Whats in the clouds

I know its been a while. Normal life just got in the way of blogging.

But I am now back.

So I thought I would talk about the cloud.

To many The Cloud means free wifi when out and about. 
To others it means Apple's online storage.
And to some it just means somewhere on the internet to store data.

In fact many companies now use cloud services, as they are called, to store or back up data. So in the event of everything going pair shaped  they don't have to try and find the daily or weekly backup, which maybe difficult in the event of a fire. They just log on to the cloud service they belong to and all the data is there.

 I use a cloud service called pCloud. Like many you get 10GB free plus another 4GB if you use their virtual drive software on your PC, so you can use the cloud as an extra hard drive.
There are also paid for options such as more space. This is currently €175 (was €480)  for an extra 500GB or €350 for 2TB ( was €980). So both are great deals, especially as its a one off payment. There are monthly and yearly payment plans too.

At the moment I use their free service as its all I need. But I do see a time when one of the paid for options might be handy. 

So what do I use my pCloud account for. Well to store all sorts of files from my PC and to automatically back up my phone's data. So when ever I take a photo it will automatically transfer it to my pCloud account. I have set mine up to automatically do it when ever I am connected to Wifi. 
 By doing this I now get no more "file storage low" type messages.
Another great feature is the share folder option. You can set up folders to be shared. You are given a link and you just send the link to the person you want to share files with. This is great for friends and family when sharing holiday photos or baby pics etc..

So what are you waiting for join the pCloud revolution and download the app for your phone and computer.

What have I been up to. And am I the Costa Blanca's answer to Walter O'Brien.

Well been quite busy.
In August we supplied and installed the network cabling infrastructure for the Steve Jobs School in Javea. This was quite tricky as Apple have quite high standards. But we did it, and the Apple engineer was very impressed with our install work. In fact commissioning of the whole network system went without a hitch. And it was very much plug and play for the Apple equipment.
 Recently I have been designing databases for several clients.
 So who is Walter O'Brien. Well he is the inspiration behind the new TV series Scorpion being shown on ITV2 at the moment.  He claims to have an IQ of 197 when he was 13. Mine is about 142 which means I am in the the top 0.5% of the population and I could join Mensa if I wanted to. Not quite 197 I know but still pretty high. Don't think I have saved the world from disaster yet, but watch this space you may never know. I might just be the Costa Blanca's answer to Walter O'Brien :)

UKTV BOX update

OK. We have now finished testing the box, and have made a few changes to the design.
Since many people have either an external hard drive or various USB sticks we felt that having an internal hard drive as an option wasn't really needed, and plus its easier to transfer your films and music by plugging in the external HD etc in to your PC or laptop. Another reason for removing this option is that the box now gets three USB ports instead of one. So more possibilities for connection. The SD slot has stayed.
 As an example; our demo box has a 500GB external hard drive connected and a web cam leaving the third port for  a wireless remote keyboard or USB stick.
Skype works really well on the box. As does the various UK TV options, yes we really do have more than one option for watching UK TV on the box.
If you are in the Costa Blanca area and would like to arrange for a free demo at your villa/apartment  then contact us. Please put UK TV in the subject heading. You must already have an internet connection of at least 3Mb for the demo to work properly. 
Prices are 150 Euros for the box plus 25 Euros for set up should you require it.

The Gold Smart Box in action

 

Gadgets must be charged while flying on certain routes

 Due to heightened security concerns from the U.S travellers flying on certain routes from major UK airports are now required to prove that their gadgets must turn on. Actually the U.S said "certain overseas airports" implement enhanced security measures.
 So if your phone, tablet laptop etc won't power up you will not be able to bring it onto the flight. Many airlines have offered to store the un-powered device for you so you can pick it up on your return. Other airlines have offered the MailandFly service offered by the firm Bagport, which is based at Heathrow's security control. This allows travellers to mail their un-powered devices to them or to be stored in a warehouse to pick up on return. Exactly who pays for this service depends on the airline in question.
BA are also allowing passengers to rebook their flights.
 Trying to keep your devices charged all the time can be quite a nightmare especially if you have left your charger on the bedroom table the night before.
 In the good old days I actually used to travel with a home made power pack to keep my portable CD player charged while travelling.  These days you can actually buy rechargeable power packs to keep your gadgets charged. These are ideal if you are no where near a power outlet or the outlet is the wrong type  for your adapter to plug into.
 I have now have a rechargeable solar powered power pack (can also be charged via a USB port on a laptop etc) that when fully charged will charge my smart phone to about 80% charge from flat. Its slower than using a mains adapter, but if I am out and about its a god send.
 So where can you get these power packs from one place is China Vasion they offer various different types depending on your need.
 The higher the mAH rating the longer they will last or the more things they can charge. And if they are solar powered you can charge your phone any where. I have actually used mine on the beach.

UK TV online

We have decided in conjunction with FilmOn to provide a UK TV only version of their site along with something for the kids and movies as well. Film4 is in the movie section. There is also a mobile website version too.

We will also be producing an Android App for your Smart phone or tablet.

Then by the end of the month we will have our own set top box as well for sale.

Stay tuned.

Windows 8.1 or how to alienate your customer base. And wait for Windows 9.

Just had the joy of setting up a new laptop for a client.  Mind you thanks to Windows 8.1 it was far from enjoyable. But it is slightly better than Windows 8.
 Problems are many. When setting up you need to set up a Microsoft email account (aka a Hotmail or Windows Live email). Why do I want this when I have adequate email resources already. There is a way round it but you shouldn't have to do it in the first place.
 And as for the god awful touch screen interface, which is a real nightmare if you don't have a touch-screen, fortunately 8.1 comes with the familiar desktop we know and love and you can have the option to boot up into this, so that's good.
 Just getting to grips with the new operating system will take even the most experienced Windows user time. Nothing is where it should be. Its there it just takes time to find.
 Also most people still use a mouse and a keyboard, so why Microsoft thought other wise is beyond me.
And guess what 2015 will see the launch of wait for it Windows 9. So it seems Windows 8 is more of a test platform rather to try out new ideas.
 I think Microsoft changed too much too soon. So it will be interesting what Windows 9 will be like. It can not be any worse.

IE Flaw fixed

Amazingly last Thursday, 1st May, Microsoft has fixed the bug (see my last post) that allowed a hacker to take over your pc.
Not only that they have also provided a fix for XP as well.
So hats off to Microsoft for providing an XP fix, well done.