Category Archives: Home IT

Refer a friend

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We are very proud to be celebrating 10 successful years in business and we fully recognise just how important our loyal customers have been in helping us to achieve this. In line with our other customer rewards, we would like to take this opportunity to give our customers a little ‘thank you’ in return for their continued support.

If you like the service which you receive from Dove Computers, we would be really grateful if you would tell your friends about it.

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Thanks to our Refer a Friend Programme you could save £10 off your next visit, every time you recommend a friend and they use our services too. Whenever someone you recommend becomes a customer, we’ll take £10 off your next bill, as well as offering them the same great offer. And the best news is, there’s no limit to how many people you can refer!

To fill out a form, please click here http://dovecomputers.com/refer-a-friend

Top 10 computer security tips

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Top 10 computer security tips

Top 10 Computer Security Tips

Secure your computer today.

1.Use “anti-virus software” and keep it up to date.
2.Don’t open e-mails or attachments from unknown sources. Be suspicious of any unexpected e-mail attachments even if it appears to be from someone you know.
3.Protect your computer from Internet intruders – use “firewalls.”
4.Regularly download security updates and “patches” for operating systems and other software.
5.Use hard-to-guess passwords. Mix upper case, lower case, numbers, or other characters not easy to find in a dictionary, and make sure they are at least eight characters long.
6.Back-up your computer data on disks or CDs regularly.
7.Don’t share access to your computers with strangers. Learn about file sharing risks.
8.Disconnect from the Internet when not in use.
9.Check your security on a regular basis. When you change your clocks for daylight-savings time, reevaluate your computer security.
10.Make sure your family members and/or your employees know what to do if your computer becomes infected.

Contact us for more information on securing your IT network today. Call us on 01335 81 80 81.

Student savings on Microsoft University

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Student savings on Microsoft University from Dove Computer Solutions Ltd
microsoft university
The new Microsoft Office University package is intended for those in higher education, combining Microsoft’s top tools to help you create, edit and share your best work. Starting/going back to uni this September? Check our Back To Uni Essential Tech Kit and more exclusive student offers.

Project professionalism

Create expert assignments, presentations and group projects with the easy-to-use design tools, templates and photo editing features. Transform any presentation from simple to stylish with easy editing tools, text effects, and dramatic slide transitions.

Powerful tools in the Office University 2010 package include Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook, Publisher and Access.
The Mac version, Office University 2011 package include Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.

Virtual access

Store files and documents online using advanced security features so you never lose them. Share your access or simply view and edit your documents from home, university, or any PC that’s connected to the Internet with SkyDrive.

Microsoft Office University helps make your assignments stand out from the crowd incorporating a selection of powerful tools you would never want to be without.

Restrictions: This product is restricted to sale to university students and university faculties only. Proof of eligibility is required online before purchase.

General
Version
2010 (Windows) 2011 (Mac)
Media
Boxed software with media
Licence
1 user, 2 PCs
Language(s)
English

Microsoft Surface Tablet due for launch on 26th October

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The new Microsoft Surface tablet has been announced for release on 26th October, the same release date of Windows 8, confirms Microsoft.

microsoft surface tablet windows 8

Microsoft Surface Tablet – Click for more info

“The next version of our operating system, Windows 8, will be generally available on October 26, 2012. At that time, we will begin selling the Surface, a series of Microsoft-designed and manufactured hardware devices,” Microsoft said in its annual report filed this week with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

The Surface products will be on the market in two forms. The first is likely to be a price-friendly version running Windows RT on top of ARM chips. The other is expected to hold a slightly higher price tag and run Windows 8 Pro on top of Intel “Ivy Bridge” processors.

And Microsoft reassures us that their pricing will be reasonable on both models:

“Suggested retail pricing will be announced closer to availability and is expected to be competitive with a comparable ARM tablet or Intel Ultrabook-class PC,” Microsoft said.

Google already sold out of their new Nexus 7 16GB tablet

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The highly anticipated new budget tablet, the Asus Google Nexus 7 w2as finally released on the rumoured release date of 19th of July, and since then has been flying off the ‘shelves’ of the Play Store. The £199.99 16GB model of the first Android 4.1 Jellybean based tablet has already sold out, and the 8GB version is not far behind at the steal price of just  £159.99.

google nexus 7

Google Nexus 7 16GB already sold out

Tesco Direct has also sold out of the new tablet, as most customers have been using Clubcard points and discount codes. If you want to get your hands on the 16GB tablet, you can still try Currys, PC World, Ebuyer and HMV, but hurry as stocks won’t last long. However, avoid eBay as people are now trying to sell on the tablet at a much higher than RRP price due to the low stock and high demand.

Dove’s Back To Uni Essential Tech Kit

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Whether you are just starting or going back to university this September, it is important to be prepared, from essential reading to IT equipment. As many universities expect people to have computer technology and internet these days, they will often set tasks that involve using home IT equipment, so it is essential to be prepared for this. Dove has put together a guide to making sure you are prepared for the back-to-uni rush this September.

back to school back to college back to university

The Essentials Checklist

  • Laptop or PC – Beat the mad dash for the use of the slow and clunky old university library computers by being prepared and having your own PC or laptop in your student accommodation. You can use it anytime, and it makes completing assignments a doddle.
  • All-In-One Printer – Printing off at in the university library can be a stressful experience, especially close to deadline dates. But having your own all in one printer back at your accomodation would allow you to leisurely print, scan and photocopy anytime you need to.
  • Microsoft Office University Suite – To be able to complete assignments on your PC or laptop, you will need a Microsoft Office Suite, allowing you to create Word documents, PowerPoint presentations, and more. Dove are currently running a student offer on the software, for more details click here.
  •  Internet Security – The internet is one of the greatest technological advances, but unfortunately it allows hackers and virus threats to freely enter your computer and cause no end of issues. Protect against this with  Kaspersky Internet Security 2012 3PC 1 year subscription, which offer pop up and virus protection so you can enjoy a worry-free browsing experience.
  • Back-up – Backing up your hard work is essential if you plan to use your PC or laptop for assignments and long running projects. All manner of things can easily go wrong with technology, for example if you simply spills a drink on the keyboard or accidently drop the laptop. These things happen, and although you can repair or replace broken technology, you can’t get back the data that was saved on there. We recommend an offsite back up program such as Mozy, which is ideal for home use, and Dove can install and set up the software for you, no hassle needed.
  • Tablet/iPad – A tablet is not an essential, but more people are investing in this unique and useful tool. With a multitude of apps and games available for you to enjoy, it is a great extra to consider when building your back-to-uni kit.

Dove Computer Solutions are offering an exclusive 6 months remote support on every laptop purchased between 16th July and 31 August, to help make the back-to-uni time as stress free as possible for you! 

Dove’s Guide to the Back-To-School IT Essentials

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Whether your kids are just starting or going back to school it is important to be prepared, from uniform and PE kits, to essential reading and IT equipment. As many schools expect people to have computer technology and internet these days, they will often set tasks that involve using home IT equipment, so it is essential to be prepared for this. Dove has put together a guide to making sure you are prepared for the back-to-school rush of September 2012.

The Essentials Checklist

  • Laptop or PC – This can be one of the most valuable homework and education tools available. You can utilise it for sourcing information for products, simply looking up unknown words and phrases, or even play some of the many educational PC games for children.
  • Printer – A printer is a useful tool for printing off information, and allows children to utilise the computer or laptop to get more daring and creative with their homework, and then allows them to print it off to take into school and show off.
  • Microsoft Office Home and Student Suite – For your children to be able to use the PC or laptop for their homework tasks, a Microsoft Office suite with programs such as Word, PowerPoint, Publisher and more is a must-have.
  • Internet Security – Your children obviously going to want to utilise the internet when gathering information for homework projects, and you don’t want to have the risk of them going on the wrong site, or pop ups and viruses becoming an issue when your child is working on the computer. We advise a home edition internet security package such as Kaspersky Internet Security 2012 3PC 1 year subscription, which allows you to set parental controls, and providers pop up and virus protection so you and your children can enjoy a worry-free browsing experience.
  • Back-up – Backing up your child’s hard work is essential if you plan to use your PC or laptop for homework and long running projects. All manner of things can easily go wrong with technology, for example if your child spills their drink on the keyboard or accidently drops the laptop. These things happen, and although you can repair or replace broken technology, you can’t get back the data that was saved on there. We recommend an offsite back up program such as Mozy, which is ideal for home use, and Dove can install and set up the software for you, no hassle needed.
  • Tablet/iPad – A tablet is not an essential, but more people are investing in this unique and fun educational tool. With a multitude of apps and games available for kids to enjoy, it is a great extra to consider when building your back to school kit.

Dove Computer Solutions are offering an exclusive 6 months remote support on every laptop purchased between 16th July and 31 August, to help make the back to school time as stress free as possible for you!

Google Nexus 7: Google reduce shipping period to fit tipped release date

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With the tipped release date for the Google Nexus 7 tablet standing at July 19th, Google has now reduced the expected shipping times on its recently unveiled 7-inch tablet, providing even more fuel for the release date rumours.

Google Nexus 7 Android 4.1 Jelly Bean

Google Nexus 7

The new tablet, which features the brand new Android 4.1 Jelly Bean software, was previously displayed on the Google Play Store with a 2-3 week shipping time, but Google has now changed the expected shipping period to 1-2 weeks, which fits with the rumoured 19th July release date.

Google Nexus 7 Features

Tipped as a front runner in the battle against the seemingly undefeatable Apple iPad tablet, the Google Nexus 7 is set to entice a new range of consumers to the tablet market with a Android 4.1 Jelly Bean software, and access to the praised new Google Play Store.

It also boasts a Tegra 3 quad-core processor lining up alongside 1GB of RAM and a 1280 x 800p HD display to form a hugely impressive device. The 1.2 megapixel front facing camera, WiFi connectivity and attractive design only add to its popularity.

One of the most praised aspects is the price tag, which stands at just £159.99 for the 8GB model, and £199.99 for the 16GB model, offering much more for your money than its price competitor, the Amazon Kindle Fire. It is also offering a comparable amount of worthwhile features to the much higher priced market leader, the Apple iPad.

Home and Business Buyer’s Guide to Tablets

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Tablet computers are the latest computing innovation, with some people opting for a tablet to replace their laptop of PC, while others are purchasing as a handy extra. Whatever your wants and needs are regarding tablets, picking the right one for you in regards to your budget, what you intend to use it for, etc is essential. So here is Dove’s buyer’s guide to tablets for home and business users alike.

apple ipad

The Apple iPad

Choosing your operating system

Tablets are available on a variety of operating systems, each one offering individual pros and cons. The most well known and popular at the moment is the iOS operating system, Apple’s operating system designed for the iPad and iPhone. You will find that although the Apple iPad tablet may not be cheapest choice, it has been rated the best tablet on the market by many technology reviewers, and seems to be the number one choice for most business and home users.

tablet pc

Fujitsu Lifebook Tablet

But that isn’t to say that Android, the Google backed operating system isn’t just as good, with recent rocketing sales showing it creeping up the popularity charts, and looking like knocking Apple off the top spot. The Android operating system has equal benefits to Apple’s iOS, and can be found on a variety of manufacturer’s tablets including Samsung and Acer. This means it is easier to find Android for a cheaper price than that of the iPad.

hp tablet

HP Palm Touchpad Tablet

Then there is also Blackberry, HP, and Windows 8 all bringing out their own operating systems for tablets, which at the moment have not been rated well, but are constantly being updated, so keep an eye out for the latest updated versions if you want a tablet for a lower end budget.

Display Size Matters

Screen size is extremely important when you consider what you want to use the tablet for. On one hand, a larger screen makes it easier and more enjoyable to use, but a smaller screen would make the device much more easily portable.

If a big screen is something you are wanting, then the iPad 2 and 3′s screens are some of the largest on the tablet market at 9.7-inches, and the latest Android 3.0 tablets have increased some of their display to 10.1-inchs due to popular demand.

playbook bb

BlackBerry Playbook Tablet

For those who want something slightly more pocket sized but bigger than a mobile display, the Dell Streak 7 and Blackberry Playbook to name but a few have 7-inch displays, some of the smallest on the tablet market.

To 3G or not to 3G?

All tablets will support Wi-Fi, to enable connection to home and office networks or free Wi-Fi hotspots. Having a Wi-Fi only tablet does significantly reduce the price, but also limits when and how you use it.

dell tablet

Dell Inspiron Duo Tablet

Opting for a 3G tablet means you can connect to the internet with Wi-Fi when it is available, and by 3G network when it isn’t. It does add a large chunk onto the tablet price if you pay up front, but means you don’t get tied to a contract. Alternatively, many mobile network companies now offer contracts for tablets. Like a mobile phone contract, the device is often free or at a reduced price, and you pay a monthly tariff for your usage.

Smile for the camera

A camera is something that may be just an added fun extra to some, but essential to others. Most tablets now come with a back and front facing camera, the latter to enable video conferencing, and ideal feature for business users of people who make use of video calling apps such as Skype. Most tablets do have a camera these days, but if it is an essential feature for you, be sure to check before you buy, especially on low budget tablets.

tablet samsung

Samsung Galaxy Tablet

How much storage space do you need?

 

Depending on what you intend to use the tablet for, you may need more than the lowest standard tablet storage, which is 16GB. If all you do is load music and photos, it will be plenty, but if you intent to use large applications and watch/store HD video, you will require considerably more.

The iPad comes with fixed storage, however most other tablets have memory card slots for expandable storage. If you choose an iPad, be sure to get the maximum memory you expect to need otherwise you may have to compromise. If you are unsure how much memory you will need in future, it may  be best to opt for an expandable memory device.

Tablet TV?

Many people want to connect their tablet to TV sets and monitors for various reasons, such as presentations, slideshows, streaming, and more. Most tablets can connect using a HDMI cable, but some require a special cable as they do not have a full sized HDMI input port, meaning you need to fork out top dollar for the extra piece of kit.

motorola tablet

Motorola Xoom Tablet

If you plan on using the tablet with the TV often, and don’t want to have to buy extras, look at a tablet with a full size HDMI port such as the Motorola Xoom.

Laptop v Tablet

If you are considering buying a tablet as an alternative to your laptop or PC, it is important to remember that tablets, as amazing as they appear, have their limitations. Although there are ample apps like image editing and Google Docs that allow you to do what a laptop does but in a portable form, its important to remember that you can’t create documents on a tablet, and the apps will be nowhere near and feature rich as a full PC or laptop version software.

Check out Dove Computer Solution’s extensive tablet services at http://dovecomputers.com/home-users/mobile-a-tablet-services or call us on 0845 22 605 22

Cloud backup: Ultra safe, value for money and accessible anywhere

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Backing up your data is becoming increasingly more important, with viruses and hacks causing people to lose valuable business documents and information, as well as irreplaceable photographs, etc. of sentimental value.

cloud computing cloud backup

Cloud online backup

But the recent innovation in backup services have brought about off-site backup, and with it comes Cloud online backup. Cloud backup involves sending your data via a secure internet connection, at which point it is encrypted and sent to the ‘cloud’, a safe password protected place which can be accessed by login and password from anywhere with an internet connection.

It is fast and easy to use, and can also be utilised for sharing files with family and friends, clients and co-workers all over the world remotely and safely.

Mozy online backup

Mozy provide top cloud backup services

Dove Computer Solutions has teamed up with Mozy online back up providers to offer you the safest and most cost effective backup solution for your personal and professional needs.

We chose to partner up with Mozy because we know they are one of the top cloud online backup service providers. Below are just a few reasons why:

  • They know data. Mozy’s service provider manages more than 90 petabytes of data for millions of customers.
  • Your data is safe. Mozy’s service provider’s world-class data centers use military-grade encryption and are SSAE 16-audited and ISO 27001-certified.
  • They make backing up easy for you: Mozy set the backup schedule and help you set policies on bandwidth and back up speeds.
  •  Flexibility. Mozy support Windows and Macs with the added benefit of on-site and off-site backup solutions with 2xProtect for Windows users.
  • Mobile. Access your data with iOS mobile devices (iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch) running version 4.0 or newer and Android devices running version 2.0 or newer. Never be without your data!

Visit DoveCloud or ring us on 0845 22 605 22 to find out more about the wide range of cloud online backup services Dove and Mozy can offer you.