This will not please a lot of my customers, but it had to happen sooner or later.
Microsoft have given notice to its OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) partners that they must no longer sell PC’s or Laptops with an Operating System older than Windows 10 from the middle of next year.
According to Microsoft’s Windows Lifecycle Fact Sheet, Windows 8 sales must also end as of 1st July next year, and Windows 7 Professional and Windows 8.1 will no longer be allowed to be pre-installed on new PC’s and Laptops from 1st November 2016, .
The Home Basic, Home Premium and Ultimate editions of Windows 7 were retired by Microsoft on 1st November last year.
Windows 7 launched in October 2009, and Microsoft has permitted it to continue to be sold substantially longer than Windows 8, and Windows 8.1 which both arrived in 2013.
So I guess the salient point here is that if you want a new PC or Laptop with Windows 7, you will need to purchase it within the next 7 or 8 months.
https://spottydog.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Windows7.png360480Adminhttps://spottydog.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Logo-Spotty-Dog-Computer-Services.pngAdmin2015-11-04 12:50:382022-07-28 06:54:16Only Windows 10 from the middle of next year
I am constantly telling people and Business Owners of the importance of having a sound Backup Strategy. I cannot stress enough that if you have important data on your Computer, and if you or your Business lives or dies by that data, you need to have an effective backup strategy in place.
Well it’s just as well I followed my own advice, because yesterday I had a catastrophic Hard Drive failure.
I walked into my office only to be confronted with a room full of acrid smoke. It was coming from my computer, so I quickly removed the cover and immediatedly saw charred wiring, and melted power cabling that led to my SSD Boot Drive.
Having this happen could easily have been very detrimental to my business if wasn’t for the backup strategy I had in place. Happily, I was back up and running again in a relatively short time, and more importantly, without any data loss.
So what is my Backup Strategy?
Well I have various things in place to avoid disaster. The first revolves around the computer itself, and how often I upgrade to a new one, and what I do with the old Computer. I build myself a new computer every 3 years or so. Once I have setup the new Computer and transfer all the data from the old one, and install all the software and setup email etc, I retire the old computer and keep it. By doing this, if something happens with the new one, I have an existing computer with all the software pre-installed ready to go.
Backup or Lose it!!
But that doesn’t help with preventing Data Loss.
You also need to be backing up your critical data. There are many ways, means, and options available to do this. What I do is this. I have an external NAS (Network Attached Storage) device connected to my Network. The NAS box has two Hard Drives that operate in a Mirrored RAID configuration. In other words, one Hard Drive Mirrors (exact copy) the other Hard Drive. If one of those Hard Drives fail, I can replace it, and it will automatically “Mirror” itself to the replacement drive. I have software installed on the Computer called “Syncback“, and Syncback it is setup to backup my data to the NAS Drive on a schedule specified by me.
In addition to this, I use Microsoft OneDrive. OneDrive will backup my data via the Internet to a secure Server in real time as files change. Offsite backups are important to protect you from events like a fire or theft of physical backup devices. Let’s face it, if your office burns down, or someone breaks in and steals everything, it doesn’t matter how many backups you have or how many devices your data is backed up on.
So after my calamitous Hard Drive failure, I fired up the old PC, did the appropriate Windows updates, Security Software updates, and accessed my data on the NAS Drive. Then I immediately ordered the parts I needed to build myself a new computer. The one that went up in smoke was due to be replaced anyway. I just wished I’d taken steps a week earlier to replace it 😉
https://spottydog.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Charred-SSD-Hard-Drive.jpg13612048Adminhttps://spottydog.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Logo-Spotty-Dog-Computer-Services.pngAdmin2015-02-26 07:34:092024-01-22 08:48:23The importance of having a Backup Strategy
OK, so similar to our last Blog Post about a Microsoft Website that allows you to create a Windows 7 Install Disk, this Post is about another “Handy To Know About Web Page” from Microsoft.
So once again, if you have lost your original Installation Disk for Windows 8.1, or you never had one to begin with, or you need to make a bootable USB Drive, then you need to use the Windows Installation Media Creation Tool.
How to create your Windows 8.1 Media
When you click on the “Create Media” button, you will be prompted to download an executable file (which when “run”), will prompt you for your chosen Language, which Edition (ie. 8.1, 8.1 Pro etc), and what Architecture (ie. 32 bit or 64 bit). From here you will be asked whether you want to save to a USB Drive, or save as an ISO file. The file is quite large, so again be careful that you don’t exceed your plan data usage if you are on a Limited or Mobile Data Plan.
It is all very easy to follow, and the only issue I can see would be the End User’s ability to create a DVD from the ISO file.
So once again, as in our previous Blog Post, if you do not have the appropriate software to burn a DVD from an ISO file, you can download the burning software from the Microsoft suggested website. Don’t forget that just as we mentioned in the last article, you will still need to download the Drivers from the manufacturers website for your specific hardware. If you have trouble doing this, or you are not sure how to go about it, Spotty Dog Computer Services can of course do this for you.
I don’t know how many times a customer has come to us, either wanting their Windows 7 PC or Laptop wiped and reinstalled, or it has needed repairing using Recovery Media, but they do not have their Recovery Media or a Windows 7 Disk.
Now this isn’t a particularly big problem for us because we have access to Windows OEM Disks, but for the End User, not having the Recovery Media is a huge problem that means they have no other choice but to pay someone to do it for them.
What to do if you don’t have Windows 7 Recovery Media
Help is at hand. By visiting the Microsoft Software Recovery website, the End User can download the ISO file required to burn their own Recovery Media disk. The size of the disk will be somewhere between 2GB and 3.5GB, so if you are on a limited Internet Plan or a Mobile Internet Plan, just be careful you do not exceed your download limit.
Microsoft even provide a link for software to burn a DVD from an ISO file if you don’t have suitable software installed to do that yourself. Once you have the software and a valid Product Key, you’re off and running.
The website also allows you to create a bootable USB drive with a copy of Windows 7 on it.
All-in-all, a very handy thing to know if you never had a disk, or you have damaged your disk. As we all know, it is impossible to reinstall or even undertake some really easy repairs without a Recovery Disk or Windows 7 Media.
Of course there will be some End Users that will still have difficulties installing Windows 7 even if they do have the disk. For example, you will still need to download the Windows Drivers from the appropriate hardware manufacturers websites. But if that is the case, Spotty Dog Computer Services can certainly do that for you 😉
https://spottydog.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Windows-7-System-Recovery-Disk.jpg323363Adminhttps://spottydog.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Logo-Spotty-Dog-Computer-Services.pngAdmin2015-01-24 14:59:372022-07-28 06:54:19Create a Windows 7 installation disk using the Microsoft Software Recovery website
Excellent customer service, called to see if they could help regarding my laptop and advised me to try something first (all for free over the phone). Did that and it seems to have worked. Thanks for your authentic and professional service.
I was very happy with Iain's service and the new computer he supplied me is great. I was quite concerned about Windows 7 finishing but Iain made the transition so easy I should have done it earlier! My new machine is terrific and I highly recommend him. His service is personalised and he takes the time to listen to you.
It was time for a new computer and I came across Iain's business after a google search. I have since purchased my new computer from Iain and have been nothing short of impressed with his business ethic, professionalism, expertise and realistic prices. My new computer is simply fantastic and Iain didn't try to sell me anything I didn't need (he even provided me with free advice over the phone). We run a small business and have now chosen to have Iain attend to any future computer repairs or sales.
Very helpful advice, and my problem was sorted out on the spot (pun intended) :-) It was the classic recovery of data on a hard drive when the computer won't start up. Thank you for helping me out of a sticky situation.
I've been dealing with Spotty Dog Computer Services for as long as I can remember. Probably around 18 years. Iain has supplied us with several Laptops and Computers over the years, and has assisted us with any IT issues along the way. I would happily recommend him for any computer related problems.
I needed a new PC for my family business, and I was just going to buy off the shelf at one of the big retail stores. But after talking with Spotty Dog, I decided to go with a custom built PC. As Iain explained, we had the benefit of choosing what components were used and their quality. I have been very pleased with the resulting speed and performance, not to mention the reliability. I am so glad I didn't just buy what the retailers were trying to clear off the shelf.
I Have dealt with Iain for the past two years and have found him to be very professional, knowledgeable and extremely helpful. Most importantly he is very prompt and will act immediately on all changes we require to our website. I would recommend him to anyone looking for an all round professional service.
Our business requires our computer system to provide reliable, solid and simple functionality with the ability to manage and store large quantities of data on a daily basis. Our ability to process, back up and retrieve data efficiently is critical. Iain has managed our computer system requirements for as long as I can remember and provides successful outcomes every time.
After years of being scared of entering into the world of websites and the internet platforms we found Spotty Dog. What a lot of wasted anxiety. Iain has led us through the process so professionally effective and at no stress. We now have a totally modern and revitalised business.Thanks.
Ian has been our computer Technician for at least 15years. He is knowledgeable and efficient at his work. We email him and get a response within 24hours. In the last 15 years we have purchased and had Ian build a number of computers for us. We have always found him to be prompt and friendly.
Iain has been my go to man for some years now. He has built two computers for me and sorted out problems with two others. I have always found him to be so helpful and so willing to do more than I ask of him. I thoroughly recommend Spotty Dog Computer Services.
I have used Ian - Spotty Dog Computer Services for many years, the service he provides from custom builds and installs is a credit to his skills. he is prompt and totally professional, I would have no hesitation to recommend his business.
Iain is the most professional upfront website person I’ve experienced. My Training, Website Services and Backup Support have often exceeded expectations and punctuality appears to be one of Iain’s specialties with 100% on time delivery. I highly recommend Spotty Dog Computer Services, a breath of fresh air in this dog eat dog industry. Caroline Berkeley – Sasiani African Safaris
We have used Iain (Spotty Dog Computers) for probably over 15 years. He has built & supplied us with many computers for both our business and personal use over that period. He has dealt with all our maintenance and repairs issues immediately, meaning his service is excellent. We consider his charges are very reasonable and will continue to use Spotty Dog Computers into the future.
I'm very pleased to be writing this review on Spotty Dog Computer Services. Firstly I cannot believe that such a talented web designer as Iain is a local, the web page he designed for me is out of this world and I still feel it's the best deal I've had.The after sales service is what I also like as Iain always makes himself available if I want changes done or things included and he always gives me good advice so I don't make any mistakes. I highly recommend this company to anyone looking for quality, service and value for money, it ticks all the boxes for me. Eric Shields
Thanks to Iain from Spotty Dog Computer Services for his prompt service and excellent advice. When the home computer finally bit the dust, Iain gave me a fast assessment on the benefits of repairing versus replacement, and his direct advice and knowledge was refreshing. Iain had me up and running again with a new PC fully installed and operating in less than 24 hours. Highly recommended computer service provider.
We have used Iain – Spotty Dog Computer Services for over 8 years now from custom building & installing computers to suit our business needs; to repairs and the design of our website along with ongoing maintenance of our website; advice on email management and data backup options. When we have had an install of a new computer or software, the transition is smooth and the downtime is very minimal. Iain is very experienced in diagnosing a computer issue and issues are resolved quickly. Most importantly, he is honest, upfront and reliable and he provides a great service at a very reasonable cost both onsite and at his business.
I had an issue with my Outlook giving me an error message saying there was a problem connecting to the Gmail IMAP Server. I called Microsoft to see if they could fix it but they said they had no idea what was causing it. So I called Spotty Dog Computers and talked to Iain. He got me to take it to his office and leave it while he checked it out. To my surprise, later the same day I got a phone call telling me my Laptop was ready to pick up. You've gotta be happy with that kind of Service!!
Iain has recently created & designed a website for me. He is very knowledgeable,& helpful & has a great knack for putting things in simple terms for you too understand. I would thoroughly recommend Spotty Dog Computer Services !
I cannot recommend Iain & Spotty Dog Computer Services highly enough. He has be knowledgeable, professional, super helpful, consistent & fast with regard to our new website, You Tube, Google+ and any query that I happen to throw his way! Thanks Iain for helping Skin Focus step up into the technology era!! Love your work!!
WARNING ! To All Potential Website Customers - My Story - 5 Months ago after searching through suitable Web Developers my wife and I settled on a Local Caboolture Computer Shop that promised they could not only supply the website that we needed, but that our website was guaranteed to have the WOW Factor. Previously they had fixed our computer and we where comfortable they would give us the wow site we wanted. Little did we realize that the WOW factor would refer to just how badly our website would be built and the Speed of our new $3500 website was the biggest Wow, Pages dropped out constantly,pages took over a minute at times to load and the site was breaking all over the place. It was unusable and so slow customers where leaving in droves. The money we paid took all of our resources and after 5 months left us with a site that was failing badly. Speed was our number one concern and here we had a site that was slower enough to make customers leave in droves. It was obvious we where losing customers and money because of the speed and page drop outs. We received a half built site that was amateur at best and completely useless.
ENTER SPOTTY DOG- It was at this point where we sought the assistance of Iain from Spotty Dog Computers, as we simply had to get our site out of the current web developers hands and into someone that knew not only how to fix the speed but to set out our Website the way we wanted it.
Iain not only managed to give us the site we wanted, his advice led us into building a site we are not only proud of, but our customers love it too.
BEWARE- Just because your Local Computer Shop fixes computers, does not mean you will get an experienced Web designer or that they will produce what they promise in regards to building a website.
SPOTTY DOG COMPUTERS - Guaranteed ! After dealing with several Developers I believe Spotty Dog Computers can deliver ANY website requirement needed, Iain has extensive knowledge in WordPress and this extensive knowledge is Impressive to say the least.
Needless to say, Spotty Dog Computers now Host our Website, Maintain our Website and advise us on any changes we want to make in regards to Improvements. To say I am grateful we found Spotty Dog is an understatement.
BUSINESS OWNERS NEEDING A WEBSITE - If you are looking for a business website or E-commerce store, then I offer you the chance to avoid my Mis-Fortune, give Iain from Spotty Dog Computers a call and save yourself a lot of money and heartache. If we had chosen Spotty Dog Computers at the beginning we would have saved hundreds of dollars and received the site we wanted in the first place only better.
Thanks Iain for saving us and our website before it was too late. Needless to say we are now your biggest fan !
Iain at Spotty Dog Computer Services has just designed our website for Ali Cats Boutique Cat Boarding. We couldn’t be happier. Iain organised the web hosting and designed our website. We needed a website which we could edit and update regularly. Iain informed us on content requirements and how to update our site. He promptly replies to all our queries with accurate, concise, informative and illustrative instructions. We would highly recommend Iain at Spotty Dog Computer Services to anyone looking for reliable, local, supportive and affordable webhosting and website design.
This will not please a lot of my customers, but it had to happen sooner or later.
I am constantly telling people and Business Owners of the importance of having a sound Backup Strategy. I cannot stress enough that if you have important data on your Computer, and if you or your Business lives or dies by that data, you need to have an effective backup strategy in place.
OK, so similar to 
Well here is a handy website to know about.
