Category Archives: IT

Software4Students – Microsoft and Adobe software discounts

Software, , , , ,

Software4Students

It has come to my attention that many people are not aware of this company or what they have to offer.

Essentially Software4Students are Microsoft Partners and for that reason are able to offer vastly discounted legitimate software to students and family.

Nothing more to it really – check it out. It’s 100% genuine and what you get is real. Customer support is there too!

There is one drawback as follows:

Each student is only entitled to purchase ONE software license of each product.

Let me know if you have any queries!

What you get when you buy a cheap Netbook

Netbook, Uncategorized, , ,

'Minibook' Netbook

Some of you may have seen these units kicking around on Amazon, so in true Frantik fashion, I thought I’d get one to test it.

Okay, so we bought the unit for around £55 delivered. On first impressions I didn’t hold my hopes up too high. Chinese looking box, manual and packaging. Most probably was just a cheap knock-off.

The unit has 3 USB 2.0 ports, an RJ45 network point 10/100, SD Card slot (extra storage), headphone socket and microphone socket. The unit has no built in webcam, but then what would you expect for the price?

As stated in the instructions the device I had takes a max 32GB memory card for extra storage.

The OS the device came with was Android 2.0. In my opinion completely useless on a netbook. I soon came to the conclusion that the whole thing was pointless with this version of Android running on it and have decided to try and get the thing running a distribution of Linux so will report back if I have succeeded with this.

Battery life is cited to be around 4hrs.

The Box

Some other specs:

  • CPU: WM8650 800Mhz
  • Display: 6.98″ TFT  800*480
  • Flash: 4GB
  • Input: 9V 1.5a adaptor

To conclude, stay clear from this if you want a device that is useable.

The demise of the beloved MSN Messenger

Instant Messanging, IT, , , ,

MSN Logo

MSN will, I am sure, bring back many memories for you. It has been the standard for instant messaging for over a decade, but then along came Skype… (see what I did there?).

Skype has become increasingly popular over the last few years and has indeed attracted many users of MSN, rebranded to Windows Live Messenger by Microsoft to try and freshen the image, and since Microsoft bought Skype has made WLM less and less attractive.

Skype had great apps for all Operating Systems and mobile devices, New Skype Logowhilst WLM did not. And, I guess, it would seem daft for M$ to fund development of two apps that did the same thing. We all know, that Skype did much better over WLM, so it was a done deal.

As of 2013 MSN, aka WLM, will be finished. The end of a legacy.

Luckily for you – Microsoft and the Skype team have helped along the way and new versions of the Skype software (download here) have a MSN/WLM account migration wizard integrated. The new Skype software requires that you log in with a Microsoft Online Services account and I believe if yours isn’t already, will be converted to such a thing.

RIP MSN Messenger.

More can be read here: http://blogs.skype.com/en/2012/11/skypewlm.html

Free Antivirus For Mac

Macintosh, Security, Software, , , , , , ,

Avast! for Mac

You would be pretty naive to think that Apple Macs are bullet proof now. With their increasing popularity (which I love) they are becoming a bigger target for people to attack.

Therefore we recommend that you install some software (no need to pay) that will help keep you Mac protected…

With each new install of the Operating System Apple have been locking the system down and improving the security but it’s worthwhile loading some extra software so you don’t get caught out.

Sophos for Mac has been around for a while and generally works very well…. but another one you could try is Avast! Free Antivirus for Mac – see review here: https://uk.pcmag.com/antivirus/35311/avast-security-for-machttp://www.macworld.co.uk/macsoftware/reviews/?reviewid=3367786

Here’s a link to download: https://www.avast.com/en-gb/free-mac-security

Stay safe and happy computing!

Looking for a sub-£300 branded laptop – look no further than this!

Computers, Laptops, , ,
Fujitsu Lifebook AH530 Laptop
This is the option with 500GB Hard Disk and 4GB RAM

Fujitsu Lifebook AH530 Laptop

This is certainly one to keep in mind!

Fujitsu have been in the Laptop business for a very long time and although have regularly been overlooked due to other bigger brands being in the spotlight they are certainly not one to overlook.

This is currently available on eBuyer – http://www.ebuyer.com/341124-fujitsu-lifebook-ah530-laptop-vfy-ah530mp503gb for £299.

They also do the cheaper model with 350GB Hard Disk and 2GB RAM for £279.99 – http://www.ebuyer.com/341123-fujitsu-ah530-lifebook-laptop-vfy-ah530mp502gb

So, if you’re looking for a full size laptop, not a netbook, this is definitely one to consider and isn’t a great deal more expensive!

Please leave a comment if you have one of these, be good to hear some feedback!