Technical Electrical

Because you’re sharing a public network with strangers when using an open WiFi hotspot at a cafe, bus stop, or shopping centre, there is always some danger involved. Your efforts to reduce exposure will determine how safe you are.

Make sure the name of the WiFi network while connecting to a public hotspot corresponds to the name of the establishment or location where you are. It’s probably not safe to join if the word or characters are random. The type of connection you’re using is another consideration; only rely on the HTTPS network at any business.

Make sure the URL of each website you visit begins with HTTPS rather than just HTTP. You will be kept protected by that S, which stands for secure.

The last thing to remember is to avoid using websites that require personal banking information, such as online banks and e-commerce platforms until you are at home on your own connection because personal information can be stolen by hackers on public Wifi. Let’s maintain our privacy and safety.

Power of Computers

We already have a better Cloud Infrastructure, with many businesses already having re-platformed to the cloud. We’ve seen the introduction of 5G with 6G just coming into sight too. This will mean even more power in our cars, phones and wearable devices.

Devices getting Smarter

The growth in computer power means we can build smarter devices. We have autonomous cars and intelligent robots that can work alongside humans for better productivity.

Datafication

We have enormous amounts of data in our ever-growing digitised world. This data can be the biggest asset to most businesses as data can be tracked, monitored and analysed to understand the customer better.

AI

Artificial Intelligence. We have computers that can see and recognise objects. Language processing is improving so machines can understand the human voice and respond. 

3D Printing

It’s already impacting the design process for some manufacturers. Imagine the changes we’ll see in manufacturing moving forward and mass-produced customised pieces and composite pieces. 

Technology trends are constantly changing. It’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest trends to ensure your company stays ahead of the curve in today’s competitive business landscape.

Technology has undoubtedly changed how we have lived and worked for decades now. This progress will continue to change our lives in various ways in the future.

There is a lot of speculation about the next big thing in technology. The most popular prediction is that by 2022, AI will dominate our lives, so it’s important to know how it can be used in business. Artificial intelligence, machine learning, augmented reality, virtual reality, and conversational interfaces are all predicted to be trending this year. These technologies are transforming how we work and play. With these technologies in place, it’s easier for businesses to provide a personalised experience that matches their customers’ needs.

Technological trends come and go, so it’s always important to think carefully before investing in any to improve your business.

Samsung has recently released the Z Fold3 5G which is not only a smartphone but it boasts a large screen allowing you to watch and play your games.

The fold-out screen means it is unrivalled by any other phone on the market currently, allowing you to undertake tasks usually associated with tablets. Not only can you take notes and memos effectively on the huge screen, but the gaming experience is where this phone really comes to life with no lag between gameplay.

The Galaxy Z Fold3 has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor with 12GB RAM and comes in 256GB or 512GB storage options. It currently runs Android 11 and will receive the Android 12 update, although the release date for this is unknown.

The downside of this phone is that it is heavy, as it is effectively two phones in one and the price tag makes it out of the range for many peoples budgets.

The Z phone series has taken over from the Note series.

Sales of Mac computers, seem to continuously increase, but there are still many Windows users that are wondering about the main differences between two systems, and if the switch is worth the extra expense. The higher cost of Mac’s tends to be the main drawback for many buyers, but the higher cost seems to stem from the fact that there is no low-end hardware available for the Mac brand. The Mac is typically guaranteed for approximately five years of usage.

Pros

• User Interface is said to be more streamlined and straightforward than most other operating systems and gives the user an easy guide to updating and deleting apps.
• The Mac OS boast being less susceptible to security issues such as Malware. Apple also ensure that apps undergo intense testing to further reduce the risk of security breaches.
• The multitasking capabilities of a Mac are unparalleled by any other operating system. The specialised multitasking feature offers special trackpads and keys to help users switch between apps with ease.

Cons

• The cost of a Mac will typically be higher than any other comparable product.
• There is no flexibility when it comes to hardware upgrades.
• MacOS is more limited in the capability and variety of gaming, than that of most Windows operating systems.

Electric bills are anything but cheap and after being faced with such a challenging year, many people will be seeking ways of saving where they can. One way to save money is by making a few small adjustments to the way we do things at home but that make a huge difference. An added benefit to being more energy efficient is that you are also being more eco-friendly.

1. Be sure to get energy-saving bulbs. They produce the same amount of light, last 10 times longer and use around 80 percent less energy.

2. This may seem obvious, but don’t forget to turn lights off when not in use. Also, don’t use lights if you do not really need them, take advantage of natural light.

3. Use cooler settings on the washing machine. 90 percent of the energy a washing machine uses, goes into heating the water. 30 degrees is recommended for saving the most energy.

4. Limit the number of washes you do per week. Wait till you have a full load before washing. Same goes for the dishwasher.

5. Don’t over load the tumble dryer and use other means of drying if able. Additionally, don’t overfill your kettle. Only use the amount of water you need, to save energy.

6. When buying appliances go for Energy Saving ones.

7. Switch off power completely to electrical products when not in use and do not just leave them in standby which still draws power.

If you regularly use electrical items outside such as lawnmowers or hedge cutters you may be considering installing an external power point. Before you do this there are some things you will need to factor in.

Installing an external power point is not a DIY task and should only be done by a qualified professional who is registered with an electrical self-certification scheme. It is essential that any switches/sockets installed externally have a suitable IP rating to ensure they are weatherproof. You are not allowed to leave any cables exposed either.

You will also need to inform your local authority’s Building Control Department and any modifications must comply with the latest IEE Wiring Regulations. Any new or replacement sockets or cables may need RCD protection.

If you are installing an external power point to be used for an outdoor hot tub or pool additional regulations apply, so you will need to check these before doing so, to ensure you are compliant.

Solar panels tend to be very expensive, but are they actually worth the investment? The first thing you will need to consider is which direction your roof faces. If you have a south facing roof you will get maximum savings, if your roof is not south facing your solar panels may not be as effective.

You will also need to consider what area of the UK you live in. Solar panels work on how many daylight hours they get rather than actual sunlight. The further down south you live the more daylight hours you get, meaning they are more effective.

How much will I save yearly?

Typically, you will save between £85-£220 on your energy bill each year with solar panels, this is all dependant on size of the panels and how many daylight hours your panels will receive.

Will they add value to my home?

They could potentially add value to your home and to how sell-able your home is. There is a big appeal to a lot of people wanting to live an eco-friendly lifestyle.

Changing a light fitting is an easy task for experienced electricians and a task that you should always call in the professionals for. If you do have electrical experience then there are a few simple steps to follow to change your light fitting.

1. You must isolate the circuit you are working on – switch off the main switch on the circuit board
2. Test the light to ensure it is isolated
3. Unscrew the cover on the ceiling and the wires will be exposed
4. The basic loop in the ceiling is a rose arrangement that is found in most homes in the UK
5. Remove the two flex wires, you will see 3 red wires in the middle terminal these need to stay together
6. Unscrew all the wires and remove them from the terminals and then remove the ceiling rose
7. With the new light, fitting follow the instructions carefully and connect all of the wires to the new fitting.
8. Ensure they are all tight in the new terminals by gently giving them a pull and when you are happy they are secure you can fix the light fitting to your new bracket.