What is Ransomware? Ransomware is a type of malicious software that is designed to disrupt or damage a computer, laptop or mobile device until a sum of money is paid to the cybercriminals behind it, to fix it. It’s one of the fastest growing forms of computer virus, mainly affecting individuals and small businesses. How Read More
Software
Tech Trends to Watch This December: Innovations, Tips, and Smart Rentals
December is a prime time for tech enthusiasts and businesses alike, with holiday shopping, year-end upgrades, and the latest innovations shaping the landscape. Here’s a look at key insights on renting tech equipment, and practical tips for the season. 1. Renting Tech: Smart Choices for Events and OfficesAs budgets tighten during the holiday season, renting Read More
Emerging Software Trends Shaping the Future of IT
In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, staying ahead of software trends is crucial for businesses and consumers alike. Smart Computers is dedicated to providing innovative IT solutions that empower our clients to thrive in a digital world. Understanding current trends in software not only helps organisations optimise their operations but also ensures that they remain Read More
Renting for Businesses and Self-Employed
In today’s fast-paced business landscape, flexibility and efficiency are key. One trend that’s gained significant momentum is the shift towards renting rather than owning assets. From cars and homes to mobile phones and tools, renting has become a popular choice for many individuals, self-employed and large or small businesses. Why Rent? Short-Term Laptop Rental Read More
What does a computer virus actually do?
No doubt you’ve heard of a computer virus, you may have been on the unfortunate end of one or know someone who has, but what is it and how can you prevent your PC from getting one? We’ve pulled together a useful summary with some hints and tips to help you out… What is a Read More
Windows 10 updates are set to get easier
Upgrading PCs to the latest version of Windows 10 could soon be easier under a new system being trialled by Microsoft. Tests are underway to roll out a new version of Windows 10 that is smaller in size, meaning less time to download and less space used on the hard drive – good news. All Read More
Tech Rental Myths Debunked: The Truth About Renting Your Tech
Tech rental has become increasingly popular for businesses and individuals alike. However, there are still many misconceptions surrounding this flexible option. Let’s dispel some of the most common myths and shed light on the real benefits of tech rentals. Myth 1: Renting Tech is More Expensive Than Buying Reality: This is often not the case. Read More
A cyber awareness guide for SMEs
Technology is rapidly evolving, providing great opportunities for businesses to improve processes and communication, however it comes with its challenges as these constant changes also open up opportunities for criminals. To help you stay on top of the latest cyber threats and what you can do to protect yourself and your business online, Smart Computers Read More
Keep safe online this Christmas
While Christmas is the season of good will and joy for many, it’s also the time of year when consumers will spend millions online – the perfect time of year for fraudsters to try and trap you with their clever, believable scams. It’s estimated that one in four Brits has been a victim of an Read More
Microsoft are putting up their prices
In an effort to harmonise prices across Europe and as a result of the fall in the value of the pound, Microsoft are putting up software and cloud pricing in the UK. From 1 January 2017, users in the UK will see a 13% hike in enterprise software license fees, and a 22% rise in Read More
Are you still using Microsoft Outlook 2010 or even older?
If you are still using Microsoft Outlook 2010 or older, then read on. You will have received a notification that you will no longer be supported by Microsoft 365 or Office 365 services. But what does this notification mean, and what can you do to protect your systems? Last August it was announced that Outlook Read More
Software ‘End of Life’
When software reaches ‘End of Life’ Even software has a use by date. So what should you do when software goes EOL? With the constant cycle of updates and incremental new versions of our favourite software, it’s understandable that not every version can remain supported forever. The process of putting a piece of software out Read More
How small businesses can bridge the tech skills gap
We all know how quickly the world of technology moves. It can be a minefield and feel impossible to keep up with all the changes and stay on top of the game to make sure you are getting the most out of IT for your business. It’s widely reported that there is a skills gap Read More
How we’ll move your business to Office 365 in 7 easy steps
The number of businesses choosing to move to Office 365 is rapidly increasing. The rise in demand is no surprise as the solution offers flexible and familiar collaboration across teams, devices, and platforms. Whether you’re working online or off, at home or at work, from a computer, tablet, or phone, from desktop to web and Read More
Should you be allowed to use social media at work?
Should social media be allowed in the workplace? Social media has become a large part of modern life but should it be a part of our working lives? You don’t want employees using social media when they’re supposed to be working, but could it also be a security threat? Common social media scams aim to Read More
Adobe Flash End of Life – What you need to know
Important information if you run any Adobe Flash programmes. Flash to HTML5 — What the End of Life for Flash means for you On December 31, 2020, updates and distribution of Adobe Flash will stop. Why? Adobe Flash hasn’t been the most secure product. While Adobe has kept up with patching zero day Read More
SCAM Awareness Month – July 2016
THERE’S ONLY ONE YOU; KEEP IT THAT WAY! Do you know how to protect yourself against identity crime? Identity theft is the UK’s fastest-growing method used to carry out criminal activity and the internet provides numerous opportunities for fraudsters to harvest the personal data of unsuspecting members of the public. Once a criminal has your details they can Read More
Glossary of Cyber Scam terms
Do you know your Trojan from your Zombie? You may be mistaken in thinking we are talking about the latest Dr Who series, but no, these terms relate to Cyber Scams and awareness. When it comes to cyber security there are a multitude of phrases and acronyms to learn and remember that all mean different things. Smart Read More
How to avoid falling victim to Ransomware
How to avoid falling victim to Ransomware It has recently been reported that there has been an increase in ransomware attacks affecting a variety of operating systems in the UK. Why the UK? The UK is regarded as a testing ground by foreign criminal gangs and as a result many companies have found themselves victims Read More
Introducing Data Encryption
Introducing Data Encryption from Smart Computers At Smart Computers, we’ve boosted our Smart Protect service. Introducing Data Encryption. Encryption has become a given-standard under the new General Data Protection Regulation that comes in to force in May 2018. The new regulation forces UK and EU businesses to implement security procedures to ensure that data is Read More
Important information if you are using Windows 10 version 1507
What’s happening to Windows 10 version 1507? From 9th May 2017, Windows 10 devices running version 1507 will no longer receive security and quality updates. The following editions are affected: Home Pro Education Enterprise Since its release in July 2015, Microsoft has released two feature updates that build upon each other, delivering new features and Read More
Your business has been infected by Ransomware, now what?
Ransomware: it’s scary, it’s growing fast, its big business and no business or employee is immune from a potential attack. In a nut shell, ransomware drops an encrypted wall between a business and the internal data and applications that the business needs to operate. But these attacks can be far more serious than simply the Read More
Microsoft update KB-3114409 with Outlook 2010 causes Havoc
“In Outlook 2010, all of my options were reset to their defaults and when I change them, the changes don’t stick. As soon as I close my Outlook and restart it, everything is back to its default” Customers report that installing KB 3114409 forces Outlook to start in safe mode when in fact this update Read More
What does a computer virus actually do?
No doubt you’ve heard of a computer virus, you may have been on the unfortunate end of one or know someone who has, but what is it and how can you prevent your PC from getting one? We’ve pulled together a useful summary with some hints and tips to help you out… What is a Read More
Windows 10
Windows 10 marks a “new era” for personal computing, Microsoft’s chief executive has said. The software, launched globally on Wednesday, is the company’s attempt to reverse its fortunes in the mobile industry. Windows 10 will be offered as a free upgrade to most consumers. However, companies will have to pay for their version, as will Read More
What is ‘Patching’?
What is ‘Patching’? ‘Patching’ or a ‘Patch’ is the term used for a software update. What does a ‘Patch’ do? Patches can do any of the following things: Fix a software bug Install a new driver Address new security vulnerabilities Address software stability issues Upgrade the software It’s vitally important not to ignore these Read More
