A PC in the modern home

Computers have become an essential part of our day-to-day life. No longer are they just a tool we use when at work. Virtually every household in the UK now owns at least one PC or laptop and many homes now have more than one. With the introduction of wireless routers and broadband a few years ago ‘PC Recovery’ have found that many people would now rather be without their television than their computer. A spokesperson for ‘PC Recovery’ said “Typical PC users these days will use their computer for a wide variety of tasks. From emailing their friends and family to booking cheap flights online. We have found many people will store all their photographs and music on their computer as well as any important documents such as a CV or letter to their bank”

With the increase in home PC usage it stands to reason that more and more problems are going to arise. “It’s no longer a case of just removing a virus or upgrading someone’s RAM” said the spokesperson. “Many families now have home networks with several computers and laptops involved. As well as wireless printers and network storage devices and they want to make the most of their hardware whether it is a laptop or a desktop PC.”

As computers are able to take care of more and more tasks for us computer engineers are finding themselves doing a wider variety of tasks than in the past. Apart from the obvious things such as fixing a broadband problem or removing a virus from a computer, they now find themselves doing things such as setting up home games consoles on the internet i.e Xbox 360 or PS3, or installing a customer’s mobile phone or MP3 player. “Times are changing” said the spokesperson. “And with it our engineers are finding they have to adapt and keep abreast of new technology and new advancements.”

Without doubt the most popular advancement in recent years would be the wireless network. Throughout the United Kingdom and in particular southeast England there are hundreds upon thousands of wireless hotspots, many of which are free. “If you drive into any town center in Essex or Kent you are now able to access the internet from many available hotspots” revealed the spokesperson “Libraries, fast food restaurants, cafes and even hotels are now only too happy to offer this service free of charge in order to encourage potential customers to use their facilities” The problems arise when people access private wireless networks that have not been secured. “This can cause a great deal of problems and security issues for the owner of the private network. This can potentially be very damaging as in the wrong hands this access could lead to bank details and personal files be extorted from the owner’s computers.

So while the new age of wireless is incredibly useful and makes it much easier for us to keep in touch with each other and indeed our online pursuits we should all take care and if necessary have our home networks checked by someone professional before it is too late. “We have seen too many people fall foul of stolen identity just by leaving their home network unsecured” said the spokesperson “So it does pay to have your system and network checked by someone professional and reputable every so often, even just for your own peace of mind.”

Article Source: http://www.upublish.info
About the Author: Paul Orams
www.pcrec.co.uk PC Recovery is a home visiting pc repair business in the southeast of England who have been specialising in computers and networks for many years.