Friday, 23 August 2024

Using Social Media For Social Good

Social media has become an integral part of our lives. 

It's a platform that connects people, promotes ideas, and spreads information like wildfire. 

While social media has its share of negativity, it can also be a powerful tool for social good. 

In this blog post, we will explore ways to use social media for social good.

Setting up A New Computer - The Important Things First!

Congratulations! 

You've just bought a brand-new computer, and it’s sitting there on your desk, all shiny and ready to be switched on. 

Now comes the fun part: setting it up. 

While it might feel like a daunting task, don't worry. With a bit of guidance, you'll have your new device running smoothly in no time.

Let's walk through the important things to do first when setting up your new computer.

Friday, 16 August 2024

Fitting a 3 1/2 Floppy Drive from an Olivetti Typewriter into an Amstrad 1512 - Doctor Frankenstein, Eat Your Heart Out!

In the 1980s, the personal computing world was a glorious mix of creativity, chaos, and the odd bit of DIY madness.

Unfortunately, the 80s was also a time when parts and upgrading was expensive as Moore's Law hadn't yet had enough time to kick in with regards to home computing. 

 If you wanted to try something new or upgrade some bit of kit, you had to be inventive.  It was a wild, exciting, anything-goes era where even the most unlikely components could find new life. 

Tuesday, 13 August 2024

The Benefits of Using Brave as Your Web Browser

In the ever-evolving world of web browsers, choosing the right one can significantly enhance your internet experience. 

While giants like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge dominate the market, Brave has emerged as a strong contender, offering unique benefits that cater to modern users' needs. 

In this article I explore the various advantages of using Brave as your web browser, highlighting why it might be the best choice for your online activities.

Friday, 9 August 2024

Understanding SystmOne: A Comprehensive Overview

SystmOne is a comprehensive clinical system widely used across the UK, particularly within the National Health Service (NHS). It provides healthcare professionals with a seamless platform to manage patient records, appointments, prescriptions, and much more. 

However, like any powerful tool, SystmOne can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially for new users. 

To help you navigate this system more efficiently, this article offers tips and shortcuts that will save you time and make your experience with SystmOne smoother.

Tuesday, 30 July 2024

Building Your First Database? Here Are the Top 10 Tips You'll Find Useful!

Creating your first database can be a daunting task, especially if you’re new to the world of databases and data management. 

Whether you’re building a database for personal use, a small business, or a larger organisation, following some key principles and best practices can make the process smoother and more efficient. 

Here are the top 10 tips to guide you through building your first database.

Monday, 29 July 2024

Advantages to Using ClamWin as an Antivirus Backup

Securing your computer against malware and other threats is more critical than ever. 

While many users rely on a primary antivirus solution, having a backup antivirus like ClamWin can provide additional layers of security. 

Here are the advantages to using ClamWin as an antivirus backup.

Tuesday, 23 July 2024

The Future For A Cashless Society In The Wake Of The Microsoft / Crowdstrike Disaster

The recent global outages experienced by major tech giants Microsoft and CrowdStrike have highlighted the vulnerabilities inherent in our increasingly digital world. 

As businesses and individuals alike face unprecedented disruptions, the discussion about the future of a cashless society has taken on new urgency. 

Saturday, 20 July 2024

Avoiding Vendor Lock-In... And A Re-Run Of The Microsoft / Crowdstrike Fiasco

Vendor lock-in has long been a concern for businesses and individuals who rely on technology for their operations. 

The recent global outages affecting major service providers like Microsoft and CrowdStrike have once again highlighted the vulnerabilities and risks associated with heavy dependence on a single vendor. 

So, What Contingency Plans Will You Implement In Light Of The Microsoft / Crowdstrike Global Outages?

The recent global outages affecting Microsoft and CrowdStrike have sent ripples through the technology community, highlighting the vulnerabilities even in the most robust systems. 

As reliance on digital platforms grows, the need for comprehensive contingency plans becomes increasingly apparent. 

This article will explore the significance of these outages, their impact on businesses, and the contingency strategies that users should consider implementing to mitigate future risks.

CrowdStrike Microsoft Outage Explained: Why We Should Be Moving Away from Microsoft and Towards Open Source

On 19 July 2024, a significant outage impacted multiple Microsoft services, including Outlook and OneDrive, leaving countless users around the globe unable to access their accounts or use these essential tools. 

The disruption was traced back to a configuration error during a routine update, which led to widespread service interruptions. 

While the issue was eventually resolved, the incident highlighted the vulnerabilities associated with relying heavily on a single provider for critical digital infrastructure. 

This event, analysed by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike, emphasises the urgent need to rethink our dependence on Microsoft products and consider the potential benefits of transitioning to open-source alternatives.