Category Archives: Money Saving Tips and Ideas

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 Office 365 v Google Apps for Business

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In the world of cloud productivity suites, Google Apps and Microsoft Office 365 are always the most popular choices, and many businesses find themselves weighing up which one would benefit their business more. Dove have put together a comparison of all aspects of both suites from a business point of view, and weighing up how each performs.

cloud suites google apps office 365

Microsoft Office 365 v Google Apps comparison

Familiarity and Training Requirements

Whether you are a small business with less than 10 employees, or a medium to large size business with into the hundreds on your books, staff training when it comes to new software can be time consuming and costly, taking up precious budget and work time to familiarise all your employees with a new system.

With Google Apps, retraining would be a necessity; this is built on a propriety platform that will to most users be alien. Microsoft Office 365 on the other hand is designed to imitate the look and feel of the age old favourite Office Suite, something most if not all your employees will be completely comfortable with, and only minimal if any retraining will be required.

 Browser Compatibility

The internet browser you use is down to personal preference, and you don’t want to have to start switching browsers to enable your new cloud suite to perform at its best.

Microsoft Office 365 is ideal for use with any browser and has performed seamlessly on Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and Internet Explorer alike.

Google Apps however works perfectly on Google Chrome (go figure), but not all features are supported on Internet Explorer, and Firefox 5 users are forced to clear their history and cache before each log in if they want things to run smoother, but still not entirely as they should.

File Reliability

With Microsoft Office being the suite of choice of both business and personal users worldwide, it is important to take into account that integration will be a necessity.

Google Apps does not automatically convert, and in fact makes life a lot harder if you want files to be viewable in Microsoft Office programs. Employees will have to spend valuable time and efforts changing the documents themselves.

Microsoft Office 365 obviously has no problems in this department as it is built to mirror its own Office suites. An added bonus is the Word Web app (Office 365’s version of Microsoft Word) allows documents to be viewed without the need for download.

Real Time Collaboration

Google Apps does have some great features when it comes to real time collaboration. Google Docs can be shared and accessed by anyone with a Google account, and allows for similtanious work on one document, with unique colour coding to identify who makes what changes. The multiple chat functions also allow people to chat with their co-authors in real time.

Like the sound of all that Google Docs can offer? How would you like that and then some. Yes, Microsoft Office 365 has excelled again, offering all Google Apps’ real time collaboration capabilities, with the addition of the Lync Online component, which allows for audio/video conferencing and instant messaging with added whiteboard capabilities and real time presence indicators, letting you know who is online and when.

Licensing Options

Multiple licensing options and tailoring capabilities are a must, as businesses come in all varieties of shapes and sizes, each with their own needs.

Google Apps is very limited in this aspect. They only offer one licensing option with no tailoring capabilities, and due to Google Apps being solely online, clients are forced to move to the cloud immediately.

Microsoft Office 365 on the other hand offers multiple licensing options with tailoring available, helping your business use only what you need, and control the cost by adding/removing features. What’s more, there is no need for everyone to move to the cloud straight away. It allows for sharing both in the cloud and on premise using hybrid solutions, so if not everyone is ready to embrace the cloud, there is no pressure.
Security

Security is vital for a business, and may be one of your key reasons for considering a cloud suite in the first place, as offsite cloud services are one of the safest back up and sharing options available.

Google Apps offer limited support when it comes to group management, and that is all. No more robust identity management options. Another huge downfall is the fact that there are no options for tiered access to the cloud. Administrators either get all access or nothing.

Microsoft Office 365 on the other hand offer set role-based security models, allowing for tiered access to allow workers access to only the information they need.

Cost

Google Apps offers one business plan that will require additional add ons for customisation, meaning the original advertised price is often only a fraction of the overall cost.

Microsoft Office 365 offer many plans to choose from as they understand different business sizes need different features, and you also have the choice of removing and adding different features so you don’t pay for what you need, which can reduce the overall cost.

Decided Microsoft Office 365 is the cloud suite for you? Or just want to know more? Contact Dove on 0845 22 605 22 or visit www.dovecomputers.com for more details!

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!

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.

How solar panels can benefit YOUR business

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Dove Computer Solutions Ltd has recently made the wise investment in their business and the future of our planet by installing solar panels at their Ashbourne office. They have successfully offset around 15kg of carbon per day, and are happy to announce their new “Green” business status.

solar panels solar energy

Solar Panels on the DCS Office Roof

Solar panels can not only make your business more environmentally friendly, but can also save you money on growing energy and fuel prices due to the ever rising demand. Many businesses like Dove Computer Solutions Ltd are finding the numerous advantages that come with a switch to solar energy. This article outlines the main advantages solar energy could hold for your business.

Reduced Costs

The installations of solar power systems are guaranteed to at least significantly reduce, if not completely eliminate your business building’s electric bill. For businesses of all sizes, the money saved can have an incredible effect. Installing solar panels is the equivalent of prepaying for energy for the next 40 years, but at an incredibly low rate, much lower than electricity rates.

Good Return on Investment

Government incentives to encourage people to go green, and the decrease in costs for solar equipment means solar power is sound investment, and a good financial decision for businesses. It generates fast payback and the long term savings will benefit the business no end. If your system generates more energy than your business building needs at any time, you can be paid for the extra energy, meaning you could not only cut out bills, but earn extra money on top of the savings.

solar energy solar power solar panels

The Solar Panels on the DCS Office Roof

No Maintenance and Reliability Guaranteed

Once the solar power system has been installed, it will need very little to no maintenance, particularly if you opt for a system that requires no batteries. The system will generate electricity quietly and cleanly for 25 to 40 years, and most systems come with a 25-year warranty.

Your business will earn the “Green” Label

Generating energy using a renewable and sustainable source such as solar panels reduces your carbon footprint. By installing and utilizing a solar power system, your business earn the label of being “Green” as a way of expressing its involvement in fighting global warming and reducing the UK’s dependency on foreign energy resources. Many people are conscious of the environment and actively strive to do their bit by using and supporting “Green” businesses, as well as people generally feeling more positive about a business for knowing they care and are active in this area, so going “Green” can be utilized as an excellent PR and marketing tool.

 

Tried and tested: Office 365 could benefit start-ups/small businesses more than Google Apps

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Microsoft Office 365 should be on the software shortlist for any small business or start-up. Launched in June 2011, the cloud-based suite has revolutionised the way we do business.

Microsoft office 365

Microsoft Office 365 FREE TRIAL!

Cloud software solutions are the way forward for any business, and Microsoft Office 365 is the stepping stone for small and new businesses to help them have the benefits of the cloud without forking out for the top priced cloud services. It is simple, and Microsoft makes sure it is offered in a familiar and user friendly way, to help businesses adjust to the cloud concept. Microsoft has high hopes that their cloud software could begin to break into the gap filled by Google Apps for several years now.

It has been tried and tested by small business users, and they have come back without a bad word to say about the product. It offers 99.9% uptime, a reasonable and varying price plans, plentiful features, and cross-application compatibility; many new and small businesses are switching to Office 365, and some have even declared it better for small and new companies than Google App, due to its familiarity and more features.

The great thing about the varying price plans is not just that they are all reasonable for what they offer, but also that a small or new business with few employees is not expected to pay the same as a larger company with over 25 employees. Price plans start from just £4 per user per month for small businesses (under 25 people). For medium+ size businesses you can choose from a range of plans with different features to suit your business’s needs, ranging from £2.60 per user per month up to £14.50.

When your business begins to grow and Office 365 isn’t enough anymore, you can pay more per month to upgrade to Office Professional Plus, which offers more powerful features than the Office Web Apps available in the cloud.

If you have used or looked into Microsoft’s Business Productivity Online Suite, you will find that much of what is available in Office 365 was previously available in BPOS, however you will find that the tools have been updated and improved somewhat, including the features of 2010 desktop versions of the software as opposed to the 2007 version features available on BPOS.

The online services offered in Office 365 are Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, Lync Online, and Office Web Apps, as well as Web App versions Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote which are accessible through a web browser.

For a free trial on Office 365 P1 plan, click here.

A buyer’s guide to Home Broadband

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With such a wide range of broadband offers and packages being screamed at you from all angles, it can be hard to know which ones are really what they say they are, and will they be worth it 6 months down the line when the offer is over and you are hooked into a contract?

Here is a helpful buyers guide to helping you choose the broadband package that is right for your household’s needs, and will save you money not only in the short term but in the long run.

Dove Broadband home

Dove Home Boradband Services

Availability

The first thing you need to know is what is actually available in your area. Broadband can be delivered to a household via either a phone line or a fibre optic cable line, and which one you will need is dependent on your area. In some areas both will be available to you, but to find this out you need to do an availability test, which can be found here.

What factors affect broadband speeds?

  • How close you are to the local telephone exchange – If considering a phone line broadband connection, the closer you are to the local exchange, the faster your broadband speeds will be.
  • The amount of people using the internet in your area – If signing a cable broadband connection, the amount of people using cable broadband in your area will affect your speeds.
  • The type of modem/router you use and the specifications of your computer – These could affect whether you get the maximum speeds advertised by the internet service provider (ISP) you choose. They should be able to provide a list of specifications and modems/routers that will work best with their broadband.
  • Your browsing habits – If you play a lot of online games or download/stream movies and music then you need a higher broadband package to achieve the fastest speeds, whereas if you simply check emails and do online shopping or browsing, a low broadband package will achieve the same speeds for you. The ISP should specify what each of their packages is ideal for.

Bandwidth, Download Limits, and Fair Usage Policies

Bandwidth refers to the amount of data that can pass along the broadband connection channel., and this is measured in gigabytes (GB). It refers to general usage as well as downloads, and most ISPs will set monthly limits on the amount of bandwidth you can use on most packages, and but also offer ‘unlimited’ internet packages, which suggests you can have unlimited bandwidth. However in most cases, even the ‘unlimited’ ones come with a ‘fair usage policy’, which means if you go over a certain amount of bandwidth that they class as ‘fair usage’, you will be cut off or charged.

Contract or no contract?

Most ISPs will offer their best deals on their longest contracts, so don’t be drawn in with ‘free for the first 6 months’ because they will make their money back for the next 12-18 months after that as they have you tied into a contract. You need to consider your current living situation, are you likely to stay here for the next 24 months or are you looking to move within the next 6 months?

If you know you are going to be living somewhere and needing constant internet for the next 12-24 months then signing up to a contract would be worth your while, and you could cash in on one of the longer contract offers. But if you aren’t expecting to be living in one place for too long, then some providers offer rolling month to month contracts, meaning you are only ever tied in for one month at a time, so it is easier to cancel and change when you like, although they may cost more per month for the privilege.

Summary

So to recap, here are the key points to remember when signing up to a broadband contract:

  • What is available in your area? Phone-line/cable/both? If both, which will be faster?
  • Does your current computer specs and modem/router allow you to meet the maximum advertised speeds?
  • How often do you use it/what for? Does your usage and download habits require a low or high usage package? REMEMBER: ‘Unlimited’ doesn’t always mean unlimited.
  • Do you want to be tied into a contract or not?

To find out more about the broadband services on offer from Dove Computer Solutions or to ask more about what broadband is best for you, visit http://dovecomputers.com/home-users/broadband

How To: Save money on business software when starting out

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Every business, even the big shots like Apple and Microsoft, all had to start somewhere. Dove Computer Solutions are a small company, and we understand how stressful and costly it can be when starting out, so any saving is a big saving. That’s why we have compiled a guide to help you save money without sacrificing quality where it matters, on your business software.

new business save money

Every penny counts for a new business

When it comes to starting up your own business, one of the first and most vital tasks is to set up your business’s IT systems, meaning you need all the necessary software to run your business. But the cost of even the most basic software needed for any business, before you have even considered any specialist software that may be key to your field, the cost can shoot sky high.

Typically a standard business would need at least Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Microsoft Outlook (email, contact manager, calendar). Then there is the accounting software and a customer relationship management (CRM) system that can keep track of your customers, prospects and sales pipeline. This software alone would amount to over £2,000, then add on the cost of the PCs you already had to purchase to run the software on, and any installations, maintenance and upgrade costs you may incur. Looking pretty steep isn’t it?

The good news is there are plenty of cheap and in some cases free alternatives to the conventional and expensive software, ideal for avoiding some of the major costs of a business start up.

office 365

Office 365 cloud services can be a cheap alternative to Microsoft Office Software

There are various web apps, sometimes refereed to as cloud services, that are a cheap and hassle free alternative to the usual purchase of software on a CD. Rather than having to buy the CD, and run it on your PCs, Macs or business severs, etc to install it you can use applications that are delivered over the web. The product vender hosts all the applications and data on their servers meaning there is no need for software installation and maintenance, you simply access the system via your web browser, and the product’s vendor handles all the updates and backups. These systems are ideal for new start ups as they allow you to pay a monthly fee for their use, which can be cancelled at any given moment, and saves paying a large lump sum up front for software. Some of the recommended web apps are Office 365 to replace Microsoft Office (email, word processing, and spreadsheets) and KashFlow Accounting for bookkeeping.

Mozilla Firefox

Mozilla Firefox Web Browser is a popular open source alternative

Open source software products are those developed by a community of programmers and then offered free to the world, with the option to donate to them to aid the cause and help with the creation of updates and more open source software. There are many of these types of products that are very technical and require a high level of competence to use and get the most out of, such as Linux operating system designed as an alternative to Windows, and MySQL database application that’s a free alternative to Oracle or Microsoft SQL Server. There is also plenty of less technical free software available out there, Open Office, an alternative to Microsoft Office, which is easy to download and use, as well as the FireFox alternative web browser and Thunderbird alternative email client, which are popular offerings from the Mozilla foundation.

Dropbox

Dropbox is a popular 'freemium' product

Freemium products can be very useful for business start ups as they offer free basic version software with a choice to upgrade to the premium version at any time. They are worthwhile as they have no time limits, unlike free trials, and mean if you do decide to purchase the premium version if your needs grow and alter, you have already sampled the software before you buy. In many cases there is no need to ever upgrade to the premium, as the basic software covers all the needs of the business. Recommended freemium products to consider include DropBox for file back-up, access and sharing, Really Simple Systems for CRM and Skype for video calling and instant messaging.

sonic wall

Dove Computer Solutions offer business security from people they trust, such as Sonic Wall and MessageLabs

As your business grows and your needs start to exceed those available to you through free and cheap software, you can then look into creating a tailored made business software package at Dove Computer Solutions. If you find you need a business server, Dove Computer Solutions offer honest prices for small businesses, and can also help you find the right level security to protect your data and your client’s data at a reasonable cost that will fit easily into your new start up budget.