John Phillips (m 07831 373 871) www.itran.co.uk business site www.pcomp.co.uk

INSIGHT - Newsletter Updated December 2019

Best Systems Available? Older laptops & new or older desktops with SSD (memory) Hard Drives W8.1

Top Stories: Check you email and password – has it been hacked? Nearly all computer systems have an unfixable vulnerability! Apple pulls ITUNES – and your paid downloads are effectively useless! Russian spies infiltrate Kaspersky software Microsoft breaches data protection law Google caught spying on you illegally Apple - Do they purposely slow older models to sell new ones? Apple Devices – Who is snooping on you? Apple – all devices have a flaw that allows hacking HSBC, NatWest and Co-op Bank app - could lose your password & PIN Wireless – how safe is it?

Important Issues: Backing up – the essential guide Microsoft Account – do not use one! Passwords – crucial tips Email systems – please consider this carefully New Laptops – tricky to buy Standard PC’s – still the best option if you have room Phones, tablets – very important to set them up properly! Antivirus software – is it worth buying?

Summary for a Small Business Set-Up: Here is a simple guide for ‘best practice’ for a home based business with

several users or a small business.

Special Systems: Gaming, high end graphics, Laptops W7 or W8.1 properly set up

Other Info: Smart Phones Music – Things have changed! YouTube & MOOCS – Everything you always wanted to know

Helping you get the best from today’s technology

m. 07831 373 871

Background Info:

The Golden Path to successful computing – how to find it - and stay on it To help you to find and maintain the easiest path for all your needs

Protect Your Computer & Your Identity Scams, Identity Fraud, Debit Cards

Protection for younger family members Methods for controlling youngsters environments

Online Purchasing How to keep safe when you purchase

Online Banking Banking Safety

Operating Systems – the good, the bad and the ugly. Updates & Upgrades W8.1 vs W10 Apple vs Android

Issues involved with buying laptops desktops, tablets & smart phones Introduction to purchasing issues Laptops vs Desktops Laptop vs ipad vs Tablet Purchasing Laptops Smart Phones vs iphone Purchasing Desktops Apple Mac’s vs Windows 7 Netbooks? All-in-One Systems – and why you don’t want one

Other Issues Wireless, Insurance, Enlarging text on screens, Printers, TV

Best Systems Available?I now offer a really good alternative to Windows 7. This re-build process provides for systems that have start-up times of around 10 seconds (or less) to the full desktop. This equates to retails system that would be in the £1500 plus range.

W7 is coming to end of life and we can expect that other companies like Google will stop supporting it in the not so distant future.

W10 for me is unworkable as the updates cannot be stopped. I was lucky that I realised quickly that these updates would cause significant issues and never sold any W10 systems. When I work on them I ask my customers to sign-off that I am not responsible for any future faults as the updates are likely to cause system issues or even complete failure. The failure rate is about 25% or more.

The answer for older systems or new systems – one that works like W7, is stable and one that provides an amazingly fast systems. This can be achieved from even quite old desktops or laptops. Oddly, the main manufacturers could offer this speed on new machines and laptops, but as they sell to the public by highlighting the specification (processor speed size of hard drive and memory), they do not offer these fast drive systems as the ‘spec’ does not look so good with a smaller (but hugely faster) hard drive.

I have now updated many laptops and desktops of all makes with re-build to W8.1 and a new SSD drive. This is also useful as it changes the single component (hard drive) that has any moving parts and is likely to fail before the rest of the system.

Responsiveness - to give you some idea of this speed miracle, the start-up from a cold start to full desktop screen is about 8 seconds on most systems! The opening of programs (eg word, excel, chrome) is effectively instantaneous, such that there is no wait time between tasks. This makes for a much nicer computing experience and takes away the frustration of waiting for things to happen.

This also makes new retail laptops look extremely slow. It does not matter how much you spend on a new retail laptop, an older laptop with my set-up will be many times quicker and more stable.

So, if you have one of my desktop systems, or an older laptop in good condition you have the basis for a fantastic update that should keep you going for quite a while and be quick, responsive and reliable.

Top Stories

Check you email and password – has it been hacked?If you go to the following website address, you may check if your email addresses have ever been hacked by one of the many known break ins over the last few years. This does not ensure that your email and passwords are safe, but it does give you some idea of your current status. See:

https://haveibeenpwned.com/

After entering you email (don’t enter any passwords!), scroll down the page (this is not obvious) and you will see the hacked sites that your email has been ‘got at’.

The unfixable vulnerability in all computer systemsThis basic design flaw in Intel and AMD processors was announced to some fanfare about 18 months ago. As Intel, AMD, Google et al failed to find ANY solution (that worked), these same companies have just decided to go very quiet about this world-

wide major fault in all computer processors made in the last 20 years. So, when people tell you that if you update and use antivirus then you are ‘safe’ this is now clearly nonsense and always has been. Even in future, when they think they have fixed everything, there will always be some unknown issue yet to be found that could cause your system to be hacked. The answer of course is to back-up you data properly and review your important accounts (banking etc) regularly, change passwords and save them in an encrypted form to keep them safer.

Apple pulls ITUNES As Apple has decide that cannot make (enough) money selling on Itunes, they have decided to dump it. So over the last (nearly) 20 years they made everyone’s life hell by insisting you install Itunes if you want even just simple access to you iphone files and now they leave all there dedicated users with no direct replacement and no way to use their purchased music files as these are digitally locked to Apple. There is a desktop version you can still use to link to older gadgets like ipods, not sue how long this will last though. This is a good example of getting future strategy right – one key element is not to get locked into ANY company dedicated system or software, keep your options open and stay with open systems, even if a specific open system ceases, it is likely that there will be other options for you. If you have purchased music from Itunes store then look at ‘Apple Music’ app, you may be able to get back to your music via this – but I would suggest you also consider other options such as Spotify streaming.

Kaspersky Antivirus – Mr Putin maybe watching youRussian (KGB) hackers breached Kaspersky cyber-security software two years ago, US media report. The Russians were allegedly attempting to gather data on US intelligence programs, according to the New York Times and Washington Post.The US has now banned Kaspersky products.If you use Kaspersky software, I suggest you uninstall it immediately.

Google caught spying on you illegally (iPhone users)Google is being taken to court, accused of collecting the personal data of millions of users, in the first mass legal action of its kind in the UK. It focuses on allegations that Google unlawfully harvested information from 5.4 million UK users by bypassing privacy settings on their iPhones.The complaint is that for several months in 2011 and 2012 Google placed ad-tracking cookies on the devices of Safari users which is set by default to block such cookies.

Microsoft breaches data protection lawMicrosoft breaches data protection law in the Netherlands because of the way its Windows 10 operating system processes personal information. The report claims that Windows 10 users "lack control of their data" because of the approach of Microsoft.

"It turns out that Microsoft's operating system follows about every step you take on your computer. That results in an intrusive profile of yourself," said Wilbert Tomesen, vice-chairman of the Data Protection Association.

Apple – are they slowing down older models on purpose?Does Apple deliberately slow its old models before a new release? Searches for 'iPhone slow' show a spike ahead of launches. Take a look at the graph below, (it shows the peak in searches corresponding to the release of new models) – and make up your own mind!

The study was undertaken by student Laura Trucco at Harvard University. It also compared Apple's results with searches for 'Samsung Galaxy slow'. Research found that the term was unaffected by Samsung new releases.

The latest response from Apple – ‘we slow them down to save your battery’ – an amazing revelation - someone should remind Apple that when in a hole to stop digging!

Apple Devices – Who is snooping on you?

Security expert Jonathan Zdziarski, has warned Apple’s iOS software contains potentially sinister tools.He said that most users are unaware of the lack of protection for iPhone data.He added files found hidden within the firm's software contain a file-relay service that can be used to access the user's address book, photos, voicemail and any accounts configured on the device.However, Apple has denied the claims the backdoor was created deliberately for government or surveillance purposes.

Apple – all devices have a flaw that allows hackingApple has said that all iPhones, iPads and Mac computers are affected by two major flaws in computer chips. Apple have been racing to fix the Meltdown and Spectre bugs, that could allow hackers to steal data. Billions of PCs, smartphones and tablets around the world are affected - Apple has now confirmed its products are too.

HSBC NatWest and Co-op Bank app could lose your password & PIN!

A Security bug that let hackers steal banking passwords put 10 million app users at risk.The vulnerability, if exploited, could be used to steal passwords and pin numbers.Spinner tool reveals HSBC, NatWest and Co-op Bank apps among those potentially compromised.

This vulnerability could have let hackers connect to the same network as the victim – such as a public Wi-Fi network in a workplace or coffee shop - to perform a so-called Man in the Middle (MitM) attack and retrieve usernames, passwords or pin codes.

Wireless – how safe is it?See: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41635516

The wi-fi connections of businesses and homes around the world are at risk, according to researchers who have revealed a major flaw dubbed Krack.

This is a flaw in the standard, so potentially there is a high risk to every single wi-fi connection out there, corporate and domestic.

The risk will depend on a number of factors including the time it takes to launch an attack and whether you need to be connected to the network to launch one, but the paper suggests that an attack is relatively easy to launch. It will leave the majority of wi-fi connections at risk until vendors of routers can issue patches. Industry body the Wi-Fi Alliance said that it was working with providers to issue software updates to patch the flaw.

"This issue can be resolved through straightforward software updates and the wi-fi industry, including major platform providers, has already started deploying patches to wi-fi users.”

Of course, most users will have no idea how to update (patch) their router successfully!

Important Issues

Backing up – the essential guide

Unfortunately, I see many people who have lost their information, pictures, documents and records that are irreplaceable. Back-up is the single most important aspect of computing.

Think about the data and files you have, put them into 3 categories:

1) Files and data you must NEVER lose. These are things like old irreplaceable pictures, wills, special documents like a book or ancestry you are working on.

2) Files and data you really don’t want to lose – such as old copies of letters, work files, spreadsheet data, address books, old emails

3) Files and data such as music that you can replace but is a bit of a hassle.

There are several main ways to arrange a backup:

Write to a DVD (most secure) Write to a secondary 3.5 inch hard drive Write to a ‘pen’ drive (USB memory stick) Write to an online storage system (eg Google’s Drive,

Dropbox) Write to another device (PC or Laptop) across a network

Issues with backup methodsIt is best not to solely rely on additional hard drives, other devices or pen drives (memory sticks). They are all electronic and suffer from failure. Also, if for instance, you get burgled, they may remove all your systems with all your backup data. The most reliable back-up is onto a write once DVD (DVD-R) this is also the cheapest method. These can then easily be taken off-site (eg give a copy to a family member).

Online storage can give problems. For instance, if the hosting company has a big data loss or decides that you are ‘persona non grata’ for some reason. Attempting to address this may be extremely difficult or impossible. I do not suggest that you rely on it solely.

A Sensible Strategy:The first two categories need to go on to DVD’s and with category one have a few more copies and ensure that they are taken off-site. Category three can be backed up on to one or more of the other methods above.

I have some software to help with this backing up:

1) Easy to use Burning application fro CD/DVD – just three clicks to choose and burn files. Make multiple copies and take them off site.

2) A syncing & backup system (Sync back) – a simple but effective utility program. It is one of the few (only one I have ever found) that does the job properly without complications. Sync to an external (or second internal) drive or another network connected device. This provides fairly safe and very easy backup, but don’t rely on it completely.

This strategy protects your irreplaceable documents / pictures even in the event of a catastrophe like your home or business burning down!

Small Businesses & Busy Users:Keep your current working documents, spreadsheets, pdf’s etc in a ‘work’ folder. Older files say over 6 months old can be archived on to another disk (using syncback), external drive or DVD’s. Because this ‘work’ folder will be small it is then very easy to backup regularly. Options here can be external drive or online backup (eg google ‘drive. with 15GB free storage and drag and drop interface with no software to download)

Microsoft Account – do not use one!

This issue is caused by Microsoft asking people to sign up to THEIR systems when you login to YOUR systems. When you setup a new computer/laptop Microsoft trie very hard to get you to set-up an account with them and then links your system to their systems.

Be absolutely clear that this is for THEIR benefit not yours and once you have done this, there is no simple way back, it needs a full re-installation. Also be aware that by linking to a Microsoft account you are giving Microsoft access to just about everything on your system.

More importantly, if you use more than one system with one Microsoft account, then you can get irretrievable issue where both systems stop working. This seems to be because Microsoft attempts to sync them together and changes the systems.

Passwords – Crucial Tips

Along with backups, passwords are an essential issue to get right. Many people have never paid much attention to this subject, they get along day to day, but increasingly it is becoming massively more important to all of us. This password issue is here to stay, as many more aspects of our lives will be run via the internet and web based applications in future. These will all require sign-in and passwords.

Password StrategiesMany people use the same or similar password for everything, the crooks know this and they just need to find one password, (from say you signing up to a ‘new’ website), then they get access to everything!

Most importantly, for any account that holds personal details or money access/payment details you must use a unique, strong password that is un-guessable. Never use this anywhere else.

Now, this makes remembering your passwords difficult/impossible. And you really don’t want to write them down and keep them in a ‘safe’ place as the crooks are good at finding them!

There are special encryption programs that help here. These effectively ‘scramble’ the data within the file and unless you have the ‘key’ it is impossible to unscramble it. (If you have one of my systems, you can find the encryption programme under the Utilities folder on the C drive).

This is how it works: You create a simple word document that holds all your passwords and account login details. You then encrypt this with an unbreakable ‘key’ (22 characters to ensure strongest encryption). Do not use a well known phrase.

This key you must remember, and to help with this, you can create another document that holds a ‘clue’ to the key, one that of course is only guessable by you.

So, even if you had you computer stolen – it is very unlikely the crooks will be able to access any of your passwords by unscrambling this data.

Also, another use of this document is to use it to help you enter passwords or user logins – just select and copy it from the document and paste it into the correct box, this ensures you do not mistype it, (useful for me as I am dyslexic).

Microsoft Office (ver 2007 on) has the ability to encrypt documents using a password also.

Email Systems – Please consider this very carefully

Email is now a long-term communication medium. Most people need a strategy for the future and this needs to be considered with care. Many people are not using a good, safe, high quality email system. Gmail is currently the best and confers many other benefits.

Email strategiesHere are some points to note in finding a good strategy that works for you:-:

Do you want your main email linked to a particular supplier? (eg broadband supplier), suppliers do not have anything to do with your email. For instance it would seem strange for your email to be linked to your Water supplier. The reason that broadband suppliers offer this is for their own marketing reasons – to make it more difficult for you to move away from them.

You can have a free email with Google Mail (Gmail) or another free email provider such as hotmail (Microsoft’s now renamed ‘Outlook’). Currently Gmail is very good and you can import you current email address into it (to allow you time to move to the new Gmail one). Gmail also allows you to import your address book. (Note that some email systems do not allow you to export your address book).

You may easily and cheaply set up a Domain that you own (eg based on family or business name). You may then ‘host’ email addresses on this domain. As you own the domain (choose .co.uk) you will never lose the email addresses. I can help you set this up if you wish. This is the most appropriate way for a business to operate.

If you run a website, then use a different email address just for the website (as you will receive many unsolicited emails from this email address). By regularly changing the website email address you can reduce these unwanted spam emails.

Be aware that older type email ‘clients’ such as windows live mail, full Outlook (part of MS Office), and Thunderbird have serious backup issues and you can easily lose your old emails and contacts. If you upgrade your system then live mail is now not supported and you old emails may be difficult to transfer.

Outlook – still used by some people – is an accident waiting to happen. I have spent days attempting to get peoples data back and often failed. In my opinion Outlook is just too complex and too technical for home users and small businesses, to run it successfully you need an on site technician, and even then it is not completely safe.

Benefits of Gmail: Get access via multiple devices (laptop, PC, tablet, phone) anywhere in the

world from the second largest company in the world. Import other email addresses into one main gmail address. Have multiple gmail addresses for different purposes. Get direct access to other free services:

Calendar Contacts Drive (15GB free data storage like drop box & one drive but better) Hangouts – like Skype but better, no need to install anything Photo storage Translation service

Two email addressesIf you have a main email address and another ‘dummy’ email address you may prevent many email mishaps and issues. Keep one for close friends and family only. Use the other for shopping, signing up to websites etc. When you shop just forward the invoice or information to your main email. This should ensure that your main email remains spam free.

Laptops – Buying Issues

There is significant difficulty in finding a ‘good’ laptop to buy from any retailer. The main issues are:

W10 – updating issue cause major problems in many devices, it can usually be ‘technically’ turned off (this requires a technical change), but this may not work reliably.

To stop updates on W10 turn on the 'metered' option under advance settings in the wireless network settings (start my left clicking on the wireless icon bottom right and select network settings). I cannot guaranty this will work.

Hard Drives – these are often not physically accessible anymore, this gives serious issues if and when it fails as your data cannot easily be recovered cost effectively.

Often manufacturers are NOT using the much faster SSD drives as they fit drives that offer massive storage – that very few people need.

Batteries – some machines even have batteries hidden inside, this means in the event of some types of failure, the laptop cannot be ‘reset’

Which Laptop (see also later under buying guides)While it is very tricky to find a good laptop here are some key issues to guide your purchase:-

Find a standard size, medium priced laptop. Do not pay more than about £400 Do not buy an Apple (too expensive, compatibility issues) Stick to Intel processors (not AMD), not a ‘Celeron’ (Ideally i3

or i5)

Make sure it has a DVD drive Can the Hard Drive be easily accessed? (look underneath for

a separate large panel) Can the battery be removed? Stick to a main manufacturer (not Lenovo or Sony), so try

Toshiba, HP, Acer, Dell, Samsung

I can sometimes obtain business type laptops. These I can set up with W8.1 and can be set so that the update issues do not occur and I set them up along my Golden Path strategies, so that they are more reliable and run much faster than any retail purchased system. These systems are more expensive, but in the end it makes a lot of sense especially if you are more than an occasional user. I often change the hard drive to for a new SSD drive – this provides amazing speed.

Standard PC’s – still the best option if you have room

A standard PC will outperform any laptop and provide a lower cost of ownership over a period of years. They also do not have the built in issues of laptops and provide a much better working environment for serious work. Add in a good 24 inch screen and your computing experience improves significantly.

Antivirus – it is now pointless paying for or installing separate antivirus software

There are two big issues regarding antivirus packages:

They cannot, (by definition), find unknown and new viruses They often include many unnecessary processes that use huge amounts

of memory and processing power, significantly slowing your system, and by this I mean often slowing the system by a factor of ten.

Interestingly, W8.1 and W10 both have a built in antivirus system that work very well and do not slow down your system. Microsoft does not shout about this as they do not want to upset the antivirus manufacturers as they did once before. There is also a free Microsoft system for W7 (MSE) which is about as good as you can get.

As ANY antivirus system only provides approximate protection, (maybe about 75% of all viruses?), I cannot suggest that you pay extra for a system that still leaves you massively unprotected and also slows down your system much more than the one in-built.

Unfortunately, the hardware manufacturers, (HP, Dell, Acer, Toshiba, etc), all get paid to install an expensive antivirus system. You then have to pay for it after a trial period. Unless you have an overriding reason for keeping it, I suggest you uninstall it and make sure that the in-built Microsoft system is turned on.

Summary for a Small Business

This is a good starting point for a simple set-up:

Use a simple network using your router/modem with a NAS (network connected drive) for data sharing and printer sharing.

Create a wireless network using ‘mesh’ hubs. Connect the NAS directly (RJ45 cable) to your router/modem.

All systems running W8.1 with SSD’s for speed and stability Set-up a standard or business online google account. This provides a gmail

interface, calendar, online storage, (and other online google apps as required)

This google account provides for shared access across calendars, email, documents, spreadsheets etc.

Use an older version of MS office (eg office 7 or 10) for general work. This provides both cost effectiveness and good functionality for administration purposes and it provides for compatibility with everyone else. Purchase an older version with a licence and DVD from say ebay.

Configure a ‘working’ folder for current work (last 6 months) on the NAS, along with a separate archive storage (eg DVD’s) for all older stuff. Backup the working folder daily (using Syncback to an external drive) and regularly copy this folder to your google drive online storage (drag and drop). Regularly copy this folder to a DVD, as it is small it will fit on one DVD and be quick to do.

For large files, to prevent any slowness, make a copy on your laptop or desktop (from the NAS). Then copy the file back (to the NAS) when you have finished with it.

The use of the central google account allows everyone to access current files, email and calendars across different types of systems (laptops, desktops, smart phones, tablets)

Accounting and payroll can be either setup on a particular system (with data files on the NAS for shared access) or using an online system (eg Sage online). In either case make sure your backup is belt and braces.

Use a business level account from our broadband provider (best is still Plusnet)

Special Systems

Gaming & High End Graphic SystemsThese are very fast PC’s built specifically for users with special needs. I have provided a number of these recently for the above uses and for other business needs such as design, photography and gaming

They all have full on site warrantees & setup and provide much faster computing compared to similar priced retail systems. I build them to very high specification using the best range of part that work really well together.

Most high end retail systems do not provide the best combination to provide for the best cost/speed ratio. My systems do provide exactly for your specific needs and are much cheaper and faster.

Laptops

I can sometimes obtain business laptops. These I can set up with W10 or preferably W8.1 I can attempt to set up W10 systems so that the update issues do not occur. Both I set up along my Golden Path strategies, so that they are more reliable and run much faster than any retail purchased system. These business laptops are more expensive, but in the end it can make a lot of sense, especially if you are more than an occasional user or a business user and want a fast system. I will ask you to sign a disclaimer for W10 systems in case it updates and goes wrong.

Useful Info

Smart Phones & Tablets

Many users are struggling unnecessarily with their smart phones and tablets. These are amazing devices but require really good setting up to get anything much from them. This starts at the very beginning when you first turn it on. The way you set the initial options affects everything you do from then on – you must get this right!

Secondly, as with many device the manufacturer tries to force you to use their applications, these may be ok, but there are usually much better applications. Thirdly, many settings need adjusting, or the phone will use too much battery power and will be less responsive. Fourthly, there are some brilliant apps that make you smart phone use much better.

Consider what a smart phone can now do – it makes the Swiss army knife look very poorly designed. Once set up properly, an Android smart phone or tablet provides exceptional functionality.

Communications – voice, text, video, email, what’s app, etc Live and catch-up TV, Radio and catch up radio, films Music streaming and music player Camera and Video camera Apps – for just about anything, including health monitoring Sat-Nav and live Google maps – providing navigation to street level Live Traffic information – find the jams before they find you Immediate search for your location for interest or essentials Online shopping Live assistant you can just talk to (google, siri etc) Smart Home controller Voice recorder (and record you calls if that is important) PLUS - clock, diary, contacts, calculator, weather updates, games,

music analyser, star mapping, live bus times, note taker, sound meter, music maker, real time language translator…..

Pretty amazing!! – yet many people still do not use a fraction of this capability. I can help you get the best from your devices.

Music – Things have changed!

Music - Try Spotify or TidalThere are many ways of getting music. One of the newer ways that people are finding useful is to use ‘Spotify’ on the internet. This can be streamed from a laptop, PC, smart phone or tablet to your hifi. This maybe more important for people who used to rely on Itunes (now defunct)

You can also control your tablet from your smart phone, so you can search for music and change tracks. This is handy if you tablet is connected to your hifi.

It is fairly easy to use and either you may use it for free (with adverts and some limitations) or pay a smallish (£5) monthly fee. It is good because you can find nearly all music and it plays in reasonable quality. It will select a range of music to suit you tastes. Gone are the days for downloading and purchasing large collections?

Tidal is a similar service, but it also provides a much higher quality of music recording. I have personally carried out a back to back test against Spotify. Using good quality hifi equipment it was like listening to different music. It costs about £20 per month, but there is a free trial month – so you can check it out if you have quality hifi.

If you need advice & help – I can discuss exactly what you want and find the correct solution and help to install it and train you on using it.

YouTube & MOOCS – Everything you always wanted to know

The internet has given us access to a huge amount of information. One of the key issues is finding the best way to access the information and research you want. There are two resources that you can usually find excellent information:

You Tube – Search within You Tube and very many complex subjects are covered very well. As You Tube is visual, some types of information about how to do things is very easy to understand.

MOOC’s – These are less well known. It stands for Massively Open Online Courses. There are two worth looking up – just for fun, as they both have amazingly good and free high level courses from the very best Universities from the UK and US. FutureLearn is the UK mooc (run by the OU) EDX is the US mooc

The Golden Path to Successful Computing

How you can manage your systems so that you achieve easier and more reliable computing.

The Main Issues You must start with a full ‘clean’ re-installation of the operating system

as retail systems have too many issues built in by the manufacturer (HP, Acer, Toshiba, Dell etc)

Have installed only the (few) programs you actually use. Use the built in antivirus – do not purchase ANY antivirus system, they

are not required. Keep your data safe (backed up) Keep you passwords safe Stay with standard systems (do not use Apple unless your have a very

specific need to, they are 3 times the price for the same thing). Have you tablet and smart phone set up properly to match your other

systems. Use a standard email system (eg Gmail) and one NOT linked to a

supplier (eg BT, talktalk, Virgin) Stay away from rogue software & do not change anything unless you

have to (see later).

Manufacturers & VendorsThe truth behind the adverts and marketing by all large suppliers is the simple fact that they are not on your side.

The reason for this is that their business models, (ie the way they make money), is by installing unwanted software on your computer. They make money from this in several ways:

Manufacturers like Sony, HP, Dell, Acer, Toshiba, Lenovo, Epson, etc get paid directly to add programs that are only part enabled or trials. An independent survey found that these manufacturers make more money from doing this than they do on the margin of each laptop or PC they sell. (Massive amounts of it, at the last count Lenovo was installing 70 unnecessary programs).

They also put on their own software, so you use their products and they keep their marketing message constantly in front of you on the desktop and when you use many functions.

Also, and very importantly, ALL other devices such as printers, scanners, cameras, GPS devices, try to add huge amounts of software that you do not need. For instance Epson will try to put on at least 5 additional programs, again they do this for their marketing purposes and these will cause problems.

Slows down your computer (to at least a half the response and start up time you would get if it was not there).

These programs force updates – these can cause issues due to compatibility. These programs often prevent the ‘standard’ built in programs from running

properly – so that the way the computer works changes and causes confusion.

An example of this is Adobe Reader, (see later).

How to stay on the Golden Path:- Do not put ANY software on your computer unless it is absolutely necessary

and you know the consequences (ring me and I can advise) Do not download Adobe Reader (use the PDFX Viewer instead, already

loaded if I have set your system up) When you connect up your printer for the first time, use the ‘custom’ install

(some don’t have this option so buy Canon printers as they do) and only select the driver.

Set operating system updates to advise about updates, but not to download them. (Do not set to automatically update)

If you wish to update, do it at a time to suit yourself, so there is time to put things right if they go wrong. You may select the security updates only from a list.

For cameras and other devices do not run the CD / DVD that came with it, you just don’t know what changes they will make and what software it will add. Most devices can just be plugged in and they will work – if they don’t then they are not following standard procedure and ask yourself if you really need the hassle that they may cause. Some manufacturers (eg Sony, Apple) are particularly bad at providing standard interfaces – they want to force you to use their way of doing it – take it back and get something else.

Stay away from complex syncing of devices (such as phones) – they often go wrong and run programs unnecessarily in the background.

Review the information on keeping safe, especially for younger people (see later)

Do not have an email address with your broadband supplier, or use the ‘built in’ email client such as ‘mail’ (see later).

Move to an ISP that has better support (Try Plusnet)

Specific Software IssuesThere is some software that cause major issue. Below are some of the common issues that you may come across. Many people say to me that they have not personally had any issues with such software. However, I cannot recommend software that I see causes significant tissues on a regular basis on many different types of systems.

Skype – one of the very worst piece of software you can find: More than doubles your systems memory usage (even when Skype not

in use). Updates automatically and can cause issue, advertises to you constantly, difficult to configure properly.

Itunes, now fairly redundant as many people have decided purchasing music from them is a con (as you never own it, see also Spotify later under music) Apple is so concerned with you using your music illegally on other

systems that they make it almost impossible to sync after a problem.

They keep changing the interface and many people have difficult in finding the controls they were used to.

When you load Itunes, Apple also loads three other programs that run each time you start you system, even though you may not be using Itunes at all.

Many systems have Adobe reader installed. Adobe then updates this regularly (and unnecessarily) while adding

other programs for their own marketing and sales purposes (without asking you!).

Now, as nearly all computers have Adobe reader the criminals target these updates and put up an icon asking you to click to update. People do this unknowingly and they get a virus or scam instead.

So the whole problem is caused by Adobe unnecessarily updating their software. The way around is not to install Adobe (as with my special set up systems), and use another pdf reader

Tom-Tom software This has been causing major system crashes and some machines

required a complete re-install.

Protect Your Computer & Your Identity

Scams in GeneralThere are now very many companies who have had data stolen. These including ones such as Experian who hold details on credit ratings, they have recently been hacked yet again.

This means that everyone is likely to be at some risk of being scammed. The best way to prevent being on the wrong end of a scam is not to risk any communication with people who you cannot personally vouch for and keep a close eye on important issues such as bank accounts.

If you are called by ANY supplier, even if they provide correct contact details for your account (they would have them if they are criminals attacking you), simply ring off.

If you believe that there may be an issue you need to deal with (bona fide com-panies will probably inform you another way if it is important), then contact them using a verified phone number or email address or write to them.

Some scams have been using websites as part of the attack – so even if you get a number or email from a website – it may NOT be correct.

Research the correct contact details from known good sources like the BBC Never, even if you have contacted them, let any call centre take control of your

computer. Never enter ANY command given to you by a call centre person.

Remember – often these call centres are in places that are under different laws, they are completely inaccessible to you or to our police services. The call centre staff may only be paid a very small amount, if they are organised to scam you, the amount that they can achieve is likely to be many times their monthly pay. So the risk for you is simply to high, do not put yourself in harms way.

Specific ScamsI personally know of several people who paid between £400 to £3000 and one had their computer files and system wiped completely, losing everything. My advice is simply ask the caller to write to you and put the phone down.

Email Scams - the current crop include those pretending to be from Banks, delivery companies, credit organisations, eBay, Facebook, Amazon and some aimed at businesses, from false consumer complaints organisations.

Other Phone Scams – beware, currently a scam where your ‘Bank’ rings you and says that your card must be cancelled as it has been compromised. They even suggest you ring them back but then they can intercept your phone call! They ask for your card details & PIN!! I met a lady in late 2014 who had been scammed like this and had lost £17,000!

Most people are now aware of the ‘wannacry’ virus. This attacks you data and scrambles it using a strong encryption code. The ONLY way you can get you data back is to pay theses criminals using bitcoin. Protect yourself by backing up your data and keeping it away from the computer.

Identity Fraud - CIFAS Protection To help protect you from identity fraud, it may be a good idea to use the CIFAS Protective Registration and add your own password to protect you against fraud see http://www.cifas.org.uk/pr_for_individuals There is a download form (pdf) that you can send in to them. CIFAS covers all the major banks and credit reference people, so if anyone attempts to find out your credit rating they will do additional checks to make sure it is genuine. It also means that if someone tries to setup a loan in your name you will be notified.

When signing-up to a website or new account especially Facebook, Google or similar, do not provide your real details, it is worth using a spoof name, nonsense address details and especially do not provide accurate DOB.

Example of stolen identity data:

2016 data breaches and cyber attacks – 3.1 billion records leaked Equifax (44 million people’s data in the UK) Yahoo,TalkTalk, Linkedin, Instagram, Myspace, Sage, Sony, UK Navy

Security – main points to remember Understand that whatever protection you have on your computer systems or

whoever supplies your internet access you can never be completely safe – no antirvirus, encryption or firewall system is anywhere near perfect – you are always at some risk.

If you download anything – make absolutely sure you are on the correct website.

If you don’t know the website or manufacturer, then simply avoid downloading until you have researched it.

Banking – Santander, NatWest and some other banks use external software to improve their poor security. Unless you have a ‘keypad’ issued by your bank – then you are at risk

Don’t open any attachment (even if you know the person its from) unless you are certain that it has been sent legitimately

Never share your passwords or PIN numbers with anyone even if you think it is YOUR bank asking for them (as it will not be).

Use an strongly encrypted document to keep passwords, use complex passwords, (mixture of letters and numbers, don’t use names or dates).

Never use a Debit Card for online or phone based purchases, these provide a direct line into your bank account – unless you can prove fraud and that you acted in complete certainty of the Bank’s rules, you are unlikely to get your money back

(see https://www.cifas.org.uk/insight/fraud-risk-focus-blog for useful tips)

Protection for younger family members

This is clearly a big problem now that increasingly younger children are using the internet. Protecting young people from particular sites such as gambling and protecting them from over-use of social media sites is becoming a major issue for the whole society. This is not a straight forward subject as there are numerous ways that young people can get access to the internet, via, for instance s friends phone or tablet using a public internet connection – neither of which you have any control over.

ISP ProtectionYou can ask you broadband service provider to turn on child protection. Each provider will have different settings, many of these can usually be accessed via the control panel, but you will need your login and password to gain access.

Protection SoftwareI have found a good system that helps prevent children accidentally (or on purpose), loading inappropriate websites. This system allows you to control which types of website to allow and also gives good information on the history of sites visited. You may also limit the when the internet is available, this is very useful to prevent overuse, especially after bed time. Its also easy to use and pretty foolproof but this software is only for laptops and desktops, you need a different strategy for mobile phones and tablets. There is a copy on my web site, see downloads.

Browser SettingsAlso, within most browser software (eg chrome), there are lots of security settings. While these can be tricky, they do provide some level of protection.

Router SettingMost routers have settings to enable blocking of specific websites and some can be set to allow internet access at specific time only.

Mobile phones and TabletsThere are many protection apps for these devices. The issue here is that the young people know more about the technology than many adults. This makes implementation of a strong system difficult, but considering the damage that can be done it is certainly worth investing time to make sure your young people are kept safe and well.

Mobile providers (EE, Vodafone, O2, etc) can block sites, ask them for details. Don’t forget that young people use different wifi at their friends houses and public internet access.This is a good site for further detailed information:-https://www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/parental-controls/

Online Purchasing

Normally this can be considered as safe as normal purchasing, provided you follow the following:

Only ever use a standard credit card. If used on UK websites it protects you from fraudulent use.

Use only standard credit card payment systems (there are others such as NOCHEX and Paypal that may put you at risk)

Do not EVER use a Debit card Make sure that the business has a standard UK phone line, try ringing it – do

you get through? If the price is ‘too good to be true’ – then it is a scam site, there are many of

these and they will often use other types of payment rather than a standard

credit card payment process or they are there just to get your personal or banking details

Online Banking

Rapport (Trusteer) ‘banking’ software causing major issuesThere is a major issue with Banking protection software called Rapport, (Santander, Nat West, RBS, HSBC). This software is an ‘add-on’ projection to help specifically to stop criminals seeing what you type (keylogger). Unfortunately it causes much instability and makes your computer run much more slowly. The general advice is not to use it and to make sure that you have a ‘keypad’ from your bank. If your bank is unable to offer a keypad then the general advice is not to bank online.

Keeping Banking Online Safe (as possible) Make sure that you use a code generator Keypad (small calculator like pad

or similar provided by your bank). This provides a one time encrypted authorisation code when you are setting

up payee accounts. Even if your computer is compromised, this should (in theory) keep criminals from creating a new payee to take your money

Use a well designed password and never write it down (see password strategies)

Do not ask you computer to remember your login or your password Obviously – keep an eye on your transactions!

Operating Systems – the good, the bad and the ugly

As many are aware Microsoft has changed the way they do business. Beware that all new W10 systems get you to sign-up to a Microsoft account (you don’t actually need to, but this is hidden), once you do this Microsoft has access to a great deal of what you do and effectively controls your devices.

Any operating system does need to be installed correctly, new retail systems are not set up to meet your needs as mentioned earlier, and as such they are slow, cumbersome and have many issues built in.

W7 is currently still working but support by other companies may stop in the not too distant future.

Windows 8.1 is now proven stable and is fast. This ideally requires a ‘fix’ to make it work like the W7 and W10 interface, I do this on all my re-builds of W8.1

Windows 10 has the major concern of automatically updating. This cannot easily be turned off by the user and therefore you are at the mercy of Microsoft to change whatever they like on your system. What makes this worse is that Microsoft now has the policy to make significant changes to the interface and the way W10 works without a ‘by your leave’. There is now a number of technical changes that effectively turn the updates off.

These updates means that W10 is unsupportable by my business. If I had sold W10 systems, with my on-site warranty, this year I would have spent half my time or more reinstalling and solving issues that were caused directly by Microsoft.

I cannot recommend Apple systems, they are three times as expensive, they have many incompatibilities (eg MS Office is different). Also, Apple does not

allow you to connect to many devices in the normal way. If you are used to windows - it does work quite a bit differently.

For smart phones and Tablets use Android systems as these are mostly compatible.

Operating Systems UpdatesThis is a tricky subject as whichever way you turn you can get caught in a trap. If you install the updates, there is a good chance (eventually) that something will go awry. If you do not, then you can get caught with ‘hole’ in your system that can be exploited. This was the case with the ‘wannacry’ virus attack that caused many W7 machines to lose their data.So you are dammed if you do and dammed if you don’t. All I can suggest is you decide which risk is worse for you. The major difficulty with W10 is that it updates everything including drivers whenever it wants. This remove the control of your system and gives it to MS. I personally think this is unacceptable. (see below)

W10 Systems (or Upgrading to W10)I strongly suggest that you do not update your systems from W7 or W8.

The major things that can go wrong with W10:

With Windows 10 there is no easy way of turning off the automatic updates – this is a nightmare scenario – Microsoft updates have caused major issues in the past. Much of my work is sorting out systems after an update failure.

Unless these updates finish ‘properly’ the system can get stuck in running the update processes in the background – your systems will continue to go slow forevermore until it is ‘fixed’

There is a known driver update issue. Microsoft has changed all the driver dates back to 2006 as a work around to try to solve this, often drivers get up-dated and then your system will not work properly, this also affects the wireless connection so you cannot re-do the update to help solve the issue.

If you are serious about your computing then the only way forward is a full re-install of W8.1 (preferably tuned up with a few key utilities). This is the start point of the Golden Path set out above.

Change W8.1 to work more like W7 and W10I have special tools and can get W8.1 to work in a similar fashion to the regular Windows look and feel. This includes installing a ‘Start menu’ and ‘control panel’ and standard type desktop that opens on start-up. W8.1 updates can be controlled by you. I also have an Office Suite that works on W8.1 & 10 and some useful utilities that I have tested.

Android vs AppleThis is covered later in buying issues. Android is now established as the main operating system for smart phones and tablets. While Apple has core followers, it sells only a fraction of the total mobile and tablet market and has limited connectivity.

Buying Guides - Laptop PC, Tablet, Apple – buyer beware!

I have for many years been trying to help customers get the best from their systems. Recently, Microsoft has made this seemingly simple idea very difficult. As previously discussed, Microsoft has introduced Windows 8 a system that is completely different as it is designed for touch screens like Tablets and most long term users will find it extremely difficult to use. For many the only sensible option is to have an independent company like Performance Computing to install Windows 7 on a new Laptop or Desktop – this is where I can help!

Purchasing new systems is also made much more difficult by the large vendors adding unnecessary software and complications For instance companies like Dell make more money from installing ‘limited use’ software than they do from selling the hardware. Recently, I have come across a printer manufacturer that loaded so much (unwanted) software that the computer slowed to half speed!

To help you find the best and easiest path I have a set-up that does seem to overcome most issues for most home and business users.

For new systems – please ring me to advise on a W8.1 (instead of W10 systems).

For older systems - when tuned-up these still provide superb speed and consistent, easy use – I can also re-install W7 or W8.1 with an upgrade to the memory if required.

For new laptops – I can swap any files from your old system (even if it does not work) & remove the problem software that comes as standard, add new free antivirus and setup within your house or workplace for wireless and printer etc.

A new (free) antivirus that gives one of the very best protections A specialist (free) internet child protection that goes a long way to keeping

children away from problem websites. A minimum installation that provides just the key requirements (but does not

suffer from additional software) A utilities folder that holds most of the additional software if a particular user

needs it. This gets away from the danger of downloading software that may have viruses.

My testing shows that my set-ups run about a twice or three times as fast than retail systems. There is also less to go wrong in the future along with safer internet use.

Desktops vs LaptopsThis is a common question. The answer depends on usage.

Laptop – for moving about from room to room or when space is at a premium Desktop – quicker, lower cost of ownership, much easier to use for proper

use. (a much better screen keyboard & mouse.)

Some people are now using a desktop for their main files & work and using a Tablet or ipad for ‘surfing’ around the house and for travelling.

Laptop vs ipads vs TabletsMany people are finding Tablets & ipads useful for emails and internet usage. They are not very useful as a general computer system, for instance, it is very difficult to print from Tablets ipads unless you have a newer printer with this ability. They will not work with flash websites and can be difficult to navigate websites as there is no mouse as such. I can help with training and setting up email and linking to your wireless connection.

Tablets are very much cheaper but very similar in operation to ipads. Most run the Android operating system from Google. Most have better features than ipads, (especially connectivity) and you can use a mouse and keyboard on some. Tablets are not limited by Apple’s stringent marketing requirements (such as the need to set up an itunes account and enter credit card information). It is likely that in future the most cost efficient and capable systems will be android Tablets.

If you are considering ipad or tablet then do look at the new Pixel C or Samsung 10 inch Tablet – it is quite a bit cheaper than an ipad (not far off £150) and many people may

prefer it. Made by Samsung the specification and speed is considered to be very good by the review companies. The Nexus is only available from Google directly on their website, (£404). A good alternative is Samsung’s own range of tablets as they are very similar to the Pixel C and you can find them for under £200

Purchasing a LaptopNow this is really difficult with all the issues around Windows 10 as discussed earlier. Either I can purchase one for you, (the sensible option if you want W8.1), as part of a complete set-up service. If you do want Windows 10 - currently the best high street supplier is John Lewis. If you do not go for a standard size – beware that smaller, travel type laptops are made differently. This means that if (and when) they go wrong it maybe impossible to get your data recovered and often very expensive or too costly to fix.

On a new laptop - to gain much improved performance, I can remove all the unwanted software that comes already installed on la new laptop, tune it significantly, swap over your old pics, docs, music etc, and add free antivirus (much better than the one it will come with that you have to pay extra for). Such a laptop will give at least a twice the performance taking it to, at least, the speed of a very high specification machine costing twice as much.

Major issues involved with purchasing laptops now include finding one that has an accessible hard drive and a removable battery. Both are essential if and when they go wrong. Without an accessible hard drive you cannot even dispose of the device without compromising your data and personal information such as banking and documents holding personal information. Even if you wipe the hard drive first criminals can still access your data. Just asking the retailer if the hard drive is accessible is unlikely to give you the right answer, you need to look at it and even then it can be difficult to ascertain.

Recommended are HP, Toshiba in standard form, Acers are now improved over earlier models. Often, it is the first or second in the price range that provides the best price/performance – pay any more and you often just get more to go wrong and not a lot better performance.

Stay away from the following manufacturers (as they create very complex, difficult, unreliable and expensive systems to mend): Lenovo, Sony, Advent Fujitsu, Philips, Asus, other minor brands. I would not recommend purchasing from the internet as there is often little or no support – it may seem cheaper, but in the longer run it is likely to cost more over the life of the product.

ChromebooksThese are fine, but do little more than tablets as they do not use standard software and are difficult to interface with other devices especially printers. They use the Android operating system. If your overwhelming use is online (web and email) and you have no need to print, these are worth considering.

Purchasing a DesktopAgain this is troubled by the Windows 10 introduction. I offer straightforward very cost-effective PC units (Windows 7 or W8.1) that are fully set-up, on-site including your files and documents, pictures swapped from you old system. With my onsite warranty these provide a very good solution (even if I say so myself!).

Apple vs WindowsFunnily enough, while Tablets and ipads have taken off for general ‘surfing’ the very high cost (at least twice the cost or more) and non-compatibility of the Apple Mac’s over Laptops or PC’s are enough to keep people using Microsoft. Windows7 and 8.1 has many of the usability features of the Mac and this reduces the reason to purchase a much more expensive Apple machine. Also bear in mind that to service or repair an Apple machine is also much more expensive.

Smart PhonesThere are now some very able devices the same size as a small tablet. A smart ultra 7 (Vodafone) is £115. This is equivalent to iphone smart 6 plus which is about £800. Made by companies such as ZTE you can purchase this iphone lookalike from standard retailers. The larger size makes it much easier to use for many, especially older people, and it has an effective screen size for searching the internet and sites such as news, BBC, Google Maps etc.

NetbooksI cannot recommend these any longer. They are older technology and often too slow. A better option would be a small laptop.

All–In–One Systems (screen and processing all in a large screen unit)These look great, but they are a nightmare! Sony are the worst they are all made from very complex laptop type parts – there is poor support from many website, the parts are horrendously expensive and the units are not particularly quick. On many systems the Hard Drive is inaccessible and requires much work to get you data back when you have a problem. If you must have something like this then why not go for a standard Toshiba laptop – and just add a separate large screen, mouse and keyboard – tuck the laptop under or behind the screen - bingo!

Purchasing Office softwareThe latest versions of Microsoft Office have a hidden sting in their tail. If you want a standard office software system (word processing, spreadsheet, powerpoint), then the older versions may be better for you (versions 2003, 2007, 2010).

The reason for this is that if you purchase version 365, you pay EVERY year as it is rented to you. If you purchase the other version from 2013 on, then you will not get the software – ONLY licence to download it. If you have a slow internet, then it may not be possible to install it. I spent four hours on a fast internet trying to install this software on two different machines and failed!

Also, be warned – these licenses work through a ‘Microsoft Account’ if you forget your account details or password – forget it – you will not be able to get the software ever again! (Even though you ‘own’ it.)

So your other options are:- Buy a legal version of the earlier software and make sure that it is supplied

with the CD’s and licence number You shall then be able to use this on future systems without any hassle or additional costs.

Use ‘Open Office’, this is a very good and effective full set of office programs that are completely free. It is compatible with MS office and has most of the standard functionality. (I provide this on all the systems I build).

OTHER ISSUES

Solving Wireless Issues

A tricky area. Many wireless products do not do what they say they will. To get good coverage across many buildings requires specialist help and the right equipment. I have tested and developed several different ways of solving most of these issues using specific equipment. The only way to ensure a good solution is to test on-site. This is because there are many local variables (including your wiring, structural issues, interference from your neighbour’s use of wireless and the other devices you utilise). Normally I can find a good solution even if that means using a range of different methods and using them together.

Insurance Claims?

Many people are covered for breakages, and accidents in the home (eg coffee spills over laptops). I can do a full test & an accident report that has proved reliable as evidence for your insurer, this usually takes about an hour to hour and a half. I can also recover your data / docs / pics at the same time from a non-working laptop.

Easier Viewing – if you have trouble reading the screen

Many people have difficulty seeing smaller print on computer screens. There are some ways to help but these are specific to different types of system. Some general comments to help:

When using the Internet - hold down the ‘ctrl’ key while scrolling the centre mouse button to enlarge (or reduce) the size of the web page.

This also works in many other programs (like word) The contrast of the icons and desktop can be changed The view of the mouse pointer and size can be changed If you purchase a large screen – it needs to be the ‘right’ resolution to give

clear type but also easy to read. If you are buying a new screen – ring me for help as it is very difficult to get a

screen that provides the correct resolution to fit your PC and provides easy viewing.

Which Printer?

The best printers currently are Canon. Stay away from old Kodak and Lexmark especially. Kodak printers put so much additional software on your system that it may run about half speed! Most Canon (Pixma range) are all-in-one devices that means scanning and copying also.

Many people want to use ‘wireless’ to connect to a printer (from say a laptop) or share a printer across different machines. Make sure you purchase a printer that has a small screen to adjust the settings – otherwise it is a nightmare to set up.

For small offices, the best way of connecting a printer is to purchase a ‘network’ printer (this is different from a wireless printer, although some may also have a wireless connection also). Network printers have separate connector that links directly into your standard ‘router’ (the box that connects to your phone line for broadband). This means that the printer can ‘be shared’ from all devices that connect to your internet.This is a better way to connect rather than attempting to use a wireless printer – as these often stop connecting suddenly for seemingly no reason, although more recently newer printers have improved in this respect.

Be aware that printers can cause major issues unless they are setup correctly. Best to download a new driver from the manufacturer’s website so that you can load only the driver without the complications of additional software and associates problems they cause.

Also be aware that iphones, tablets and ipads do need special printers to enable printing. It is not straight-forward. Often simpler to email the document or screen shot to yourself then use a laptop or PC to print it.

TV / Radio / HD – Insight

This has now become a complex subject! It is quite difficult to find any good advice. I can help with this. There are some key points to understand:

There is a new type of ‘box’ that provides both HD and allows you to easily record programmes to watch later – you don’t need to have or pay for a SKY system! (see the Humax range).

The benefits of these recording boxes are; watch exactly what you want at any time, watch all episodes of a multi-part series immediately, keep special films and HD recordings.

If you connect the system to your broadband you are able to get iPlayer, netflix etc on your TV. The Humax box allows easy viewing of past programs you can watch.

You can now also play and record the RADIO! You can copy films or programmes to memory stick to run on a laptop when

you go away. Many programmes are now in HD so you need an HD system (and not just

an HD screen) Some areas require satellite systems if you cannot get a Freeview, (but you

do not need Sky!) You can integrate many different systems for music, films, radio, recording –

it can be difficult to know which is the best way to do this. You may use your laptop connected to your TV screen to provide access to

special streaming services. (using HDMI cable).

Thanks for reading, don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Kind Regards

John Phillips

07831 373 871

www.itran.co.uk

Business site: www.pcomp.co.uk