Acer Laptop and Tablet Deals

So here is a little something special for the run up to Christmas...


What do you think?


Remember to get in contact with us and get yours now! Don't miss out on this deal!

Cavtec Systems Limited

Cavtec Systems Limited, established 1991. Providing the finest quality computer support and additional services to Small Medium Enterprises and Home users. Newcastle upon Tyne, London and East Grinstead.

http://www.cavtec.co.uk

admin@cavtec.co.uk

PC/Laptop Problems and Questions

So we are going to try something a little new for us.


Cavtec Systems Limited has prided itself on its first class service to all its customers over the past 20 years. We give you that professional, honest, friendly and impartial advice you need. So in true 21st Century fashion, we are posting video responses to your problems or questions asked via our Facebook and Twitter page.


So go right ahead, post your problems or questions to us on facebook or twitter and we'll do our best to help you. Please bear in mind that if we get a lot of responses, we can't gaurentee that we will reply to all of them.


From your friendly Computer experts for the past 20 years, You're welcome.

Cavtec Systems Limited

Cavtec Systems Limited, established 1991. Providing the finest quality computer support and additional services to Small Medium Enterprises and Home users. Newcastle upon Tyne, London and East Grinstead.

http://www.cavtec.co.uk

admin@cavtec.co.uk

Essential Applications and Programs for Windows (and some for OS X and Linux)

Ok...


We all have computing needs to some degree or another, right? The majority of the time, these needs require software, software that sometimes might be expensive or difficult to use. Well we have compiled a list of our favourite, latest and greatest software that has helped us help you, and will help you continue to meet your computing needs.


All the software here is freeware or open-source.


Anti-Virus, Spyware, other
- AVG 2012 : Anti-Virus
- CCleaner : Utility program used to clean potentially unwanted files and invalid Windows Registry entries from a computer
- MalwareBytes : Finds and removes malware
- Microsoft Security Essentials : Program for your PC and provides real-time protection against viruses, spyware and other malicious software
- Spybot : Popular spyware and adware removal program


Audio
- Audacity : Music editor, with codecs/plugins
- Acoustica Beatcraft : Drum machine, beat creator
- Acoustica Mixcraft : Affordable multi-track audio and MIDI recording software
- LMMS : Linux Multi-Media Studio, digital audio workstation
- MIXXX : open source digital DJ’ing software
- Spotify : music streaming service
- Virtual DJ : DJ software


Graphics
- Toy Camera : Digital image processing
- GIMP : free software raster graphics editor
- Paint.net : image and photo editing software
- Polaroid : Digital image processing


Internet
- Chrome : Internet browser
- Safari : Internet browser
- Skype : VoIP


Utilities
- DeFraggler : utility which allows users to defragment individual files on their computer system
- FileZilla : open source, cross-platform FTP software
- LinuxLive USB Creator : Linux USB creator
- Nero KwikMedia : All-in-one multi-media buddy
- Recuva : data recovery program
- RocketDock : Application Launcher similar to that on OSX
- solutoinstaller : Community driven Troubleshooter
- Speccy : system information tool, giving detailed hardware statistics
- X-Lite : VoIP


Video
- DVD Shrink : DVD transcoder program
- Handbrake : open-source program designed to convert MPEG video (including DVD-Video) into an MPEG-4 video file in MPEG-4 Part 14 (.mp4) or Matroska (.mkv) containers
- Lightworks : Academy and Emmy award winning professional-grade editor


Well there you have it, a complete list of essesntial applications and programs that will help you meet your computing needs. There are plenty more applications and programs out there! So please feel free to add more in the comments.


You're welcome.

Cavtec Systems Limited

Cavtec Systems Limited, established 1991. Providing the finest quality computer support and additional services to Small Medium Enterprises and Home users. Newcastle upon Tyne, London and East Grinstead.

http://www.cavtec.co.uk

admin@cavtec.co.uk

The journey of my HTC Trophy

January, The month of hope and new beginnings. Full of promise and aspirations for us all. For me, the month in which I got my brand new HTC Trophy, fashioning Windows Phone 7! I was so thrilled. I had read so much about WP7, its innovations and new concepts and I was excited to see it and use it for myself.

Now I don't want you to misunderstand me here when I say I wasn't overly impressed with it. The device itself, the hardware and the way it looked was great. The software handles like a dream with its smooth animations and interactions. It was just the lack of external application development which let it down. There are some great apps from HTC, and a few notable others, but compared to iOS or even Android, it was (is?) lagging far behind.

Anyway, I persisted/endured my device.

2 weeks ago I noticed that the volume up button and the power button were not working any more? They just wouldn't "click", and to get it to even do what it was supposed to do you had to nigh on crush the device! The device was promptly shipped off back to the manufacturer for a warranty repair. The notified me that the standard turnaround time was 7-10 days. Whether that was working days or otherwise, they weren't clear. So for these few days I was without my HTC, I had to use something from the 90's! It wasn't really from the 90's but the way it performed it certainly seemed like it was.

Then it struck me, and really that is what this "iGeneration" has come to. Overly high expectations and ridiculous demands for something that it providing you with the service! How I longed for my HTC to come back, to provide me with on demand information burning into my face! I had become so demanding, that I couldn't wait a few extra seconds to get the information I wanted. Really!? Urgh!

Anyway, the HTC came back long before the 7 day mark, so I was pleased with that (satisfying my high expectations and ridiculous demands again!). It was shipped in a lovely little novelty box, on it printed "I'm Back", as if to somewhat invoke an emotional response from me?! 

HTC - "I'm Back. I'm Fixed now."

Expected response - "Oh I missed you sooooo much! Never leave me again! I'm sorry I hurt you!".

No! Not from me. Thanks.

These companies who manufacture such devices are clever. Very clever. In everything the device is, or what we perceive it to be, they market it to be a part of us. Even to the point where if it is sent off for repair, it is made out to be a journey of self-discovery for the device!

When I seen that, it was the light bulb moment. Things need to change in my life. I can't be so attached to an inanimate object. It does not have feelings or emotions and will not reciprocate affection no matter how hard we may try. Its just a medium for obtaining information.

A way in which you can help yourself is by using task/action specific devices. If you want to make a phone call, use a phone. If you want to take a picture/video use a camera, etc... It was either Lifehacker or Gizmodo who posted about this but I cant find it?!

Having employed such practice for a few days, I found it quite refreshing to say the least. Relying on those devices I have already got for what they are truely for! Genius!

 

The BBC presented an article about how a lot of us today are addicted to our smartphones?

I hope this has made some sense to you. I hope it can help/shed some light on your current technology addiciton.

Thanks,

Cavtec Systems Limited

Cavtec Systems Limited, established 1991. Providing the finest quality computer support and additional services to Small Medium Enterprises and Home users. Newcastle upon Tyne, London and East Grinstead.

http://www.cavtec.co.uk

admin@cavtec.co.uk

Summer and Social Media

So, today down in here in East Grinstead, the weather is ridiculously hot! Borderline unbearable! Still the work needed to get done. I managed to get along to our weekly business networking meeting at the Dorset Arms, where a number of business owners/employees meet, chat, discuss ideas, get advice, etc...


Today was no different, although I did ask one or two questions for my own gain. Usually I try to answer or input as much as I can, but this time I though I'd pick the brains of East Grinsteads finest!


What was my topic of concern? Local advertising and the better/more effective use of social media. Can you help?


We're trying to increase the footfall to the business, both online and in person? What to do? Let me tell you where we're at in both locations:


Newcastle


We are pretty long established here, 20 years in fact. Word of mouth works best here as we have quite the extensive loyal customer-base. Yellow-pages work really well here. A lot of people in the North East seem to use that. As far as social media goes, or using Google adwords for that matter, we dont. Yet.


East Grinstead/London


We have only just open shop here recently. Things have moved slowly, but forward. Thousands of leaflets have been distributed, signs carried through the town centre, adverts placed in the local ad-mag, countless business networking meetings have been attended, for what? Very little in return.


We are toying with the idea of Google adwords down here. What do you think? What is your experience if any?


What about Facebook? Blog? Twitter?


Really, the whole of the South East is in this catchment area, but more realistically, Lingfield, Crawley, Lewes, Brighton, Haywards Heath, basically East and West Sussex.


Whats the secret to good local advertising? Can you help? Do you know the secret recipe? Let us know your thoughts! You know the drill.


East Grinstead:
9am to 5pm: 01342 778604
5pm to 10pm: 07401477512


Newcastle upon Tyne:
9am to 5pm: 0191 2861980


We can let this fantastic weather, scorching temperatures and the likes go to waste!


Thanks!

Cavtec Systems Limited

Cavtec Systems Limited, established 1991. Providing the finest quality computer support and additional services to Small Medium Enterprises and Home users. Newcastle upon Tyne, London and East Grinstead.

http://www.cavtec.co.uk

admin@cavtec.co.uk

Laptops, Tablets, Smartphones or any mobile device...

Afternoon,

So I've had my Samsung Q330 for a couple of months now, and to say the least I'm more than happy with it! Its light-weight, Its has more than enough power for what I need. It looks great, it feels great, it sounds great.

I have one issue with it. Just one. The Battery.

If you do anything that requires constant, above average processing power, drawing upon a lot of system resources, you will find that the life of the battery will not last you too long.

I did my research on this laptop. I read that it could have a decent battery life, or rather read that it should have a decent battery life, but my experiences show that not matter how hard I tried to get 5+ hours... I couldn't. I just couldn't get it!

I was adamant to get the 5+ hours the Q330 could give me! I got down to business. 

Ctrl + Alt + Del > Task Manager - Lets see whats eating my resources!

Applications/Programs like MS Office are fine, and at a push you could squeeze 5+ hours, but the killer is Skype! That bad boy just goes through battery like no other! As soon as I quit that, straight up there, knocking on 6 hours!

So... To simply put it > If you're not using it... TURN IT OFF! This will save you loads of battery life! Really it will. Anything you have running in the background, that your not using, just Alt + F4 that bad boy (but make sure it hasn't just minimised to your Taskbar!?)

If you're always loading up programs and needing to get to places all the time, one word - RocketDock - This is so helpful! It can also come fully customisable. Get it sorted!

Also... Get your bookmarks sorted as well. They do make life so much easier online.

You're welcome.

Cavtec Systems Limited

Cavtec Systems Limited, established 1991. Providing the finest quality computer support and additional services to Small Medium Enterprises and Home users. Newcastle upon Tyne, London and East Grinstead.

http://www.cavtec.co.uk

admin@cavtec.co.uk

FREE Transcend JetFlash 300 4GB

OK everybody! Listen up! 


Go to our Facebook page then Share us with your friends!


If just one of your friends "Likes" us and leaves a comment on our wall saying who invited them, you'll both stand a chance of winning a Transcend JetFlash 300 4GB memory stick each! 


This Transcend JetFlash 300 4GB comes packed full of great software that'll make your life easier and your computing experience more enjoyable and safer!


Transcend JetFlash 300 4GB memory stick


So what are you waiting for! Get sharing... Get them "Liking"... and maybe get a FREE Transcend JetFlash 300 4GB memory stick.


The winner will be announce and contacted 31st July 2011.


You're welcome.

Cavtec Systems Limited

Cavtec Systems Limited, established 1991. Providing the finest quality computer support and additional services to Small Medium Enterprises and Home users. Newcastle upon Tyne, London and East Grinstead.

http://www.cavtec.co.uk

admin@cavtec.co.uk

Special Offers Starting this weekend

Just because we love you all, starting this weekend we've offering 10% off all repairs and services (20% for students!) - Something to think about, especially if your PC or Laptop is sluggish and running slow!? Bring it in for a check up, get it sorted now before anything disastrous happens.


Get in touch with us:
email: admin@cavtec.co.uk
tel: 0191 2861980 (North) | 0203 2861980 (South)


Even if you have any questions or are just after a bit of advice... GET IN TOUCH with us straight away!


You're welcome.

Cavtec Systems Limited

Cavtec Systems Limited, established 1991. Providing the finest quality computer support and additional services to Small Medium Enterprises and Home users. Newcastle upon Tyne, London and East Grinstead.

http://www.cavtec.co.uk

admin@cavtec.co.uk

Following on from yesterdays post...

This isn't a ploy to get you to buy anything, its just some information and insights for your reference. Yesterday I outlined the criteria that you should use. We'll bear that in mind always. Sometimes you might get a smaller hard drive in the refurb/open box, but it might be worth the compromise. It takes a lot to fill 140GB!


Here's an example following on from yesterdays post.


NEW Samsung R540 - http://bit.ly/kwmqi1 - CCLOnline - £414.13
Intel Pentium Dual Core (P6100) 2.13GHz 
4096MB 
640GB 
15.6 inch WXGA LED 
WLAN 
Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit 
(Intel GMA HD Integrated) 
(Silver)


Refurbished - Cavtec - £359.99


It really does pay to ask! You're welcome.


Cavtec Systems Limited

http://www.cavtec.co.uk
admin@cavtec.co.uk

The Internet: Principles of how it works : How to Manage it

A lot of Internet users these days dont really understand how it all works. Im not talking about your broadband connection, WiFi or anything else like that, I'm talking about the principles the Internet and how it works.


In the simplest of terms...

1. You connect to the Internet
2. In the form of a URL (e.g. www.cavtec.co.uk) you request information pertaining to that domain from the server where the files are hosted
3. The Server "serves" you the requested pages, which are then downloaded through your connection to the Internet to your PC/Laptop/Tablet/Phone
4. Through your website browser, the files are then presented on your screen along with any data or information.

This is the general concept of the Internet and how you use it to request and navigate websites.


So what about those files you downloaded to view a website...?


They form your Internet History/Temporary Internet Files/Cache/Images/databases etc....


When you surf for a long time, requesting page after page, loading image after image, you use up a lot of space and sooner or later your computer/device is going to use up a little too much space! So how do you rid yourself of this redundant data?


There are programs out there that with a simple click of a button with do it for you. I'll explain the long-winded method after this. Programs like Ccleaner or Glary utilities will sort you out. The are completely free to download and use with options to Donate if you so wish. Its recommended that you run these programs once a month (or as often as you like!).


Ccleaner - Now also available for Mac


Glary Utilities


If you're the sort of person that likes to know whats going on with their computer and likes to stay in control of things, this is how you can do it.

1. Open your Web-Browser (or browsers) of choice
2. Find the Options or Tools menu
3. Find within there the Clear Browsing History/Delete Browsing History
4. If there is an option to specifiy when to clear from/upto set it according to your own preference.
5. Close your Web-Browser(s)
6. Click Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Run "Disk Cleaner"
7. Tick all the Check-boxes to ensure you clean up everything.

After you have either ran the downloaded programs or cleaned it up yourself, its always recommended to perform a Defrag : Click Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Run "Disk Defragmenter"


Hope this helps!

Cavtec Systems Limited

Cavtec Systems Limited, established 1991. Providing the finest quality computer support and additional services to Small Medium Enterprises and Home users. Newcastle upon Tyne, London and East Grinstead.

http://www.cavtec.co.uk

admin@cavtec.co.uk

Handy tools for everyday computing use.

So... you fancy some new software on your PC. You don't want to go and spend £100's. What do you do? Well, let me share with you some of my favourite sources and software that might tickle your fancy.

www.ninite.com

Home to a huge variety of software, bother free, open-source and trial versions. Covering everything from web browsers and media applications/programs to security and other utilities. Ninite is an automatic downloader/installer. Its beauty is in its function. Once you have selected the programs/applications you wish to download, just click "get installer" > download it > run it. Enjoy.

Lightworks

Although Ninite is pretty comprehensive with its applications and programs, some other interesting and usefull programs are mission. Lightworks for instance. This open-source professional standard video editing tool is fantastic when it come to getting the job done. Its packed full of features, its very easy to use and is very light at around 42MB.

What tools/applications/programs do you like to use everyday?

Cavtec Systems Limited

Cavtec Systems Limited, established 1991. Providing the finest quality computer support and additional services to Small Medium Enterprises and Home users. Newcastle upon Tyne, London and East Grinstead.

http://www.cavtec.co.uk

admin@cavtec.co.uk

ViewSonic ViewPad 10s... Dare I say it?! I'm Tempted.

Tablets, tablets, tablets, iPads, Apple, blah blah blah!


Yes, another month and another set of tablets to add to the already 100's of them out there to choose from. Each of the manufacturers playing "catchup" (apparently) with Apple and their proven iPad, then out-doing eachother for "2nd place" it seems.


But with all the hype surround the iPad, and don't get me wrong it is an astounding piece of kit I've owned one before, Im somewhat deterred by it. Is it just me or do you need to feel a bit of substance in your hand when you hold a device?! Too small or too thin and there just isn't enough purchase on the device! This is why I'm turned off by the iPad... to some degree.


Now consider these alternatives *Drum roll please*


The new ViewSonic ViewPad 10s. The successor to the ViewPad 10 is 14.5mm deep! Its glossy 10.1" capacitive multi-touch screen is lush, and is looking like its geared up for Honeycomb!





Other note worthy tablets are the Acer Iconia A100, A500, W500, the up and coming HTC Flyer, the consistent Archos range and the Asus EEE Pad and Slate.


One other mention for those who are on a budget and are looking for something that will suffice, try the Creative Ziio 10.

Cavtec Systems Limited

Cavtec Systems Limited, established 1991. Providing the finest quality computer support and additional services to Small Medium Enterprises and Home users. Newcastle upon Tyne, London and East Grinstead.

http://www.cavtec.co.uk

admin@cavtec.co.uk

Professional Computer Support and Services

"Professional Computer Support and Services" is a very grey area these days. Is there any real governing body for the computing industry that maintains standards of practice and procedure? Sure there's the BCS in the United Kingdom, and sure you can have Microsoft and Cisco accreditations... but there is no guild, no professional society? So what are these "Professional Computer Support and Services" we see a lot of these days? How can it be maintained? Who will regulate it? Who should regulate it? Should It be regulated? Feel free to comment.

Seeing as there is no professional practice, the responsibility falls upon the organisation itself. So what about us... Cavtec Systems Limited? What is our stance on these "Professional Computer Support and Services"?

Personal Conduct and ethics

As we are a family ran organisation, having that personal relationship with our customers and clients is easy. We are encouraged our employees to establish these relationships. The thinking behind such is that it creates better working relationships and helps to maintain quality of service, as an element of responsibility falls not only on the organisation but upon the employee.

Cultivating a responsibility, an accountibility, a desire and motivation for work is essential for success. Without it, personal relationships are superficial, empty and worthless to both parties.

Value for money

Gone are the days of the 80's and early 90's where so much emphasis was place on the "product", what it is and what it does. This is 2011. People are more educated and understand what they need and why they need it. They are spoilt for choice when it comes to "product". A cheaper product doesn't necessarily mean value for money! The additional services pre and post sale are value for money. Those personal relationships, they are value for money!

Services and Prices

*POA = Price On Application

Notice a lot of our services are POA. We know that everyone is different in their circumstances, and everyone has differing problems. So no price or service will be the same! Simple.

Cavtec Systems Limited

http://www.cavtec.co.uk
admin@cavtec.co.uk