In the November 2009 Newsletter from PC Resolver:

• Windows 7 - Is it any good? FREE Spec Check! Save 20 Euros on upgrading!
• Internet Sharing - How? How much? How easy?
• Website Changes - Hosting problems.
• Picasa - FREE photo editing software.
• OpenOffice - FREE suite of programs compatible with Microsoft Office.

Windows 7 Has Arrived But Is It Any Good?

So, after all the bad press surrounding Vista the much-anticipated Windows 7 has arrived. I've been running an evaluation copy for a couple of months now and I have to say that I'm impressed! It is more reliable, more secure and more attractive than Vista, XP or any previous versions. The new graphics, new features, new hardware management and improved security make it easy and safe to use. This is the first Windows Operating system that I have actually recommended that people pay to upgrade to (as opposed to buying it pre-loaded on a new PC).

FREE Computer Specification Check

Windows 7 actually runs on a lower specification PC than Vista but will it run on your computer? Call me to arrange a FREE check of your computer to see if it will run Windows 7 and if you will be able to run your existing programs and hardware. I will only charge travelling expenses @ 30 cents per KM from Sax, Alicante.

Upgrade Service Only 50 Euros (including IVA) - Save 20 Euros

I will install Windows 7 on your computer for 50 Euros including IVA plus the cost of Windows 7 if you quote this Newsletter and you order during 2009. This will include a 'dual boot' option if required: this allows you to choose between Windows 7 and your old XP/Vista installation (including your installed programs) when the computer starts. Your data (files, photos, music etc.) will be retained at no extra charge (saving 20 Euros). This is subject to your computer meeting the requirements for Windows 7 and is based on the work being carried out in our office (Sax, Alicante).

Website Steve's Q&A

Introduction

PC Resolver, in partnership with The Inland Magazine, is publishing a Questions and Answers section in the published magazine. The purpose of this is to answer the most common questions that are currently affecting my clients and readers of the magazine. You are encouraged to contact me with any questions you may have.

The questions and answers themselves are in the Website Steve's Q&A section of Support. This section will grow and will include non-published questions.

A key part of Website Steve's Q&A is questions about websites. Having your own website has never been easier, cheaper or more necessary than it is today. A fully functioning professionally designed and built website costs 300 Euros to build to your requirements and less than 10 Euros a month to host (including your domain name and IVA).

Can I share my Internet connection? Is this difficult and is it expensive?

Yes, it is possible and no, it is not expensive! You can share your Internet connection with another computer or laptop but also your mobile phone and mp3 player. When you’ve done this you’ll wonder how you ever coped without it!

I access the Internet on my phone for free by sharing my WiFi connection - no phone charges! I’m writing this on my terrace on a laptop that shares the files on my main computer. When I have guests staying they can also access the Internet from any room in the house.

The equipment you need is not expensive and you may even already have all you need. If you know what you’re doing, you can be up and working in an hour.

It is possible, inexpensive, quick to set up and wonderful, so what’s the catch?! Well, there are two:

1. If you don’t know what you’re doing you can waste money buying equipment that you don’t need or doesn’t do what you want.

2. If you don’t secure your connection then anyone within 100 metres can use it and you are legally responsible for anything they do!

If you are thinking about sharing your connection or you are concerned that your existing share is insecure then give me a call and I will advise you.

I want to make changes to my website but the features I want to use are not available with my host. What options do I have?

I have mentioned in previous articles that the most important thing to consider when creating your website is to choose the name. This is true. But choosing your host is the second most important! Try to anticipate future needs and don’t base your decision on price alone. You should be able to get a ‘top of the range’ package for 120 Euros a year that will be future proof. For all the benefits your website brings 10 Euros per month is a bargain!
My hosting is scalable from 5 to 10 Euros per month depending on needs but the main thing is upgrades do not require moving hosts.

Back to the question. There were only two options for my client: do without the feature or move hosts. The feature they wanted was a database to control stock and customer details and therefore doing without was not an option.

The transfer took a few weeks to prepare but, when it was ready, the transfer went smoothly with the site being unavailable for just 15 minutes.

Website Steve's Q&A FREE Stuff

1. Picasa - Free Photo Editor / Organizer

Picasa is free photo editing software from Google that makes your pictures look great.
Sharing your best photos with friends and family is as easy as pressing a button!

2. Open Office

OpenOffice is a FREE suite of programs compatible with Microsoft Office and other major office suites, the product is free to download, use, and distribute.

Final Word

As always, I encourage anyone with a comment, suggestion, question, idea or inspiration to contact me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or click 'Add Comment' below to add a comment to this web page.

Please also see The Inland Magazine Computer Problems Forum if you have a specific IT problem.

Steve
PC Resolver
966 967 439
650 354 629

Please email Steve if any of the links in this article don't work.

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