Posted: Monday, 26th July, 2010, Category: Internet News
Yet another domain type has become available, this time .co – direct from Columbia. Registration companies are hailing it as another ‘must-have’ domain but we’re not so convinced.
Google have just announced that owners of websites using a .co domain will be able to target users internationally. There was speculation that it could only be used to target Columbian markets but this concern has been swept away. Other popular country assigned domains which are able to be used internationally include ‘.me’ (Montenegro) and ‘.tv’ (Tuvalu).
However, we still think this domain type could be very slow to catch on (if at all), in a similar way to the failure of domains such as .uk.com. I can imagine somebody asking for a web address and repeatedly having the same conversation:
“What’s your website address?”
“It’s mybusiness dot co”
“dot what?”
“No, that’s it – just dot co…”
After several years of poor Summer weather, last year turned out to be a fantastic Summer here in North Norfolk (although not so great in other parts of the UK). Yes, we DID get the promised ‘barbecue Summer’ last year. And this year, we’re having another spectacular Summer, although the lack of rainfall hasn’t been appreciated by gardeners and farmers.
So why I have taken to the that old English favourite, discussing the weather? And how does technology come into this? Well, during this hot Summer, there’s a tendency to use laptops outside (or in areas exposed to outside). And, here’s the problem:
From personal experience, backed up by countless similar experiences shared online, it’s seems very common for thunder flys (also known as ‘thrips‘) to crawl under the top layer of laptop screens. Once under the screen layers, they can usually be seen crawling around for a short while (like a mobile comma!) until eventually they die and become a permanent feature. Of course, you may have seen the same problem with picture frames.
If you do ever notice a thunder fly crawling around your screen, the best advice is to switch the screen off and hope that the thunder fly walks away of it’s own accord (they’re attracted to the heat and light). Don’t squish it! Otherwise, it will certainly be there forever. Maybe, aiming a lamp towards the edge of the screen may help to lure the thunder fly out before it inevitably expires in a random location?
Any other tips or advice on this problem are welcome. It seems incredibly common.
Another nasty but convincingly genuine phishing email has come to our attention. This one suggests that the user should upgrade to Internet Explorer 8. Click the image below to see the full email screenshot.
Please be sure to delete this email if received. Andrew Benn, who carries out computer repairs here in north Norfolk reported this to us and has already encountered instances of infection.
If you ever want to check that you have the most up to date version of Internet Explorer, just go to ‘Windows Update’ from your Windows Programs menu. Running the latest version is important from the aspect of security and functionality. But updates are usually automatically downloaded and applied as part of the Windows Updates (which should always be switched on).
The majority of businesses prefer to use a ‘client based’ software package such as Microsoft Outlook to manage their emails, contacts and calendar.
Emails are downloaded from the mail server to the users computer (using the POP3 protocol). Under this set up, it’s important that users keeps their email database backed up, alongside all their other important data.
Users are sometimes able to access their emails when away from the office using a webmail facility which effectively gives users direct access to the emails currently stored on the mail server (but not those previously downloaded back at the office).
Gmail – a better option if you’re always on the move?
For clients who are based in different locations or travel a lot, the traditional approach described above isn’t ideal. Users can’t access the emails previously downloaded (sent/received) back at the office. Nor can they access their contacts or calendar.
Posted: Wednesday, 23rd June, 2010, Category: Apple iPhone
The new operating system for iPhone users, iOS4 was made publicly available yesterday. iPhone owners are able to update their software (for free) via iTunes. Note that some of the features brought by the update won’t be available to iPhone 3G users.
The new operating system brings 3 key new features – the ability to organise apps into folders (reducing the many cluttered pages of apps many suffer from presently), multitasking (yes, we can run more than one app at a time) and wallpaper for your icons screens.
Posted: Wednesday, 23rd June, 2010, Category: Tips and advice
I often visit clients who don’t have the luxury of a dedicated in-house IT technician. As a result of this, PCs are often not serviced regularly, if at all. Nor are any basic ‘housekeeping’ tasks undertaken.
One particular issue which all PC owners can take charge of themselves relates to the cleanliness of the inside of their computer box. These can be easily accessed by undoing a few screws (or latches) and once every 6 months it’s a good idea to ‘jet blast’ the interior components and circuit boards with a pressurised air canister. Don’t use a vacuum cleaner! There are dedicated products for doing this. These can be purchased online and from the obvious outlets such as Maplins and PC World.
Computers require a constant flow of air to keep temperatures at a safe working level. However as the fans constantly pass air through the machine, this inevitably builds the interior up with dust and all sorts of other rubbish (e.g. pet hairs and dead insects).
If the detritus is permitted to build up it could eventually cause operational problems and lead to overheating. In some cases it could pose a serious fire risk.
When the emergency budget is announced on 22nd June, a VAT rise is widely anticipated. Experts are suggesting a rise to 20% and possibly highler. But of course we’ll have to wait until the day to have this confirmed. Fortunately, Josh.biz is not a VAT registered business so this won’t effect our service costs. Currently, you have to register for VAT if your VAT taxable turnover for the previous 12 months is over £70,000.
But if you’re thinking of shopping for some large purchases imminently, you might want to make your purchase before the 22nd June as prices will inevitably rise. The photo shown opposite was taken at Bakers & Larners of Holt who are already advising their customers to shop now. And don’t forget to fill your petrol tank up too!
Update (23rd June 2010)
Following yesterday’s budget announcement, VAT has been confirmed as rising to 20% as widely anticipated, although the increase won’t come into effect until January. This might encourage spending ahead of the increase, especially in the run up to Christmas.
iOS 4 – The new name for the iPhone operating system
Also coming soon will be the next version of the iPhone operating system, now to be known as iOS 4. This is advertised as ‘coming soon’ and will also be available for the iPhone 3GS and 3G (but some of the key features will be unavailable to the older 3G version). Multitasking will allow multiple apps to run at the same time. Apps can be handily organised into folders, desperately needed for those suffering from screen after screen of apps. And you’ll be able to customise your home screen background. Read more direct from Apple about iOS 4.
Personally, I’ll be stuck with my 3GS for the time being which I’m still loving to bits. I wonder if the sleek pebble design of my 3GS (shown below) might still have more aesthetic appeal than the rather chunky design of the new iPhone 4 (shown above). You’ll need to handle one to confirm the truth of this.
Both my office and personal email address have received an email offering the free download of a new ‘version of Acrobat Dynamic PDF Reader 2010′.
This is a bogus email which is likely to infect your PC with a trojan virus if you follow the advertised link. Note that there is no program called ‘Acrobat Dynamic PDF Reader 2010′. You are best to delete this email immediately.
The bonfide program for reading PDFs available from Adobe directly (for free) is called Adobe Reader. This can be downloaded from http://get.adobe.com/uk/reader/. But please note that if you already have this software installed (usually the case), it usually updates itself when required.
Yet another domain type has become available, this time .co – direct from Columbia. Registration companies are hailing it as another ‘must-have’ domain but we’re not so convinced.
The new operating system for iPhone users, iOS4 was made publicly available yesterday. iPhone owners are able to update their software (for free) via iTunes. Note that some of the features brought by the update won’t be available to iPhone 3G users.
I often visit clients who don’t have the luxury of a dedicated in-house IT technician. As a result of this, PCs are often not serviced regularly, if at all. Nor are any basic ‘housekeeping’ tasks undertaken.
Britain gears up for VAT increase
But if you’re thinking of shopping for some large purchases imminently, you might want to make your purchase before the 22nd June as prices will inevitably rise. The photo shown opposite was taken at Bakers & Larners of Holt who are already advising their customers to shop now. And don’t forget to fill your petrol tank up too!
Update (23rd June 2010)
Following yesterday’s budget announcement, VAT has been confirmed as rising to 20% as widely anticipated, although the increase won’t come into effect until January. This might encourage spending ahead of the increase, especially in the run up to Christmas.