Dorchester Computer Repair Blog

Quite often many heavy internet users find themselves suffering from what appears to be very slow internet connections, but is the problem a slow connection or is it perhaps a problem on your computer?

The best way to check is to rule out the obvious first so try doing a speed check on your connection. This is simple and straight forward, just type in “broadband speed check” on any search engine and you will get a list of results you can use.

If this is OK next step is to check your system for virus (make sure you have an up to data virus checker). If this is ok also check for malware and adware as in many instances this will not get pick up by antivirus checkers alone.

If you subsequently find you have a virus that you cannot remove or perhaps your system is clear but still very sluggish contact your local computer repair company for further help.

Tags: Slow Internet

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The decision on whether to use an external storage drive versus an internal storage drive with your PC or device can be difficult. It is not just an aesthetic decision, but rather one that should be based on your needs versus the pros and cons of each type of drive. Go to data storage uk for more information.

The first thing you should consider when you begin looking for a new storage device is, no matter what kind will be whether you need or want an internal or external device. They each have their own sets of pros and cons, so it is important to be educated on each.

The first, and most obvious, benefit of an external hard drive is that it is easier to set up and get started with, especially if you are a computer novice. In most cases, it is a matter of simply plugging in the proper power source and USB cables, installing the proper drivers (which your computer will often lead you through), and you are ready to start using your external storage drive. This is really the best way to go if you are not confident or at all interested in messing around with the wires and cables inside your desktop or laptop.

A second, and perhaps less obvious benefit of the external memory drive, is that they are much easier to share between different users. Most of the USB/FireWire hard drives available today are “plug and play.” This set up makes it simple to move the drive from one machine to another, since you simply unplug the drive from one machine and plug it into another. You can, then, more easily transfer files from home, to work, to school, or to a friend. The value of the convenience alone may be worth it to you, depending on your individual situation. Refer to data storage for more information.

On the other hand, the downside of an external storage drive is that they are certainly slower than internal ones. Internal drives usually are connected to the computer through IDE/ATA busses, which are what support higher data transfer seeds than USB busses, which is how most external storage drives are connected. Also, in a simple manner of cost, since external drives generally have their own casings, they are often more expensive than internal drives.

As a general rule, internal drives are both faster and less expensive than their external counterparts. The biggest, perhaps most obvious, drawback of the internal storage devices is installing them. So, if you decide to go the internal route, look for a package that includes with it all of the cables and hardware required for installation. You will also want something that has a manual that is illustrated and easy for you to understand. In addition, good installation software can make or break it. If the package is a good one, even the most novice PC user will be able to install in internal drive.

Another advantage of internal storage drives is the price. As a rule, the greater the capacity of the media involved with the storage device, the cheaper the price per megabyte, but obviously the price is higher per device. Either way, since internal storage devices do not require their own casing, they run cheaper than their external counterparts.

The disadvantages to internal storage drives are more on par with their convenience. With most internal storage drives you lose the ease of user changing. You will have a much more difficult time removing an internal drive and transferring it to another person’s computer. Of course, if you are using a laptop, such convenience is a little less necessary.

There are obviously a number of factors to take into account when making the decision between internal or external storage solutions. You must figure out what kind of access speed you need, how much backup storage you will need, overall storage needs both now and in the future, how much security and privacy you need, and a number of other memory factors. The thing is that in the end, you will do fine whether you select an internal storage drive or an external storage drive. Storage devices are more affordable than ever with more space available than ever. So make an educated guess at what is best for you and go for it, you really can’t go wrong either way. Visit data storage for further information.

Tags: Data Storage

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Viruses, especially of the computer kind, seem to be proliferating faster than the diseases they were named after and like the organic varieties the instigators and malicious coders who design these programs are making them harder to detect and they are also coming up with new delivery methods.

These malicious programs, which probably started life as playful code have evolved into rather potent tools capable of making even the most advanced IT infrastructure hidden behind hardware firewalls grind to a halt.

This is why it is imperative to make sure your antivirus is always up to data because as new viruses are found the antivirus vendors are updating the software to ensure there software can detect this malevolent code.

Unfortunately though to really secure your home or business pc from attack and to reduce the vulnerability of your system it is advisable that you also make sure you have other software installed that can detect malware for example Malwarebytes, as the effects of this can be as if not more devastating than a simple virus, and can in certain circumstances leave your PC open to hacking or even digital theft and identity theft.

If you do keep passwords and sensitive documents on your computer you could always password protect the files using standard functionality that is built into office software.

Tags: Anti Virus, Computer Security, Dorchester computer repair, Malware

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Voice over IP (internet telephones) have been with us for quite a while now and the challenges of early systems have been left far behind.

What was once an “interesting” technology is now a fully grown communication medium and is being increasingly being adopted by business users giving them massive savings against conventional telphony costs, but this is also an area where private home users can save money too.

Surpringly however many people are still bilssfully unaware of this technology or how it can save them money so here is an useful article explaining some of the pro’s and cons of  VOIP.

VoIP Technology – Pros and Cons

If you are familiar with VoIP, the acronym for Voice Over Internet Protocol, then you know that it is one of the latest and greatest ways of communicating. Instead of making a phone call using the telephone, people can now communicate by voice over the Internet. But is VOIP truly all that it is cracked up to be? Lets look at both the pros and cons of VoIP technology.

There are many benefits to VoIP. The only requirement you need is a broadband connection with either DSL or cable. If you have this, you can use VoIP. If you use VoIP through a PC-to-PC connection, then your calls are free anywhere, as long as, the receiver of the call has VoIP also. In addition, most VoIP providers offer unlimited calling plans for calls made within a certain area, for one monthly fee. There would be a nominal charge for calls made outside this area. In all cases, traditional phone service is much costlier. Most providers also offer extra premium services such as caller id, without additional charges.

Another benefit, with the integration of voice and data, is that there is a need for only one system. This makes for easy installation and saves money. An IP address, or number identifies each IP phone, and it is known by this address no matter where it is plugged in. The only thing required would be a broadband connection. This makes for easy moving or addition.

Along the lines of easy transportability, phones can be utilized anywhere as long as they are connected to an IP network. This assists telecommuting and international offices. All of these relate to cost savings. They are also very light and easy to carry.

There doesn’t appear to be any downsides to this new technology or does there? One of the biggest problems with VoIP is that it is run by power. If there is a power outage, your communications are down. This is unlike traditional phone service, where you can still use your phone without the aid of electricity. Refer to VOIP for more information.

There are also problems with dialing emergency 911 numbers. Normally when an emergency call is placed, the call is traced back to the sender and routed to the nearest 911-communication center in that area. In the case of VoIP, numbers cannot be traced to a location. If you are unable to talk, that 911 call will be useless, as it will not be capable of leading rescuers to your sight.

Voice quality, in general, is efficient, but when you get into cable broadband, high traffic times could result in poorer qualities. Since the data is broken down and transmitted, sometimes a packet of data is delayed and will be dropped. This will result in silent periods.

You may also need to update your phone equipment since VoIP may only work with newer phones. Depending on how many phones you have to replace, this could be an expense.

The fact is that VoIP still has some kinks to work out. It is anticipated that these bugs will be resolved sometime during 2007. They are temporary annoyances, which will be soon be eradicated. As you can see, VoIP’s benefits far outnumber its negatives. From all aspects VoIP is the phone of the future, but the future may very well be here and now. Visit VOIP for further information.

Tags: Voip

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Whilst remote services have there place I don’t feel however that they will ever repalace the need for local support as many people feel far more comfortable with face to face contact and lets face it, I can’ believe technology will ever be available to upgrade your hard drive or fit a new graphics card etc.

Tags: Dorchester computer repair, Remote support

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