Tips & How To Advice
TIP # 15 - SPYWARE REMOVAL
Spyware, like virus programs, can cause damage to your files and other data.
Spyware can cause your PC to slow down considerably, prevent your computer from connecting to the internet, and create annoying popup ads on your screen.
A combination of anti-spyware software should be used to ensure that all infected files and settings be removed.
The most effective and efficient spyware programs are:
- Spybot Search & Destroy
- Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
- Hitman Pro
This software will remove all traces of spyware and ensure your PC is running at peak performance.
TIP # 15 - SPYWARE REMOVAL
Spyware, like virus programs, can cause damage to your files and other data.
Spyware can cause your PC to slow down considerably, prevent your computer from connecting to the internet, and create annoying popup ads on your screen.
A combination of anti-spyware software should be used to ensure that all infected files and settings be removed.
The most effective and efficient spyware programs are:
- Spybot Search & Destroy
- Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
- Hitman Pro
This software will remove all traces of spyware and ensure your PC is running at peak performance.
TIP # 14 - PIRIFORM SOFTWARE
Piriform have developed a suite of software which can be used in conjunction with each other to optimise your computer.
These programs can remove obsolete shortcuts and file programs, clean internet cache files, and disable software not required to run in the background on PC startup.
Piriform software is highly recommended for speeding up your computer and include the following programs:
- Speccy (shows system specifications)
- Defraggler (defragments your hard drive)
- Recuva (recovers deleted files)
- CCleaner (removes redundant files)
This software is both reliable and free.
TIP # 13 - AVG ANTIVIRUS FREE
If your after a great antivirus program for your computer, try AVG Antivirus.
It performs just as well as other antivirus applications.
Norton, McAfee, Kaspersky and Trend Micro charge an annual subscription fee. AVG Antivirus is free.
When used with a host of other software programs, AVG will prevent viruses from infecting and slowing down your PC.
TIP # 12 - HDMI TV ADAPTER
Have you ever bought a new smart TV and ran out of HDMI ports? HDMI stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface.
All current Blu Ray and DVD players, home theatre systems, and gaming consoles such as PlayStation and Xbox have a HDMI connection. Therefore, it can be quite easy to use all available ports on your TV.
You can purchase a HDMI TV adapter, which can add up to another 3 HDMI ports to your TV and be an inexpensive option for expansion.
TIP # 11 - PLAYSTATION TV
Playstation TV is a fantastic device which connects to the Playstation Network and can be connected to any TV in your home.
Playstation TV can allow you to play multiplayer games and watch YouTube videos online. The best part about this device, is it's capability to connect to your PS4. It can remote in to your PS4 which may be located in your lounge room, and stream gaming into your bedroom.
Playstation TV is relatively inexpensive, costing 1/3 of the price of a PS4, and allows you to experience more that Playstation has to offer.
It can be connected via WIFI or powerline adapter for best results.
TIP # 10 - POWERLINE ADAPTER
Some homes with a wireless network will not have full WIFI coverage of their house. Instead of setting up a WIFI Extender, a powerline adapter can be used. This will provide faster internet speeds and create a more reliable and stable connection.
A powerline adapter is a device which plugs into your wall power point and connects into your modem router. Another powerline adapter is setup in the room which requires internet access. An ethernet cable is then connected to the desktop computer or laptop device.
Powerline adapters use the electrical power lines within the house to connect to the internet and form a network, without the need for a WIFI connection or messy and expensive cables.
Multiple powerline adapters can be connected to each other and used simultaneously.
TIP # 9 - MEDIA SERVER SETUP
The increase in digital technology has reduced the popularity of CD's and DVD's, which are now becoming redundant.
The digital format of photos, movies and music means that these files can now be easily stored on hard disk drives (HDD), and are more accesible to the user.
If you have a Smart TV and a computer on the same network, digital files can be streamed from your PC.
A media server (digital hub) can be setup within your household by configuring Windows Media Player on your computer. Movies, photos and music can then be accessed from any Smart TV via the WIFI connection, as long as these files are shared.
Instead of trying to find a specific movie DVD from your collection and inserting the disc into an actual player, movies can now be stored on your PC. Blockbuster movies and television shows can then be searched for by alphabetical order, actor or genre, and played instantaneously on your TV.
TIP # 8 - ADSL MODEM ROUTER
When most homes initially connect to the internet, they are supplied with a standard ADSL modem router from their Internet Service Provider (ISP).
These units have 802.11 n technology, which provides access to the internet at reasonable speeds via the phone line, and will allow WIFI connectivity.
However, if you require optimal speeds for your internet and require far more reliable network access, you should consider upgrading your modem router to the latest 802.11 ac Dual Band technology.
These modem routers perform a lot quicker. They can download data faster, are more stable for streaming movies to DLNA devices (Smart TV's & Digital Media Servers), and make playing multiplayer games more enjoyable due to reduced lag.
The dual band also allows WIFI enabled devices to be connected to 2 different frequencies (2.4 Ghz or 5Ghz) simultaneously. The WIFI signal is also stronger, therefore extending the range of the wireless network throughout the home.
TIP # 8 - ADSL MODEM ROUTER
When most homes initially connect to the internet, they are supplied with a standard ADSL modem router from their Internet Service Provider (ISP).
These units have 802.11 n technology, which provides access to the internet at reasonable speeds via the phone line, and will allow WIFI connectivity.
However, if you require optimal speeds for your internet and require far more reliable network access, you should consider upgrading your modem router to the latest 802.11 ac Dual Band technology.
These modem routers perform a lot quicker. They can download data faster, are more stable for streaming movies to DLNA devices (Smart TV's & Digital Media Servers), and make playing multiplayer games more enjoyable due to reduced lag.
The dual band also allows WIFI enabled devices to be connected to 2 different frequencies (2.4 Ghz or 5Ghz) simultaneously. The WIFI signal is also stronger, therefore extending the range of the wireless network throughout the home.
TIP # 7 - COMPUTER MAINTENANCE
Your PC should be maintained and serviced on a regular basis.
Build up of dust and fan failure can cause your computer system to over heat, which in turn will damage hardware components.
The speed of your desktop or laptop can also slow down due to general wear and tear on your hard drive.
Preventative maintenance is recommended to ensure your computer is running efficiently.
TIP # 7 - COMPUTER MAINTENANCE
Your PC should be maintained and serviced on a regular basis.
Build up of dust and fan failure can cause your computer system to over heat, which in turn will damage hardware components.
The speed of your desktop or laptop can also slow down due to general wear and tear on your hard drive.
Preventative maintenance is recommended to ensure your computer is running efficiently.
TIP # 6 - WIFI EXTENDERS
WIFI Extenders are devices used to broaden the Wireless coverage of a router, and are essential for large houses.
If a router is setup in a study or home office at the front of a house, most likely the signal will be weak at the other end of the house.
A WIFI Extender will connect to the router wirelessly, and effectively boost the signal and range of the WIFI throughout the entire house.
TIP # 6 - WIFI EXTENDERS
WIFI Extenders are devices used to broaden the Wireless coverage of a router, and are essential for large houses.
If a router is setup in a study or home office at the front of a house, most likely the signal will be weak at the other end of the house.
A WIFI Extender will connect to the router wirelessly, and effectively boost the signal and range of the WIFI throughout the entire house.
TIP # 5 - PASSWORD PROTECTION
Password protection is vital in order to secure documentation, photos and other important content stored on your computer or tablet. It provides security and prevents unauthorised persons from accessing this information.
A strong password should contain at least 8 characters, and consist of upper and lower case letters, combined with numbers. For passwords to be effective. they should be changed on a regular basis.
TIP # 5 - PASSWORD PROTECTION
Password protection is vital in order to secure documentation, photos and other important content stored on your computer or tablet. It provides security and prevents unauthorised persons from accessing this information.
A strong password should contain at least 8 characters, and consist of upper and lower case letters, combined with numbers. For passwords to be effective. they should be changed on a regular basis.
TIP # 4 - SURGE PROTECTORS
Electrical surges and storm blackouts can damage your computer, TV and other audio visual hardware.
Protect yourself by buying a decent surge protector. This item can save you hundred of dollars worth of repairs and is a must for electronic equipment.
TIP # 3 - PLAYSTATION UPGRADE
Sony Playstation is a fantastic gaming console.
However, with the latest games being nearly 50 GB in size, the standard hard drive (500 GB) can only hold up to 10 games.
The good news is the hard drive for both a PS3 and PS4 can be upgraded and replaced with an internal 2.5 inch laptop hard drive.
A 3 TB hard drive can hold up to 60 games.
TIP # 2 - OPEN OFFICE
Open Office is a free software program with a suite of office features, therefore it can be used to create and view documents and spreadsheets.
The advantage with Open Office is the ability to integrate with Microsoft Office.
It is compatible with Word & Excel if saved with the right extensions (doc, xls). Even better, it's a free alternative.
https://www.openoffice.org/
TIP # 1 - DATA BACKUP
Backup your important files including documents, photos and music on a regular basis.
This process should be performed at least once a month.Backups should be assigned to an external hard drive for portability, and ultimately stored in a fire proof safe for recovery.
TIPS & HOW TO ADVICE
On a regular basis, we will provide tips in relation to computers and audio visual.
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