Having access to all of the latest PC technology is definitely a dream position to be in, but the reality is that these days not everyone has the finances to consistently keep up with all of the latest and greatest technology and programmes that the world of IT has to offer. This is not all bad though, as many computers, with the right tweaks and a little know-how, don’t need all of the most modern bells and whistles to work like a dream.

Old computers all share a couple of common issues. There is slowness and freezing, two factors that can be signs of a deeper problem such as a crashing hard drive, and then there is the compatibility issue, something that can crop up when you are running an older version of Windows.

For the most part, the issues that you face with your older setup can be eased or completely fixed, with just a few easy tricks that you can implement yourself or have your IT guys take care of for you. These solutions will give you some breathing space, allowing you to budget for your upgrade.

Tips for Optimising Old Computers

1. Use older programmes

Windows and many other programmes often require specific hardware in order to run efficiently. If you are working with an older hardware system setup, you could either struggle with slowness and freezing or you could find that programme is completely incompatible. In this case, one way to work around the issue, would be to install older versions of the programmes you need, keeping in mind that the older versions might not be supported forever.

2. Use lighter programmes

Some software is really unnecessarily bloated and as such they take up so much operating space that you end up with a slow system. To get around this, you should consider installing a lighter programme, one that works just as well but which won’t slow you down.

3. Use better hardware (if possible)

The most obvious way to speed things up is to use better hardware if you can. You don’t have to replace everything but it will definitely help to replace certain parts of your hardware such as hard drives and by adding additional or completely new RAM.

4. Use regular maintenance

Maintenance is going to be one of the things that really gives you the edge with you older computer. Setting up a regular maintenance schedule will help you to stay on top of things and stay ahead of any problems. This will help you to ensure that the system isn’t slowed down. While it won’t make the system run like brand new, it will give the system a little speed boost.

5. Use better external hardware

Using better speakers, a better keyboard and a faster mouse can actually optimise your older setup. Sometimes when your external hardware is outdated it can make it feel as though the whole computer is just not performing very well, so you’d be surprised just how much better your old computer can work when you update the less expensive stuff.

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At 24/7 IT Services, we know how to get your company setup with the best computers, the kind that are modern, fast and efficient. Our team can also help you out with managed IT support, cyber security and IT infrastructure.

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Windows updates have become the single most important tool that the software developer continuously uses to fight off new threats while also improving the system overall. By patching bugs and running security updates that will handle the latest cyber security issues, the Windows system remains perfectly functional.

The best way to make sure that your computer is not compromised is to install the updates as soon as they become available, but that’s in a perfect world. Many people either forget to run the updates, because they forget to check if there is even an update available, while others click on that postpone button way too often, resulting in a never ending delay.

One why that Windows gets around this human error, is by automatically downloading updates and installing the updates so that you don’t have to worry about forgetting. This is something that works perfectly except when a Windows update or patch installation suddenly pops up and shuts down your computer. And it would of course happen at the worst possible moment, either while you are in a hurry to start your day, in the middle of a computer reboot, or just as you are closing up shop.

Once the installation gets going, there is no way to stop it. All you can do is wait, and as you probably already know, an installation can sometimes take hours to complete.

Luckily, there is one way to plan ahead, to ensure that the installation is done at a more appropriate time.

Creating a good update schedule

Windows updates take place in the background but there will come a time, when the update is complete, that you will be given a warning that the update is waiting for a chance to install itself.

When you are notified that the update is ready for installation, you can go into the settings and either immediately start the installation process or you can schedule the restart for a time that best suits you.

Scheduling your update will give you the chance to choose the day and the time at which you’d like the installation to happen. You will be given the option of moving the installation up to 6 days ahead, and you can also ask Windows to remind you that the reboot for the installation is going to happen soon.

You can also set the update feature to respect your working hours. This way, Windows will not be tempted to interrupt you during the times when you are busiest.

If an updated and installation is something you dread, planning ahead will save you plenty of frustration, while ensuring your system stays in perfect working condition.

Need a top notch team of IT professionals to take care of your business IT needs? Then 24/7 IT Services could be the right fit for you. Along with our IT consultancy service, we also offer business continuity services and cyber security solutions.

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Although Microsoft comes with its own web browser, Edge is not all that popular for a number of reasons. This is why people choose to find their own browser, something that best suits their needs, and when you are looking for a new browser, especially one for work purposes, there are some tricks that you can use to guide your decision making.

1. Speed absolutely matters. A slow loading browser is not suitable for work, or for anything else for that matter, because really, who has time to wait?
2. Download for navigation. Easy to use navigation is a must, because it saves time and energy.
3. You need add-ons. Extensions have become one of the biggest drivers of web browser popularity. There are various extensions available on the better quality browsers, and they are made for all sorts of things, including improving productivity.
4. User experience is a must. Clean cut web browsers that can be easily used to get information is a big deal.
5. Mobile friendliness is handy. While you might not need a mobile friendly browser for work, it is still nice to have because you might enjoy the browser so much that you use it outside of work.

The Best Web Browsers

The web is full of browsers, some more efficient for work than others. A general rule to follow when making your decision, is to go with those that are the most popular. If a browser has many users, the developers have to be doing something right!

1. Opera

Overall, Opera is considered by many to be the absolute best browser you can download. Opera is incredibly secure, which makes it ideal for business use, and it is completely customisable. It even has a WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger built into it, and it is incredibly fast.

• Google Chrome

Secure, fast and one of the most popular web browsers in the world, Google Chrome is a great option for both work and play. Another excellent thing about a Google Chrome is that it comes with many extension options, which make it easily customisable. A downside is that it can slow down your system.

• Vivaldi

If you are working in an industry that requires a fast acting web browser, then Vivaldi is going to be your go to option. Vivaldi has been made for an impatient person, and this browser, is perfect for anyone who wants to have full control over customising their web experience. Vivaldi is designed with the option of having a split screen, and you can put your tabs wherever you like, which is a bonus for those wanting additional control.

• Tor

This web browser was made with security in mind. Tracking, surveillance, and censorship are all but eliminated with Tor, as every site you visit is isolated. And even if a website has blocked you on other browsers, with Tor, you will have access, making it great for researchers.

• Brave

Not a browser that is particularly well-known to everyone, Brave is an excellent option if you are looking for something lightweight, and which allows you to rethink the way you use the web. With Brave, you can customise your browsing experience by being given a fairly useful reward system. Brave also has no ads, which makes it more user friendly.

If you need help finding the best browser for your needs, or if you are looking for additional help in terms of IT consultancy or cyber security solutions, you can contact our team at 24/7 IT Services today.

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