The remains of the old computer ...

Part and parcel of buying a new computer is what to do. With the old one. Data transfer from old to new is one answer, just wipe the old one after you are done.

With the increasing prevalance of data recovery tools, this may not be the best answer.

In a recent non scientific test I tried data recovery on a client who's machine had been "wiped". The results were suprising for the client, not for me. Not only did we recover data from the most recent "wipe",but I was able to recover data from a system "wipe" and restore over 2 years ago.

This is really indicative of the much larger issue. Unless you are confident that you have completely removed the private data from your old computer , you are still very much at risk at having your data captured and used without your knowledge and permission.

Collaboration Lab offers a number of options for deleting permanmently, repurposing and destroying/recycling your old computer. Contact us today for more information, here.

Make back to school technology shopping easy

Just a reminder about our shoping services, now is the perfect ime to take advantage of them.

Some of the questions I have been asked,

- Should I wait for Windows 8?
- Does the school book store have the best prices on software?
- Do students really need a Smartphone with a data plan?
- Which is better iPad or Android tablet?
- How much should I spend on a computer?

Feel fee to give us a call, or email, to hear more about the cost savings and value or shopping services provide.

What to look for in a laptop

If you want to find lots of lists, search "what to look for in a laptop" on Google.  Link

I take a alternative view of what to look for,  I see 3 major items as being important.

- Look / Feel, you should be comfortable with the layout of the keys, position of the screen, and weight.

- Warranty, find the longest manufacturer warranty.  It is not worth purchasing a extended warranty typically these will never provide a payback on the cost.  With a lifecycle of 2 to 3 year for most computers you can usually get most of the life of the computer covered. 

- Budget, keep to your budget.  All to often we get caught up in the excitement of purchasing and splurge for additional features, don’t fall in this trap. Most computers come very well equipped.

If you want to get technical, check out these links, 

Cnet Buying Guide

Tech Republic

You will notice that the specs keep changing and the standards to measure change as well.  More often than not clients opt for our purchase assistance program.  Check out the link here. 

Are Hackers the real threat ?

Based on my experince this article provides a excellent counter position to the concern over Hackers.  ake a read and let me know what you think, 

If Hackers Didn't Exist, Governments Would Have to Invent Them

Why I like Microsoft Security Essentials

There are hundreds of antivirus programs made for Windows operating systems.   Time and time again I am asked what is the best antivirus solution?   Most recently I have been answering this question with Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE).   I like MSE for 3 reasons,

-          Performance,  MSE has a minimal impact on system resources where other packages tend to eat system resources up.  This combine with a effective antivirus engine makes it stand out for me.

-          Cost, MSE is free.  Though the axiom you get what you pay for may come to mind, the reality is Microsoft has a vested interest in your computing experience. With other operating systems such as Linux, Mac OX / OS X, and even Android to a lesser extent as possible alternatives, Microsoft must ensure that their operating system runs as smoothly and trouble free as possible.

-          Ease of use.   With a single interface of four tabs and ease to configure regular checks MSE wins hands down in this case.

With that being said there are many other options that might better fit your computing needs, but more often than not I think MSE might be the best fit.

Microsoft Security Essentials