LE Computers - News

Microsoft Office 2007 - Why should I change?

2008-03-10T07:22:00.002+11:00

Microsoft Office 2007 - Why should I Change?

Having just past its 1st birthday, Microsoft Office 2007 is still stunning newcomers with its innovative look and interactivity. Whilst previous upgrades of Office have been quite mediocre changes to the suite this time Microsoft has taken a radical approach which has translated into a very logical and welcome change. No longer do you need to wade through endless menus and submenus, the new ‘ribbon’ instead of toolbar gives many more choices and even shows you tools that you didn’t know existed. Its interactivity is what has impressed me, instead of having to apply a change, it shows you as you hover over what that choice will do, fantastic for formatting the look of your document. It also changes the order dependant on how often you use a feature so that you end up with your most useful tools at your finger tips on the ribbon.

Microsoft has also changed the default file type to be ‘XML’ (web style) which means reduced file size, lets corporate users easily transfer information between applications, and automate formatting and other changes across huge libraries of documents. Since they're based on an open Microsoft spec, rival applications should eventually be able to duplicate and work with Office documents. The only downside to this is if you are collaborating or sending Office documents to someone who is using an earlier version you will have to either save in 97-2003 format or the other party will need to download the free 27MB 2007 Office Compatibility Pack download. With the Compatibility Pack installed, Office XP and 2003 users will be able to open, edit, and save Open XML files.

Versions Available – Office 2007 Basic– Word & Excel, Home & Student – + PowerPoint, Standard - +Outlook, Small Business – + Publisher, Accounting Express & Business Contacts, Professional - +Access, Ultimate - +InfoPath, Groove & OneNote

To be Office 2007 Ready your computer will need the following; P4 1.5ghz CPU, 512mb (1gb better) of Ram, 128mb graphics card (preferably 256mb or above), 40gb Hard drive with 2gb free, DVD-Rom, Internet access for on-line templates & updates. Bring your computer in for a free assessment and quotation.

Call LE Computers Toronto 49596055

Are you struggling with an 80 year old computer - or does it just seem that way?

2008-03-10T07:21:00.005+11:00

Dr Harry, our favourite TV Veterinarian often talks about the age of dogs in "dog years" and similarly cats in “cat years", so I have been asking myself why not "computer years”?

It is not as easy to come up with a definition for Computers as it is with animals. You see electronic things may still "work" well after their useful life is long gone, where as all living things do "literally die". So how did I do it?

It would be fair to say nobody works over 100 years of age, and few computers are in regular commercial use when they are 5 years old?

So therefore one year equals 20 computer years, therefore your 1 year old computer is equal to a 20 year old, right in its prime! 2 years and it is forty, still going strong, but retirement plans may have been thought of.

3 years it is sixty, it is still quite useful, but cannot keep up the pace, and doesn't want to do some of the things the young ones "think nothing of".

4 years old and it is now equal to an 80 year old, past the official retirement age, may still work fine but at a different pace to the 20 year olds, has a marked preference for the old programs that were all the rage when it was young, may refuse to "dance to the modern music" if you get my meaning.

5 years old- listen to the kids - you are working on a dinosaur!

DON'T PUT UP WITH IT - phone us and find out how !

What is wireless 'N' all about?

2008-03-10T07:20:00.000+11:00

What is 802.11N Wireless all about?

With most homes having more than one Computer needing internet access in their home, it is very common to want to use Wireless Networking to achieve this. Many homes are split level or have large LCD TV screens which are a challenge to the standard A,B & G networks commonly used. The ‘N’ network equipment is able to have an extended range with faster transfer speeds as standard. They are a little more expensive but would not need extra antennas or repeaters to achieve a stable & quick connection. Be careful when signing up for a wireless router through your Internet Service provider as the sales people have little understanding of the challenges your home could present.

Delivering great wireless performance, network security and coverage, the D-Link Wireless N Router (DIR-615) is ideal for upgrading your existing wireless home network. The D-Link® Xtreme N™ Gigabit Router (DGL-4500) is one of those few devices built especially for gamers. Experience the power of our Xtreme N Duo™ wireless technology for data transfer rates of up to 300Mbps* and Gigabit LAN and WAN Ports to get your game on faster than ever before.

Call in and speak to our friendly staff about which products will best suit you.

Storm Season is here again

2008-03-10T07:18:00.001+11:00

Power Surges hit local computers!

Summer Storm season is here again and a lot of people still don’t have power protection for their computers and other expensive electronic equipment. We are seeing an increase in the number of computers damaged by power events – lightning strikes and large fluctuations in power (ie dirty power). A surge protection device is still the best insurance policy to guard against power surges, spikes & fluctuations in power.

There are plenty of different levels of protection and it comes down to “You get what you pay for. The $50 surge protectors are a great starting point with up to 6 outlets, telephone protection and 1 year warranty.

The best protection for your computer is an “Uninterruptible Power Supply” or UPS, which are priced from $149. They have all the features of a surge protector plus have a battery that supplies power to your computer in the event of power disruption or black outs. This gives you enough time to shutdown your computer and prevent loss or corruption to data and also to protect against hardware damage.

Phone us on 49596055 for advice or your insurance claim.