The Post-PC Era brings a whole new set of devices, varying from Tablets, Smartphones and e-book readers. Over the last few years these devices have seen a huge growth in sales.

What are these devices?

Smartphones

A smartphone is a phone that provides more than your basic text and calling functionality. It allows you to run applications (like the ones you run on your computer), connect to and browse the internet(via Wi-Fi or 3G) and check your email.

Interesting Facts and Statistics about smartphones

• 472 Million Smartphones were shipped in 2011, compared to only 415 million PC’s.
• Apple shipped 93 Million iPhones in 2011.
• 43% of Americans own a Smartphone.

Tablets

A tablet is essentially a smartphone with a larger screen and no calling functionality (although there are a few exceptions). Tablets give you a much better experience when browsing the web or running applications as it makes use of a larger screen.

Interesting Facts and Statistics about Tablets

• Tablet sales increased by over 260% in 2011. (18.6 Million sold in 2010, 66.9 Million sold in 2011).
• 88% of tablet owners say they use their devices in transit.
• Tablet owners spend an average of 90 minutes per day on their device.
• The iPad is responsible for 88% of global web traffic.

E-Readers/E-Book Readers

Imagine a device that could store your whole book collection. That is an e-reader. They are devices that can hold thousands, if not tens of thousands of virtual books. E-readers have a similar form factor to a tablet, but feature a much better battery life and an ‘electronic paper’ screen. The screen has paper-like readability so it doesn’t strain your eyes like bright tablet/smartphone screens.

Interesting Facts and Statistics about E-Readers

• 1 in 4 American Citizens own an E-Reader or a tablet with similar functionality.
• In 2011, eBook sales increased by 177%
• The average Amazon customer now buys three times as many eBooks than before they purchased their device.
• iPad users downloaded more than 5 million eBooks within the first 65 days of the iBook store.

With the introduction of Apple’s iOS platform in 2007 we have seen a lot of change in the Desktop PC industry. The iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad have paved the way into the ‘Post PC Era’ but Microsoft will be the first to shine with Windows 8. That being said, Windows 8 has various changes and redesigns that users will have to adapt to.

Getting used to the change

As you may or may not have heard, Microsoft is planning on releasing their brand new Operating System later this year. Windows 8 is going to bring a whole new User Interface named ‘Metro’. It is designed purely for touch screen based machines. The large tiles ‘live’ which means that they will update in real time. (For example, when you receive an email). The tiles make everything accessible with a touch of a finger.

Some of you may have already just got used to the Windows 7 interface and this redesign is not going to be any similar to what you know already. Traditional elements that you are familiar with like Start Menu has been replaced with a Tile-based selection screen. While the desktop can be accessed by a click of a button, Metro is where Microsoft want you to stay.

‘Desktop Mode’ is very reminiscent of it’s predecessor, Windows 7. It acts in the same way apart from a few Metro features that will pop up from time to time. For instance, the brand new ‘Lock Screen’ which is very pleasing to the eye, and the ‘App Switcher’ which is a small bar at either the side of your screen which allows you to switch to previously opened applications quick and fast.

Windows 8 is going to be a huge hit in the tablet market and will definitely be a big competitor to Apple. The ability to run a 99p game from the marketplace and also being able to use full versions of software like Adobe Photoshop on the same machine is where Windows 8 really excels. You will no longer have to live with portable/stripped down version of your favourite software packages or be tied down to a machine in your office.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of ‘The Post PC Era’ blog!

You may have been asked by IT support technicians “Have you tried turning it off and on again?” or “Have you restarted it?”. This question is asked as a lot of common computer problems can be fixed with a simple restart. Here are a few examples of how restarting your computer can fix various problems.

Common problems that can be fixed with a restart

‘My computer is running very slow’

If your computer is left on over a long period of time unwanted applications and many other factors can build up and make your overall performance very sluggish. Restarting your computer ends all the unwanted junk and gives you a small boost of performance. Remember restarting is not a long term fix for slow performance. If you are experiencing extreme slow downs you can book a PC Health Check and we can see what we can do to help your computer run faster, like it did when you first bought it!

‘My printer isn’t printing’

Have you ever tried to print a document and your printer has refused to print? There are 2 things you can do which can fix this. First off, restarting your computer. When you restart your computer it will empty the current printing queue (The list of documents waiting to be sent to the printer). Secondly, restarting the printer. Various problems can accumulate over time (especially if your printer is left on 24/7). A simple restart can get rid of them easy and fast.

Remember to always restart your computer, printer, router or any device that isn’t acting correctly. It could save you a lot of time and money in the long run!

Buying a new computer?

Are you in the market for a new computer, but not sure whether or not to get a desktop computer or a laptop? Knowing the advantage and disadvantages of each will help you make the best decision.

Advantages of a  Desktop PC

• Cost – You get a lot more for your money when buying a Desktop PC.
• Doesn’t rely on battery power – You don’t need to worry about your battery running out with a Desktop.
• Comfort – You have the ability to set up your own workspace. You can choose from a large variety of monitors, keyboards, mice, speakers and various other accessories like a USB Mini Fridge.
• Upgrades- Desktop PC’s are much easier to upgrade. You can easily install more memory, faster processor and better graphics!
• Gaming Performance – Desktop PC’s are a much better option for gaming, especially if you are on a budget. Laptops do not have the ability to upgrade the graphics chip and lower end laptops will not have the capability to play the latest games.

Disadvantages of a Desktop PC

• Restricted to a single location – This is the main drawback of a Desktop PC. You can’t take your computer everywhere you go like a Laptop. (Have a read at our blog below about cloud computing)
• Space – Desktops take up a lot of space as they require a desk and all the required peripherals (keyboard, mouse, monitor etc).

Advantages of a Laptop

• Portability – Laptops are getting smaller and thinner which makes them extremely easy to take with you.
• Mobile Connectivity – Nowadays Wi-Fi hotspots are everywhere. Spanning from buses to restaurants. You can get online pretty much anywhere.
• Battery Power – Laptops run on a battery so they can be used when you don’t have access to a power socket.
• All-in-one Package – Laptops have a built in keyboard and mouse.

Disadvantages of a Laptop

• Limited Upgrades – You can only upgrade certain parts in a laptop.
• Repairs – Extensive repairs due to faulty parts or user error can be expensive.
• Price – More expensive than a comparable desktop machine.
• Security – Laptops are very light and can be carried away with ease. You should never leave your machine unattended in a public place!

If you are interested in buying a new laptop or computer please feel free to contact us!

What is Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing is a newer form of computing which is based online. You are able to use internet based applications to carry out tasks like word processing and spread sheets. Tasks like these would traditionally be carried out on a software package like Microsoft Word or Excel but now brand new services like Google Docs are allowing you to carry out these tasks online. The files you create using these services can be accessed anywhere from an internet connected device with a web browser.

Advantages of Cloud Computing

- It’s free for consumers. Services such as Google Docs and Dropbox are 100% free to use.

- You don’t need to worry about how much space your files are taking up on the site (within reason) .

- You can access your files anywhere from an internet connected device.

- Privacy settings on cloud services allow you to keep your content private, shared with select users or everyone. (if you trust Google and Microsoft)

- You can download your cloud-based content back to your own machine for safe keeping.

Examples of Cloud Computing

Google Docs – A cloud based full featured office suite. (Requires a Google account.)

OnLive – A cloud based gaming platform. (Requires an Onlive account and small download.)