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Welcome to DISC’s quarterly newsletter number 72.
The press has been full again of the latest version of software released by Microsoft – Windows 7. This brings a welcome return to a more ordered system of software naming something which was lost after Windows 3.1 in 1992. It is also the first time for many versions where professionals are not running for the hills! Windows 95, ME, XP and Vista were such huge changes ‘under the bonnet’ that most users waited until the first service pack had been released by Microsoft before they attempted to start using the new operating system. This time the people at Richmond seem to have produced improvements without breaking functions that worked previously. This is due mainly to the fact that Windows 7 uses the same core software and drivers for hardware that Vista pioneered a few years ago. The lower hardware requirements of Windows 7 also mean that, for once, an upgrade will actually speed up your computer! Microsoft have concentrated on much faster start-up times and simplified the task bar menu at the bottom of the screen so it doesn’t fill up with useless icons. A nice touch is the ability to view two windows by dragging them to either side of the desktop – they both instantly occupy 50% of the screen allowing you compare the pages side by side.
Another first for Microsoft is the 3 user upgrade pack aimed mainly at home users but equally applicable in a small office. The networking aspects of 7 are also a major step forwards especially when Vista quite often refused to communicate with older XP systems! It is only possible to run an upgrade on a Vista installation as XP systems requires a fresh install but we would recommend this route anyway so remember to backup all of your data before starting work or
Call DISC on 0845 644 6547 for help with installations, updates or any
type of computer or Internet advice
At DISC we are asked on a regular basis about the best service provider for Internet connections and although the market appears to have stabilised after a few years of takeovers and close downs it’s still a difficult decision to make. In terms of cost the best deals are now linked in with another element in a package for instance;
TalkTalk still leads the field with its phone and Internet package as long as you’re willing to move the line from BT – we find the support is good too.
Orange and O2 both offer broadband from around £7.50 per month if you already have a mobile phone contract with them and you can leave the phone line with BT.
Sky’s package ties in with satellite TV and is free if they have installed their own equipment at your local exchange but quite expensive if not. You can check if they have at this website - www.samknows.com
While we’re on phone lines BT and most telephone companies now offer 0845 and 0870 calls free within your contract. This is not true with mobile phones though so if you need to call DISC you can also use
01661 820 372
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