August 3, 2015
Eset kindly emailed us the following today, for all our clients using Eset Anti-virus.
We recommend having the latest build of version 5 or 6 installed to make sure your ESET security solution is compatible with Windows 10. To get the latest builds, please navigate to ESET download section
If you are currently using ESET endpoint solutions that are compatible with Windows 10, then there is no need to upgrade them. ESET solutions will keep all settings and license credentials, and will work automatically after you migrate to Windows 10.
Eset Endpoint Antivirus
July 8, 2015
We had a chance to upgrade a couple of our laptops to Windows 10 Technical Preview a few months ago and thought we would share some of our experiences.
Return of the friendly Start Menu
If I had a penny for each time the Metro start menu needed explaining in Windows 8. Let’s just say they caved in to popular demands and returned the trusty start menu mechanics we all loved. To save a little face, the Metro tile system is still present within the start menu, but highly customisable.
Windows 10 Start Menu
The new browser (Edge)
At face value, looks like a nicely improved browser, faster, cleaner and looking much newer. Edge fits the operating system like Internet Explorer only ever really could.
However this is 2015, so we have made our bed with Google Chrome and Google Sync. Not much to say, might be a nice improvement for those using Internet Explorer 11 and looking for a bit of a facelift.
Windows 10 Edge
Settings has change (a little bit)
Can still get lions share of changes made to PC done from Control Panel, but settings allow more user friendly option for less techy people.
Windows 10 Settings
Overlay has reverted back to normal
Winodows 8 introduced a mechanic in which you moved the mouse to the utmost corners of the screen to get to the Metro interface, or charms. It was a shocker, and thankfully now it is gone! Shutting down is done via the Start Menu again. Hurrah, this was easily the most infuriating thing about 8.
Windows 10 Shut Down Menu
July 3, 2015
Outside of work, Kieran & Josh are big PC gamers. The latest trend on gaming panels, is to use a monitor synchronization technology from AMD called Freesync, with rivals Nvidia using G-Sync, as well as Ultra Wide aspect ratios for gaming immersion. We tested this technology to see what all the fuss was about, using a LG 34″ Super Wide Screen, with a 21:9 aspect ratio and 2560 x 1080 resolution.
Having used one for a couple of days now, have to say they are a very adequate replacement for having 2 monitors in 1. Would highly recommend once the prices come down.
For the oustanding LG 34UM67-P with Freesync built in, is available from overclockers.co.uk LG 34UM67-P
June 23, 2015
F8 Desktop, our domestic branch, has had a load of fun this week, converting one of our computers to showcase our IT enthusiasm and one of the many services we could offer domestic clients.
F8 Desktop Modded PC
Looking to improve cooling, overclock, or just jazz up your PC? Give us a shout on 01296 345 000.
June 10, 2015
Big fan of these new 23″ AOC monitors. Usually at the cheaper end of the market, but this model is both cheap and absolutely gorgeous! Comes with Display Port, 2x HDMI and a VGA. So only DVI port missing, but nothing a dongle can’t fix. We have struggled to test Display Ports, so that was our excuse for upgrading Josh’s 2 screens.
Just under £140 at time of posting this, cracking value for money. More pics and prices for the AOC 23″ Monitor.
May 26, 2015
Just had our new Dell XPS 13 arrive for Josh today (time I treated him to something new!). Machine is a beast, so fast, crystal clear FullHD IPS panel and incredible build quality. Dell have outdone themselves with this model. We added a few upgrades (as you do) but still kept the price in the three figures. Ask him for a play next time he brings it to site, but be warned, you will want one!
More info on the Dell XPS 13
May 22, 2015
Just had our PayPal Here reader arrive today. Had a little play with setting it up and adding a new user on Paypal Business page. Really impressive bit of kit. Knocks socks off the Payleven device we had before it. More info from Paypal Here
May 16, 2015
Blissful month of fibre at our workshop on Edison road. Really can’t stress enough that if you can get fibre, you really must switch to it!
Our productivity has increased dramatically now that we can turn re-installs around in a day, not having Windows Updates and patching holding us back any more. We don’t charge more or less obviously, as we never billed for waiting for downloads, but it does mean the client can get the machine back sooner, and crack on with some work.
With more and more of our clients using Office 365 and Cloud based document management systems, it is lovely being able to pre-download all emails & documents before giving the client the machine back, one less thing for them to wait for before being able to use the computer. Anything that improves our customer experience, gets a massive thumbs up!
March 17, 2015
Year and half later, the end is in sight!
No more ropey broadband for us lot on Edison Road and Bessemer Crescent, no more buffering like it is 1999, no sir!
Our 3-5.5mb service should be in a position to go to the Infinity fibre, which is between 35-75mb, so it will make a world of difference.
Fibre is due to hit the estate any day now. BT just contacted James (Akeman Asset management) and myself to let us know that 3-4 days from now we will be in a position to order from our respective suppliers. So approx Monday 23rd, but to be safe, by the end of the month.
BT’s checker tends to be fairly up to date, so check out this link to see if you are ready to order (though not necessarily with BT)
Likelyhood is that most of our estate will already be in a contract with a supplier, which is normal. So just call them up and give them the good news, they will 99% of the time offer to start a new contract without a penalty, on the new faster service, for a small increase per month. Sometimes you need to upgrade your router, but don’t let that put you off.
Give us a call on 01296 345 000 if you are not sure what to do and how to get it done. Glad to be of help.
Can’t flipping wait to get our order in!
December 19, 2014
We have finally launched the new website, which will be cram packed with more useful content for existing clients while attracting new ones as well. The layout has changed dramatically to look great on a large flat screen but also remain useful on a smaller peripheral like a phone or tablet. We want to increase our appeal to one off visitors, who simply want a repair or piece of information on how to fix an IT related problem. As more companies are reference checked by social media, we also wanted to add links to ours. Aim is to keep the twitter feed busy with what we are doing so people can get a good idea of who we are and how we operate.
The website has been designed by F8 Web Solutions over the last 9 months and would like to thank them for all the last minute changes and request for more and more to be added!
