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 :)
Tuesday, 17 February 2015
Friday, 29 August 2014
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.
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.
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| The Gold Smart Box in action |
Thursday, 10 July 2014
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.
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.
Tuesday, 8 July 2014
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.
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.
Tuesday, 10 June 2014
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.
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.
Saturday, 3 May 2014
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.
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.
Tuesday, 29 April 2014
Internet Explorer Bug
Thought I needed to post something on this as it effects probably all Windows users, especially those running XP.
So what is all the fuss about. Well Internet Explorer or IE as it is often referred to, has a major flaw. It is possible for a hacker to take control of your computer without you knowing about it.
This flaw as Microsoft is calling it is on all versions of IE from 6 to 11.
Microsoft has said the following statement;
"If the current user is logged on with administrative user rights, an attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could take complete control of an affected system”
So its quite serious. So how does an attacker exploit this flaw. Well they would need you to click on a link, either on a website or maybe in an email, which would take you to a special website site which would then allow the hacker to take over your system.
There are a few problems here for the would be attacker as you have to actually click on the dodgy link first.
The flaw allows a hacker to install programs, change user rights and passwords. They could even delete files or programs.
Microsoft as usual haven't said they would produce an immediate fix rather "may include providing a solution through our monthly security update release process, or an out-of-cycle security update, depending on customer needs". Read that as if you are willing to pay we will fix it quicker or you are going to have to wait.
Plus as of Monday 28th April 2014 UK and U.S Governments have both said you should avoid using IE, so you know the flaw is pretty bad.
What can be done
Change to an alternative web browser such as Firefox. I use Firefox, and only use IE when forced you. Many sites only work with IE becuase they think its more secure, as I have always said IE is about as secure as a chocolate teapot.
Its much better than IE anyway.
And this would also solve a problem for XP users who won't be getting any more security updates.
Alternatives to Firefox are Chrome, Opera, Safari and a host of others. Personally I would use either Firefox or Chrome.
If you receive any emails requesting you click on a link in the email, don't. Even if the email looks official still don't click, confirm the email is genuine first.
Apart from that you will have to wait until Microsoft releases a security fix.
Another option would be to change to Ubuntu. Then you wouldn't have this problem.
If you have any questions just ask them in the comments section.
So what is all the fuss about. Well Internet Explorer or IE as it is often referred to, has a major flaw. It is possible for a hacker to take control of your computer without you knowing about it.
This flaw as Microsoft is calling it is on all versions of IE from 6 to 11.
Microsoft has said the following statement;
"If the current user is logged on with administrative user rights, an attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could take complete control of an affected system”
So its quite serious. So how does an attacker exploit this flaw. Well they would need you to click on a link, either on a website or maybe in an email, which would take you to a special website site which would then allow the hacker to take over your system.
There are a few problems here for the would be attacker as you have to actually click on the dodgy link first.
The flaw allows a hacker to install programs, change user rights and passwords. They could even delete files or programs.
Microsoft as usual haven't said they would produce an immediate fix rather "may include providing a solution through our monthly security update release process, or an out-of-cycle security update, depending on customer needs". Read that as if you are willing to pay we will fix it quicker or you are going to have to wait.
Plus as of Monday 28th April 2014 UK and U.S Governments have both said you should avoid using IE, so you know the flaw is pretty bad.
What can be done
Change to an alternative web browser such as Firefox. I use Firefox, and only use IE when forced you. Many sites only work with IE becuase they think its more secure, as I have always said IE is about as secure as a chocolate teapot.
Its much better than IE anyway.
And this would also solve a problem for XP users who won't be getting any more security updates.
Alternatives to Firefox are Chrome, Opera, Safari and a host of others. Personally I would use either Firefox or Chrome.
If you receive any emails requesting you click on a link in the email, don't. Even if the email looks official still don't click, confirm the email is genuine first.
Apart from that you will have to wait until Microsoft releases a security fix.
Another option would be to change to Ubuntu. Then you wouldn't have this problem.
If you have any questions just ask them in the comments section.
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