Podium IDC Ltd

24/12/2023

Thankyou for all your Support in 2023 . Truly appreciated God Bless You & Your Families. Best Wishes Podium IDC Ltd Kevin Smith & Podium & Bennington Family. 07860 524908

29/06/2023

29/03/2023

CCleaner is a free housekeeping tool, that is both *free and easy to download
https://www.ccleaner.com/ccleaner/download

Running something like CCleaner once a week, is a great way to remove redundant junk files, update drivers, free up space, help to fix problems and optimise your PC for a small additional charge.

*free for personal use with payable options for business users.

If you need any help or advise, please get in touch.

20/03/2023

The question becomes, should you upgrade your computer or replace it? Upgrading your computer can bring you more speed and storage space at a fraction of the cost of a new computer, but you don't want to put new components in an old system if it's not going to deliver the speed increase you want.

For most desktop PCs, you can expect a minimum three-year lifespan. However, most computers survive five to eight years, depending on the upgrading components. Maintenance is also critical to ensure longevity of use.

If you are self-employed or run your own business then replacing old computer hardware is crucial to keeping your business running smoothly.

So what equipment are we talking about:

✅Desktop PC’s and Laptop or even a Server if you are a business user or have a network
✅Printers – is your document for a file or does it need to be quality to give to a customer
✅Monitors – more than one screen is vital if you have a lot of applications open at one time or move large amounts of data. If a home user will it make Mario and Luigi look more handsome?
✅Antivirus
✅Wi-Fi routers and extenders – can you access your Wi-Fi throughout your home, office or business place?

At Podium IDC we have the 5 principles on “before it breaks you should replace”:

✅Over time, maintenance adds up
✅Downtime is expensive
✅Efficiency goes down
✅You end up with worse equipment choices
✅Equipment rental can be expensive

If any of these apply to you or your business then contact Podium IDC today.

Your One Stop Shop for your IT Needs

16/03/2023

“What is a computer network”? I hear you say

❌Computer networking refers to interconnected computing devices that can exchange data and share resources with each other. These networked devices use a system of rules, called communications protocols, to transmit information over physical or wireless technologies.

“……a what!?! #”

✅ A network is two or more computers - or other electronic devices - that are connected together for the purpose of communication. They are connected by a wired medium such as cables, or by a wireless medium such as Wi-Fi .

“OK, I get that, so what is Wifi”?

❌ Wi-Fi is a wireless networking technology that uses radio waves to provide wireless high-speed Internet access. A common misconception is that the term Wi-Fi is short for "wireless fidelity," however Wi-Fi is a trademarked phrase that refers to IEEE 802.11x standards.

“…..and say that one more time in plain English!!!”

✅ A facility allowing computers, smartphones, or other devices to connect to the internet or communicate with one another wirelessly within a particular area.

At Podium IDC we believe in using plain English opposed to all the jargon that just confuses the matter.

So if you are having problems with you home or business network or wifi, whether it be connectivity or speed or something is just not right, then get in contact with us today and we will ensure everything will work to your requirement.

Podium IDC Your One Stop Shop for your IT Needs.

14/03/2023

Is your website rubbish? (Is anybody actually going to be honest and tell you?)

Are you not getting much business from it? (Well I though boringgreyness.com was a great domain!)

Is it worth the amount of money you spend on it? (To be honest it was free!)

Why bother?!

A website is a fantastic marketing tool that needs to grab someone’s attention within a few seconds of them looking at it.

So what makes a great website?

💻Well designed and functional
💻Easy to use
💻Optimised for smart phones and tablets
💻Fresh, quality content
💻Readily accessible contact and location
💻Clear calls to action
💻Optimised for search and the social media

Why not take a look at our starter pack on our lovely website https://podiumidc.com/
which will ensure that everything is covered.

Podium IDC Your One Stop Shop for your IT Needs.

10/03/2023

Routers bring the Internet to your device.

A router connects your devices to each other and, in hard-wired connection setups, to the modem. The router connects to your modem and then to your devices (laptops, smart TVs, printers, etc.) via either an Ethernet cable or, in the case of a wireless router, WiFi signal.

Your connection needs to be secure, fast and accessible for all of your devices.

In the workplace or at home it vitally important that the router is properly set up to give you that connectivity to the internet which we cannot work without in the modern world.

Available router bundles are:

💻Basic router and firewall set up
💻Configure for remote access
💻High-speed DrayTek router and fire wall set up
💻High-speed DrayTek router and fire wall set up with 3G/4G functionality

If you want a professional job done then contact Podium IDC - your one stop shop for your IT needs.

08/03/2023

Whether you are a business or home user, antivirus software is vital.

Antivirus is a software that helps keep a computer system healthy and free of viruses and other types of malware.

There are many free and paid-for packages but which is the best for you and your system?

You can save yourself from £50 to £125 a year by choosing a good free antivirus program. But be careful, some free options are annoying to use, have irritating pop-ups and simply aren't as good as its paid rivals when it comes to protecting your data.

At Podium IDC we would suggest that you use one of our recommended paid for packages as you gain features, such as multiple licences and password managers. Also paid-for features could also stop malware and phishing attacks sooner.

Another thing worth knowing is that paid-for antivirus software will often grant you multiple licences, which is the ability to install the software on multiple devices. Some subscriptions will include different types of devices, such as Macs, Android devices and iPhones. This also allows for the use of family controls, which can be handy.

If you would like us to assess your system to ensure you get the right antivirus for you then please get in contact without delay.

06/03/2023

Commercial and in house CCTV available through your phone.

03/03/2023

Android, Apple or Windows tablet? Seven-inch compact or 12-inch powerhouse? Podium IDC has expert advice on buying the best tablet for you.

Buying a tablet can be a nightmare, so many different models, size, resolution and touch sensitivity! Where do you even start?

Many of us want a larger screen to work with than our essential smart phones and lets face it we all have our preference of the big players in this market!

Tablets are not cheap, so what are the factors you need to look for in you in your new purchase which is often more expensive than a decent laptop.

1️⃣ What are you going to use your tablet for? Web browsing, watching video or working/presenting.
2️⃣How important is a larger screen?
3️⃣How important is storage on your tablet’s memory, will you have just apps, photos, video?
4️⃣The important factors of performance, ease of use, screen/sound quality, camera and ………BATTERY LIFE!

Finally make sure you check the connectivity to your other devices, it maybe worth sticking with the same manufacturers …it's like comparing Apple smartphones with Apple tablets.

01/03/2023

A broadband connection is a necessity these days more than just an extra that's nice to have.

With many people working from home a quick connection is essential so you are not waiting for your PC or laptop to work or the unreliable dropouts that might occur. Also take into the equation a dismal customer service can leave you tearing your hair out in frustration.

With prices increasing quite substantially recently, is now the time to considering a new provider. The things you should look out for when considering changing is:

💻Speed
💻Reliability
💻Value for money
💻 Ease of contacting
💻Customer service
💻Technical support

Beware ❗ Always check to ensure that your provider can supply you with fibre connectivity, some customers are not able to be connected through Open Reach and are still part of the implementation process.

If you need help or advice, please get in touch.

Podium IDC. Your one stop shop for your IT needs.