Windows 10

Because we live in a world full of ar5eholes that want to create havoc by using viruses or trying to exploit computer code to access our machines and use them for criminal purposes.

 

Oh, and there is money to be made from selling software to protect you from those, or to resolve their damage.

 

It is frustrating, but sadly it is necessary to make sure that there are no vulnerabilities in your software that someone could exploit. I write bespoke database apps as part of my job, and it can be remarkably frustrating at times - one comma out of place, and it will throw a wobbler; but, it is also hugely rewarding when I see a new user sit down and click away and use the app without ever referring to a manual. It will quite often take four or five failures before I get the code just right - - if you think it is frustrating for a user, then think how much more so for a programmer.

And don't forget just how much we can do with technology nowadays; we have come a hell of a long way since the Spectrum 48k!

 

Not everyone involved with electronics, computers and technology is a cowboy I assure you - sadly, those of us that do genuinely care about other people's equipment are often let down by those who are less scrupulous.

NEVER mix anti-virus programmes - they will fight each other like hell, and your PC will be unusable. AVOID McAfee and Norton like the plague - they are resource hogs, and not worth their subscription money. The ONLY paid anti-virus worth a light in my book is ESET - I have used them on all my gear for many years without an issue, and their pricing is very fair. In terms of free stuff, AVG or Avast is about as good as you can get - - yes, they will try and encourage you to give them some money for a paid version, but you can simply ignore that. In fairness to them, they spend a lot of time and money keeping up with those who are hell bent on causing problems, so it is not unreasonable that they try and sell you something once in a while.

Keeping all your software updated is highly advisable, despite it sometimes taking a while - it will significantly reduce the chance of problems in the future, and saves building problems up.

And if you do have a problem - ask someone who can help.

For the record (and I have said it before) - I am happy to be contacted by any GC member who has a problem, and I will do my utmost to help, free of charge. I can help remotely by connecting to your PC whilst you watch what I am doing, or if it is a hardware problem the machine can be sent to me for repair which will always be done at the lowest possible cost, with no labour charge. If you choose to give me a 'drink' for the repair, then that is up to you and greatly appreciated - - but it is not necessary. There are some of us engineers who still give a monkeys.....

 

It was a bit of a nightmare @Sheal, so yes, good you missed it. You know (hopefully as well, or better, than anyone) - if you need help, I am more than willing and will remote in to your PC when it suits and will help you out. Please, don't be stuck.

 

Busy or not, I always endeavour to make times for my friends.

 

I don't think it's that they're user unfriendly, pete, but they're not intelligent but users expect them to be. Windows 10 has a "history" with me as when Microsoft were pushing W10 for free I "upgraded" my Desktop [running W7] and my newly bought Laptop [running W8] to W10. Both froze during down loading W10 and I had to have both reloaded with their previous OS which cost money. So I still run my Desktop on W7 and another new Laptop which does run W10 but, for me, isn't the best laid out or intuitive system. For me W7 is/was the best system, easy to use and very stable, W10 has a long way to go to get the confidence of the normal user.

 

Number One...........don't use it!!