An SSD, which stands for solid state drive, is a device that uses integrated circuit assemblies to store data, often using flash memory. Solid state drives are commonly used in computers to replace traditional mechanical hard disks, offering a faster speed. Popular communication interfaces used with SSDs include NVMe and SATA. There are some advantages and disadvantages to using an SSD, which you should fully consider before upgrading to the device. To learn more about the main pros and cons of solid state drives, continue reading. Advantages Improved durability One great benefit of using an SSD is that...

If you find yourself working from home, especially during the current Covid 19 lockdown, it's important that you have high-quality software to get the job done. With so many different ways to work remotely, it can be a little confusing if you are just starting out. AnyDesk: The Fast Remote Desktop Application, is an increasingly popular app amongst IT professionals and freelancers. In order to ensure that it's the right fit for you, we have created a detailed guide to answer some of your questions. What is it? AnyDesk is a popular app that enables professionals...

The internet is a vital part of society now and central to our work and personal lives. This does not mean it is without its security concerns though. While you may have come across things like ransomware or phishing before, you might not have heard of a Botnet attack. Even if you have heard a friend mention Botnets, you might not be sure what it all means. Botnet 101 The first thing to know about Botnets is that they were actually designed for positive reasons and play a key role in how the internet functions. They provide the...

Wondering what the idea behind the ransomware fuss is all about? You’ve probably heard the term at the office or read about it in some tech news article. Then suddenly, you get that pop-up on your computer screen warning you of a ransomware infection. Ransomware is a form of malicious software that locks and encrypts your computer or device data and then demands a ransom to restore access. Usually, the victim must pay the ransom within a set period or they risk losing access completely. Here’s a detailed report on ransomware, how to get them, types of ransomware, and how...

Emails promising you all manner of riches in exchange for your bank details are the bane of every internet user's existence. But there are ways you can protect yourself from scam emails and avoid having to worry about con-artists emptying your bank account. 1) Don't be so quick to follow email links Many of these scammers try and entrap you by sending a link to your email which, if you click on it, could end up allowing the scammer to access your computer, locking it and preventing you from using it. 2) Look at the language used...

You wouldn’t buy a new car that needed a few turns of the engine to get going, would you? But that’s exactly what a lot of us do when we buy a new laptop. Nearly all of us have experienced the sensation of starting up a new laptop for the first time, expecting to watch it zoom through any task you can throw at it and then feeling frustrated when it takes ages to get going. This is often the result of the pre-installed software that manufacturers throw onto a new piece of hardware. This software, often included entirely unbeknownst...

There are many factors that can affect the speed, efficiency and security of a PC. Computer owners should complete regular maintenance checklists so that any potential issues are stopped in their tracks. Ideally, this should be done on a weekly basis. Update your anti-virus software Viruses can cause extensive damage to a computer. Often, this will be irreversible. The latest malicious software finds flaws in outdated security systems. This is why it is essential that you are running the latest version of your chosen antivirus software. Run anti-spyware/anti-malware programmes It is also important to do a scan of...

We all own precious family photographs, health and legal documents that are private to us. Once upon a time you could simply lock your home or build a wall of physical security around your business in order to keep your personal information safe. Over the last 20 years, our lives have increasingly moved online. A bolt on the door doesn’t protect our online data. That is why encryption matters. Online digital security matters to us all When it comes to the internet and networking, it’s not just our own personal computer or business ethernet which needs guarding. The very...

We all know how to keep our computers safe now, right? Install antivirus software and let that take care of you. Sit back, browse and download to your heart's content and watch the little digital warrior in the bottom right of your screen shoot down invaders with robotic precision. But what happens when you forget to update and something sneaks through? Or, perish the thought, you forgot to install the software in the first place? Now you're in a predicament. Surprisingly, not many people know how to cleanse their own computer after a successful virus or malware infection. ...

The hard drive or solid state drive of your computer holds a lot of sensitive information. This includes your account passwords, personal details, financial records and personal files and photos that no one but you should see. When you want to sell or dispose of your old computer, you need to wipe out all the sensitive data. This will protect you from identity theft. Simply deleting files and folders and emptying your recycle bin or formatting your computer does not wipe out all the data, however. You may no longer be able to access the deleted data, but...