This month we look at:
and also:
Blue Screen of Death
Sometimes your computer will suddenly display a blue screen with white text on it. This is the Windows Stop Message or BSOD. It is displayed when the computer doesn't know what to do next or just plain can't do it.
The screen itself tells you what the error was and a vague attempt to suggest why. The long hexadecimal number is worth writing down. As is what you were doing.
The initial way to overcome the BSOD problem is to restart the machine. But this won't always make the problem go away. You might never end up in the same place again that caused the BSOD but who knows? Mine is fine but just sometimes up pops the BSOD: last time was when a brand new disc failed.
If you have just installed some software or hardware, uninstall it, do a system restore to a time/date before you installed it and install again. If it just came out of the blue, so to speak, then it's suggesting some component failure.
So first of all we want time to read the error. Right click on my computer - Properties - 'Advanced' tab - 'startup and recovery'. Click the 'settings' button. Under the 'System Failure' heading, uncheck 'Automatically restart.' Now the BSOD will stay if it happens again.
If you feel confident, whip the case open and reseat all the cables, memory and cards. This may help. But next time you get the blue screen, write down the long hexadecimal error number
My Beeping computer
Computer not starting? Does it beep at all? If absolutely nothing, then it's most likely that the PSU is faulty.
Beeps are reports from the computer's BIOS start-up tests. They do vary between BIOS manufacturers, but here are a few from the most common:
One long beep is good, as the tests have been passed.
One long beep and two short is a video failure
one short memory failure (try reseating it)
Five short – processor failure
eight short – graphics card failure
Buying a new mobile?
There are lots of exciting phones out there at great rates. So which do you pick?
Do you want to make phone calls, have satnav in your pocket, send emails, have a keyboard?
The choice is yours. Pay for what you want.
I used to have a plain phone, a PDA to carry data and a mobile broadband stick for broadband to my netbook. I've just upgraded my phone and am pleased by the capabilities of it. I like to be able to get the internet when I'm out and about to check the odd thing. I like the on-screen keyboard to reply to emails. If I'm stuck I can use it to get broadband to a computer.
There are three main systems for smartphones: iphone (Apple), Symbian (Nokia) and Android (Google).
Symbian was the first kid on the block many years ago. It was largely text-based, but did get the mobile to be a two-way device. It is now evolving into Ovi, which is much more graphic and touch-based.
What has really made smartphones take-off is the development of windows-like interfaces and a move to touch interfaces. This was lead by Apple with the iphone. Apple was in the right place as they have a very simple interface for Macs. It has now got to version 4.0
Google then arrived on the scene and developed Android. It has frequent updates and has now got to 2.2. It is currently probably the most widespread and has very close integration to the internet. After all Google wants to sell ads on Google so they need you connected. This is especially true for navigation, which is superb but you need to be connected to the internet. This can be an issue for use abroad.
There4 is also blackberry, focused on a very specific email market area, and Windows Phone. This is a late entry (it's taken till version 7) and the jury is still out.
Luckily, there are lots of applications – some free and some paid for – to extend capabilities. So you can have satnav onto your Android without needing an internet connection, Or live exchange rates. Or a business card scanner.
So which is for you?
If you get Apple, then the iPhone is for you. You probably have one anyway.
Android is the most available on the latest phones.
I'm not sure where Symbian is heading.
People that I'm working with
Russell Lewis of The Infinite Group is working with me on franchising my business. He also helps business owners with business development and exit planning, so you can enjoy the benefits of what you have done. Great chap to work with so try him out - say I sent you!
iRun provide a complete online and electronic marketing system to help you lift your business to the next level. Hotels working with iRun have lifted occupancy rates to 100% and these results are repeated across a wide range of businesses.
Not only does your site get a big boost up the Google rankings but email marketing, overall marketing strategy analysis and proven systems mean that iRun can make a big difference to your profits.
Franchising opportunities
The flying doctor is expanding the fleet and there are franchise opportunities across the country.
Thank you for your support that has taken my business to a high altitude. The next stage has taken off - putting flying doctors into every town in the UK. There are still fantastic opportunities for people to join the team.
The flying doctor is looking for enthusiastic individuals, with a passion for computers, who really enjoy working with people. You can help them run their own business!
If you know people who would like this opportunity then ask them to call the flying doctor on 01865 748197 or email
franchise@theflyingdoctor.biz to start on their success.
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