Due to the transport issues, and an 8 hour commute, I’m not going to make it in today.
Fingers crossed everything will be back to normal after the weekend.
Sorry.
🚧 REVISED OPENING TIMES 🚧
Due to the road & rail closures after the accident @ Talerddig, I’m probably not going to be here until after 10:30am for the next few days. Sorry.
Always available via email or msg: shop@bluesdigital.com or 0783 222 7823
🚂 Pesky Trains….
Just want to say thank’s to everyone who has been in touch over the last couple of days, since the Train Crash @ Talerddig.
I’ve finally made it back to work this morning, after a 3hr Journey via train & 2 Buses!
I would also like to thank all those folks from the local emergency sevices & TFW who attended, and looked after everyone so well.
My thoughts & condolencies to the nice lady who lost her husband that night.
🤯 “Just wanna Pick your Brains….” 💭
Well it’s been one of my busiest weeks ever for “Brain Picking” calls & visits.
Here’s a few highlights!
“My Hard Drive is making strange ticking noises, and my computer is going really slow”
Firstly, backup all your files & data ASAP, as it sounds like your hard drive is on it’s last legs & may be failing.
Once you have your stuff safely backed up, you can download a very useful tool called CrystalDiskInfo.
https://crystalmark.info/en/software/crystaldiskinfo/
It will give you a very quick diagnosis of the health of any hard drive/SSD or USB drive connected to your system.
“My Printer has stopped working since changing broadband suppliers”
As you have changed suppliers, you have probably got a new Router/Modem ?….. Yes!
In that case you will have to re-install/connect the printer to your WiFi, like when you first got it.
There should be a WiFi/Wireless configuration Icon or Button on the Printer.
If you need a guide, the Printer manufacturers website should have one available. Look for “Quick Start Guide” or similar.
“My Laptop has frozen and I can’t shut it down”
Just pulling the plug, like you can do on a desktop pc, is out of the question as a laptop has an internal battery!
And as most (maybe all nowadays) have the battery secreted away under the bottom cover, it can be a bit fiddly to take it out safely & quickly.
The easiest way to shut any type of computer down if it’s being grumpy, is to hold the power button down for 5-10 seconds, and it should shut down completely. If it just comes back to the frozen screen, you didn’t hold it down long enough, Try Again!
“Where’s Disk Clean-up Gone??”
Ah, Windows 11 hiding useful stuff again. Click on the “Start” button, in the little search box at the top start typing Disk Clean and it should appear in the menu, where you can pin it to your start menu for easy access.
“Why is my internet so slow ?”
There’s so many reasons for your internet speed slowing down. It could be your supplier having issues, Dodgy phone lines, Router/Modem problems, and that’s before the list of computer problems that can cause this.
First thing to check is your computer/device. Does it take forever to start & shutdown, open programs etc? If yes, your computer could be the reason, and probably needs a little TLC.
If the computer/device starts & runs well, test the internet speed by going to www.fast.com & see if you are getting what you pay for.
Bear in mind though, that if you are using WiFi, a low signal between you and your router/modem will slow things down quite significantly.
Connecting your device via Ethernet (Cat5/6) cable directly to your router/modem will get a more accurate speed test.
If the speed is below what you are supposed to get, contact your broadband supplier to get things checked out.
“Do I have to get rid of my Windows 10 Computer now it’s coming to an end, and won’t upgrade to Windows 11 ?”
I get this question on a daily basis. In most cases no. As long as you are using a decent anti-virus, you’ll have a few years left in the old beast yet!
As time goes by, things like Google Chrome & MS Edge may refuse to update, but that’s at least 2-5 years away.
“Where have all the options gone when I right click on stuff ?”
At the bottom of the list is the “Show More Options” button, Sneaky Win 11…
There’s a few ways to disable the truncated context menus, but make sure it’s someone who knows what they are doing!
Here’s a good article on Tom’s Hardware if you fancy a tinker..https://www.tomshardware.com/how-to/windows-11-classic-context-menus
Always glad to help 👍
🌐 Dodgy Website Orders 💻
Had an urgent message from one of my e-commerce website clients just after 7am this morning.
There had been well over 100 orders placed (for the same item) that had failed.
On went the “Deerstalker” and into Sherlock mode….
After a little investigation, I noticed that every order had the same I.P Address, meaning they all came from the same location.
Another thing was that every email address, although different, were constructed in the same way. Customers Name 4x numbers @ whatever.com.
This means the email addresses were probably set up via a poorly written bot’ or naughty AI program.
That way, the dodgy git would then change the delivery address via the fake email. So they can get they’re hands on your goods.
You may have heard about lists of stolen card details circulating on the “Dark Web”, which poses a serious risk to website security. This is an example of how they are used.
Thankfully Bluesdigital, PayPal & the cardholders companies are wise to this type of low I.Q attack.
E-commerce website all sorted before my first coffee!
🔍 Need a watchful eye on your own website?
Automated attacks and “dodgy gits” are part of life online, but you shouldn’t have to lose sleep over them. If you’re looking for web design in Newtown that comes with a bit of common sense and quick support, I’m here to help.
Whether it’s building a secure e-commerce shop or fixing a “fiddly” tech issue, I make sure your site stays up and running. This allows you to focus on your day.
📱 01686 610 106 | 💬 0783 222 7823 📍 Newtown’s local tech expert since 2006.
👫 Bluesdigital Community is Growing! 🪴
Hockly Motorsport, Loxies Stores, Newtown Building Supplies, JT’s Automotive, Harris Electrical, Nigel Pugh Motors, Newtown Menshed, Viking Motorsport & EOM have recently been added to Bluesdigital Community.
From building supplies to MOTs and everything in between, the Bluesdigital family just got a lot bigger. 🏗️🔧 A massive welcome to our latest local legends!
Pop over to the Community page to see who else has joined the ranks. 👇✨
🪡 Knit & Natter are at it again…With Boobs! 📮
The gang from Knit & Natter have released the latest “Topper” for Breast Cancer Awareness month.
Take a look at the K&N Facebook page for more info or HERE on the K&N Community page
📃 Express Printing & Photocopy Services 🖨️
If you need a job done fast, give us a shout! Our Express Printing and Photocopy service is designed to deliver quality and speed whenever you need it most.
With our Business Class A4 Laser & Hi-Res A3 onsite printers, Bluesdigital can get your job done in minutes.
Our A4 B&W copies start at just 20p & A4 Colour from 40p, why bother to keep a printer at home anymore?
From just a simple Return Label or “C.V.” to Posters, tickets & flyers etc, Bluesdigital can help.
✨ Need fast, reliable Newtown printers you can count on?
🖨️ Onsite Business Class A4 & Hi-Res A3 printers
💰 A4 B&W from 20p • A4 Colour from 40p
📧 Email your files to shop@bluesdigital.com for a quick quote, include size, single or double-sided, and the quantity.
🚜 Hafren Hedging Society – Hedging Match 2024 🌳
It’s that time of year again! The Hafren Hedging Society is getting ready for another exciting season.
Just printed this years programme for the Hedging Match on Sat’ November 9th, at Llwynobin, Montgomery.
Contact Hafren Hedging Society
Contact the Secretary: Bronwen Harding on 01686 420 606 or 07566 296 381 for more info.
Get well soon Bronwen x
🌳 Always good to see the local traditions continuing.
It’s a busy time of year for the Hafren Hedging Society, and it was a pleasure to get this year’s programmes through the press.
If you’re looking for Newtown printers for a society event, a club flyer, or a professional programme, give us a shout. We’ve been based in Newtown since 2006 and are always happy to get your print jobs sorted and ready for the big day.
📱 01686 610 106 | 💬 0783 222 7823 📍 Frolic House Newtown