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Tablet or Netbook – Which should you buy?

Posted on June 9, 2011 by Kev Quirk

Tablets are all over the news at the moment, whether it be an iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab, Asus Eee Pad or anything in between – you have to admit, they are popular. Basically most of them are just mobile phones on steroids – they provide a larger, higher resolution screen which makes things like composing emails and surfing the web much easier. Plus they are portable… very portable. But there is another contender for the portability crown that the Tablet currently holds…the netbook!

For those of you that don't know, a netbook is basically a small laptop. They usually have a 10.1" screen instead of the standard 15.4" screen on a laptop. They run a normal computer operating system like Windows 7 (which means they can do everything your laptop or PC can do) but are they better than a Tablet, let's discuss…

The Tablet
As an IT professional and general geek I have both a tablet and a netbook, so I think I am in a good position to comment on the pro's and con's of both of these devices. I personally have a Samsung Galaxy Tab which has a 7" HD touch screen, 256MB RAM, a 1GHz processor and it runs Googles Andoid Operating System. All in all this is a great device that I use a lot. It's great for composing emails on the run or even just googling something that I think is interesting without having to boot one of my computers up.

The battery on my Tablet will last around 3-4 days or around 7-8 hours on heavy use (like watching movies), so this is a definite pro over the netbook. I can get Internet access pretty much anywhere – most tablets have 3G or HSDPA connectivity (the same Internet connection as your phone) which means you can surf the net anywhere as long as you have a mobile signal. With some tablets you can actually use your tablet as a phone! It's fast and looks pretty cool. I think that is where the advantages over a netbook end.

Now on to the con's… they're expensive! My tablet costs around £400. Tablets also don't really work well at multi-tasking (as I said earlier, they are basically a big mobile phone) so if you want to compose a spreadsheet, check your emails and surf the net, all at the same time then I would go for the netbook. Whilst some tablets will do all of the above, it isn't an easy process swapping between applications often and it will slow you down. When it comes to typing you can buy blue-tooth keyboards or docking stations for most popular tablets but as standard you have to use the touch screen. This is ok when composing shorter emails (maybe a paragraph or two) but if I had to create this blog post for example then I would be pretty frustrated by now using my touch screen (incidentally, I am using my netbook to create this post).

The Netbook
As previously mentioned, the netbook is basically a mini laptop. Personally, my netbook is running a Linux variant called Elementary OS (but that's just because I am weird). Most popular netbooks come with Windows 7 or Windows 7 Starter (a stripped down version of Windows 7 for lower spec computers). Because the netbook runs Windows (or Linux in my case) you can have all of the applications you are used to in the office or at home, like Internet Explorer, Word, Excel, Outlook, etc This means that you can pretty much do anything you need to do on the machine. The battery life on most netbooks is designed to last longer (on average around 5-7 hours) so that you can use the netbook whilst on the run for the whole day. Some netbooks even come with 3G connectivity, so, like the Tablet you can have the Internet anywhere.

Netbooks tend to be a lot cheaper than tablets (around £200-300), but whilst being more portable than a laptop, the tablets wins on portability hands down. I can pull my tablet out of my bag at anytime and be on-line straight away. On the netbook, I need to get it out, boot it up and have a Wi-Fi network to connect to (mine doesn't have 3G) – this isn't really feasible when I truly am on the move.

Conclusion
Both netbooks and Tablets have distinct advantages and disadvantages over each other; they both have their place in the world, but which would I rather have? For me it's the Netbook, it's not quite as portable but the trade off is that I can do a whole lot more than on the tablet. I tend to use my netbook for work and serious computing and my tablet tends to be a bit of fun, I don't really see it as a viable business tool – although some may disagree, this is my humble opinion.

Posted in Business, Mobile Computing | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

How valuable is your data?

Posted on May 26, 2011 by Phil Bird

I think it’s fair to say that most businesses lock their doors at night to make sure that thieves can’t just walk in and take what they want. Many also have alarm systems and some of these link to CC TVs and even security companies that can be at the premises in minutes.

Most companies also have a number of insurance policies in place to pay out if equipment is stolen or if their premises are damaged, say through fire or flood.

In general, this is all seen as sensible and in the case of some insurance policies it’s viewed as so important that it’s a legal requirement.

To me this seems fairly ironic as all this protection and risk management is not protecting the most valuable asset… the company’s data!

Provided a business has insurance to cover the cost of replacing equipment and machinery it can immediately purchase replacements and carry on operating. It can set up temporary premises and, in time find new permanent ones. It won’t be easy but business will go on.

The same cannot be said when data is permanently lost or corrupted. If a business loses its data; the information about its customers, suppliers, financial transactions, stock holding, orders, prospects, etc, it could be catastrophic. Most company data cannot be replaced and is essential to run the business.

Even if the data isn’t permanently lost, the lack of access to this for even a day could lose a company thousands or even tens of thousands of pounds.

So why do so many company’s treat their data as if it has no value?

I don’t really have an answer but I think it must be that historically we are used to placing value on physical things.

In our new digital age every company needs to seriously consider how they could operate without any of their data and therefore what value they place on this.

Once they have a realistic value of the data then perhaps they will take the necessary security and data backup precautions that we IT support companies constantly shout about.

Posted in Business, Data Backup | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Why is my internet connection so unreliable?

Posted on April 14, 2011 by Phil Bird

As an IT support provider we often come across internet connection problems with home based businesses and small businesses and these are down to many factors but one recurring issue is the use of "home" routers. I.E Those basic routers often given away by Internet Service Providers.

In most instances these are perfectly adequate for home use as they offer a reasonable performance at a reasonable price… usually free! But they are generally not made with the best hardware and therefore don't always offer the best performance. It's a bit like comparing a Mercedes S Class with a Ford Focus – they are both cars, both have engines, both have 4 wheels, both get you from A to B but the Mercedes can just do it all better and faster.

If a reliable and resilient internet connection is important to you as a business then here are our recommendations.

For home businesses or small businesses that are running 5 machines or less we recommend the Netgear DG834G ADSL router (for BT connections) or the Netgear WGR614 for cable connections (like Virgin). These have a very stable wireless connections and comply with the most up to date wireless encryption. Larger houses or houses with thick walls may need a wireless access point or a more powerful router for the signal to reach the around the house. A recommended wireless access point is a Draytek VigorAP 800 – again excellent signal, conforms to modern wireless encryption and is very stable.

For small businesses that have 5 or more computers (or running a server) we recommend a Draytek Vigor 2820n. This router is chock full of advanced features such as improved security, load balancing and other useful functionality normally only found on much more expensive routers. It also has a very powerful antenna for wireless connections and can handle the increased traffic flow of a busy office or home business with ease. Again, large houses/office may require a wireless access point as above.

For any "techies" reading this, you may be aware of more modern routers that include the very latest networking capabilities but we firmly believe that the routers above offer the most stable and reliable platform for small businesses at this time. In a few months we may well change our view. Such is the nature of technology!

If all this is just too much for you then just give us a call (0845 2233116) and we'll be happy to help!

Posted in IT Purchasing, IT Support | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

What to do with “helpful” email spam warnings

Posted on March 16, 2011 by Phil Bird

Not a week goes by without me receiving an email from a well meaning colleague, friend or relative warning me about a paricular nasty spam email or virus.

The scenario is usually the same, they have received this from one of their friends, colleagues, etc with a note to say that they should look out for a particular email and that they shouldn’t open the attachment if they get it. I don’t think that spam email has ever subsequently arrived in my Inbox!

The problem is that these emails are themselves spam and generally designed to clog up the internet with rubbish. If each person receives such an email and sends it to just 10 friends and those 10 friends do the same, after just 10 forwards that generates 1000,000,000 (one thousand million) emails.

The advice that each of these emails offer is standard advice that should apply all the time you are using email.

The bottom line is you should never open any attachment on an email unless you are expecting it or it is from someone you know. By “someone you know” I don’t mean that it comes from their email address as this could still be dangerous! You can generally tell that it’s from someone you know because of what it says in the body of the email. If it says “Check this out”, or “This is great, take a look” or words to that effect then stay clear until you’ve checked with the sender. If it contains personal content referring to people and places only you would know then you’re probably safe to open it.

These are general rules that should ALWAYS be applied when dealing with emails and this, combined with a good anti-virus software, will protect you without the need to spot specific emails.

So let’s free up the internet and stop wasting time forwarding and reading these warning emails… just delete them in the future.

Stay safe!

Posted in IT Security, IT Support | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Problems upgrading your iPhone 3GS to new iOS4? We have a fix!

Posted on July 2, 2010 by Phil Bird

We have recently been alerted by a number of our customers that their iPhones have been ‘dying’ following upgrading them to Apple’s new handset operating system.

iPhone 3GS owners have been prompted to upgrade to the new phone software – iOS4 – by iTunes. However, in many cases the upgrade fails to install properly, leaving users completely unable to operate their touch screen phones.

The way this occurs is that iTunes pops up a message to offer you an upgrade, so of course you say yes. When you next connect your iPhone to iTunes, you are prompted to upgrade the new all singing and all dancing iOS4 operating system.

After the iPhone upgrade downloads from the internet you might be lucky and everything works like a dream, but we’ve seen lots of cases of the upgrade installation failing.

This isn’t a small problem; the iPhone will go completely dead, showing either a ‘loading bar’, Apple logo or restore graphic on the screen, and iTunes will display an error code – likely to be ‘error 21’.

We’ve developed a workaround which we are confident will work in the majority of cases – provided of course nothing else is wrong with users’ phones.

The ‘fix’ for iPhone 3GS users is posted on The PC Support Group website (http://www.pcsupportgroup.com/iphone-ios4-fix/).

Posted in Mobile Computing | Tagged , | Leave a comment

The Price of Service

Posted on April 26, 2010 by Angus Kerr

A key part to our IT support at The PC Support Group is total focus on providing high levels of customer service and part of doing this is a policy of recommending Tier 1 suppliers when purchasing hardware. What difference does this make to our customers? Well this is best demonstrated by providing some feedback on my recent experiences.

Typically when purchasing hardware we look at machines from the likes of HP, Compaq, Toshiba, Sony or similar, which in most cases are slightly more expensive than brands like Acer, Mesh, Packard Bell, etc.

As part of a Microsoft Small Business Server 2008 installation there was a requirement for one server whilst another job required a number of high end “gaming” PCs. The Server was purchased from HP and at the request of the customer to save some money, the “gaming” PCs were purchased from one of the 2nd Tier manufacturers.

The HP Server unfortunately failed to power up and after phoning the supplier we were advised to phone HP directly. An HP technician then asked a number of pertinent questions to determine the cause of the failure and diagnosed a faulty power supply. The result – A new power supply was shipped out that day, it arrived the following day along with a return label for the broken unit.

RESULT – A fully functional computer in less than 2 days.

Comparing that with our experience of the Tier 2 supplier. Phone an 0871 premium number, wait up to 10 minutes, speak to someone who is obviously working from a standard script and after 2 days of tests we determine it is the memory. Wait four days to have a return label posted out after which we have to phone another 0871 premium number to arrange a courier to pick up the entire PC. After getting a slot two days later, the PC is picked up and after a further ten days the replacement is returned. That is almost THREE weeks after receiving the faulty unit.

Now maybe we have been unlucky but this is not unusual so we will continue with our policy, knowing that our customers will ultimately save time and money in the long term.

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Can On-line Social Media Really Improve My Business?

Posted on April 13, 2010 by Rita Hemraj

Like any good tool it really depends on whether you use it correctly. For many who say it’s not possible to make money on social media may have overlooked the fact that some people do, which means you just need to crack the code.

Firstly it is something that builds momentum over time… so don’t give up after a week or so. Like networking with people face to face, they get to meet-like-know and then trust you. The same process takes place on Twitter, Linked In, Four Square or any on-line social media site where you or your articles have a presence.

Tips on getting people to want to meet you online and eventually to the point where they want to do business with you:

  1. You need a face so that people can see your warm smile and friendly manner- get a photo! I never ‘follow’ or ask for friendship from anyone who doesn’t have a photo.
  2. Write about things that are relevant to your business but also write genuine things about your life and your interests. People really want to get to know you and when they buy they buy into you rather than just your product/service.
  3. Think ‘Giver’s Gain’ – offer help to people online and be seen as a source for people to ask questions to.
  4. Be seen as an expert- in anything (yes even if it seems trivial)! It does not have to do with your business (but it helps). Showing an interest in something (genuinely) and being able to offer ‘new content’ on the subject will attract loyal followers. This adds something to your profile rather than re-tweeting and just repeating what others have said all the time.
  5. Call to action- make sure they can see a website or link for more information about your business and that’s the only sales related activity you really need to do!
  6. NEVER EVER SELL- think of social media as being at a party. It would be rude to shove your business card in someone’s face there so don’t do it online either!

Good luck!

Posted in Business, Online Marketing | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Get a Perfect Mobile Signal in the Office… Probably

Posted on March 29, 2010 by Angus Kerr

Whilst the mobile phone companies have erected a large number of telephone masts it appears that there are never enough. At PC Support Group, Edinburgh one of our sites has a less than perfect signal resulting in the occasional lost call or worse still a conversation where it sounds like you are in a wind tunnel.

A thoughtful Idea
I recently came across an ingenious device from Vodafone called Sure Signal that makes use of your broadband connection to provide another route for calls. Being at the cutting edge of technology (and getting fed up with the poor quality being experienced with our mobile signal) I recently purchased a Sure Signal device for £50.

The Setup Process
Dispatch was within 2 days and once I had my shiny new box it was powered up and connected to the Network Switch. The next stage was to register the device and add any mobile numbers. Vodafone let themselves down here by providing instructions that do not work!

After a few phone calls (with long waiting times) it was established that the wrong instructions had been sent. 24 hours later the device was activated, a few lights flashed for an hour and it then went live. I now have a perfect 3G signal throughout the office.

Having said all that we have heard some reports of people having problems with this device and not getting great support from Vodaphone so there may be some teething problems.

Conclusion
The technology works (or at least it did for us), the price is reasonable and, aside from the minor glitch with the documentation, the actual sign-up process was fairly painless. As far as I know Vodafone are the only company to produce such a device but I would expect the other major networks to follow suit in due course. Worth the money if your mobile signal is below par. Perhaps buy on a sale or return basis just in case you have the problems some others have?

Posted in IT Support, Mobile Computing | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Is Windows XP Worth Keeping?

Posted on March 16, 2010 by Angus Kerr

The launch

Windows XP was launched to an excited press on 25th October 2001 and has been one of the longest standing Windows operating systems. It has undergone three major upgrades and is still present on many corporate networks and Home PC’s today.

Windows XP popularity

With every version of Windows since Windows 3.0 there have been problems and Windows XP was no exception to this. To be fair, it is an immensely complicated piece of software that must work with thousands of computers, printers, scanners and other devices. What was key to its success was the critical stability of the operating system within a couple of years and this was attractive to large companies looking to support many computers. In addition it became a standard loved by most Home Users looking to replicate what they had used within the work environment.

Windows Vista – The not so perfect product

January 2007 was the Windows Vista launch and it was greeted with a lot of negative press and in particular from the business world. It had significant incompatibility problems, was painfully slow and offered nothing to tempt a happy Windows XP user . With the recent launch of Windows 7, it appears that some larger users are finally prepared to drop XP – time will tell.

To keep or not to keep

Due to the lack of continued support, XP is not really a viable option for the long term (particularly for larger businesses). In addition, all new PC’s purchased in the near future will only be sold with a Windows 7 license.

Saying that, a lot of people still have Windows XP and are reluctant to purchase a shiny new box when their needs don’t warrant it. Unfortunately Microsoft has continued to add more and more baggage to the core system and the specification of yesteryear will no longer provide an optimum experience. The key requirement is therefore memory; and for reasonable performance, it is recommended that your PC has a minimum of 1GB of RAM and for optimum performance, 2GB.

Along with some system optimisation, this should provide your humble PC with a few more years of life yet.

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Internet Explorer – You have a choice!

Posted on March 8, 2010 by Angus Kerr

What is Browser Choice?

Due to a recent agreement put in place with the European authorities and Microsoft all users of Microsoft Windows are being offered a free choice of which browser they wish to have installed as the default. Whilst you have this Browser choice today, it does make it a simple operation for even the novice user to change.

What does it apply to?

This applies to all versions of Windows from Windows XP SP2 onwards (which is probably 98% of the currently installed windows base).

So how does all this happen?

The Browser Choice Update, as it is affectionately being called, will automatically be installed on your computer with “Windows Update” and should automatically prompt you with the Launch Screen at the next restart. As is usual with wide-scale updates, the actual update is staggered over a number of weeks so don’t panic if it doesn’t appear immediately. After downloading the update and restarting your computer, you’ll automatically be shown the Browser Choice screen (see below), and you can then select and install the browser(s) you want to use.

The Browser Choice update doesn’t add or remove any programs from your computer. If you’re using Windows 7 and Internet Explorer is your default browser, the update will unpin the Internet Explorer icon from your taskbar although Internet Explorer will still be available from your Start menu, and you can choose to pin it back on your taskbar.

The actual installation is really a matter of following instructions.

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