Windows-10

All About Windows 10

/in /by

All about Windows 10

Windows 10 boasts a ton of fantastic new features that make using your laptop or PC easier and more enjoyable. Whether you use your computer for work or play, here is a roundup of new Windows 10 features that we know you will love!

Say hello

Windows Hello is a new way to connect to your device. This makes it possible to sign in using your face or fingerprint instead of the traditional password. A great additional security feature which will help protect your personal files and data.

Get off to the right Start

Windows 10 has reintroduced the start bar we all know and love, but now it is bigger and better than ever before. You can organise and personalise the start bar features to suit your own requirements.

Your most used apps will be highlighted on the left, while the All Apps tab will be your gateway to everything else on your PC such as files and settings.

More media

Windows 10 includes a brilliant new store which gives you access to music, games, apps, videos and more at your fingertips. The store packs in plenty of free content as well as paid-for items, and you can always preview before you purchase. Download an app and it will work across all your Windows 10 devices including phones, laptops, PCs and even the Xbox.

To get going, you will need a Microsoft account and an internet connection. Simply browse through the trending top charts or search for the type of media you’re looking for. Create custom lists collections to meet your needs.

Cortana

Cortana is the Windows 10 personal assistant. She will help you co-ordinate as much or as little as you need. For example, get Cortana to send an email, add a calendar event, search the web and more.

Use the search box to make Cortana get to work, or simply speak to her through your computer’s microphone or a headset. If you just want a laugh, get Cortana to tell you a joke!

Doodling is a doddle

Microsoft’s new browser, Edge allows you to customise any web page with drawings, doodles, highlighting and more. Your doodles aren’t just limited to the world wide web though, you can also use your finger, tablet pen or mouse to draw your way through any place you can normally write, for example OneNote. Just make sure your boss isn’t watching!

All your photos in one place

The new photo app in Windows 10 collates all your photos and videos in one place. It takes all your snaps from your PC and laptop, phone and OneDrive and organises them into shareable albums.

Upgrade to Windows 10 without the hassle

If you like the sound of Windows 10 and would like to use it on your PC or laptop, but are a bit unsure of how to get started, then we can help you.

ColchesterIT will take the hassle out of upgrading your PC or laptop to Windows 10 for just £29! Pop in to see us for more information, or use our contact form here to book an appointment.

 

USB-type-C

Everything you need to know about USB Type-C

/in /by

Everything you need to know about USB Type-C

 

Last year, Apple incorporated a type-C USB connection into its Macbooks and this is soon set to become an industry standard across all devices and platforms. So what does this mean, and how will it affect you?

  1. Smaller, more practical design

USB Type-C is about a third of the size of the current USB Type-A standard. Meaning that we will benefit from thinner laptops and devices in the future. No more massive ports consuming an unnecessary amount of room.

The connector will function in many ways across all devices, from external hard drive, to laptop, from mobile phone to PC USB port and more. Plus the connection is reversible, putting an end to inserting it upside down – every single time!

  1. Easier to use

There was once a time when your laptop or PC had seemingly hundreds of ports to connect various monitors, devices and hardware to one another, it was a complicated wire-filled affair.

Over time, we see these ports slowly disappearing, and USB Type-C will be next step in the right direction for removing more of these. The one, multi-use port will make it possible to connect multiple devices at once.

For example, it will become possible to charge laptops using USB power delivery. What’s more, you could charge your laptop using the power supply of an external monitor.

  1. Backwards Compatibility

Don’t worry that your devices will become incompatible when USB Type-C comes into play. The technology will work just fine with the use of a physical adapter which has a Type-C connector on one end, and other ports on the other end. This will make it possible to hook up any device with USB Type-C, waving goodbye to older connection types.

Phone-camparison

Get the most out of your new smartphone

/in /by

Get the most out of your new smartphone

If you were the lucky recipient of a shiny new smartphone this Christmas, let us help you set it up for ultimate enjoyment.

1) Connect to wifi

You don’t want to drain your data allowance before you’ve even set your phone up! Connect to your wifi to make sure you stay well within limits.

2) Sign up

Smartphones generally require users to have an account for backing up apps, settings and data. Make sure you have the relevant logins – either Microsoft, Google or Apple. You can choose how much access you want your logins to give you, from simple phone management, to email, app store and other functions.

If you already have an account from an existing smartphone, you can restore as much or as little of your old data and settings as you want.

3) Protect your data

Implement passcodes and fingerprint recognition where possible to keep intruders (and relatives!) away from your personal files and photos.

4) Turn on location services

Should you ever misplace your smartphone, it is easy to prevent your personal information from falling into the wrong hands and also reunite yourself with your device.

To do this, you need to make sure that your location settings are activated to “Find Phone” as this shows your device location on a remotely accessed map and makes it possible for you to wipe the lost phone.

Make sure you also activate the backup service so you can regain access to your stuff. If you have loads of photos and music, it is worth investing in some cloud storage.

 

5) Install apps

Most of smartphone fun comes from the huge selection of apps you can have. From games to news, and social media – there’s something for everyone. Top apps include –

  • Facebook: Update your status and connect with friends on the go!
  • Twitter: Engage with people and brands using those all important 140 characters.
  • Whatsapp: Chat with friends and send multimedia messages quickly and easily for free.
  • Instagram: Share your favourite photos with your followers.
  • News: All the latest affairs at your fingertips.

Be careful as many apps are free but some do need to be paid for. Also, quite a few apps (especially games) might require payment once in use.

5) Sort out the notifications

After installing those great apps, you might notice your phone just doesn’t stop pinging and flashing as they try to keep you constantly updated. This can be very annoying, particularly if you are trying to work or sleep!

Make sure you take a few minutes to sort through the notification settings so that you only get alerts for a chosen few.

6) Get a case

Smartphones are very powerful and can do thousands of cool things, but they are also very fragile and can break easily if mishandled or dropped.

Choose a suitable protective phone case for your device to help take on some of the impact if dropped- there are thousands of styles and designs available so you can really express your personality too.

7) Get help if you need it

Here at ColchesterIT, we are experienced in fixing iPhone screens at an affordable price. So if your new device gets damaged, rest assured we can help you get it back up and running in no time at all.

We are also able to help with a wide range of mobile phone issues, so if you’re unsure about something on your new smartphone, just pop in and see us, we are happy to help.

boost-wifi

Boost your wi-fi connection today

/in /by

Boost your wi-fi connection today

 

Struggling with a poor wi-fi connection? Getting stressed out by slow and unreliable connections? You’ve got several options to boost performance, without needing to change your broadband provider. Check out this video from BBC Click:

 

 

How can I boost my wi-fi connection?

 

DIY reflector

The video demonstrates how quickly and easily you can make your own cost effective wi-fi reflector. This “Blue Peter” style hack requires some tin foil, a piece of cardboard and some PVA glue. Simply piece the items together and then fold your work of art into three sections. Placing your handmade reflector behind a wi-fi router will point the signal into the chosen direction and boost connection speed.

 

Don’t want to faff around with a bit of tin foil and cardboard? Why not have a look into the following wi-fi boosting solutions?

 

Wi-fi range extender

For the more serious internet user, a wi-fi range extender is a good solution, particularly in larger buildings. Simply plug the device in a connected area then sit back and enjoy the improved signal throughout.

 

Powerline adapters

These nifty gadgets come in two parts. One part connects directly to the wi-fi router and the other is plugged into any other socket in the same building. Your computer or smart device can then be attached via a lead or wireless connection.

 

Tri-band router

Another option is the tri-band router, featuring a 2.4GHz connection and two 5GHz connections to give a consistently strong signal when the device in use is within a close proximity to the router. This is perfect when socialising as many devices can connect at once with very little interference – providing they are fairly modern.

 

4G data

As 4G is becoming more standardised and more frequently found, the contract prices are beginning to fall and in some cases 4G may be speedier than wi-fi. This means that some users will be better off using a 4G provider rather than a wi-fi provider especially as the 4G routers and hotspots offer far more flexible user-friendly options.

 

We are here to help!

 

If you’re not sure which device is best for your home, have a chat with one of our friendly and experienced technicians who will be happy to help.

 

Plus don’t forget to take advantage of our exclusive TP-Link Powerline kit offer:


Collect in store: for just £69 or
Home call out: for just £99

 

Expand your wi-fi coverage today!

 

iPad-Pro-review

iPad Pro

/in /by

The Apple iPad Pro will be hitting stores on November 11th 2015. The extra large screen device will be available to purchase both in stores and online – just in time for Christmas!

 

About the iPad Pro

Packed full of features, The iPad Pro is certainly set to be a big hit. Boasting a huge 12.9 inch display with a resolution that can handle more than 5.6 million pixels. Apple have teamed this with a 64 bit processor which is nearly two times faster than their previous chip.

If that’s not enough to get you excited, you’ll be pleased to know that the battery will last for around ten long hours from one single charge and the device features four speakers (one in each corner) all of which can produce three times more audio than the iPad Air 2.

The iPad Pro will come in a choice of three colourways: silver, gold and space grey; and will retail at around £599 for 32GB while the 128GB specced out model will have a price tag of about £700.

 

iPad Pro Accessories

For those who want to get even more out of this great device, there will be two cool accessories.

Firstly, a Smart Keyboard which connects to the iPad via magnetic connection as well as offering a boost in power and data. This basically turns your iPad into a laptop, making it much easier to compile documents.

There will also be a high-tech stylus, The Apple Pencil, which incorporates Force Touch technology to understand the user’s actions by responding to pressure, angle, dimension and positioning.

What do you think of the Apple iPad Pro?! Are you putting it on your Christmas list? Let us know!

 

iPad Screen Repair Services

If the iPad Pro has got you so excited that you’ve dropped your current iPad, don’t despair! – ColchesterIT are able to carry out iPad and iPhone screen repairs. If you need this service, we’ll be happy to help – just let us know.