IT Matters

Windows 7 - November 2009

Regular readers will recall that I was never a great fan of Windows Vista. Soon after the release of Vista, in this column, I advised waiting before upgrading. So what do I think of the recently released Windows 7? So far experiences seem almost universally positive.

Tips and Tricks - October 2009

For many of us, the greater part of our working day is spend behind a computer screen.. So, a very significant amount of our productivity is dependent on our ability to use the computer efficiently. This week, I want to suggest to you some ways you can improve your productivity and so perhaps shorten your working day. If only!

Speech Recognition - July 2009

Do you talk to your computer? Not in anger or frustration, but I mean talking rather than typing? The technology is here and can be useful.

Backup - June 2009

A disk is at the heart of the modern computer - we looked last month at the ability of the disk to store vast amounts of information and give access to it very quickly. We also saw some of the weaknesses and limitations of the disks. This leads us to the need for backup.

Disaster, what disaster - May 2009

We looked last time at the subject of disaster recovery. There are many disasters that can strike a business, from the natural to the man-made; caused by technological or human failure. At ITSolve we have to deal all too frequently with situations where a computer disk has failed.

Failure of a critical system - April 2009

Here's a question you should ask yourself. Just how dependent are you on computer systems? Even if you have somehow managed thus far without them, your bank has one or two. Our everyday lives depend increasingly on computer systems.

IT solutions - March 2009

Why is it that so many IT projects fail to measure up to the expectations we have of them? From the largest multi-billion pound project, to the £15 we spend on a PC package, disappointment is often the first reaction. Why is it?

Customer Relations - February 2009

In today’s tough business environment it is more important than ever to keep in touch with your customers. Making sure that you follow up every opportunity, as well as reaching out to every single potential new customers is one way to protect yourself from the worst of the recession.

Getting the most from your web site - January 2009

If you are running a business you probably have a web site. Right? And it has probably not been updated for a while. Right?

Is it encrypted - December 2008

Despite all the publicity, the fact is that most of us pay little or no attention to the way in which our data is stored or transmitted.

Whither Vista - November 2008

Eighteen months after its launch, it is clear that there has been a marked reluctance on the part of consumers to move to Vista, and even more reluctance on the corporate side.

Credit Crunch - September 2008

What is the best way to save money in the IT department? Can it be done or is it a false economy?

Electronics Diaries - June 2008

It has been well said that having two diaries does not make you better organized than the person who has just one. While I know many people who manage with just a paper diary, many of us run our lives with one or more electronic diaries.

Need for Backup - March 2008

How often should you backup? Probably more often than you think. Ask yourself the simple question: what would happen if you lost all the information you have stored since you last took a backup? If that frightens you, backup more frequently.

Look After Your Data - December 2007

Much of the data we deal with on a daily basis is either confidential, commercially valuable, or at least its loss would cause severe embarrassment. So it is important to look after it!

Benefits of installing a server - November 2007

Here are more benefits of installing a server for a small business.

The Case for a Server - September 2007

It makes sense to centralise some or most of the computing functions in one place. This is a server.

Working with Electronic Documents - August 2007

This month we look at practical ways of working with electronic document systems.

Disk Failure - July 2007

So far you may have avoided it, but it will happen to you. How to survive disk failure.

Choosing a laptop - May 2007

Some pointers to help you choose your next laptop

Managing all those PCs - April 2007

Managing a large number of PCs can be a chore. Here's how to make your life easier.

Accounting for all tastes - March 2007

Computers have revolutionised the world of accounting and management reporting

Whither Vista? February 2007

Does the launch of Windows Vista herald a new dawn or a new yawn?

Network Design - January 2007

Was your network designed or did it evolve?

Introducing the System - December 2006

So you have the software already to roll. What happens next?

Better by Design? - November 2006

When you reach the limits of standard packages what is involved in tailoring or developing your own software?

Software for Life - October 2006

Some ideas for getting the most out of the software you have installed on your systems

Virtual Private Networks - September 2006

What is a VPN and why would you want one?

Secure that Network - July 2006

A discussion of some aspects of computer network security from the perspective of a small business.

Filing for Fun - April 2006

An overview of techniques for effective filing using a computer

Power Corrupts - February 2006

Some advice on ways of ensuring that faults with the supply of electrical power do not cause you more unnecessary problems

Disaster Planning - November 2005

A brief review of some key steps to take to ensure your key systems are protected from disaster

Time to Improve - September 2005

Some notes on ways of improving your IT skills by being trained or by training yourself

Wireless World - June 2005

Some opportunities to use the power of wireless computing

Boring Backup - March 2005

Some practical steps you can take to move backup from aspiration to reality.

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