DialUp was not cheap back then either. I shocked Mum and Dad at least once with a bill that exceeded $100 in a single month.

As I write this in 2010 DialUp has become extremely inadequate for most people and consequently they are deciding to switch to Broadband. Unfortunately it still isn’t an affordable option for many. Given enough time though the prices will continue to come down and everyone will have Broadband.

In many other developed nations aside from ours there are Internet connection speeds that dramatically outperform what we have here in New Zealand. And at the same time these connections are often very affordable in relative comparison with New Zealand.

Due to the standard nature of Broadband in many overseas countries, everything that is made for the Internet now such as Skype, Facebook, Google Earth is all designed with the assumption that everybody has a fast connection.

If you are still on DialUp you just have to be patient or worse still not use these tools at all. Much of what we do today requires an Internet connection unlike a decade ago when we were less dependant on an Internet connection to make the most of our computers.

As a mobile computer technician I often meet families who are having problems like emails and updates not coming through properly. The simple solution to problems such as these is upgrading to Broadband.

As you can tell I am convinced about the advantages of Broadband. At the same time I can empathise with those who feel it is too much to pay given how much they would potentially be using it. DialUp is a cheap option if you just want to check the occasional email and look up a subject on Google.

However if you want to watch YouTube, check out TradeMe auctions, play around with Google Earth, talk to your friends and family on Skype just to name a few different things you will need to get Broadband as it will be much faster and your phoneline won’t be engaged all of the time.

If you have decided that you want to get a Broadband connection or you already have it installed there are a few things that you should know which will give you the greatest performance possible.

In part two of this series on Broadband and DialUp I will be going into more specific details about what you should look for and how to choose the right broadband package for you and your family.

This article aims to educate you on the basics of a good backup system and to motivate you to get a good system in place immediately.

According to a study done by DTI/PriceWaterhouseCoopers in 2004, 7 out of 10 businesses will cease trading within a year due to a major data loss.

Do you know what the failure rate is for any harddrive, memory stick or CD that stores your valuable data? The answer is 100%. All forms of storage will eventually fail. Some just fail faster than others.

Harddrives are the most common storage device that hold your data. Unfortunately they tend to be one of the first components of a computer system to fail. Harddrives have small moving parts which are prone to physical degradation.

If you are in business it is very important to back up your book keeping records, your emails, your client files and any work you have done. If it is a home computer you must backup the files that are irreplacable and sentimental. Your photos are a good example.

An effective backup system has three main requirements. It must be automatic, regular and copies to more than one location each time.

Being automatic is very important as we are all very busy. Backups aren’t important until you need them. So naturally they will get neglected until it is too late. That is unless it has been running automatically.

If you are running a business I suggest you do a daily backup. If it is a home computer you could decide to schedule it for once per week if you feel that is sufficient. It depends entirely on how you use your computer and how much data you are creating.

For businesses I recommend investing in quality external harddrives which you can backup everything to once per day. It is wise to have at least two of these and rotate them each day so that you take one home with you at night while the other stays at the office. This minimises risk of data loss through theft or fire.

Another form of backup that is gaining popularity is offsite backups via the Internet. There are various services around that can facilitate this – and I encourage people to give this option serious consideration too.

If you want to back up your home computer I recommend a good external harddrive in combination with some high quality DVD discs to store your family photos and important files.

The cost of harddrives has dramatically decreased in the past decade. For $150 you can pick up a decent harddrive and still have some change left over.

Investing in a good backup system is risk-management. It is no different to having an insurance policy. So if you know your backup system is lacking – get it sorted right now!

This week I am going to discuss the most common ways to speed up your computer.

A lack of memory is a common reason for a slow computer. Many people think there is only one kind of memory in a computer but there are actually two main types: Your RAM and your harddrive.

Harddrives are the permanent storage that contain things like your photos, emails and word documents. People often ask me whether all their photos, emails and documents are causing the computer to be slow. This isn’t usually the case so there is no need to start deleting files unless your harddrive is over 95% full.

RAM – short for ‘Random Access Memory’ is where your programs are held while they are running on your screen. Your slow computer usually has something to do with your RAM. So increasing the amount of RAM in your computer may very well speed things up. If you don’t have enough RAM and you try to load too many things at once – you will notice your computer getting awfully slow.

Another common speed problem is not actually your computer but your Internet connection speed. Much of what we do now is Internet based. The problem is that many websites assume we have super-fast connection speeds.

If you are still using dialup I would strongly recommend you give broadband a try. It is more expensive but allows you to do so much more with your computer. Most websites today assume you have broadband. If you are on dialup there is nothing much you can do, you just have to be patient. And if you are on broadband but still finding things a bit slow – give your internet provider a ring and make sure you have the full speed option.

In some cases there is a particular application or game that is slowing things down. It could also be a virus that has slipped past your defences and is hiding in the background. In either case I recommend you call somebody such as myself to come out and give it a diagnosis.

Many of the programs you have installed will automatically set themselves to load up when you turn your computer on. This will also slow your computer down significantly so you should turn off as many startup items as possible.

It is well worth spending some time and money getting your computer system tuned up. Many people comment on the dramatic difference a good tuneup can make. And in many cases people realise they don’t have to buy a brand new computer after all.

You might be feeling a little bit overwhelmed. Not only do you have to decipher all the technical jargon, but you also have to shop around to get a good price and deal with salespeople who often complicate things further.

Here are a few tips to make your job easier.

Tip #1: Know the Accessories

When you buy a new computer you will need extra stuff. This will include Antivirus software and an office suite to do word processing and spreadsheets.

Get an extended warranty too if you can get a discount off the normal price. Otherwise you only have a 12 month warranty on most brands. Surge protection is also a very good idea to prevent your new computer from being fried by a power spike.

Tip #2: Windows or Mac?

I am commonly asked whether people should buy a Mac or a PC.

I am a huge fan of the Mac computer. They are beautifully designed. They are less prone to common virus problems that plague the PC. If you are willing to invest some time learning how to use a Mac then it is a good option.

On the other hand PCs have their advantages too. All of the latest games will run primarily on a PC. You will have a wider choice of software programs. And so far, Windows7 has shown some very positive signs and seems to be a very nice well rounded Operating System to use.

Tip #3: Laptop or Desktop?

Both laptops and desktops have their advantages.

Laptops are portable so work well if you travel frequently. They are also very compact and don’t take up much room. You will typically pay more due to the compactness feature.

Desktops are generally a good option if you intend to have it sitting in one place most of the time. You will normally get a larger screen size. There is also more room inside the box for future upgrades. Having said that – many desktop boxes are getting smaller now.

Tip #4: How to Survive all the Jargon

Today’s computers are immensely powerful. Many of us will never use the full capabilities of them. If you want a computer to do email, surf the internet, talk to friends and family on Skype or view a few photos from your digital camera – then the technical specifications are mostly uninmportant. Even the most basic entry level computer will perform these tasks with relative ease.

Just bear in mind that the more powerful a computer is – the better it will be able to handle whatever is created for it in the future.

Tip #5: Get Broadband

If you buy a new computer – do yourself a huge favour and invest in broadband too. Not only are the prices coming down – but broadband just allows you to do so much more with your new computer.

It is true that most of us don’t use anywhere near the full capabilities of our computer systems. This is partly due to not actually knowing what is possible. However there is also some fear and apprehension about making a mistake.

Simple Tip #1: Choose a Good Security Program

Computer viruses and security threats are constantly changing. A new threat will emerge that some security can take care of well, while another one struggles. So my recommendations change over time.

In regards to free security programs my opinion is that in most cases you are still leaving yourself vulnerable to risk. If you read the disclaimer before you download – there is a lot that they exclude and those extra features are only available if you upgrade to the premium paid versions.

Be wary also of some Appliance store recommendations. Sometimes there will be a cash incentive for the sales people to offer a particular brand – regardless of whether it is actually any good for you or not.

When all is said and done – you do need a good security program on your computer. As of April 2010 I currently recommend the Norton range of security products. They currently offer a good balance between high protection, ease of use and not slowing down your computer (which had been a problem in the past).

Simple Tip #2: Keep Important Software Up to Date

As mentioned above, computers and technology are constantly changing. Because of this it is very important to keep your computer systems up to date. An update tells your computer that it needs to change the way it operates so to avoid known bugs and security threats.

You must update your security. Your Windows Updates are also of high importance and any third party software that you might have such as Flash Player, Adobe Reader, Java as well.

Make a habit of at least once a week going through and running all available updates. Some computer experts might point out that running updates can often cause unexpected complications. There is some truth in this argument however you still have better odds by updating.

Simple Tip #3: Excercise caution and common sense.

Unfortunately there is no clear line between what is safe and what isn’t. Even the most innocent looking game or email attachment can potentially harbour a virus that will wreak havoc on your computer.

So do exercise some caution and if in doubt, don’t do it.

A few common causes of security problems include downloading copyrighted movies and music off file sharing websites, people visiting adults-only websites, and downloading free games for their kids. Be wary of any email attachments also and only open them if you know the sender.

I am often asked what the best anti-virus is. I always start my answer by pointing out that no anti-virus is completely fool-proof. Unfortunately viruses are being created every hour of every day. The problem is huge and it is a moving target.

It is the responsibility of the anti-virus companies to constantly research and keep up with the latest threats. That is why you pay a yearly subscription for anti-virus. Your computer will be told about the latest threats so that it is better prepared if your computer does come in contact with a virus.

But here is something that most people don’t realise: Having anti-virus is only one part of the equation for safe computing. There are two other important points to bear in mind. The first is being proactive with running various updates that request action. The second is being aware of the common ways in which viruses can sneak in.

Updates are one of the most basic but neglected methods to making a computer more secure. In particular I am referring to Windows updates. Regardless of whether you have Windows XP, Vista or 7 you should ensure that your updates are current. What updates do (among other things) is fix known security breaches in your system. Once again it is a constant and never ending task but it will make you more secure. Be sure to action your Windows updates whenever they request permission. Also Adobe and Java updates are good to do and don’t forget your anti-virus updates too of course.

Finally you should know about how viruses most commonly breach your computer security. The first common cause is receiving those forwarded emails from your friends. The email itself isn’t the problem though. It is the attachments that sometimes come with them. You need to be aware that sometimes these attachments contain viruses as well, so be sure to scan with your anti-virus before opening them. Another common cause of infection is when the kids download free music and movies from file sharing sites. Viruses can disguise themselves as music. Once you have opened the infected file things can go downhill very fast. And finally for all you boyfriends and husbands out there, I hate to say it but visiting those adult entertainment sites can be a very common cause of viruses so be sure to ‘look but not download’ ANYTHING off these sites.

I realise this all may sound rather terrifying and may put you off computing altogether. That isn’t my intention. If you follow the guidelines above you will be ninety five percent safer than the rest of the population. So enjoy your computer. The technology we have in our hands today is incredible and should be enjoyed by everybody.

In this article I will explain some of the key differences between the various types of computers. It is my hope that after you have read this you will feel more confident in your decision – whichever way you decide to go.

So should you buy a laptop, notebook, netbook or tablet? To help choose between your options take a moment to consider how the computer will be used. All except for the desktop option are designed for portability. So if you think you will be travelling with your computer or even just moving it around the house a lot, avoid a desktop.

If however you think the computer will stay in one place most of the time then a desktop system can be a good option. Generally you will get a better price for a desktop because you are not paying for the portability feature.

A desktop computer is also a popular option if you are into gaming or multimedia production such as photo or video editing. A desktop computer allows for large screen sizes and even multiple screens if that is what is required.

A notebook (which used to be known as a laptop) has an almost full sized keyboard and a large screen which averages 15 to 17 inches. Many business people and students still prefer a notebook because they can type out emails and documents easily and on the go.

A netbook is the smaller version of the notebook. I have found that netbooks are very popular with people when they travel overseas and just want something very compact and portable to read their emails on or download photos to. A limitation of the netbook is that the keyboard is much smaller which will frustrate you if you are a touch typer. If you are a slower typist using the ‘one key every few seconds’ approach like my Dad (bless him!) then this may not bother you so much.

A tablet is a device which is becoming increasingly popular particularly in the home. A tablet has no keyboard and is touch-based meaning there is an onscreen keyboard. The Apple iPad is a good example of a tablet computer. Tablets are great for people who want to just pick up a computer and quickly check an email or look up a website. They are a great coffee table computer because of their ease of use and fast access. However tablet computers are not practical to type long documents or emails on due to the onscreen keyboard.

Those are the main differences between the common computer types. I hope this has provided you with some confidence if you are in the market for a new machine.

Constant movement of a computer system can decrease the lifespan. Many computers still have small moving parts inside them. If a computer gets knocked or bumped while it is switched on it can cause serious damage to these small parts and the machine. Even ocassional bumps can cause a residual effect that will become apparent in the future. So try to keep your computer safe from any movement. This is why laptops often don’t last as long as desktops. They get moved around more frequently and are more prone to bumps. If you do have to move your computer, move it carefully especially if it is switched on.

Another common reason why a computer can have a premature death is excess heat. Computer systems can get very hot. This heat is generated by various internal circuitry and components. And it is for this reason that there are numerous fans running constantly which are trying to keep the temperature as low as possible. If there is excessive heat over an extended period of time it can wear the components down which will eventually cause a hardware failure.

You can help minimise the heat by ensuring that your computer has plenty of airflow around the case. If you want to sit a notebook on your lap don’t do it for too long. Many manufacturers don’t use the term ‘laptop’ anymore because they don’t want to encourage placing it on your lap. People have been burnt due to excess heat and the computer can be damaged too, hence why they now call laptops ‘notebooks’.

Also ensure that there isn’t too much dust built up inside and around the case. If there is it can trap the heat and stop it from escaping out through the vents. Refrain from opening up the case and vacuuming the inside though as this can cause irreversible damage. If the dust does seem bad call a computer technician such as myself and we can remove it safely for you.

Manufacturing quality is crucial to a long lasting computer. The saying ‘you get what you pay for’ still stands true with technology as with many other products. In our western society we tend to demand cheaper and faster and that is exactly what manufacturers provide. They don’t necessarily guarantee that a computer is going to last ten years though. So when you are shopping for a macine don’t use the price as your main deciding factor.

A computer system that is well looked after should last five to seven years. That is assuming that the above points are taken into account and there are no inherent manufacturing flaws.

As the best place in Hamilton to get your computer repaired, I feel honored that so many people have chosen Backspace over all the other options.

I feel like the snowball is rolling down the hill faster and faster, gaining momentum and increasing in size. It is for this reason that I am currently interviewing for my first team member to go out on the road and help people with their computers.

You can be assured that whoever I ultimately choose will share my desire for giving great customer service. I simply won’t hire if I don’t find the right person, but judging by some of the applicants that have come in I think I will find somebody great to compliment Backspace and help it grow.

So to you my customers and friends – thanks for all the support so far.. here’s to the next 18 months and beyond! Thanks for using local business, and Backspace Computer Support!

Hi my name is Sean and I am the director a mobile computer repair outfit based in Hamilton called Backspace.

My service is completely mobile so I can come to you at your home or office and fix any annoying or frustrating computer problems you might be having.

If you would like somebody friendly, approachable and that speaks in plain english then I am your best option!

If you are at your wits end with a computer problem and don’t want to spend hours on a help line getting nowhere with someone that you can barely understand, then save yourself an incredible amount of time and frustration by giving one of my team a call right now on 0800 420 008.

My friendly helpful team will organise a suitable time with you, and that I will be able to come and see you at your place.

So if you are needing Hamilton Computer Repairs call us right now on 0800 420 008 or email me sean@backspaceonline.co.nz