections that you can see. This old aged problem is being solved by social networking websites. These websites help you see connection that are hidden in the real world.
How does it all work I hear you say?
First you sign up for a free account and fill in your profile. This profile is a online showcase of yourself. The information can include as much or as little of the following and can be added and/or amending at later stages after registration if you wish to register with the most basic of information to begin with. The information which can be included can be; your name, email address, date of birth, the area you live, your sex, political views, religious views, instant messenger ID, mobile number, address, websites, marital status, activities, interests, favorite music, films, TV shows, books, quotes, where your were educated, where you work and worked, to name but a few.
Once registration has been completed, you are guided through the process of looking for people you know by typing their name in a box and clicking find, you can also search by their email address, or possibly an associated group such as an employer or a school for example. When you find someone you know, you click a button that says add as friend, once your friend has confirmed they know you then you are connected. You will be surprised how many people you already know using this service. Those friends who do not currently use the service can be invited by email to join should you wish to invite them.
Once you do this then you and that person then have a connection on the website that others can see.
They are a member of your social network and you are a member of theirs.
What is really good is that you can see who your friends know and who your friends friends know.
You are no longer a stranger. So you can contact them more easily either directly or through an introduction.
The old aged problem of hidden opportunities is dispelled by social networking sites by making these connections between people visible.
Like a road map, social networking sites show you a people network that can help you get to your next destination. Whether it is for a new job, a new friend, a new partner, a plumber or a new an exciting place to live, your network has suddenly become more useful.
You can also share your photos, videos, websites, blogs, and other useful information.
This is a fantastic way of keeping in touch with all your friends, and more importantly not losing touch with them.
The
websites have built in and customisable privacy, you can share as much
or as little as you wish with different groups, such as contract
information will only be available to those you are directly connected
with.
It is safe to say that what is taking place right now on the Internet is simply revolutionary, this is not a fad and is now well and truly here to stay. It is not a case of should you begin the process of having an online profile but more like when. Social networks are connecting people all over the world, and is truly a worldwide phenomenon.
There are several social network websites all offering varies degrees of pretty much the same genre of social networking, these are the most popular of sites available:
A cautionary note, social networking is highly addictive, and also extremely fun.
It has been 2 hours since I last checked my facebook and linkedin accounts!
9: Computing - It is never too late to learn.
Quite often at the Algarve Laptops shop we welcome in the faces of the nervous first time computer buyer looking to purchase and receive advise.
The conversation usually begins with the fact that they have been either told to, have heard enough of, or now feel ready to get involved with computers.
I have already covered the subject of buying a computer, but one area that I did not cover in great detail was how to begin the process when you have little or zero knowledge of computers, where the only pointers available as perhaps buzz words or phrases that you may have heard from time to time.
This process does not just involve the purchase of the computer equipment and the ADSL broadband for a first time buyer, but also preparing yourself to learn something new.
Other factors such as health, disability, or the complete and utter meltdown of tackling anything remotely connected with technology (setting up a video recorder for example).
I am a firm believer and advocate of keeping things simple whether you are an IT professional with 30 years experience or a complete IT novice.
The first thing to remember is that however daunting the process may seem at first it certainly gets easier as you begin the journey.
A stepping stone approach will certainly helped deal with each stage from conception through to placing your first Internet grocery shopping order.
This process will be made easier with the help of a suitable advisor who will be able guide you through the introduction of IT so that you will not feel out of your depth.
Firstly it is important to fully understand the reasons and expectations of having a computer. This understanding will help guide you through some of your decisions.
Next is the purchase of the necessary equipment needed, this will usually involve buying a desktop or laptop computer, an operating system and documentation in your language, a printer with functionality such as the ability to scan and copy, and ordering an ADSL broadband connection.
This is usually where many people are usually left high and dry, and left to try and work out what to do.
However this is also the stage where the main benefits of your purchase can be most apparent if you seek out professional or able assistance.
A service which is available is having your entire computer system including all the peripheral items, and your ADSL Internet connection connected and configured at your home.
To assist and add value and practical functionality to your computer you could for example buy a "big key" keyboard, or perhaps having easy to use software installed both in terms of functionality such as a word processor through to administrative functions such as antivirus software. Microsoft have features within their operating systems which will allow the user to magnify text or reduce the speed of a mouse double click which has been designed to assist users make the most of their computers.
Beyond this the next stage could be functionality training which is a step by step approach to getting certain tasks achieved such as emailing for example.
The use of the word training sends shivers down my spine, as the word conjures up notions of teachers, classrooms, and homework.
Probably a better word to use would be "showing". This showing of how to do a given task done will enable you to try things out at your own pace.
This is a quick and easy way of learning. You do not need to know how an engine works in order to drive a car!
A computer can be prepared in such a way to enable you to focus on getting a certain set of functions done, and as your confidence increases other tasks and icons can be introduced later. Being bombarded with lots and lots of information serves no purpose. This methodology of computer introduction is guaranteed to teach any old dog new and exciting tricks.
The important thing to remember here and I shall repeat again to make sure my point is fully understood is that it is vital to see and keep things as simple as possible. Whether you are professionally advised or choose to go it alone, your main consideration is to always remember that once you remove the hype and persona of computing it really is as easy as ABC. A video recorder can be very easy to setup for the technology shy so long as it can be explained "step by step"!!
Computing is now beyond the term technology, and thus why it is important irrespective of age and ability to grasp hold of something that can only serve but to improve our lives especially in terms of communication with our family and friends. So long as you can be guided through to see beyond the technology you will soon see the benefits of computing rather than worrying about how it all works. As I have mentioned on so many previous articles it is the delivery of the service that will overcome the notion of being too old or too inexperienced, and thus enabling you to fully take advantage of it.
10: Educating Our Children Through The Use Of Computers
Over the last few years successive governments both in the UK and throughout the world have see the necessary need to integrate Information Technology into the education system both in terms of the curriculum as well as school administration. In the very early days schools were one of the first institutes to showcase perhaps 1 or 2 computers, but eventually allocated funds enabled more and more schools to have 1 or 2 computer rooms where perhaps a concentration of 30 computers would be networked together. The schools IT Coordinator would have been given the tasks of managing, and teach computing, as well as having the responsibilities of normal teaching duties.
At first these computer lessons were only available to the older children, but as time has gone on more and more younger children have been introduced to computers in a school setting. The huge sums of money that schools are investing with their information technology is a clear testament to how important computing is. However what has happened in recent years across all age groups is a huge shift from teaching computer lessons to enabling a computer to be seen and used as a tool in all areas of the curriculum. The computer itself is no longer the focus, what is important is using the power of computers to help pupils learn and demonstrate their understanding of maths, language, geography, science, and art for example. It is now not unusual to see computers spread throughout a school rather than merely in a computer classroom. This shift has helped teachers to use computers as a useful tool in their educating armoury.
A working example of how computers are being used in at Primary School "Key Stage 1" for example is as follows. Children are often taught around a common topic during the term such as for example "Our School Pond". The idea is to introduce all subjects to that topic. For maths this could be how many fish are in the pond, for language it maybe to write a story about Harold the Fish, geography may involve drawing a map of the pond, science could be about tadpoles, and finally for art asking the children to draw what they see. Using computers has enabled teachers to integrate computers as part of this learning process through a combination of educational software, word documents, spreadsheets!, and the Internet.
Having worked for several years in the IT educational field I am very aware of the changes that have taken place in terms of the tools now being utilised in many schools and by parents such as lower case keyboards, child friendly software and Internet for example!
Schools are playing a vital role in enabling our children to be comfortable with technology, and more importantly it is assisting them fully understand the world around them.
It is important to familiarise yourself with how computers can assist you as a parent, this will enable your child to view computers as a resource of information. Computers when used properly can be a fantastic way of engaging children into discovering their world, and also making it extremely fun in the process.
One of the principle questions people often ask me at our shop is what is an appropriate age to introduce computers to a child. If you have the time and patience then introducing a computer to a toddler is a great age to start as children often get introduced to the world through playing with actual or pretend everyday items, and a computer is no different
Follow these simple easy steps.
It is important that the computer be located in a sensible place, ideally within sight of a main living area, and that it the computer is connected to the Internet that appropriate Internet Safety Software be installed ( cyberpatrol.com is just one example).
Probably one of the best sites on the Internet for free education resource is topmarks.co.uk as this covers all age groups within a typical school curriculum offering links for Early Years, Key Stages 1-4, Advanced and Higher Education. In addition to this there are hundreds of software packages available for all age groups and abilities which can be installed also.
It must be remembered that although it is important to introduce Information Technology to your children is just a tool, and should be treated as such. Although vital it is just a piece in your child's educational puzzle.
For further advice on this or any other topic please visit or call Algarve Laptops.
11: Time to Service & MOT your computer?
Quite often visitors to the Algarve Laptops shop often ask if they can either buy a new hard drive, more memory, or simply are wanting to purchase a new computer.
One of the key reasons for the sought acquisition of these new goods is that their existing computer is either too full, too slow, or riddled with problems.
As a business we sell plenty of the above but we also assist in servicing, maintaining, and supporting all forms of computer products.
Most computers when they are first bought are usually fast, reliable, and suitably ready to perform all necessary tasks.
It is important to analyse what has happened since, as it is often very easy to return the computer back to its original state within 1 or 2 hours.
Over time a computer can become cluttered and inefficient which leads to disappointment and frustration.
A good spring clean is often all that is needed.
Buying more memory for example can help with the symptom but does not necessarily help with the problem.
Granted we do live in a consumer society, and having a nice new shiny computer with new and exciting whistles and bells is very therapeutic.
We are a throw away society, but again "waste not, want not" should certainly be an option.
Usually computers reach a state of causing problems when they have not been properly serviced.
As a rule if an electronic item does not have any moving parts it is less likely to need much tender loving care.
For example Televisions today are very reliable, it has no real moving parts, and thus will last several years with little or no intervention.
I remember in the "old days" when it was usual to rent televisions in the UK from Radio Rentals or Granada rather than buy them.
The main 2 reasons for this was cost and more importantly back then the television sets were not as reliable as they are today.
It was not unusual to call a television engineer to the house to either replace an item or the entire set several times a year.
Computers are anything but static, firstly they have moving parts such as fans and hard drives, and secondly the data is continuously on the move.
With all of this wear and tear it is no wonder that computers have the occasional hiccup.
Another example of wear and tear is the car, as time goes on we encounter problems when a car is not properly taken care of.
If you wish your car to last the distance and cause you the minimal amount of grief you will need to get it serviced on a regular bases.
How often it is serviced is dependant on how much movement you do.
In addition to a service, we also have to get the car inspected once a year to ensure that it is in a safe driving state.
Personally I have little interest in knowing how a car works, but at the very least I know how to drive, where the screen wash is located, the fuel cap, and finally who to call for servicing, MOT, and breakdown recovery.
If your computer is too full, too slow, or riddled with problems, it is likely to be resolvable without the need to buy a new computer.
Alternatively buy a new computer, and donate your old one to charity!
For further advice on this or any other topic please visit or call Algarve Laptops.
12: Recycling for the Planet and for Charity.
With Christmas just around the corner many of us will be looking to upgrade various computer related goods in the coming weeks.
Something which is important to remember is our social responsibility to reduce the amount of electrical waste in landfill.
The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive is now in force under European law (WEEE Directive for short).
You may have noticed that electrical goods now carry a symbol depicting a crossed waste bin to remind and encourage us not to throw away electrical goods.
"This law aims to minimise the impact of electrical and electronic goods on the environment, by increasing re-use and recycling and reducing the amount of WEEE going to landfill. It seeks to achieve this by making producers responsible for financing the collection, treatment, and recovery of waste electrical equipment, and by obliging distributors to allow consumers to return their waste equipment free of charge. The Directive aims to improve our environment, reduce risks to human health through the proper treatment of discarded goods."
Something which Algarve Laptops takes great pride in that we actively and enthusiastically encourage our existing and prospective customers to recycle.
Any computer related waste dropped off which cannot easily be reused and recycled will be disposed of correctly and legally to help reduce the impact to the environment.
Potentially dangerous heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and gases such as CFCs, and other harmful substances are contained within the printed circuit boards, wires, batteries, capacitors, connectors etc of most computers and peripherals, and thus responsible handling is important.
The WEEE Directive helps and encourages consumers to work closely with environmentally responsible companies such as Algarve Laptops.
One of the biggest advantages and pleasures of being a recycling point for computer related equipment is our charity work.
We try and recycle as much as possible. An example is that we build working computers from what we can salvage, which we then donate to charitable causes.
With the cost of computers and peripheral continuously falling, and our dependence on technology increasing it is vital to remember to treat our environment consciously.
As you begin the process of buying a new computer, laptop or peripheral this Christmas, or wondering what to do with last years decommissioned scanner, please consider any subsequent environmental impact, and the ways of dealing with the resulting aftermath.
The spirit of the WEEE Directive is to increase the re-use and recycling of Electrical waste, and thus reduce the amount going to landfill.
Please feel free to drop by the Algarve Laptops Shop with any computer items which your wish to recycle or donate to Charity.
Any charities who wish to be included in our recycling program please call or email recycling@algarvelaptops.com
13: Illegal Operating System ... Help !!
Many
people have inadvertently acquired computer systems which they then
discover to be a non genuine windows XP/Vista operating system.
This
is usually discovered when windows performs a security update or when
software is being downloaded from the Microsoft website.
Microsoft
introduced their Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) process as an
anti-piracy system. The system validates the present installation of
Windows and its license key.
If you find yourself in this position you are not alone as the
situation often occurs from buying computers from a rogue vendor,
sometimes a computer maybe inherited, or an upgrade performed from a well meaning relative.
Doing nothing is not really an option, if you do not have a genuine
copy of XP then Microsoft blocks you from receiving subsequent
software updates. With there being so many new vulnerabilities the
lack of an updated system amounts to a death sentence, as an
un-patched operating system can be hacked in a matter of days.
There are several options available:
Firstly Microsoft will provide you a free legal copy if you can prove
you had received counterfeit software, for this process they will
require that you send in all counterfeit material including details of
where it was purchased including date, price paid and receipt.
Secondly Microsoft ask that you return to the reseller who provided
the software to seek redress.
Thirdly buy a genuine full retail copy (non upgrade) of XP/Vista,
where
prices are usually between €300-€400. Upgrades are much cheaper but an
upgrade will not work on top of an illegal version of XP.
Microsoft give us the opportunity for users to take advantage of Microsoft genuine Windows offers designed to help victims
of
counterfeit software which enables them to convert an illegal copy to a
genuine one at a special reduced rate, and it is explaining this simple
non intimidating process which you will see below.
You will receive a warning box on your computer when you visit the
Microsoft
Update Center or if you already have a Non Genuine Windows Warning
Message on your computer. Click on the "Get Genuine Windows" button.
You will be presented with 2 options. The first will be the ability to
get a free replacement copy (only high-quality counterfeits qualify),
the second will be to purchase a genuine Windows product key online
which will immediately resolve the problem. You will be asked for your
name, address and email. The offer price is considerably lower than
purchasing a retail copy. €91.50 for XP Home, and €138.00 for XP
Professional. This also enables you to use Vista upgrade packs in the
future. Once your payment has been processed by Microsoft's secure
payment system then you will receive an email with a key code and
download instructions which will enable Microsoft to verify/modify your
computer system to ensure it is a fully functioning
and supported
operating system. A cd and the same key will also arrive 4/5 weeks
later as an alternative to updating online. It is worth noting that
this method keeps your existing settings and documents.
Periodically people find temporary "hacks" to suppress Microsoft
warning messages from appearing but this is only temporary and does not make your computer any less vulnerable.
Computing is more and more becoming part of our lives for
entertainment,
productivity, and communication. The operating system can be compared
to the wheels of a car. You wouldn't drive a car if you knew that a
wheel was vulnerable. Computer safety is as important as road safety,
without the necessary things in place there is a strong chance that you
will get hurt.