Graham Roberts Home Computer Services

Reputable & reliable computer repairs and servicing for Barlborough, Clowne, Bolsover & surrounding villages.

Newsletter summer 2004.

An Overview of the Computer Year to Date

NEW COMPUTERS and HARDWARE

Another a plus point right now is that the prices of new computers are at an all time low in real terms. This is because at the moment, the main processor manufactures (Intel and AMD) seem to have come to a temporary development standstill due to various problems like cooling etc. This has meant that for the past 18 months or so, the top of the range processor has been around 3gig and the days of PC’s being out of date within a couple of months has temporarily stalled to our benefit. Other hardware (like hard drives, CD ROMs, sound and video cards have also come down in price because manufactures are waiting for the next step up in technology before releasing new products.

If you want to have a look at what’s available currently, you can go to Dell Computers and PC World online via my website www.sittas.com by clicking on the respective icon. This should give you a rough idea of what is currently available for your money and you can even buy online at a discount if you so wish.

Once the new processors become available, the prices will start to rise again and some of the products now obtainable at bargain prices will (miraculously) stop being offered. I think we all know the reasons why.

 SOFTWARE

Just like hardware, some software prices have dropped as developers await the new technology so there are good deals to be had out there compared to previous years. The main exception is unfortunately virus and internet security programs, which have in some cases risen by as much as 25% on last year probably due to supply and demand brought about by customers converting to Broadband.

BROADBAND

The positives of broadband by far outweigh the negatives (increased virus risk) in my opinion. The service does not lock up the telephone line when on the internet and the connection is normally instantaneous. Even at slower speeds (see below), the user will notice improvements on surfing speeds compared to dial up connections. Gone are the days when it takes an eternity to open your favourite website or download an update. As stated below, a good antivirus and firewall program should reduce any risk factors.

Many of my small business and home computer users in our region have now converted to broadband following its availability last October. Prices are indeed falling in this competitive market.  Providers are even introducing free installations and modems and starter packages, (not full speed but still far quicker then dial up) at more or less what customers were paying for the old “pay monthly” dial up services.

The most wildly used Broadband suppliers amongst my local customers are BT- Yahoo, Pipex, Wanadoo, Virgin.net, Supanet and Tiscali but there are others if you wish to shop around. You can look at BT-Yahoo’s deals to give you a general overview on my website www.sittas.com.

VIRUSES

The first half of 2004 has brought up a tirade of viruses including MyDoom, Netsky and Sasser, (which at one period almost brought the internet to a standstill), and spy-ware plus spam e-mail has also continued to grow enormously.

The good news is that at last, most Internet Service Providers are getting round to the fact that they have a responsibility to their customers and are now providing them with some protection within their own services. What I will say though is please do not consider your ISP’s security as complete protection and let you own Anti Virus/ Firewall software lapse.

Please remember, Viruses and Trojans can “hijack” lengthy downloads like music, pictures and programs despite online protection and can also get onto your computer via floppy discs and CD’s. If the Sasser Worm for example, can take down the entire UK Coastguard computer network, what chance our home PC’s if infected?

The damage will usually be already done if the PC’s own protection is out of date of not installed and in certain cases this year, some of my customers have lost all their files and the computer has needed total rebuilding.

It is essential in my opinion, for individuals to take responsibility for their own PC’s security by keeping their programs current and up to date and if you have recently discovered broadband, good antivirus and firewall protection is vital. You are also more at risk from viruses, hackers and non physical threats like power surges and lightening if the computer is left on line for long periods of time unmonitored whilst downloading etc. The latest trend is to download large music and files overnight, but even if your computer automatically picks up on a threat, it may still need your actions to clear it. Also; not all power surges come through the mains socket (on which you may have installed anti surge protection). Your telephone line may pick up on nearby lightening storms and a small current surge through the modem can cause serious damage to your computer’s hardware as many users have found out.

Important Information on Purchasing New Software and Hardware

Several customers have purchased software programs and hardware only to find out that their computer is not powerful enough or has the right specifications to run them. With software in particular, it is very difficult to get a refund due to the piracy problem therefore please be aware what your current PC’s specification is before upgrading or buying new products. All new products have a minimum spec that they require to work correctly and this will be displayed on the packaging or on the advertising media. It will state what operating system is required (Windows XP, 2000, Me 98 etc.) minimum RAM, Processor size and hard drive space etc. Please check your own PC’s specification (probably on your purchase documents) to make sure that it comes up to minimum spec to avoid disappointment.

·        Software definition: A computer program usually  installed from a disc, that provides the instructions to enable the computer and its hardware to work and perform tasks),

·        Hardware definition: the physical components inside or attached to a computer like mouse keyboard or video/sound card)

Back to Archives