Computer Origins

Helpful Tip #458.7

Fri, 18 May 2012 05:10:00 GMT

Overcoming Power Anomalies

At maybe one or more times in the life of your computer or notebook, you will turn it one day and nothing will be on the screen despite the whirring or chirping sounds you can still hear inside.

In some instances you can diagnose and possibly even resolve this issue before you decide to bring your computer to Computer Origins for repair.

For Notebooks:

If possible switch your notebook off by the safe method; if this is not possible press and hold your button in excess of 4 seconds;
Make sure the battery is disconnected and also unplug your AC power source;
Press and hold the power button for 30 seconds;
Reconnect AC power source in only and turn on. If you get your screen back go ahead and reinsert the battery.

For Desktops:

If possible switch your computer off by the safe method; if this is not possible press and hold your button in excess of 4 seconds;
Disconnect the power cable leading from the wall power socket;
Press and hold the power button for 30 seconds;
Reconnect power cable and turn on.

Success? Well done! If not, then please don't hesitate to call Computer Origins for a more advanced diagnosis.

Slay the Hoax!

Fri, 18 May 2012 05:05:00 GMT

The concept of unscrupulous individuals performing a confidence trick has been around since before antiquity. It appears as far as the internet is concerned nothing has changed except possibly the delivery.

The anonymity of the internet in the information age has afforded any confidence trickster (con-man) the ability to avoid detection and ultimately the responsibility of the loss suffered by their victims.

You've probably heard the saying, "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me". It reasons that if we don't learn from the mistakes we make when taken in by any scam then we perhaps deserve what we get.

Forewarned is forearmed! Check out this great website called Hoax-Slayer, designed and managed by Australian Brett Christensen who since 2003 has been helping to document this sort of internet activity. From the mission of Hoax-Slayer:

"Many users inadvertently compromise their online privacy and the security of their computer equipment because of poor computer security practices. Hoax-Slayer publishes information that makes users aware of email, Internet and computer security issues and what to do about them."

Well worth a look.

!Theat Alert!

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 06:04:00 GMT

! THREAT ALERT !

Be aware of individuals ringing and claiming they are Microsoft employees or online repair technicians. The caller may mention that you have errors on your machine that they can help fix. There very well may be errors on your machine, but Microsoft or anybody that claims to repair computers will not know anything about the state of your computer from the other side of a phone (nor would Microsoft use this approach). If this happens to you then consider it highly suspicious and potentially dangerous.

If in doubt hang up.

Please pass this information on to anybody you thinks needs to know. If this has happened to you then please leave a comment that we will post here to help others recognise the warning signs.

Kaspersky Lab Wins Product of the Year

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 04:21:00 GMT

Computer Origins have sold Kaspersky products for many years because we know now, as we have known then how reliable and effective Kaspersky products are. Kaspersky is in stock; buy a copy and protect yourself today.

Unparalleled Freedom!

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 01:54:00 GMT

The Gyration Air Mouse Go Plus: The Media Centre Dream!

With the Gyration Air Mouse GO Plus featuring SmartMotion, the world just got easier to navigate. No strings, no wires, no tricks, no gimmicks – just better technology that allows you a more comfortable and versatile mouse to operate in the air or on the desk. Take control of your presentations, entertainment, and Internet browsing with natural hand movements. You’ll wonder how you ever did it any other way.

Happy Holidays

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 01:57:00 GMT

Computer Origins wishes all a very safe and enjoyable Holiday break!

We would also like to take this opportunity to outline the days Computer Origins will be trading during the Christmas/New Year period.

Saturday, December 24 - OPEN (closing at 12pm);
25th, 26th, 27th December - Closed;
28th, 29th, 30th, 31st December - OPEN;
Monday 1st to Tuesday 10th January 2012 - Closed;
Wednesday 11th January - reopen for normal trade.

In case you missed it, we are closed from 2nd January to 11 January 2012. Yes closed for 10 days and we apologise for the convenience it may cause but we really need some time off!

Thank you for everybody's support and we hope we have done a good job for you in 2011. We look forward to the safe return of all our valued customers in 2012.

Helpful Tips #57

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 10:51:00 GMT

No doubt during the day to day use of your computer you have pondered the existence of of programs you never knew you had or ever remember installing. What probably brought this group of applications to your attention is the nagging requests for permission from you to install yet another update.

Before you head to the gun cabinet and consider putting a bullet through the computer screen, let's understand the meaning of two popular programs that you more than likely have installed and more importantly why they appear to update so much.

Java is a programming language used by developers to create of some of your favourite Computer, iPhone, and Android applications (amongst many other world uses). Without Java installed to manage these applications they simply couldn't run. One of the criticisms of Java according to Wikipedia, is the number of security vulnerabilities. This means someone with the ambition and means to do harm to you or your computer could potentially do it through a weakness in the Java programming code. This is one important reason the Java updater appears so often and why you should participate in the 2 minutes Java needs to update itself.

Adobe Flash (formerly Macromedia Flash) is a multimedia platform used to add animation, video, and interactivity to web pages you visit. Despite the versatility of Flash to provide an interactive experience to your web browsing, it also has it criticisms particularly its (over)use by advertisers which can feel intrusive or annoying. Fortunately the positives outweigh the negative aspects and 90%+ computer users globally have this technology installed displaying animation on their favourite websites.

Like Java however, Flash is prone to its own bugs and glitches and can be the target of hackers as a way of penetrating your computer for malicious intent. If you see it needing an update, it will be over quickly (maybe 1 minute or less) and is also recommended.

See? 3 minutes every now and then is not a big deal!

Windows XP turns 10!

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 08:52:00 GMT

Microsoft's most successful operating system turns 10 today!

Celebrating how long an operating system has been in the market is not really what Microsoft intended. As far as they were concerned Windows XP should have been left by the wayside when Windows Vista was released in 2006; but most of us know how sour that tasted.

But here Windows XP still is 10 years on. Microsoft however will be ready to pull the proverbial life support plug in 2014 when all support, Windows Updates or otherwise will cease completely without further negotiation with it's current user base. (edit: Due to concerns voiced from customers on this point, allow me to mention you will be free to continue using Windows XP well after 2014; Microsoft will just pretend it never existed!).

It's ok though, Windows 7 (and I have a feeling Windows 8) is a fantastic operating system and well worth considering a computer upgrade for!

New Mini Bluetooth Keyboard

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 03:21:00 GMT

I need to communicate better!!

Admit it; you love to Tweet and update Facebook, but how can you do this effectively with the keypad that came with your phone? You just can't... unless continually correcting mispelt words is something you enjoy?

What you need is a keyboard which has a larger typing area, can be easily carried and is wireless. Introducing our newest product, the mbeat Mini Bluetooth Keyboard.

The perfect companion for your iPhone and iPad and other mobiles, the Mini Bluetooth Keyboard makes typing, chatting, and gaming easier than ever! Click here for more information.

Kaiser Baas now in stock!

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 09:49:00 GMT

Kaiser Baas products are now at Computer Origins!

You've by now seen the famous ads by funny man Dave O'Neil demonstrating how easy Kaiser Baas products are to scan, copy, backup and share your photos with family and friends.

Watch the video below for a reminder of the versatility of the Kaiser Baas Photo Scanner, then rush in and grab yours today!

Logitech Solar Powered Keyboard!

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 07:03:00 GMT

Go Solar!

No, not for your home (but great if you can afford it!), but the new Logitech K750 Solar Powered Wireless Keyboard.

Say goodbye to batteries as the K750 is powered by solar energy; inside and outside the home - all it needs is light! Soft to the touch, eco-friendly, sleek and slender, the Total Cost of Ownership is insignificant as you will quickly recoup the cost of expensive batteries not to mention the dread of the battery hunt right in the middle of an important computer document!

Happy Birthday Computer Origins!

Sat, 18 Jun 2011 07:42:00 GMT

3 years old and counting!

Yes Computer Origins is 3 years old today but there's no time for cake...

While 3 years for any new business is certainly a milestone particularly in this unforgiving economy, we're far too busy repairing computers, supplying parts and new systems and continuing to be your trusted sales and service shop for many years to come!

Customer Workshops

Tue, 03 May 2011 07:48:00 GMT

We notice a common theme during conversations with many customers - "how can I use my computer better?" Granted the potential of your computer to do more than you possibly use it for is enormous, but there is a unanimous feeling of fear and dread or frustration at the thought of trying.

Computer Origins would like to introduce the concept of a Workshop where a popular topic is explored and coordinated in small groups, under the direction of Computer Origins staff during a weekday evening or weekend for a couple of hours.

What we need to know is what you want! You can start by sending us an email on our Contact Page, or by leaving a comment below. Or if you are passing by our shop then please drop in and leave a suggestion for our consideration. We look forward to your input!

Windows 7 Service Pack 1

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 00:55:00 GMT

For those not familiar with what a Service Pack is, well it's sort of like one of your regular updates from Microsoft for your Windows version, but much larger in size. Service Packs cover in one update what is took your computer months (or years) to accumulate through regular Windows updates.

Some Service Packs introduce major improvements to Windows, some like the latest Service Pack for Windows 7 owners are little more than a round up of all the updates that have been introduced to Windows 7 since its release (apart from a few minor fixes and improvements).

Should you get it? Yes, Microsoft will consider it essential. Will it kill you to hold off? No. Just know that downloading and installing Service Pack 1 for Windows 7 may consume up to 900MB (megabytes) of your internet download quota and depending on which version you need.

There are three ways you can get Service Pack 1:

Through the automated Windows Update Service running on your computer;
Download from the Microsoft download web page - consult with us or a more experienced friend on which one you need;
When we service your computer!

There was very little fanfare for this Service Pack from the industry and sometimes I think that's the way Microsoft would like it. None the less download and install the update when you see it and that way you know your Windows 7 is really up to date.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden... Features!

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 01:36:00 GMT

For those people using Windows Vista or Windows 7, there are plenty of great features built into the operating system that are designed to improve the performance, or prevent any problems arising within Windows and any programs you have installed.

We know what you're thinking. My Computer is like my Car; as long as it works and I don't have to look under the hood then my world is in harmony. While it is true that some things in Windows, like the engine in your car shouldn't be modified by the inexperienced, we simply suggest you consider opening the glove compartment and having a look through the manual. (This is an analogy, we are actually still talking about your computer and not your car!)

Tip #1: Problem Reports and Solutions Centre

Go to Start Orb (Start button), and type in "problem" within the Search box (without the quotes);
The indexer will (should) locate the Problem Reports and Solutions application shortcut within a list above;
Click this for the application to start.

The Problem Reports and Solutions Centre is Windows way of letting you know the state of Windows, the software you have installed and the mechanisms that make Windows work. If Windows detects an element of Windows that is unstable, out of date or insecure it may suggest a place on the internet to go and obtain an update. When the update is applied, the assumption from Microsoft is that it may cure a problem you are having, or may have down the track.