Are you thinking about purchasing a new computer, but still not sure if it’s really necessary or not?

As much as we would all love to upgrade our work or home PC's with each new wave of technology, this isn’t practical or financially possible for most of us. That’s why computers are an investment. When you purchase one, you generally know that you’ll own it for a couple of years or more, with the option of upgrading some of the parts if needed. But if you’ve had your PC for a while, and you feel like it may be slowly dying… here are 7 things we recommend you look at to know whether it really is time to upgrade

1) You can no longer run updates

Once your computer is no longer able to download the latest software updates, it can become at risk to security threats. Microsoft updates are particularly important to your computer as they focus on weaknesses in the system. If you are unable to run these updates your system can become compromised and vulnerable to malicious content.

The most common occurrence of this is when Microsoft stopped providing security updates for Windows XP since April 2014. As of April 11, 2017 security updates for Windows Vista computers will not be available.

2) Getting slow

If you’re unable to complete multiple tasks while waiting for your computer to load, then chances are you might need a new computer. While having a slow computer does not always indicate you need a new computer it can be an indication of more serious problems.

Some of the most common occurrences of slowness are when booting your computer up, running very slowly when having multiple applications open, or being able to type a whole sentence before a single word appears on screen.

3) Important part of your business or daily life

If your computer is used for work, school or other essential programs you can’t function without, then it REALLY is time for an upgrade. Take the dive and reap the rewards of no more downtime - resulting in loss of revenue, anger and time wasted!

4) Spending more time fixing it than using it

Does your computer often require work to be done? We find in these situations it is usually best to replace the machine than continually repair issues. Ongoing problems can indicate a serious hardware problem, which even with replacing parts can still cause failure in other components. In older computer replacement, parts can often come with a hefty price tag, along with labour costs to replace them. It makes more sense to invest in a computer that has the latest technology rather than putting money into an old system that could fail again.

5) Becoming noisy

All computers make some sort of noise from the fan, the CD drive or the hard drive. If your computer is making clicking, scraping, groaning and other strange noises that are not normal, it could signal that parts are overheating or that your hard drive may be failing. If these types of noises are ignored, your hard drive could fail resulting in the loss of all your precious data – which may not be recoverable.

6) Running out of space

With new technologies consistently popping up every day, we find ourselves needing more from our computers than we did 3-5 years ago. Programs, games, music, photos and videos are all taking up huge amounts of space. We find that older computers are struggling to keep up with today’s computer demands. 5 years ago the standard computers were released with only 2GB of RAM, for most people today this would only be their music collection! Today the minimum RAM you can obtain is 4GB, with many people opting for 8-16GB to future proof their computer. The general rule is, once you start needing to delete or transfer your files to make space, an upgrade won’t be far off.

7) Passed the average life span

It may surprise you to know the average life span of a computer today is 3-5 years. While your computer may be up and running, if you’re struggling to get your work done or run programs because of performance interruptions, a newer computer will be needed. If you’re still hanging onto a Windows XP or Vista machine, your computer is anywhere from 7 to 10 years of old - so it is definitely time for an upgrade!

If you think it’s time to upgrade your computer but you aren’t quite sure what is right for you or where to start, then give the team at MCN a call! We will use our expertise to guide you on what computer will best suit your needs.

Today's working world is ever evolving, and sometimes it can feel like you are never up to date with the latest and greatest to ensure you are maximising your productivity!

We have put together a list of our top 5 recommendations to make sure you stay on top of your A game.....

1)RoboForm:

Are you sick of wasting valuable time trying to remember all your various log-on & passwords for every website? Or worse are you writing them down where anybody can see?!

We have a solution for you; RoboForm is a unique password management software that makes your life easier and more secure. The program memorises your log on details and automatically logs you in to any saved website. It has a high level of password protection by encrypts passwords to achieve complete security. It can also generates random passwords that hackers & key loggers cannot guess. RoboForm can be synchronized between multiple computers and is incredibly user-friendly. From now on your RoboForm Master Password is the one password you’ll need to remember!

2) Syncing email to your mobile:

If you’re not already doing this…then you should be! Having the ability to access your work emails remotely helps businesses to improve communications and responsiveness to clients, partners and suppliers. You have access to information on the go which helps to improve efficiency.

3) Dual screen:

By having two monitors, a person can run multiple applications simultaneously. For instance, on one screen, you can have your email, while on the other browse the web or use a program. This allows for fast and easy comparisons between files. Using a dual monitor set up, leads to an increase in productivity due to a larger and more flexible visual workspace. Research shows that productivity can increase as much as 40%. Imagine that on your bottom line!

4) Switching off email popup notifications:

One of the most distracting events is for you to receive a popup informing you that an email has arrived. The subsequent action, unless you’re disciplined is to look at the email, maybe respond to it quickly and then try getting back on track, only to

be interrupted again when the next one arrives.

To disable the pop up you need to do the following:

On the file menu, click Options. Then go to the Mail tab, scroll down to Message arrive: where you will find message notification option.

5) Hands free headsets:

Something as simple as a hands free headsets can increase your work productivity. Studies show that using a headset instead of hand held phone makes you more productive by freeing up both your hands allowing you to use a computer, handle documents or make notes. Another useful advantage is when you're making calls you are free to move around the office and accomplish other tasks; this is especially useful if you are waiting on hold. Being hands free can help improve your posture, and make you feel more active at the end of the work day.

Electronic waste (e-waste) is one of the world’s fastest growing waste products category today. Electronic products such as computers, cell phones and refrigerators vastly contribute to e-waste at the end of their lives. As technology advances we find ourselves upgrading regularly, with the average life span of many electronic devices lasting less than five years.

E-waste items are made up of many different materials that often contain toxic substances such as lead, mercury, nickel, barium, hexavalent chromium and many more. Once in a landfill, these toxic materials soak into the environment, contaminating the land, water and air.

In New Zealand, most expired electronic items are being dumped into landfills. It is estimated that 300 to 400 million items of electronic waste are being dumped in New Zealand each year, or worse still, are being disposed of around the countyside due to expensive dumping costs.

Thankfully, many individuals are recognizing the importance of recycling e-waste. Here at MCN, we are eager to do our part to help decrease the amount of electronic pollution. We have recently enlisted the help of a Wellington based organisation called Recycling for Charity. Their aim is to decrease the amount of e-waste we produce and give back to the community at the same time.

Many components from electronic devices are of value and can be recycled to make new products. At Recycling for Charity a percentage of the profit made by recycling computers goes to a charity of your choice. The more computers that Recycling for Charity receives the more money they can give to your chosen charity.

The following items can be recycled and are sought after by Recycling for Charity. They accept both working and non-functional items.

PCs / Laptops, Apple – iMacs, MacBooks and Macintoshes etc.Tablets, iPadsServers, Server InfrastructureSwitches, Routers/ModemsKeyboards, MiceLCD ScreensUPSsPrinters, Ink/Photocopier CartridgesCell PhonesComputer CablesMotherboards, CPUs, HDDs, PSUs, Video Cards, Memory/RAMPlaystation, Xbox, Nintendo

If you have any old devices cluttering up your home or business that you’re not sure what to do with, bring them down to MCN and we can donate your items to Recycling for Charity free of charge.

Sitting is becoming an increasingly tough cycle to break with new technologies making everything that much easier for us to do nothing. Today we spend more time sitting than we do anything else. The average person will spend more than 9.3 hours a day sitting, which is even more than the average person spends sleeping. Many people spend all day sitting at a desk, and instead of walking we are opting for driving everywhere we go. Then, after a long day we get home and continue sitting at our computer or on the couch in front of the television.

For office workers sitting for long periods of time leads to a large number of health concerns, including back pain, RSI, obesity, metabolic syndrome, increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat and abnormal cholesterol levels. Too much sitting can also increase the risk of death from cardiovascular disease and cancer.

While computer work is an ever-growing necessity in today’s business world, it doesn’t mean you need to be chained to your chair all day. Sit-stand desks are becoming more and more popular in workplaces. Researchers have recommended office workers should stand as well as sit for periods throughout the workday to help prevent the types of health conditions mentioned above.

Many people feel that standing rather than sitting at a computer would feel too odd and not work for them. We asked a client's staff member how she felt about this new method of working:

"I decided to try a standing desk for the health reasons you mentioned. When I sat at a desk all day, I found that by mid-afternoon I sometimes had disgestive/stomach aggravation. Although I liked the idea, I was a bit sceptical that I would be able to adjust to standing at a computer. So, I was VERY surprised to find that it was immediately comfortable! Not only did my rumbly tummy go away but I also found that it was quite good for when I was trying to be creative, because I could move around freely (do a little walk while I was thinking) and then move easily back to the computer. I'd never go back to sitting all day; the only thing I have to remember now is to sit down from time to time!"

In our latest newsletter, we take a look at what Office 365 has to offer and ask you a tough question: are you a leader or a follower? It may all come down to your attitude towards technology. We can help identify your pain points and provide IT solutions: that's our game. And of course, more specials to entice you, including Office 365.

GravityLight is a non-profit product development organisation that has developed a lamp which relies solely on gravity to make it work. The GravityLight lamp doesn’t require solar power, electricity or batteries, making the lamp completely safe and reusable.

The team of designers set out to make a light that can replace the use of dangerous and polluting kerosene lamps used in areas of Africa that are not connected to the power grid.

The GravityLight works on a pulley system that has a 12kg bag attached the end, when the bag is filled with dirt, stones or sand it works as a weight. The bag is pulled to the top using a bead cord, on release the bag falls slowly to the ground. The beaded cord passes slowly through a connected train which generates the power for the LED light. Once the weighted bag has reached the ground, it can be lifted back up and used again. The lifted weight creates enough light for 25 minutes whenever required.

The GravityLight will cost villagers less than $10 to buy and will require no running costs; in just a few months it would pay for itself and save people from the increasing costs and dangers of kerosene.

GravityLight lamps will soon be available to the public, if you would like to keep up to date with this project and find out how you can help click the following link. http://gravitylight.org/

Read our latest newsletter here. A world-first 3D printed building; the Acer R7 Flip with $10 add-on; our monthly special; and tips for carpal tunnel syndrome.

21st century libraries, a spot of phishing, and more tips and tricks. Read about it in our May/June News.

It’s been almost two years since Microsoft released Windows 8 to the world with mixed responses from its users due to the vast changes to its operating systems and interface. Although its improved performance, security enhancements and touchscreen devices were well received, the new user interface was labelled as being confusing and difficult to learn, especially for desktop users.

A year later Microsoft released Windows 8.1 to address many of the shortcomings, making improvements to various aspects of the operating system. The end result was a very capable operating system but one that users still did not fully endorse.

Since then Microsoft has been working diligently to achieve an operating system that creates a happy medium between the old and new, combining the best features of Windows 8.1 with the older style of Windows 7.

Features

You will see the return of the Start menu button with a combination of the traditional Windows menu and Window 8 Live tiles to the side for easy access. For those who enjoy the Live tiles, the settings can be changed to have them appear on start-up.

Another handy feature Windows 10 provides is the ability to have two or more screens side by side; you simply drag an open window to the side snapping it into split screen mode allowing you to view multiple windows at the same time.

Cortana - Windows 10 also introduces Cortana, your own personal digital assistant. Cortana was perviously available on Windows phones but she has made her way to the PC along with better features. You can access Cortana through the Ask Me Anything search bar by either typing using the microphone, or enabling your settings so that whenever you say “Hey Cortana” followed with your question, she will respond. Cortana can also make calendar appointments, set reminders and alarms, take notes, play and pause music, send emails, tell you the weather, give directions and even tell a few jokes, plus much more!

Universal Apps - Windows 10 give you the ability to use universal apps that can be used across phones, tablets, PCs and eventually on the Xbox.

Microsoft Edge – Microsoft’s new web browser to replace internet explorer, will have a new interface, note taking mode, reader mode with built-in PDF support that can be viewed later on PC or phone, integration with Cortana, and more.

Continuum - is a new feature that allows 2-in-1 devices to automatically change modes if it detects there is suddenly no keyboard attached. On Table mode the screen will automatically change to Touch Screen mode ready for swiping and give you full screen view. When you attach your keyboard back on, it will return you to Laptop mode with your windows right where you had them and the Start menu back to small size.

Windows 10 will launch globally on 29 July 2015. Clients who operate on older versions of Windows, like XP or Vista, should consider changing to Windows 10 to ensure that their computers are being supported by Microsoft’s patch and security update programme. Clients with Windows 7, 8 and 8.1 will have the opportunity to upgrade to Windows 10 for free. However, our recommendation is to wait a couple of months before upgrading to ensure Windows 10 is stable and the initial issues are resolved. This also gives the providers of your line of business software time to test and establish if your software will work with Windows 10 and to provide updates to the software.

See our latest Newsletter here. Read about the latest micro-chipping technology that will make your skin crawl! Plus lots more...

Remember backing up the server at the end of each day onto a disk (which soon grew to multiple units), taking it home in case the worst happened, bringing it back the next day, and doing it all over again, and again? Those were the old days! Now, we have The Cloud. In our endless thirst for new technology, we have all embraced this concept for backing up our work. But, how much is it costing us, where is it and why does that matter?

Managed Computer Networks has developed a new Offsite Backup Service that offers you the best of both worlds: affordability, encryption for maximum security, and control over the total backup spectrum (seeing both where the backup is generated and how it arrives at the other end). This control is enabled because the backup is at our local data warehouse here in Blenheim.

Why is being able to see this backup spectrum important? “In the past, we were only able to see one end, which was where the backups were being generated; we couldn’t actually see where it was going to (in the cloud) and in what state it was arriving,” says Azher Mir, MCN’s Managing Director. Through providing a local cloud, we can reassure our clients that their encrypted information is being looked after beginning, middle and end, that the information has arrived to their data centre correctly, and that it has reconstructed the information in its entirety. If something were to happen at your premises, MCN can go to your data centre, pull the information off onto a hard drive and recreate a server solution that will essentially be up to 15 minutes prior to the damage occurring. Backups can be done at any required interval up to 15 minutes.

So if it’s good that the cloud is ‘local’, where is it otherwise and why is that not ideal? “The perception is that the cloud is a secure location somewhere and that because we don’t know where it is, then nobody should know where it is. That is completely the wrong way around,” explains Azher. “We’ve all taken this ‘cloud’ concept on board with zeal but few people really grasp the fact that their information is not ‘up there’, somewhere in the ether; it’s in a piece of hardware sitting somewhere in the world – maybe Sydney, Singapore, Germany or the US – with traffic going from one place to another via any number of different computers. And any one of those computers could actually be monitoring what’s going through it.”

To address this security issue, MCN encrypt the information at both ends of the highway, requiring a password to deconstruct and reconstruct the information held within a file. “In this way, even though the information may travel across all sorts of different places, we know that nobody else can get into it; it’s your personal cloud and we know where it is,” says Azher.

Another advantage of using our local backup system is the ease of meeting IRD record keeping obligations, which can be tricky when financial information is stored outside New Zealand.

How much does this new, local, secure backup system cost compared to the cloud services that are currently available? “We find many of our clients exceed the allocated data limit when they use existing cloud backup services and are then charged high fees for extra data, making it hard for them to budget for these costs. We wanted to change that because we know that data usage is increasing and will continue to do so. We just charge one fee - $95.00 plus GST per server per month - and however much data is consumed is irrelevant,” says Azher. Knowing how much it’s going to cost for your backup and offsite backups is peace of mind. And if there is an issue it doesn’t cost more because it’s all part of that fee.

The time taken to fix issues is also impressively truncated from the 3-6 days it typically took to receive a ‘seed backup’ from a data centre located in Auckland or Sydney, to a mere day because the data centre is local. This means there is less opportunity for something to go wrong (through backups not occurring).

MCN's focus has always been to provide exceptional customer service and establish trusting relationships through guaranteeing that we will do what we say we will do. With our Offsite Backup Service, MCN have added another benefit for you by easing concerns about security, data limits and blowing the budget.