Provided computer support for an independent research project, including organizing research material, adding photographs, managing files and preparing documents in PDF format. Guidance was also provided on maintaining a clearer digital workflow and using computer programs more confidently.
Machine was taken offsite for further work after BitLocker recovery was unsuccessful. As access to the existing Windows installation could not be recovered, Windows was reinstalled from scratch to get the computer operational again.
Reviewed a computer for suspicious software, scams and other online security risks, then configured accessibility applications and settings to make the system easier to use. Communication and recording tools were also set up and tested alongside accessible technology.
Configured Bitdefender on a computer and phone, removed unnecessary security products and checked the general health of the PC. A failed multi-factor authentication issue was escalated to Bitdefender support for further investigation.
Completed an IT discovery and troubleshooting session, including setup of two audio meeting devices and security checks on a phone and PC for signs of malicious activity. Findings were documented to support further planning and remediation.
Investigated Microsoft 365 email delivery problems across multiple accounts and computers. Exchange Online mail flow, tenant configuration and DNS records were reviewed, test messages were performed and additional email security records were added to DNS.
Set up a new computer from scratch with Windows, OneDrive, Bitdefender, Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Edge. The Microsoft ecosystem was integrated and the old computer was removed from service once the replacement was ready.
Optimised a desktop computer by hardening the browser, removing bloatware and unnecessary applications, cleaning disk space and using WinDirStat to identify large files. NVMe SSD compatibility was also assessed and upgrade options were recommended.
Completed a manual backup of an email mailbox and checked the general health of the computer. The work ensured an additional copy of important mail data was available before further changes were made.
Set up a new dual-screen computer with login, email and web access. Documents and browser favourites were transferred from the old system, the printer was configured and the customer was shown the main features of the new PC.
Restored access to an email account after a forgotten password, checked that Bitdefender was operating correctly and confirmed the PC was running normally. A separate Wi-Fi issue was also resolved.
Assisted an enterprise deployment team with the migration of multiple departments, including imaging and provisioning computer systems. Work was completed across several days as part of a larger workstation rollout.
Set up a new PC, transferred browser bookmarks and configured email. LibreOffice, 7-Zip and antivirus software were installed, and a Canon printer was configured despite Windows 11 driver compatibility issues.
Completed an onsite computer battery replacement for a business workstation using a standard 3V coin-cell battery. The replacement was performed as a critical hardware maintenance task.
Investigated Microsoft application lockouts caused by account and two-factor authentication problems. The issue could not be resolved remotely, but an onsite session corrected the account and recovery-email configuration and restored Microsoft 365 applications on the affected computers.
Helped prepare Android footage for use on a PC for video and music production. The existing audio equipment was inspected and recommendations were provided for improving the recording and production workflow.
Set up a replacement PC after storm-related data loss and recovered most available files from OneDrive. Microsoft 365, email, printer and Bitdefender were configured across computers and mobile devices, with operating system updates completed and parental-control setup.
Investigated a computer that was running out of storage and cleared old backup data to recover space. With business software, OneDrive and Windows consuming most of the small system drive, a replacement PC with substantially more storage was recommended instead of attempting a risky disk upgrade.
Investigated intermittent email problems and adjusted Windows so classic Outlook remained the default mail client. A Mac DVD-burning issue and recording equipment were also checked, backup status was confirmed and a separate computer was assessed for a possible RAM upgrade.
Picture this: You pull out a USB stick and, with a simple drill, you drill a hole in it, doubling its storage capacity. Well, not quite a USB stick, but back in the early days, we used a hack to do something similar with ordinary floppy disks.
In the late ’80s and early ’90s, floppy disks were the go-to method for storing digital data on personal computers. They came in various shapes and sizes, with the 3.5-inch floppy being the most popular choice, although the larger and thinner 5.25-inch disks were also in use. However, not all floppies were created equal.
5.25-inch Disk – The Big Black Disk we originally had: (Top Left in Picture)
-Single Density disks: 360 kilobytes (KB) of data
-Double Density disks : 720KB.
3.5-inch: Smaller, more solid disk (Bottom Left in Picture)
-Single Density disks: 720 kilobytes (KB) of data
-Double Density disks : 1.44 megabytes (MB)
The Ingenious Hack
So, what was this ingenious hack? It was as simple as using a drill to create an extra hole in the floppy disk’s casing. One of the most appealing aspects of this hack was the potential for cost savings. Official Double Density disks could be quite expensive, but with the drill hack you could save some cash.
Do you remember doing this?
Got any hacks for us to talk about? 🙂
Purchasing a new PC is an exciting experience, but one decision you may want to reconsider is whether to keep the preinstalled antivirus software that often comes with it. Retailers like Harvey Norman and JB Hi-Fi frequently bundle their PCs with antivirus solutions, including popular names like Norton, Trend Micro, and McAfee. However, our 25 years of experience in the tech industry have shown us that these preinstalled options might not be in your best interest. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why you should think twice before relying on these preinstalled antivirus programs and suggest alternatives that can provide better protection for your computer.
- Limited Choice: One of the main drawbacks of preinstalled antivirus software from retailers is the lack of choice. These retailers often push a handful of brands, such as Norton, Trend Micro, and McAfee, which may not necessarily be the most effective or cost-efficient options for your needs. This limited selection can prevent you from exploring other reputable antivirus programs that might better suit your requirements.
- Profit-Driven Recommendations: It’s important to understand that retailers have a financial interest in promoting certain antivirus products. The brands they push typically have partnerships or agreements in place that allow retailers to profit from each sale. This financial incentive can lead to biased recommendations that prioritize profit margins over your computer’s security.
- Deceptive Practices: Unfortunately, some retailers engage in deceptive practices when selling preinstalled antivirus software. They may use scare tactics to convince customers that they need additional layers of protection, upselling unnecessary subscriptions and add-ons. As a result, many users end up with multiple expensive subscriptions, only to find that they’re still susceptible to viruses.
- Specialized Removal Tools: Another significant concern with antivirus programs like Norton, McAfee, and Trend Micro is that they often require specialized removal tools to uninstall completely. This is a red flag in itself. The fact that these programs don’t uninstall easily through conventional methods can be frustrating and time-consuming for users. It raises questions about the user-friendliness and transparency of these products.
- Better Alternatives: There are several antivirus brands that offer excellent protection but are often ignored by retailers because they don’t yield the same profit margins. Brands like Avast, AVG, Malwarebytes, and Bitdefender consistently rank highly in independent tests for detecting and eliminating malware. These options are typically more cost-effective and provide comprehensive protection without the need for multiple subscriptions.
- Bitdefender Basic Protection with Added Features: For those looking for a robust antivirus solution, Boss IT offers Bitdefender Basic Protection starting at just $59-$79 per user per year, depending on the level of security you need, such as VPN capabilities. Bitdefender not only provides top-notch antivirus protection but also offers additional features like phone tracking, remote locking, remote data wiping, and even the ability to capture photos of potential thieves. This comprehensive package ensures not only your computer’s security but also the safety of your mobile devices and personal data.
Ultimately, the decision is yours. Whether you prefer Norton or any other antivirus program, we respect your choice. However, we believe it’s crucial to provide you with the information and advice needed to make an informed decision that prioritizes your digital security and financial well-being. Retailers may prioritize profits, but your security should always come first. By considering the alternatives and evaluating your options, you can ensure that your computer remains protected without unnecessary expenses or risks. Of course, we’re here to guide you if you are unsure.
Even our IT professionals acknowledge that relying solely on Windows Defender for virus protection may not be suitable for those who aren’t tech-savvy. It’s a risk we wouldn’t recommend. In our office and workshop, we install Bitdefender on all our PCs, not only to clean and disinfect other systems but also to ensure our own protection. Despite our expertise in virus prevention, we maintain Bitdefender subscriptions for added peace of mind.
Investigated two PCs, a phone and three printers to determine the most reliable printing setup. Computers and a Mac were configured to use the selected network printer, while an unreliable printer was ruled out as not worth repairing.
Set up two laptops with updates and remote management and reviewed endpoint-security requirements. Hardware updates were also completed across several additional computers as part of a wider workstation refresh.
Set up a new PC alongside the old computer, transferred files, configured printers, Outlook and browser software, and removed bloatware. Windows backup, File History and OneDrive were configured together, and the old PC was networked for temporary access to remaining data.
Installed a replacement computer, transferred files and folders and configured Microsoft 365, Malwarebytes, browsers and favourites. A dual-screen workspace was set up and a separate external-drive backup was recommended.
Removed conflicting Canon software, installed current printer, scanner and patch packages and restored basic scan-to-PC functionality. Advanced editing and OCR limitations remained, so a simpler Windows scanning workflow was documented for everyday use.
Investigated a slow Windows PC, ran startup repair, moved it from a Microsoft login to a local account, applied updates and checked backups. A second PC was cleaned of unwanted software, while a Mac drive was found to have disk errors and replacement was recommended.
Inspected two computers, identified one older machine with serious software problems and recommended retirement rather than further repair. The replacement computer was secured, and a new printer was installed for both printing and scanning.
Fixed microphone and Skype issues, adjusted Malwarebytes so required websites were no longer blocked and documented the changes for the user. Updates were applied and the slow PC was assessed for a possible RAM upgrade.
Cleaned an older PC by removing unnecessary applications, browser extensions and startup items, registering Malwarebytes and removing detected infections. Security updates were applied, but eventual replacement was recommended because the ageing hard drive continued to limit performance.
Set up an older desktop with Malwarebytes, installed a new modem and ran a temporary wired network connection to a PC without Wi-Fi. A slow laptop was also cleaned of heavy security software, browsers were synchronised and webmail shortcuts were configured.
Assessed a network rack, switching equipment and specialist workstations and confirmed the core switching and UPS setup was operating correctly. A specialist PC received an SSD and corrected RAM configuration, while server access requirements were documented for future workstation setup.
Investigated a browser hijack that prevented remote access, checked the PC with malware scans and reviewed installed programs for unwanted software. A Malwarebytes browser extension was added to improve protection against similar web-based problems.
Investigated corrupted Outlook PST files, attempted file repair and reinstalled Microsoft Office 365 and Outlook. Backup software was replaced and configured, while additional network-switch and cabling problems were investigated across older computers.
Transferred files between a Mac and Windows PC, then configured Microsoft 365, Outlook and Microsoft accounts. OneDrive was set up as a cloud backup and browser bookmarks were migrated to the new system.
Set up a new laptop with webmail, security software and a Microsoft account, then configured an Epson printer over Wi-Fi. Data from the old PC was backed up for transfer and remote-support software was installed.
Set up a new laptop and monitor, transferred data from the old PC and configured Microsoft 365, accounting software, two wireless printers and IMAP email. Dual-monitor support was enabled and internet instability was documented for follow-up.
Recovered usable data from an old PC after serious malware problems were followed by hard-drive failure. The recovered files were transferred to a replacement computer, where backup, Outlook, security software, printers and required applications were configured.
Recovered a PC with severe malware, very low disk space and overheating problems. Thousands of unwanted items were removed, disk space and startup configuration were cleaned up, dust was cleared from the cooling system and CPU temperature dropped substantially under load. Replacement was still recommended because of the old hard drive and limited RAM.
Set up a replacement PC after an attempted RAM upgrade on the old Windows 7 machine was not viable. Files were manually transferred, Microsoft 365 and OneDrive were configured and remote support was installed, while an older printer was left for further driver troubleshooting.
Checked that backups were completing correctly, reduced intrusive antivirus behavior and cleaned dust from the PC to improve cooling. Default applications and broken email links were also repaired.
