IT SUPPORT Pages

Since the Covid 19 pandemic we have seen many changes in attitudes, in provision of services and in expectations over the ways in which we conduct our lives.  
Nowhere has this been more evident that in the role which Information Technology is assumed to feature in the way we live.  From communicating with friend and family to doing our banking - the world, especially the large institutions ASSUME that we are using technology and on-line services.

However, not everyone is comfortable with this technology or necessarily has  it available to them and if you are trying to understand it from scratch it can look a bit like a minefield of unfamiliar language and concepts.

To try to help - we have put together a 3 part beginners guide to starting off as a new IT user. There is quite a lot of information so take it a bit at a time - or scan through for the bits of most interest.

In addition, to this we are offering a community support facility -

Feel free to send any questions you may have and we will do our best to help -  do be patient as we are manning this with a limited number of people.  

Part 1: Getting Online ... from Scratch!

Image of Computing devices and Phone
If you are already a competent IT user then this is probably not your best starting point.  This section is intended for complete beginners, those considering if and how to get online, or possibly changing the way they use their online access.
If you don't already have some form of online access - it may be tricky to access this information directly, so maybe a friend would walk you through it or print it out for you.
Remember - the internet and any technical platform is not for everyone, but with even a simple level of access to the internet and some basic pointers about how to use it - you suddenly have access to the biggest pool of information, communication and entertainment on our planet!
So ... where to start?

If “I.T.” is complete black magic to you, your first thoughts may be why should I look at getting into the Information Technology at all? 

At the current time Computers and the internet enable many very positive things:-
1) Accessing good quality information
2) E-mail and electronic messaging
3) Video conferencing
4) On-line shopping
5) Getting involved with community groups 
6) Essentially being in touch with the world
7) Increasingly - convenient access to medical services and GPs

Remember first though that the telephone is a powerful and very familiar tool and shouldn’t be overlooked in staying in touch – and the same applies to the television to staying informed.  


ACCESSING THE INTERNET    - SMART PHONES – TABLETS – AND COMPUTERS

Option 1) Smartphones
If you have a “Smart Phone” you most probably have access to the Internet though you may not be using it.   
SmartPhones use “Apps” (small programmes or applications) including:-
  • Browsers (you may have heard of Edge, Google Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Safari) – these provide access to the information on the internet
  • Text Messaging - Your phone operators own text messaging or SMS (Short Message Service) plus Messenger, Whats App etc
  • E-Mail Apps (lots of these like MS-Mail, Outlook, GMail and most phone manufacturers have their own versions too.
  • Video conferencing – (eg Skype, Zoom) yes even these can often be supplied to phones through downloadable apps
Phones are designed to connect directly over the Cell service via a local transmitter (mast operated by EE, O2, Three, Vodaphone, GifGaf etc). Which means that even without a connection via your home phoneline – you can still get on-line – though DO Check your phone contract to see how much data is included, as extra use can be expensive (you should be able to get all the details from your mobile phone operator).
A smartphone MAY be all you need!

Advantages
- Easily available and popular 
- not necessarily expensive (you can spend the earth on the very latest I-phone or Galaxy but it really isn’t necessary - (balance what you need with your budget).
- Familiar
Limitations
- Small screen presentation can be tiring and frustrating in frequent use
- Data connection over the Cell service can be expensive
- Because their power and capacity is limited they may struggle with performance or using some more complex apps.


Option 2): TABLETS
So what are tablets? Well essentially, they are a point on the journey between a SmartPhone and a full blown computer and there are many different flavours – some more phone like and some more computer like.
The phone-like ones generally use an “Operating System” borrowed from the phone world (Usually Android, or IoS for Apple ones), whilst the more computer like ones, will typically use either Windows or MacOS (later OSX).
Computer like ones tend to be more powerful, and use more powerful Programmes /Applications but that does carry a bit of a price premium both to purchase and for some application.

Advantages
- Larger screens and better performance than SmartPhones
- Huge range of options of price/ vs performance (from inside £100 to seven times that for the latest i-pad)
Limitations
- Generally smaller screen than a “proper” computer and generally not the same performance
- Generally (see above) anticipates connection over a broadband connection
- Designed to be used on battery so requires frequent recharging (check battery life)
- Some tablets use reduced functionality Applications (especially those on Mobile phone operating systems)

A word about networks 
Whilst some phones allow tablets and even Computers to connect via a mobile “Hot Spot” capability (not all phones or mobile phone contracts) – they are generally better suited to connection over Broadband over a wired home phone line. This carries a significant cost and there us a lead time to getting it installed, but once done should provide almost limitless high speed usage. More of this later! 



Option 3): COMPUTER 
Whether Laptop or Desktop, a computer gives the performance and capability at the top end of the scale of devices. There is a huge array of choices of devices and prices. For the budget conscious, refurbished devices are widely available for under £100. Screen sizes are very varied as is quality of components. Bear in mind that a Desktop will also need peripherals (screen, keyboard, mouse etc) if these are not included as a package. Laptops are self contained and also portable which can be a significant advantage for many.

Advantages
- Power and performance 
- Generally screen size and quality
- Huge range of full function applications though some of these bear a cost
Limitations
- For some more complex to learn and less portable
- Generally (see above) anticipates connection over a broadband connection


SOURCES
There are naturally many places where hardware can be purchased.  High Street stores such as Curry's PC World, Argos, John Lewis's as well as small independent shops give you the opportunity to inspect equipment (for Laptops especially concentrate on the quality of the screen and the feel of the keyboard).
In addition to High Street suppliers there are countless online suppliers who who will generally offer more competitive deals.  suppliers operating via Amazon and E-bay are normally reliable as they need to comply with the quality of service controls and are normally covered by sound refund policy.  For others there are many large scale operators such as Box, Technoworld, Laptops Direct - who are completely reliable.  The golden rule is do your research - or seek some guidance from someone who knows the market - needless to say there are one or two rogue traders - so just keep your wits about you!
Finally, always check what is included - make sure you understand the exact contents, the supplied operating system, included software, shipping costs and warranties.   There are great deals around - but don't rush at it, and do, do, do your research.


Share by: