Cyberbully hitting Donegal only weeks after Leitrim
Cyberbully Victim Amanda Todd posted video on YouTube month before taking her own life(image source: Gawker.com)
by Niall Mulrine
3 suicides due to Cyber Bullying in the last 6 weeks
Cyber bullying has increased nationally over the last few years, but the recent news in the North West of Ireland has given more insight to what the children are really doing whilst they are sitting on their phones or keyboards. Recent losses of 2 teenage girls who are only starting out in their lives, have been attributed to online social media platforms and forums. Only 6 weeks ago, Leitrim native 15 year old Ciara Pugsley took her life after the taunting abuse from online platforms. Globally, Amanda Todd took her life after years of abuse offline and online. She moved from different schools to escape the torment, but it followed her everywhere with the aid of the web. Even after her death, people are posting horrible and disgusting comments on how she died, how little they thought of her and the sheer lack of humanity in these comments should make us wonder, if people realise the mental torture they are causing others.
Cyberbully victim Ciara Pugsley from Dromahair, Leitrim with her brother Daniel
(image source:Irish Independent.ie)
Erin Gallagher
This weekend, another tragedy had to happen to arise the term of the consequences of bullying. 13 year old Erin Gallagher from Ballybofey, Co. Donegal took her life, as a result of bullying. Within hours, a Facebook memorial page, called RIP Erin Gallagher, was setup to allow Facebook users to express their feelings to the news of Erin. Her own Facebook profile has been busy with friends, family and strangers expressing their sadness of her loss and their anger at the perpetrators. Sunday morning this page had 234 Likes attached to it, with only a photo of Erin and below it a statement to say “post ur comments here”. From the language, it would be evident that the person to set this up is in the youth category. By Sunday afternoon, this page had reached 1442 Likes with comments such as “Rip , u wil b badly missed 
ur are a lovely girl an what ever is wrong with people these days to do such a thing is horrible :'( xx”. People from Australia have even commented to say how sorry they are to hear such a tragedy, all via viral effects of online comments.
Cyberbully Victim Erin Gallagher from Ballybofey, Co. Donegal took her life on 27/10/12 after being tortured offline and online at ask.fm website
(image source:Facebook.com)
Reactions locally
People have posted comments of their thoughts and anger towards others for this loss on lots of other sites and platforms. Lots of people are pointing fingers at the bullies and saying they should be named and shamed online. This would lead to more abuse to those involved online and maybe the people involved did not realise how much hurt they caused. Studies have shown that the bully is often a victim of bullying too. Recent studies found that one third of bullies have actually been victims of bullying themselves.
You become a digital citizen when you use a digital device such as a computer or phone to interact with other people. Sitting in cafes, bars, schools, shops and parks we see children connected with their most important accessory; the mobile phone. So much so, that a study found that 51.7% people would rather lose their wallets that their iPhones. The hold these devices have on people is because people are afraid they will miss out on something or miss potential news. Most youths love to share where they are and who they are with online with use of GPS tools on social media sites. The adverse effect of telling everyone too much is that this information can be used dangerously in the wrong hands.
Future of Cyber Bullying
Future of online abuse is not going away any time soon and people are worried what they should be doing to protect their children. As an IT consultant I could suggest many hardware and software solutions until I’m blue in the face, but lots of research by physiologists have found that the first step is opening up within the family and try having as much honest communication about their children’s use of internet devices. One quick question a parent can ask is; I see you have 200 friends of Facebook, how many of these are your close friends and could you tell me about each one of them. The pressure to have friends has summoned children to add as many friends as possible and often just accepting any friend request to build up the friends list. This will give good standing to their friends that they are “popular” people.
Resources for Parents
Some tips for parents are available at http://www.pcclean.ie/internetsafety/parentstips/ and some tips for children to stay safe online.
Resources for Children
For Children wanting a few tips on what to do or react when contacted online by people that make them feel uncomfortable. http://www.pcclean.ie/internetsafety/internet-safety-for-children/
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- Four of every five Irish teenagers claim they have been victims of cyber-bullying
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- Amanda Todd and the greatly exaggerated cyber-bullying plague: Web harassment not on the rise, researcher says
- How To Protect Your Kids From Cyber Bullying
- The growing problem of cyber-bullying
- Cyber Bullying: Montana Needs Laws In Place
- ‘Sorry to hear you tried to kill urself… next time finish it': One young woman’s harrowing account of how cyber-bullies pushed her to breaking point
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Where has Facebook taken our children to?
Where has Facebook taken our children to?
Brought to you by Niall Mulrine, Pc Clean.
IS Facebook a fad or here to stay
Facebook celebrated 8 years online last week. In 2005 Facebook was on every American student’s “must have” list and released globally to all those over age of 13 years old in September 2006. Today, it holds approximately 850 million users on its database which 483 million of those log in daily to their accounts. Henry Blodget Columnist and blogger on investing, the Internet, and financial markets with US newspaper Huffington Post asked the question “Is Facebook a fad?” late 2009. People had thought it peaked in 2009 with 300 million users globally. Every year since then, the site grew with an additional 200 million users and in 2011 an influx of 250 million users signed up shows no slow down yet. I am asking the question in February 2012 “Is Facebook a fad?” What do you think? Simply answered in a single sentence my thoughts are that “Facebook will stay for quite some time, it changes constantly to prevent boredom and it’s inspiring other social innovations online”.
(courtesy of Facebook.com)
Has Facebook changed our lives in any way? Of course it has and we may not be aware of the effects on first thoughts. I can illustrate with a few scenarios. Friends have connected via Facebook and have rekindled friendship after separation of distance or time. When people are making plans for the weekend, they often ask their friends on the site what their plans are and update everyone with photos of their nights out afterwards so they can share the fun moments they had with others that could not make it. “Did you hear about …………………….. on Facebook?” is a common question Facebook users ask each other on the street. People find out so much on the social network that it makes up for the news missed the old fashion way called “talk”. Facebook finds lots of angles to get into our daily lives from photos of our friends shared online, games, videos of friends, organising events, shopping and much more. Most websites have that small blue “F” on it so you can inform your Facebook friends what website interests us.
There are lots of positives around how Facebook has helped us interactive with each other offline. People have developed better relationships with their friends and even people they may not have gotten to know in other situations. People would request friendships of people that they may just “know to see” and maybe start interacting with a few comments. Next thing, if they meet up in a shop, they will at least stop and say hello and maybe then continue conversation. Mark Zuckerburg homed in on the fact people are curious what others are always doing and Facebook has opened this up to everyone now. Local businesses have growth due to interaction they put in on Facebook to connect with customers and potential customers. Thus increasing employment in a potentially disaster recession period.
(courtesy of Farmville TM)
Parents and teachers would often ask me what I made out of Facebook and should their children be on it? These questions came from the dangers that surfaced from the first major social network called Bebo that catered especially to teenagers before its demise or near closure. Bebo’s height of user database was 40 million users reportedly by the company. Horror stories of mass suicide groups from around the world, UK and Ireland made parents sceptical of letting their loved children on the site. But the barrier between protecting and managing their children’s online activity was lost due to the lack of knowledge that most of us face when it comes to understanding social media properly at work it. Parent’s number one responsibility daily is to take care of the welfare of their loved children. It comes naturally when children step out of line that they are reprimanded on the spot, if they are sad they get a hug, if they fall parents pick them up, if they cry parents wipe the tears away with a hankie. This is how most of us grew up as a child parent relationship. But now with the pace of technological changes, it’s extremely difficult for parents who are not comfortable with internet and computers. These parents are left scared and worried and feel unable to support their children the best they can. One of two things may happen. Parents can do courses, get help from others, educate themselves and delve into the internet to try out social media or try and ignore it, and hope it’s just a phase that will be over soon. Unfortunately this is not a phase and will be increasing steadily. Children as young as 6 can get on Facebook (even though it’s against the terms and conditions of Facebook) and experiment. Children have no fear; they will try more things than any adult of dream of. Fear is only instilled into us when we grow conscience and have rules battered into us at school and home. The danger of no fear is that there is never a thought of a repercussion of their actions.
Image via CrunchBase
In the last 2 years, I have given seminars around schools in Donegal to parents who are worried about the dangers of Facebook and these have given parents some insights into what can actually occur online and also, how maybe they can prevent their loved ones becoming involved in a dangerous act. Children never realise what damage they can cause to another child online. Well know cyber bullied victim Phoebe Prince, originally from Co. Clare moved to the States and found that jealousy of her at the school turned from local bullying onto social network sites such as Facebook. Nowhere to escape lead Phoebe to take her own life in her home where she shared with her loving parents Even after her death people still attacked her on a Facebook memorial page. In Ireland we are seeing similar trends. 1 in 5 Irish children are being cyber bullied online today a study was carried out in Dublin last summer with teenagers. Shane Webber made his girlfriend’s life a misery close to suicide with his bullying and posting photos of her on websites nude and making reference to them on Facebook and tagged her parents and friends so they could see them. Watch Channel 4 documentary Monday 20th at 10pm called My Social Network Stalker how twisted his love for his school love was.
A startling statistic research has found is that 1 in 5 children aged 10 to 17 have received a sexual solicitation over the Internet. Seminars regarding information like this and how to prepare yourself as a parent can group bookings by calling Niall Mulrine on 086-2377033 or email InternetSafety@pcclean.ie
Comments from parents and teachers after recent talks are:
“Lots of parents have no idea of what the children are doing online, especially the acronyms they are using for hiding messages from adults” – Belinda McArdle- Parent
“Niall’s presentation is informative, thought provoking and unapologetic in the clear message which it gives to Parents. I would highly recommend it to school authorities throughout the region.” Principal St. Marys NS, Stranorlar, Co. Donegal MR Fintan Keating
“Niall provided an engaging and eye-opening look inside the world of social networks for our staff and Parents Association. Highlighting the dangers and pitfalls associated with this online revolution helped prepare parents and teachers to protect both their own online presence and that of their children.” – Saint Eunans School teacher Pauric O’Donnell, Saint Eunan’s College, Letterkenny.
Your children’s online safety like any safety rests in your hands.
Pc Clean IT Training
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Windows 8 Part 4
Windows 8 Release Preview Part 4
Brought to you by Niall Mulrine
PC Clean Blogger, writer, technician, social media instructor
Continuing on from my review of Windows 8 Release Preview ups and downs of the newest edition of Microsoft’s Operating system, more points have being highlighted. First of all, my experience of using Windows 8 Beta versions have been a pleasure without much downtime and I am glad to see their framework went up an extra level from what I though Windows 7 could not get any better.
Some of the fancy features of Windows 8 have been discussed on many forums online and one of the main features that have had its ugly head reared above the surface again is the “Metro UI”. What is the “Metro UI”? Anyone familiar with Windows 7 Mobile will come across the tiles that featured on the screen for easy touch navigation will be at ease with the new “Metro UI”. The Operating system was built from ground up for touch use on computers, tablets and handheld devices. This is following the increase of people opting for touch screen phones and tablets, and Microsoft needed to follow the trend. But, keyboards and mice can still be used on the computers as we have done for years, so this will not annoy some of the die-hard computer lovers. With the Metro UI, we get the range of Apps that can be bought and downloaded from the Windows Store.
(Image of Windows 8 Welcome screen)
New look Windows 8 Explorer window
But the term “Metro UI” has been controversial in the last week, as Microsoft now says that they are not calling this layout Metro. The reasons behind this are unknown but their PR team announced that “Metro UI” was used to describe design language and overall style of the Windows interface.
The old style Windows Explorer has been replaced by File Explorer. The File, Edit menus have disappeared and have now the same feel as Microsoft Office 2010 ribbon effect. Extra procedures such as buttons for moving files, folders, share and view are buttons instead of text boxes.
Windows 8 Welcome screen
(Metro UI image below of Apps)
Shorter boot and shutdown times are another welcome to the system. After a quick installation, first appearances of speed can be noticed and the quick shutdown of the machine is matched with the quicker boot time. My first boot time was under 30 seconds and I was astonished. As normal, when software is loaded onto the machine, this slows down a little, but the average start up time is approx. 50 seconds which is still very fast.
More to come on the versions available when launched!!
More details to follow in next article. To play with Windows 8 why not go to download, Windows 8 from http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/download/
Repairs for laptops and computers in Donegal
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Windows 8 Test Drive Part 3
Brought to you by Niall Mulrine
PC Clean Blogger, writer, technician, social media instructor
Windows 8 have released their latest trial namely “Windows 8 Release Preview” in June 2012 and I have installed on the main system to test out after ditching Windows 8 Consumer Preview. I will discuss my thoughts on this version further down. But I would like to baffle your heads even more now, by saying on August 1st 2012, Microsoft released Windows 8 RTM version!! You are wondering how many times their different trials will come out before the real thing. Well, it’s getting there now! RTM means “Release to Manufacturing” which are the OEM companies such as HP, Dell, Toshiba and many more who are now building their machines with Windows 8 to coincide with the major Windows 8 versions in October 26th 2012. Basically it’s the final version with all the final changes that have occurred over the various development stages. The Beta versions mentioned earlier are all platforms to get feedback from the public and IT experts on the quirks and downfalls.
My transition from Windows 8 Consumer Preview to Windows 8 Release Preview was not difficult. I opted for the clean format option, which wipes the computer and installs a fresh copy of Windows 8. The other option is to upgrade whilst keeping all your files and settings from previous Windows 8 or 7. I don’t push for this option, as it takes a lot of crap onto a totally new system. Clean format if you have the ability to backup documents, files, programs and settings is better option as you have brand new “Clean” system. Build from the foundation upwards this way. At least you will know what works and what does not work in terms of drivers and software.
For the driver’s installation, this was a breeze. With an internet connection, Windows 8 went off and installed as many drivers possible for my components to work. Even the printer was setup on the correct port and name!! The installation of the OS itself took little time and there was very few clicks that needed to interact with the GUI with its normal questioning such as “User Name and Password”. Microsoft has made this slightly easier by giving the option of signing in with Windows Live ID account or the old Hotmail account as was once known. When logging in with these credentials any settings for all Windows 8 devices can be used, whether it’s a Windows 8 laptop, Tablet, Smartphone or PC. The same feel with your personal settings will be given on all platforms of Windows 8 that use your Live ID. Some benefits of this are; Metro Apps settings, desktop appearance and login for websites can all be shared. If you use the Windows 8 Mail App, it will automatically setup your Hotmail/Live email messages and contacts directly without any input from the user. You will know if you are logged into your desktop by using Windows ID by checking the Start screen on the top right. (Please see picture)
Image of Windows 8 Welcome Screen
More details to follow in next article. To play with Windows 8 why not go to download, Windows 8 from http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/download/
To catch up on any missed articles written by Niall Mulrine of Pc Clean, go to www.PcClean.ie
Repairs for laptops and computers in Donegal
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Tuenti: Yet another Social Media Platform
PC Clean Blogger, writer, technician, social media instructor
With the amount of Web 2.0 social media platforms out there, it’s hard to keep your bearings on them all. Do we sign up for all new social media platforms in the hope that they will be the up and coming phenomenon? I know from my own experience when Pinterest launched in 2010, I came across it in early 2011 and thought is this another fad or will it be a good sign up!! I took it for a spin and found the concept worthy of joining, but was not sure how it would benefit my IT business as its main focus was on images. There are only so many images of a laptop or my head I can post daily without boring the audience!! So, I parked it for a while and would come back to it from time to time, but would find that not many are posting relevant information and leave quickly. I am not addicted yet to it!! For hotels, chefs, property managers, hairdressers, artists and photographers it would be a must have social media site.
Now, I know more and more of these platforms are jumping up every day so why am I putting an article on a new site called “Tuenti”.
tuenti (Photo credit: Tauron32)
Well to begin with, the site is not new, but its new to the World, as it was a site that was created in Spain and has survived well in that country since 2006 with a total of 14 million users as of June 2012. Not unlike how Facebook started, but Tuenti began from an idea of a group of friends Félix Ruiz, Zaryn Dentzel, Kenny Bentley, Adeyemi Ajao and Joaquín Ayuso de Pául. In Spain, they refer to it as the Spanish Facebook. In 2010, national phone company Telefonica acquired 85% of the company which will play a large part in increasing its reach with their 309 million users in over 25 countries. Today, 11thJuly 2012, the platform is extending from its Spanish language to work with the English, German, French, Italian and more languages to get more of a global reach.
It’s similar to Twitter by giving 140 characters for comments, Facebook update comments in real time. This platform needs a genuine name for sign up and needs mobile phone to verify identity. It prides itself on how secure it is by using SSL encryption. Downside if you would like to increase your SEO, this will not satisfy as it won’t be indexed by Google, but this does give the user more trust with their information. Their philosophy on their site is “Social done simple”. Repeats the statement that most of us may have hundred’s friends on other social media sites, but how many of these are actual friends? Quoted from their blog, “Why call everyone “friends” when only 20 people are really friends and the rest are just contacts?”
Spanish Social Network to go Global.
It promises to be a more personal social network than what we are used to. Some of these promises make me think of yet another new site called Path which is focusing on close friends and family. Most of these sites have similar strands of other sites, which make them likable. Its up to you now, go try out Tuenti at http://www.tuenti.com
I would appreciate any feedback from your experience to sales@pcclean.ie
To catch up on any missed articles written by Niall Mulrine of Pc Clean, go to www.PcClean.ie
Repairs for laptops and computers in Donegal
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Goggling or Googling
Goggling or Googling
PC Clean Blogger, writer, technician, social media instructor
Brought to you by Niall Mulrine, Pc Clean
Much talk on the tech front over the last week about Google’s new product simply labelled Google Glass Goggles. No, it’s nothing to do with swimming on the net!! When an amazing moment happens, you pull out your mobile phone to take a picture and by the time you are ready to shoot, the moment has passed. Simply annoying and frustrating, I know this from personal experience also. With both our very young children, they pull the funniest of faces, or dare to amaze you by their capabilities exceeding your expectation. These are what Kodak meant by “Kodak moments”. Small snippets of time that you will always remember fondly as time goes by.
Google are still in the prototype of a device called Google Glass, which appear as normal glasses on a person’s face to the unsuspecting. Only these glasses are connected to the internet and have a small film of a screen to give the wearer real time information without distraction. The goal of this device is to remove the need of taking out your Smartphone to make calls, send texts, read emails, check reminders and surf the internet.
(Image source: dailymail.co.uk)
The team behind this project is Google X, the team of R & D that always vision the unimaginable. Not cheap, these glasses are currently going on market to developers for $1500 and ready for delivery next year to these customers. They have named this project, Project Glass. The team hope to have it available for release in 2014 and no price has been guessed at yet. But the glasses will cost more than the average Smartphone. The cost of producing the glasses is in the region of $3,000 at current stage of beta.
Android software developed by Google will be the driving chassis on the glasses for all applications and responses to work on. A built in camera with microphone will have the ability to record live feed and upload to YouTube or feed it live to a website for your friends to watch a live scenario you are part of at that time, so everyone can share the experience. Similar to Google smartphones and Apps, applications and commands can be sent to the glasses by voice, therefore giving the user a total hands free experience. Integration of other Google Apps including Google Maps will play a creative role in how we live our everyday lives. Imagine having the possibility of a GPS Sat Nav built into a small pair of glasses, so when we are on foot we can have arrows on our lenses to give us signposts to what direction to go. Google Weather alerts popping up to say whether it will be a great day or not, helping us ponder on the indecision of taking a raincoat to work.
Google launched a demo video on YouTube to give us a taste of how it can benefit our lives. From watching this, its amazing how all our computer powered applications, mobile phone apps and online platforms can come together to enable us to be a “Computer Wearer”, having our computers in our vision at all times!! With the upcoming and developing application Google Goggles, the scope of what can be done will be second to none. Already Goggles can be found in Android Play marketplace, the software that brings up online information about the item being held in your hand, the painting you stare at on a wall, author biography of a book you look at in the book store and many more facts surrounding all visuals in our lives.
With the positives, there are surely to be negatives. Some say that it will infringe on other peoples privacy when they don’t know if they are being recorded or it will be a distraction to our normal lives, with too much gadgetry. Like all new concepts, it will take the rough with the smooth. All I can say is, bring it on and let me be as Speccy as possible.
To catch up on any missed articles written by Niall Mulrine of Pc Clean, go to www.PcClean.ie
Repairs for laptops and computers in Donegal
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Upgrade to Windows 8 for €15
PC Clean Blogger, writer, technician, social media instructor
Upgrade to Windows 8 for €15
Brought to you by Niall Mulrine, Pc Clean
How is it possible that we can get a brand new version of Microsoft Windows for only €15? Normal prices for Microsoft Windows can cost anything from €160 to €340 depending on version needed. In the past Microsoft would release several different layers to their OS. Windows 7 began from the basic edition of Windows 7 Starter, right up to Windows Ultimate. Then within the different editions are the different processor architecture. Two types of Windows architecture is 32 bit and 64 bit have been available since launch back in 2001 and 2005 respectfully. The 64 bit gives the opportunity to upgrade the Memory past the 4GB limit that 32 bit possesses. According to Wiki article on 64 bit software, memory can be upgraded to a limit of “16 exbibytes (16 billion Gibabytes)”.
Enough of the hardware jargon, tell me more about the €15 operating system I hear you say. Well, it’s not the first time Microsoft have offered their latest OS at a very inexpensive rate! When Windows 7, Vista and XP were launched, Microsoft had promotions pre launch dates to increase sales and also to get consumers to spend some money to upgrade, where otherwise they may of held of another couple of years before changing their systems. Unlike the last Windows launch, people are more confident in Microsoft again with Windows 7 repairing the disgust that consumers had with Vista. That was one of the biggest blunders Microsoft entailed and heavily relied on 7 to save the day. I think I can say this for all Windows users, 7 was the moment I began to release my hold on XP and move. I had ignored Vista installation on my main computer and settled with XP. When 7 RC1 was released I made this OS my hub, even if it was beta I was just too engrossed on its features and speed. It’s not recommended to use a beta version for real time use, as they are prone to bugs, crashes and be unreliable.
New look Start Screen
I have taken the same approach to Windows 8 Consumer Preview back in March 2012 when it was released for download. I was not the only one in anticipation; 1 million other internet users were downloading this edition in the first 24 hours of release. After installing it, I found a sweet, fast and fluid piece of kit in front of me. Everything worked as it should and it carried out all tasks with minimal effort. For more on my experience, click on http://PcClean.ie/Windows-8-test-drive-part-1 and read my two blogs on my time.
So what is the deal with the upgrade with Windows 8? Well, it’s due to be released before the end of 2012 and consumers who have bought a Windows 7 Pc between June 2nd 2012 and January 31st 2013 can upgrade their system for an extra €14.99. The feel of a new system on an old computer can bring excitement back into the user’s pc experience. It is also a good time to give your machine a good clean out!!
Take a spin on the newest version of Windows 8 Release Preview that has been made available on Microsoft.com, free of charge. But remember, back up all your files before you make any changes to your system. If you have any queries, drop me an email or call me got more information.
To catch up on any missed articles written by Niall Mulrine of Pc Clean, go to www.PcClean.ie
Contact Pc Clean email: Sales@PcClean.ie or mob:086-2377033
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Google Drive
PC Clean Blogger, writer, technician, social media instructor
Last month, Google finally launched their shared file storage cloud service. Why has it taken so long for Google to catch up is the question on many technical professionals’ lips? To think back, when Google launched their free email service Gmail, they were the first to offer 5 GB email storage for the user, free of charge, while others were only allowing 500MB such as Microsoft Hotmail users. This was a very attractive service for business users and students alike when the popular Gmail was launched, allowed people that never wanted to delete emails. I personally have a Gmail account that I opened up years ago, I could not put a date on it, but I still have plenty of room and I cannot remember when or if I ever deleted the emails.
But now as people are hearing buzzwords such as “Cloud Computing”, “Data Centres”, “Backup” and “Cyberspace”. What is cloud all about? We are confused about what people mean we need to get on and be on the cloud. For years, we have been there, we may not just of realised it. Think about your Hotmail, Gmail or Yahoo emails are? Are they all sitting on your computer?? Can you access your Hotmail if you’re not at your computer? These services are all cloud based, we just did not understand fully.
With this summarising background on the Cloud, Google Drive is a “Cloud Storage Folder”, where you can save your photos, documents, music and videos and access it from any computer as long as it has internet connection. For the risk of sounding repetitive, this allows the user to worry less about backing up files to an extent. Why? Data centres promise us that there can be no chance of losing our data, as they have backup centres in another country that does a backup of the first backup. Our files are safe we are told. I would personally like to have my files backed up, where I can reach them locally, such as an external backup drive, USB drive, server or second computer. Reasons are more on security and safety of the files. What happens when we lose the internet? What happens if the provider has not securely locked down our data and gets into the wrong hands? We trust the owners of these centres, but at the same time there are lots of positive points about Cloud Storage. Easy access is number 1, backup of files, ability to share files with colleagues and many more. The feature with Google Search within files and also, an OCR feature will allow users to search text within scanned document images. Also, if you have files that are saved by various programs such as Microsoft Word, Jpeg, Photoshop files, Adobe Illustrator and over 30 other file formats within Google Drive without the need to have the program installed on your computer.
PC Clean offers advice on Google Drive and other CLoud Backup Platforms
What’s more, we can use it free!!! We like free, so why not try Google Drive. We will get our email accounts to hold 10GB of messages, 5GB of data storage and also 1GB on Picasa to save photos only. More storage will be paid monthly to Google, such as the next step up which is 25GB storage for $2.49. What more attractive, is the ability to upgrade your account to 16TB for $799 a month. I not sure who will opt for that, as the initial upload time would take weeks on a good broadband line.
Give it a try and Google will notify when your drive Is ready. Log into www.drive.google.com
Repairs for laptops and computers in Donegal
Pc Clean on TV!!
Local IT expert, Niall Mulrine, www.PcClean.ie will be featured on the IrishTv.ie production of “Out and About in Ireland” on Sky 201/Freesat 403 this Thursday night 14th June, at 9.00 pm and 10.00 pm on Sky202, giving a demonstration of his Internet Safety for Parents seminar. Niall’s seminar has proven very popular around the county with parents, as their knowledge on what their children are doing online can be minimal and this seminar gives parents a floor to ask burning questions and fill the knowledge gap.
With there are 2.1 million Irish users on Facebook, it’s not surprising 85% on them are youth in the age group of 15-24 years old. Niall’s vast amount of information at hand, on the dangers of social media and how it can affect the relationships of children is a welcome to parents who know nothing about social media and even those that use Facebook on a daily basis.
Also, on the same show, there will be highlights from recent festivals in Donegal, the Northwest Garden show in Castlefinn and Donegal Live that took place in Donegal Town. It’s great to see the recent TV coverage in the Northwest. Thanks to the newest Irish media company IrishTv.ie for their Trojan work.
Remember to set your Sky Red Button to record this Thursday 14th June at 9.00 pm and repeated again on Sunday and Monday at 7pm on Sky channel 201/Freesat 403. It will be available online from Thursday on www.irishtv.ie/Donegal
Local IT expert, Niall Mulrine, www.PcClean.ie will be featured on the IrishTv.ie production of “Out and About in Ireland” on Sky 201/Freesat 403 this Thursday night 14th June, at 9.00 pm and 10.00 pm on Sky202, giving a demonstration of his Internet Safety for Parents seminar. Niall’s seminar has proven very popular around the county with parents, as their knowledge on what their children are doing online can be minimal and this seminar gives parents a floor to ask burning questions and fill the knowledge gap. With there are 2.1 million Irish users on Facebook, it’s not surprising 85% on them are youth in the age group of 15-24 years old. Niall’s vast amount of information at hand, on the dangers of social media and how it can affect the relationships of children is a welcome to parents who know nothing about social media and even those that use Facebook on a daily basis.
Also, on the same show, there will be highlights from recent festivals in Donegal, the Northwest Garden show in Castlefinn and Donegal Live that took place in Donegal Town. It’s great to see the recent TV coverage in the Northwest. Thanks to the newest Irish media company IrishTv.ie for their Trojan work.
Remember to set your Sky Red Button to record this Thursday 14th June at 9.00 pm and repeated again on Sunday and Monday at 7pm on Sky channel 201/Freesat 403. It will be available online from Thursday on www.irishtv.ie/Donegal
Windows 8 Test Drive Part 2
HANOVER, GERMANY – MARCH 06: Visitors watch a presentaiton of fetaures of the new Windows 8 operating system at the Microsoft stand on the first day of the CeBIT 2012 technology trade fair on March 6, 2012 in Hanover, Germany. CeBIT 2012, the world’s largest information technology trade fair, will run from March 6-10, and advances in cloud computing and security are major features this year. (Image credit: Getty Images via @daylife)
Niall Mulrine. Owner Of Pc Clean. Social Media, Internet Security, Computer Repairs
Windows 8 Test Drive Part 2
Brought to you by Niall Mulrine, Pc Clean.
Following up to the previous article on my experience and others experienceswith the new test drive of Windows 8 Consumer Preview edition. Windows 8 is not available for normal use just yet, but anyone can download it free and try it on either a virtual desktop environment or try on a scrap computer that you are not worried about causing harm. Microsoft appreciates the feedback from users testing Windows 8, as they would appreciate all problems to be notified now so they can launch the perfect system when it is finalised. IF you are using Windows 8 CP, please go to the following link and join Microsoft forum http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_8 If there are issues you are having, chances are lots of others are having the same issues and have found solutions to these issues.
Are you on Windows 8? Pc Clean is
A few surprises I came across were, when I first started after the installation. I was landed at a picture which took full screen and watched this in the same position for another 2 minutes to no avail. Then by a slap of the ESC button, a logon screen appeared!!! First scare navigated from danger ok. Then, the much advertised screen appears with all the applications as tiles not the normal Start Menu list of programs we have been used to from the early Windows editions back as far as Windows 95! What we have are Apps, that once launched can run in the background at minimal power. People, Mail, Internet Explorer 10 (Metro), Photos and many more Apps can be downloaded via App Store. Once open, you will notice there is no red X button to kill the application, but not worry, we can always go back and visit the App at any time and it will come from a sleep state to a full working App in a matter of seconds.
There is a strange transition moving from old style applications to Metro Apps, but like Facebook, changes are good and they will just take time for us to get used to.
The “Search” Function has changed from the Windows Start button to a full Metro kit search. The search will return keywords broken down into 3 categories; Apps, Settings and Files. This is a great distinction for quick access. I know we had this in Vista and Windows 7 in a similar matter, but the method of listing all results on the screen easier and quicker, makes it a better tool.
Windows 8 File History is a file recovery program to prevent file loss.
Ever get annoyed when working on a Word file and you delete all the old text and add a few lines of new text and click SAVE, that all the old work is gone and replaced by the new project. This can be a torture, as you may want to refer back to the original document, but now it’s overwritten by new details. A feature called File History allows the user to go back to previous versions of file name. This is not a new feature, but the setup and backup is lot more versatile. The file history can be setup to put all files on an external drive, USB Pen Drive, Network folder or another internal drive. The plus points of this, is not only have you a file history, but if that drive dies; the files are backed up on another location. Say hello to “less chance of losing data” technique only on Windows 8. This will be a welcome feature. But remember, this must be setup by user to begin with.
I know I always talk about File backup being important, it may not seem so at the time, but when disaster happens, then you can relax!!!! If that don’t work better ring 00353-862377033!!!
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