December 13th, 2011 by The Web Clinic
As the founder of an IT Support London company I am constantly amazed how little money business owners are prepared to spend on their IT. Being in the IT Support business we see the result of this amongst prospective clients every day. When we get called into a company there is often already an IT Support crisis of some kind – and in many cases it could have been avoided.
The trouble is – IT support crises can be real showstoppers. No back up? Replacing company data can mean curtains for a small business. No email? Vital orders and client communications will be impossible and could mean significant revenue losses. Little or no IT support? Staff will have a frustrating experience at work which could have indirect costs of high staff turnover and poor morale. No one wants to work in an atmosphere where colleagues are constantly angry and stressed because they can’t do their jobs.
In an ideal world where a company’s IT has been planned, invested in, maintained and valued it will just act as the business enabler – whirling away in the background ensuring your core business runs smoothly.
IT Support Bargain? Caveat Emptor
As I see it, if a company’s IT is just seen as another commodity where rock bottom bargain prices must be achieved for everything from hardware to IT Support then the core business could be in jeopardy.
Of course recessionary times bring out the bargain hunter in us all. Everyone loves a deal. And the IT Support industry is as competitive as any. Don’t get me wrong, competition is a healthy thing. It keeps us all on our toes.
My advice? Be suspicious when you’re quoted rock bottom prices for support and services. The reality in terms of service delivered to you could be very different. Value your IT in the same way you value your core business and you won’t go too far wrong – I think it’s as simple as that.
December 13th, 2011 by Admin JHS
Your BlackBerry is an excellent cellphone that needs to be located properly. Safe storage space will guarantee that your cellphone continues to be in good use and still preserves its improvements. The OtterBox Affect Situation for BlackBerry Challenge 8520 is a resilient case for the Rim 8520 mobile phone.It helps to secure your cellphone from stress bumps that may be occasioned as you run into individuals or sleep with your cellphone on the purses. The OtterBox impact case also allows you to quickly access the earphone port, loudspeakers, USB and cameras. True has side keys which can be quickly designed. There are also silence and amount keys which can be quickly used through the plastic case.
The case safeguards your cellphone from impact due to an inner primary which quickly takes up any stress that your system might be put through. The take care of also has a exclusive screen take care of which inhibits the screen from marks that are on many instances due to razor-sharp physical objects in your wallet. It is worth noting that the cellphone does not offer safeguard against water and particles.
The surface of the blackberry curve cases allows for one to hold the cellphone on their hands. The solid crevices of the case primarily act as bumpers to go away away stress. The bumpers act especially to secure your cellphone should you unintentionally decrease it. True is slim which allows to fit in the jean pocket.They are also quite hefty to pad.
The case is low-cost and can be quickly obtained from the many websites. Before buying the case it is essential that you check the price and evaluate from the many sites. You should also quickly choose large that you want the pursuit to be. It is a well known fact that some individuals are into light colours while some are into darkish colours.
After determining on large, you can visit the nearest shopping center to get a feel of it .Alternatively, research the many testimonials of the case. The testimonials are available in the best shops such as Amazon.
You can properly listen to the cellphone because of the many gaps that allow you place a mic, photographic camera contact, headphones and the ports. You will therefore not fear much that you may dislodge these gadgets. True thus allows for you to have a luxurious appearance that increases the exquisite look of the cellphone. This will make you appear modern in contrast to someone who has every system on the cellphone clinging out.
December 8th, 2011 by admin
Did you know that using the right type of cable can make a real difference in the performance of your technology? It’s true; whether you’re working with audio, computers or home electrical appliances, the right cable really can help.
Some are skeptical on whether different types of cables can really make that much of a difference, but any audiophile who has tested different audio with high performance power cables knows the great advantage in sound quality. The right cable can increase the audio quality produced from your system in an astounding way – going from just plain good to damn near amazing.
And the difference is not just in sound; if you want the highest definition picture on your television, you’d better pick the right HDMI cable. With hundreds on the market, ranging in price up to the highest performance you can get, you’ll get a crystal clear picture you really notice.
High-end power cables can also improve the performance of your broadband, satellite television, and even your computer.
How does it work?
A high performance cable can work to improve digital data transfer, for example using copper cabling, and also reduce noise that ordinary cables can pick up. They have better connectors, shielded wire and provide higher conductivity (for instance, copper again) and flexibility.
Results you can actually hear vary in the same way the power cords vary; some use capacitors, inductors or ferrites to control the electromagnetic fields around audio components. The result depends on both the audio device and the connection/quality of cable. It just takes a bit of experimenting to find what you think works best for your system.
What is a custom cable assembly?
Custom cable assembly is a way to create the perfect cable for your own individual needs. If you know the technical specifications, connectivity solutions and the performance you need, chances are you can create or order a custom cable assembly to suit you.
Off-the-shelf, you can pick up upgradeable cables that will perform with future components, or you can choose to go custom, giving you the option to maximize your performance on your own budget and to suit your individual requirements; you can even specify the length of your ideal cable. Many websites offer quick and affordable custom cable assembly solutions, but you can also DIY, so why not take a look today?
December 8th, 2011 by admin
Does Grandma already have more scarves than she can wear? Are you pretty sure Dad doesn’t really need another tie or golf bag? In these tough economic times, none of us can afford to spend money on gifts that won’t be used. Moreover, the best family gift is one which helps create and preserve family memories. Consider this Christmas idea for 2012: Converting those home VHS tapes to DVD.
Why a VHS to DVD Makes a Great Gift
When movies are transferred to DVD, they are much easier to watch and they can be viewed on either a computer or a T.V. Best of all you can also make a menu, so you can skip to your favorite parts, or watch separate sections. Of course you can also put in fun transitions, titles, and captions to make your home movies more fun to watch.
What if I don’t have VHS Tapes?
Maybe you are worried because you never really got around to turning those old camcorder files into VHS tapes, or maybe you even have film and negatives stuffed in a box somewhere. Luckily, many of these can also be converted into digital files and made into something which can be viewed on a computer or your T.V. You can convert:
- Betamax
- VHS
- MicroMV
- Hi8
- MiniDV
- 8mm and 16mm film
- slides, negatives and photos
Why You Need to Transfer Soon
The good news is that you can transfer all of these family memories from film, analog tape and paper into digital images that will be able to be preserved for many years to come. The bad news is that the longer you wait, the worse those images will be. We are all familiar with the way old color pictures from the 70s have faded with time. The same sort of destruction happens to our VHS and other format films. If your tapes are over ten years old, you may have lost some of the image quality already.
How Can I Convert VHS to DVD?
In order to convert your VHS and other tapes, films, and photos to DVD, they need to be converted into digital files. Still images need to be scanned and movies need to be put through a computer and changed from analog to digital using a converter software program. After they are digitized, they can be edited using Windows Movie Maker or any other video editing program.
Do-it-Yourself Converting of VHS to DVD
You can convert your VHS and other tapes to DVD if you have a device which can play the tape and the right connections between your computer and the player (usually a camcorder or T.V). You will also need a software VHS to DVD converter program.
Technology Challenged? Try a Converting Service
Not everyone has the time, correct equipment or technical know-how to do a VHS to DVD transfer. Furthermore, some formats like film and slides are hard to do without special equipment. Luckily, you can choose a file transfer service that will do the conversion for you. You send your tapes to the company and they will return them to you along with your digitized DVD, or several DVD copies if you want them for gifts.
The Gift that Keeps on Giving
Once you’ve converted your VHS tapes to DVD, you can use those digital files to make other movies later by putting together theme movies like: “Vanessa as a Baby,” “Family Christmas Memories,” “Brad the Basketball Player,” or “Grandma and the Grandkids.” No store bought gift can compare with the gift of family memories. If you are stuck for Christmas gift ideas, consider converting your VHS tapes to DVDs.
December 5th, 2011 by Admin ISK
Things have changed a fair bit in the world of bathroom mirrors in the last few years. These items used to be used simply for their reflective purposes. You may now be wondering what else you could possibly use a bathroom mirror for other than this. Well, nowadays adding soft lighting and an extra touch of elegance to the room are some of the added benefits which modern technology has given us and which we will look at here.
If you are still using a plain old mirror then you might be interested in seeing some of these latest advances. They have been designed to add a dash of modern style to your bathroom without losing any of the essential practicality which they need to provide. Let’s have a look at some of the best new models around and see what they offer us.
- Illuminated mirrors. These look great in any modern bathroom and in the evening are especially spectacular as well as being useful for subtle lighting purposes of course. They are extremely energy efficient and there are designs to go with just about any type of bathroom you could imagine.
- LED mirrors. For long lasting light and a sensational look these mirrors are hard to beat. The clever technology used means that they cost very little to run and last for thousands of hours on average. As well as this they come in a range of styles which are sure to impress visitors and make you even prouder of your bathroom.
- Fluorescent mirrors. These tend to come with practical pull cord activation and give great lighting in a highly attractive and unobtrusive setting.
- Infinity mirrors. Anyone looking for an extra special look and a real talking point should have a look at these intriguing bathroom mirrors. The optical illusion which gives the effect of a never ending tunnel of light is one which never seems to lose its charm.
December 5th, 2011 by Admin ISK
Staying safe at home is one of the top priorities for all of us these and the good news is that modern technology makes this easier than ever before.
CCTV systems and wireless burglar alarms are now cheaper and easier to get hold of than you might think, so there is no longer any need to rely on wacky home security devices like this little lot.
Fake Cameras or Alarms
The idea is that you put up a dummy camera or an empty box and the mere sight of this wards off would be thieves. It seems to be a reasonable ploy but a criminal will be able to tell that it is a fake without much hassle. Verdict; just get a real one instead.
Diversion Safes
Have a look online and you will find instructions for how to make a cunning safe from an old tin, a tennis ball or a thick book. This isn’t going to stop people breaking into your home but it gives you a kind of decent place to hide something valuable. Just be sure your children don’t get hold of the tennis ball / old tin safe or they might trash it and your expensive piece of jewellery at the same time. Verdict; why not just stop people getting into your house in the first place?
A Squealing Door Wedge
Maybe you have already seen one of these weird things. You wedge it against the door and when pressure is applied to it by an opening door a loud noise is omitted. Not the most hi tech security device in the world to be honest and you could expect a lot of false alarms if you live with a big family. Verdict; might work if everyone else promises not to open the door after dark.
A Cork in the Phone
This is apparently a true story from the 1950s. A shop owner in Minneapolis closed up his store for the day and dialled all but the last digit of his home phone number (remember they were manually dialled phones back then). He then stuck a cork in the last digit and tied it to some strings which he connected to the windows and doors of the place. He got woke up in the night by his phone ringing and so went to the police to advise of the break in which his homemade alarm had advised him of. Verdict; a bit complicated to be honest, but maybe a good game for the kids to see if they can set up this sort of alarm and then set it off.
A Fake TV
Yes, you too can own a small machine which emits light to mimic the appearance of a TV set while you are out. Now any would-be burglar will think you are watching Eastenders while you are really sipping a frothy cocktail on the beach. Sounds good in practice although the keener minds among the readers may have already formulated a question such as, “Wouldn’t leaving the telly switched on achieve the same effect?” Verdict; an idea which treads that fine line between brilliant and useless.
December 2nd, 2011 by The Web Clinic
2012 will be the year that Cloud Computing finally goes mainstream. As the owner of a small business serving other small businesses I understand the reticence of many of my clients to take the leap of faith with Cloud Computing. But in the last 6 months there has been a definite change in attitudes and I believe this has resulted from the convergence of two major influences: the media and the economic conditions – which together have created the perfect storm for Cloud Computing.
Cloud computing media coverage has increased over the year but it has also changed. At the beginning of the year pieces included ‘Cloud Computing hype warning’ and the term Cloud Computing was confined to technology sections of the BBC website and broadcasting. However on the 29th November the BBC reported the news that the Scottish hosting and Cloud Computing firm Iomart had more than doubled half-year profits after big growth in the business making £2.4m in the six months to October, compared with £1.15m in the same period last year. Positive reporting such as this has increasingly normalised the term Cloud Computing and removed negative associations that risk-averse small business owners may feel when hearing about new technologies.
The economic situation has made life tough for small businesses and has forced them to rationalise costs wherever possible. Cloud Computing offers them a tempting opportunity to reduce their IT costs by getting rid of the office server and only paying for application use on a pay as you go basis.
These two factors in combination have created ideal conditions for Cloud Computing to be adopted in significant numbers across the SMB sector.
November 29th, 2011 by Admin ISK
Who can honestly say that they don’t like going to the cinema. The smell of hot popcorn, the taste of a fresh hot dog and the crunch of some spicy nachos all add up to a great time. Oh, and there might be a film coming on at some point too.
Whether you are huge film buff, you like to go out for snacks or you want a romantic setting to go to with someone special you will find that the cinema is still going strong after all these years. One of the great things about modern film screenings is that you can choose from a lot of different cinema times. This means that you can pick the showing which best suits you.
The Midnight Special
This is a great time to go and see an atmospheric thriller or to take someone to a smoochy, romantic movie. There is something extra special about pulling up at the cinema after dark and buying your tickets. When you get out it is going to be pretty late and perhaps a small night cap or another snack could be in order. If you are going to watch a horror movie then be careful not to park in the darkest corner of the car park.
Straight From Work
Some people hate going out straight from work and others love it. If you like the sense of freedom and rebelliousness which comes from staying out all day with the same clothes on then this is a fine time to catch a film. After a hard day at work a light hearted comedy might be on the cards, or maybe a sci fi thriller which lets you forget for a while about that annoying boss who lives on Planet Earth.
Early in the Morning
If you work night shifts then this is probably going to be your best option. However, even if you need to dash straight from the film showing to work it could still be a good idea. Eating a bowl of cornflakes before going to see a war movie would certainly be a novel feeling. You will probably bump into a few students and retired people at this showing, making it a different sort of atmosphere from other film times. This could actually be a great idea for insomniacs who spend hours wandering about the house before going to work. After all, what else can you do at this time of the morning that will give you so much fun?
A Lunch Time Surprise
If you are lucky enough to have a long lunch break you could maybe fit in a quick movie. You need to work close enough to the cinema to make this happen but it could give you a terrific piece of light entertainment when you most need it. It certainly beats sitting around in the staff kitchen or rest room listening to the same tales from the same people as every other day. Just be sure that it’s not War and Peace or the 5 hour version of Cleopatra showing.
November 24th, 2011 by Admin ISK
We all know that there are lots of options these days when it comes to buying a piece of technology. However, there remain a few which are all time classics, and laptops are desktop PCs are definitely among those.
It used to be that a laptop was a less powerful option for someone who needed a portable device to back up their main PC when they were away from home or the office. The increasing power of laptop computers means that this is no longer the only reason for choosing one of these portable machines, and this in turn means that you now need to work out which one is best for you. The following points might just help you.
Someone on the Move
It is pretty obvious that you will be choosing a laptop if you need to travel for work purposes but what if you just think that it might be a good idea to play some games at your mate’s house, show your Gran your (carefully censored) holiday snaps or do something else away from home? You should also think about whether you are planning to move home soon. A desktop PC isn’t the most complicated thing in the world to move but if you can save yourself a bit of hassle then you might as well. Here’s an interesting one for you; what if you work from home? This is becoming an increasingly common way of earning a living these days. Most home workers probably have a big desktop machine, but modern laptops can get them all the power they need. Since these guys can work anywhere then what is there to stop them taking their computer to a foreign beach or even to the countryside and doing a bit of work in a more pleasant setting? A few years ago that would have maybe sounded a bit ludicrous but nowadays there must be home workers who travel the world with their laptop.
Someone Cool
Big, bulky desktops are pretty uncool, but fortunately no one can see yours so they don’t know what yours is like. Laptops, on the other hand, are cool and other people can see them when you take yours out. We all like to crane our necks to see someone walk past with a smart piece of technology, so we know that others are neck craning to see ours when we are carrying one. Modern designs feature bright colours, smart designs and super slim cases. However, even the older, bulkier ones were cool enough for a lot of us anyway.
Someone Who Wants Flexibility
Perhaps the best thing about laptop computers is that they offer the owner a lot of flexibility. You can take it with you even when you aren’t sure what you might need it for. The chances are that something will crop up .Whether it is carry out an important piece of work, check your emails or amuse yourself with some games on a delayed train journey you are likely to find some use for it before you get home again.
November 23rd, 2011 by Admin JHS
You will find the best-prepaid mobile broadband on the Web. SIM only deals are available. If you are looking for SIMs only deals, you will find plans starting at €10 and up to €15. The €10 plans offer you 150 talk minutes, 300 text minutes on a monthly plan. One EURO more you can get 250 talk minutes and 400 texts.
O2, Orange, T-Mobile, Three Mobile, and Vodafone offer the best-prepaid mobile broadband. The €15 plans give you 650 talk minutes and unlimited texts, ideal for those of you who text ongoing or relentlessly.
The unlimited text alone is worth €15 for those of us who text, text, and text all day and night. If you do not talk or text that much on your mobile phone, you can choose the cheaper plans with less minutes and texts. Compare the plans however and ask yourself is it worth paying a few more pounds to get a few hundred more talk minutes and texts. You never know when you may need that extra talk time. Read the rest of this entry »
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