Category: Tech Talk

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Private, Useful, and Optional AI Chatbot

DuckDuckGo offers free access to popular AI chatbots at Duck.ai and expands AI-assisted answers on its search engine.

All the productivity benefits of AI without the privacy risks.

  • DuckDuckGo AI chat offers privacy, no user data used to train models, and a bare-bones text-only experience.
  • Access multiple large language models, even open-source ones like Llama 3 and Mixtral, without high-end hardware requirements.
  • The AI chat provides a unique balance of functionality and privacy, best for those desiring a secure, private AI chat experience.

DuckDuckGo‘s AI chatbot promises the same AI chatbot features as popular large language models, with none of the creepy privacy issues. Here’s how to make the most of this feature.

DuckDuckGo’s AI Chat Feature Explained

The DuckDuckGo AI chat feature allows you to engage with various large language models while maintaining you privacy. When using these models, your data isn’t used to train them. This ensures a private experience, which is a nice bonus!

The chat boasts many standard features, such as answering questions when searching on DuckDuckGo, and an interactive chat window. It offers a bare-bones, text-only experience with no multimedia support. The AI chat also includes a “burn” mode, allowing users to erase conversations at any time quickly.

You Get Access to Multiple AI Models

Unlike Meta’s AI, OpenAI’s ChatGPT, or Google’s Gemini, the DuckDuckGo AI chat offers users access to a multitude of large language models, including both closed-source and open-source options. Currently, users can engage with ChatGPT 3.5, ChatGPT 4.0-mini, Llama 3, Claude, and Mixtral.

Best of all, models like Llama 3 and Mixtral, which are open-source, typically require significant high-end hardware resources. However, the DuckDuckGo AI chat tool enables anyone to run these robust, open-source models directly in their browser without needing to configure anything.

To access these AI models, load up DuckDuckGo and initiate a search. When searching for something, AI will appear in the search results. Click the chat icon to begin a chat, and DuckDuckGo will ask you what model you’d like to use.

Choose your preferred AI model and begin chatting. At any time, if you want to switch models, click on the settings button next to the active model, and you can then select an alternative chat model to use.

Comparison with Other AI Chat Implementations

In comparison to other AI chat implementations, DuckDuckGo is a mixed bag. On one hand, by using ChatGPT (and other models) this way, you miss out on things like “memory,” and chat histories. You also miss out on uploading images to the AI chat and image generation.

That said, if you can get past these missing features, and just want a really robust text chat, the DuckDuckGo implementation is the best. You get a private chat that no AI company can record or use for training data, while still gaining the ability to have it help you with things like code, configuration files, cooking, brainstorming, etc.

Ultimately, DuckDuckGo’s AI chat strikes a unique balance between great functionality and privacy. While you might not get all the bells and whistles you’d expect with a paid ChatGPT account, its robust text capabilities and commitment to privacy make it the best option for experiencing ChatGPT and other large language models, especially for those seeking a secure and private AI chat experience.

Choosing the Right AI Model for Your Needs

Each of the models available inside the DuckDuckGo AI Chat app serves specific needs. It all depends on what you’re trying to accomplish with the DuckDuckGo AI chat.

  • Choose GPT 4.0-mini if you need a general-purpose AI model to accomplish tasks with a balance of accuracy and speed.
  • Opt for Claude 3 if you need to generate creative content like poems or dialogues with an artistic tone.
  • Try out Llama 3 if you need more advanced and contextually aware responses.
  • Or, select Mixtral if you require a versatile model that can fit into most situations.

Now that you know about the features and strengths of each model, it’s time to explore the DuckDuckGo AI Chat app. Try out each of the models and experiment with different prompts and tasks to discover which AI model works best for you.

Keep Your Data Private and Your Devices Healthy. Using DuckDuckGo for a private AI chat is a great first step in reclaiming your digital privacy. But if your actual computer is acting up or showing “creepy” warnings, don’t leave it to chance. Bring it to us for a professional diagnostic. We’ll check your security and performance with our No Fix, No Fee promise. If we can’t solve the fault, you don’t pay a penny.

01686 610 106 | 0783 222 7823 Frolic House, Newtown

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When your tech misbehaves, Bluesdigital is just around the corner
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Why Your Computer Loves Getting a Windows Re-install from Bluesdigital

Let’s face it—your computer has seen things. Pop-ups, bloatware, sluggish boot times, and the mysterious disappearance of hard drive space. After months (or years) of digital grime building up, it’s crying out for a fresh start. And that’s where Bluesdigital steps in like a digital spa day.

A Fresh Start, The Right Way

At Bluesdigital, we don’t just slap a new Windows install on your machine and call it a day. We take the time to understand your system, your needs, and your software essentials. It’s not just a re-install—it’s a full reset with care.

  • ✅ Clean installation – No leftover junk from the past.
  • ⚙️ Driver updates – Your hardware gets the love it deserves.
  • 🛡️ Security configured – We close the back doors and lock the front gate.
  • 📦 Essential software loaded – No bloat, just the tools you actually use.

Speed Isn’t Just a Buzzword

Once we’re done, your PC boots faster, runs smoother, and responds like it’s just rolled off the production line. It’s not magic—just years of experience, a well-honed process, and a bit of Bluesdigital charm.

Your Files? Safe and Sound.

Worried about losing documents, photos, or that half-finished novel? Don’t be. We back up what matters and restore it cleanly, so your digital life stays intact—but your problems don’t.

Less Stress, More Yes

You don’t have to tinker with boot menus, BIOS settings, or dig through forums for “Fix Windows error 0x80070057.” We’ve got it covered. All you do is drop off your machine and pick it up like new.

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We’re going Ultrafast….At Last!
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Fortect – Scam Or Safe?

My Opinion

When you have a Computer, Printer or Tech problem, Doing a quick Google search can easily lead you to Apps like Fortect, Driver Updater etc etc

Yes, some of these apps can reinstall a printer driver, But I have clients who have been charged up to £170 from disreputable software companies, taking advantage of the less initiated computer user.

Software similar to this has also been known to leave spyware hidden on your machines, and worse.

Please don’t believe all the reviews online, lots of them seem to be posted by people affiliated with Fortect getting paid to promote Fortect & other “Wonder Tools”

User reviews through sites such as Trustpilot are also largely favourable, with a majority of 5-star reviews. This alone raises concerns for me. Human nature dictates that most folk will only submit a review when they have something to complain about and are much less likely to submit a review if everything goes to plan with no issues at all.
This abundance of 5-star reviews for Fortect does raise suspicions of fake reviews.

UPDATE: Fortect has offices in Israel, Philippines & Germany.

In my opinion, Fortect displays traits of a scan-and-bait scenario.
I would suggest that you avoid Fortect.

From Chat GPT:

While Fortect may offer various benefits, there are some potential negatives and criticisms associated with the software and the company that owns it:

  1. Mixed Reviews: Users often have mixed experiences with Fortect. Some may find it effective for system optimization, while others report limited improvements or issues with the software’s functionality.
  2. Aggressive Marketing: Some users have criticized the company’s marketing tactics, describing them as aggressive or misleading. This can lead to frustration, especially if users feel pressured to purchase the software.
  3. Subscription Model: Fortect may operate on a subscription basis, which can be a downside for users who prefer one-time purchases. Ongoing costs can add up over time.
  4. Performance Impact: In some cases, users have reported that the software can slow down their systems during scans or updates, which can be counterproductive to its intended purpose.
  5. Customer Support: There are mixed reviews regarding customer support. Some users have reported difficulties in getting timely assistance or satisfactory resolutions to their issues.
  6. Privacy Concerns: As with many software solutions, there may be concerns about data privacy and how user information is handled.

It’s important to consider these factors and read a variety of user reviews to get a comprehensive understanding of the software and the company’s reputation. If you’re considering using Fortect, it may be helpful to weigh the pros and cons based on your specific needs and experiences.

https://www.scam-detector.com/validator/fortect-com-review

https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/t/790369/thoughts-on-fortect

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Private, Useful, and Optional AI Chatbot
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Why Purchase Your Device from Bluesdigital?

When it comes to buying a device, we understand that the process can sometimes feel overwhelming. That’s why, at Bluesdigital, a small, family-run business nestled in the heart of Mid Wales, we’re dedicated to providing you with a personal and hassle-free experience. We believe in offering not only top-quality refurbished devices but also the peace of mind that comes with excellent customer service and trustworthy advice.

Refurbished to Perfection

At Bluesdigital, we pride ourselves on the quality of the devices we offer. We refurbish each product to the highest standard, ensuring it performs as well as a brand-new one at a fraction of the cost.. Our rigorous refurbishment process means that you can rely on your device for years to come. No compromises, no corners cut.

Ready to Go, Straight Out of the Box

Gone are the days of dealing with complicated setups, endless updates, and frustrating configurations. When you purchase a device from Bluesdigital, it’s ready to go right out of the box. Simply connect to your Wi-Fi, and you’re good to go—no more wasting time with setup hassles. We prep, update, and optimise your device so you can focus on what matters most.

A Warranty You Can Trust

We stand behind the products we sell with our renowned warranty, so you don’t have to worry about a thing. If anything goes wrong, you can count on us to help make it right. Our commitment to your satisfaction doesn’t end with the sale—we’re here for the long haul, ensuring you get the most out of your device.

Genuine Advice, No Pressure

What truly sets Bluesdigital apart is our approach to customer service. As a family-run business, we genuinely care about helping you make the right choice. We provide honest, unbiased advice, with no profit-driven sales tactics clouding our words. Whether you’re unsure which device to choose or need help with something technical, we’re always happy to offer our expertise, ensuring you make an informed decision.

At Bluesdigital, it’s all about relationships, not just transactions.

Why Choose Us?

  • Local Business, Local Touch: As a family business, we understand the importance of community and personal service.
  • Refurbished Devices, Like New: Our devices undergo rigorous testing and refurbishing to ensure they’re in top-notch condition. You’re getting incredible value without sacrificing quality.
  • No Setup Hassles: Your device is pre-configured and ready to go—just connect to your Wi-Fi and start using it right away.
  • Trusted Warranty and Support: Our warranty means you’re covered, and our support team is here to help you every step of the way.
  • No Pushy Sales Tactics: We believe in providing clear, helpful advice without any pressure to buy. You can trust us to guide you in making the best choice for your needs.

Ready to Get Started?

Looking for high-quality, refurbished devices backed by outstanding customer service, Bluesdigital is the place for you. Visit us today, and let us help you find the perfect device for your needs. We look forward to welcoming you into the Bluesdigital family!

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🖥️Windows 11 Desktop Shortcuts
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⏰Preparing for Windows 10 End of Life⚰️

So, the 14th of October 2025 is the official Windows 10 End of Life.

Don’t let the Fearmongers force you to lash out on a new computer.

If you are an everyday type of user, browsing the net, checking a few emails & doing a bit of shopping, as long as you have a decent anti-virus (preferably a paid version) you should be absolutely fine for the next 2-4 years.
By then you’ll probably be looking forward to your next computer (Windows 12,13…)

Of course, if you are part of a large organisation or a power user things are different, with compliance issues and such.

Lot’s of perfectly good older computers can still be upgraded to windows 11, even if they say that they can’t….


Give us a call to discuss your options, or drop by for a free check over to see what’s available for your trusty steed.

For more computer services, pop in to see us at Frolic House ( between Newtown Medical Practice and Driving Test Centre ) | Call 01686 610 106 | Message 0783 222 7823

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Windows 11 Installation & Tweaks
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🤯 “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 👍

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🛜 Broadband Social Tariff’s 💻
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🌐 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.

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This One Website Feature Can Save You Time, Stress, and Lost Clients
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🖥️Urgent Microsoft Patch / Update 💉

I’m not one to usually rush into the latest updates, as I like to see if the world still works before jumping in. Understanding how a Microsoft Patch / Update can affect your system is important before deciding to install it right away.

However, there’s an urgent update from Microsoft that addresses some VERY important security issues, and has had my inbox inundated this morning by some large tech companies urging the importance of applying this fix.

From what I’ve read, I’m updating my systems now (after a full backup, of course) and would advise you to do the same.

Just go to “Windows Update” via “Settings” and check/install like the pic below:

If you want a great in depth Article, pop over to Bleeping Computer

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No Fix, No Fee – The Only Way to Do Business in Newtown