As a retailer, you need to keep records for years. Government regulations, legal needs, or even access to old customer data are all important! I sometimes had to access very old information just for commercial reasons 20+ years ago.

Now, have you thought about how long your digital records will last?

Sadly, the hard drives and discs we use aren't built for centuries like those old carvings archaeologists up to today. Let's look into long-term storage so you make the right choices.

What Lasts, What Doesn't, and How to Make it Better

• Cloud storage: Theoretically, it lasts forever, but there will be issues.
• Magnetic Tapes to the Rescue? These can, under ideal conditions, last a long time, but few of us actually have the specialised equipment. Besides, it's often a pain to use.
• Old fashion Hard Drives: Most work for about 3-7 years, although a lucky few last longer. For them to keep storing, you need to use them; otherwise, they deteriorate after about two years. 
• SSDs: Most SSDs won't outlive their 5-10-year warranties and, if left unused, will deteriorate faster than old-fashioned hard drives to refresh the data system
• Optical Discs: Please aim for quality; write-once media like Verbatim Gold have more extended longevity, and the cheaper ones have much less; for CDs and DVDs, you are looking depending on the type for 5 to 100 years. When I went to the Verbatim website and looked at their warranty here, I noticed that they only give two years, which does not include a data retention guarantee. The courts may have something to say about that, but few people want to have to argue this in court.

Most people today, when looking at very long-term storage, look at DVDs today as they are both convenient and economical if so: 

Protecting Your Precious Data on CDs and DVDs:

It depends on three main factors:

1) Have more than one backup. I would argue that you do not have a backup if you only have one backup. These two backups should be stored in different places so that if anything happens to one location, the other is safe elsewhere.

2)  You need good quality DVDs. There are good reasons why they are a bit dearer. This comes from a Canadian government study, which you can find here.

3) Environment matters!

Pick a place 

• Cool & Dry: Store items at around 20°C with about 40% humidity. Heat and humidity are the silent killers! This can be a problem as we often go above this in summer. Do you have a cellar? Avoid garages or attics where temperatures can swing wildly!
• The Dark Side: Store discs in cases out of direct sunlight. I put a sealed plastic bag over them.
• Peace & Quiet: Avoid putting the discs where they will be moved or dropped.

Cloud Storage

As the limitations of physical storage have become increasingly apparent, cloud storage emerges as a compelling solution for preserving your digital legacy. In theory, entrusting your data to a reputable cloud provider can overcome many of these problems.

Pros:

• Accuracy: Today, many Cloud storage providers offer an astonishing rate of accuracy in their storage capacity. One I saw doing an online search offering 99.999999999% (that's 11 9s!) data durability. That far exceeds the reliability of any physical media.
• Dispersed storage: Many Cloud providers will keep your data in many different geographically dispersed data centres, thus ensuring redundancy and resilience.
• Easy access: Your data is available on-demand from any internet-connected device, anytime, anywhere.

Cons:

• Cost: Generally, it costs, although many, like Google and Microsoft, do have a limited free plan.
• Future uncertainity: Considering the period of time we are looking at here, a cloud provider could go out of business, change its policy and who knows what.  
• Policy: Some cloud providers, e.g. Google, state that they "reserve the right to delete an inactive Google Account and its activity and data if you are inactive across Google for at least two years." So every two years, you have to go into your account to say hey, this account is still active. Its not a big ask but its not entirely setup and forget.
• Remembering passwords: Cloud accounts work through account names, passwords, and increasingly mobile numbers. Over the next 10 to 20 years, how will you remember these details? Will you have the same mobile number then? If someone else has access to your account and passwords then they also can get your data. 
• Control: In an overall sense you do lack control.
• Privacy concerns: Be aware of potential changes in data privacy laws or a provider's terms of service. Although few of my clients has an issue here now, the privacy laws are slowly turning to the idea that much data businesses stored must be held in Australia, not an issue now but who knows in 10 to 20 years. 

Still today Cloud storage does offers a tempting solution for long-term record keeping.

Summing up:

Overall my preference would be to burn two copies of my business records into a good quality DVD. Put them in my business records in a safe place in my house in a box as here

and put somewhere in a safe spot in my house. I would then put on a free sevice like Google a copy which I could access anytime, anywhere.

Want to get your data storage sorted? Contact us for a free consultation!

This issue divides us from one of our competitors: computers that are cooled by air or water. So it comes up a lot now.

Picture the scene: You are busy, everyone is going flat out, and your computer is being hammered. Suddenly, your computer goes dead. You all have to wait until the computer cools down so you can use it. This scene happens all too often now. Is it time to rethink how you cool your computers? Let's break down your options, focusing on what matters most to your small business.

A short time ago, we had a client whose computer often went dead. He waited awhile, and it worked. We had to send out an engineer. The engineer had to go to the shop, buy a cooling system, repaste the chips, and install a new cooling system. It was about half a day of work, and there was no computer in the shop while it was being fixed.  

Heat Is the Enemy

Modern Point of Sale (POS) systems are incredibly sophisticated software packages. Your computer is going flat out, and almost all the energy will end up as heat. This heat is onto some expensive, tiny, and delicate circuits. Too much heat will eventually damage these circuits. If you are lucky, the computer defences will shut down the computer before it does too much damage. Generally, your computer slows down, crashes, or in time will damage parts. In a computer, typically, only one part gone is enough to render it useless. That's where cooling comes in and comes in two main groups - air and water.

Air Cooling: The Tried-and-True Option

The Basics: Air cooling uses fans to blow hot air away from your computer's components. Think of it as a super-powered version of blowing on a spoonful of hot soup.

Pros

• Cheap: The most affordable cooling option.
• Easy-peasy: Installation is a breeze, and usually, you don't need to worry about maintenance beyond an occasional dusting.

Cons

• That noisy fan: They can get loud, especially when your system is under strain (like during peak hours). Many people report physical ear pain, and there have been workers comp cases over it. 
• Bulky: Big air coolers take up space, which often means a bigger case. The computer needs to sit in many shops in small places, and it's a problem fitting a computer in many places AS IS.
• Dust: Air coolers need a dust-free environment, and air-cooled computers need regular cleaning inside. 
• It may not be enough: It's not as efficient. Sometimes, if your shop is very hot or you are really busy using, especially if you are using advanced software, you can find out that your air cooling might not keep up.

Water Cooling: The Powerhouse (with a Price Tag)

Basics: Think of it like a tiny version of your car's radiator system. Water loops through your computer, soaking up the heat and carrying it away to be cooled.

Pros

• Handles the heat: Perfect for high-performance POS setups or sweltering environments.
• Quiet: Quieter than big air cooler fans.
• Fancy looks: Many people today want nice-looking cases to enhance the appearance of their shops, so they may need water cooling.

Cons

• Pricey: They do tend to be dearer.
• More to manage: They need more attention. While rare, they do get leaks, which could be disastrous.

So, Which Is Right for Your Small Shop?

• Need it simple and cheap? Air cooling is likely a good fit.
• Is the POS system always flat out? Water cooling might save your sanity (and your hardware).
• Do you hate noisy computers? Water cooling would be a worthwhile investment.
• Want a sleek setup? Water cooling delivers that modern, futuristic vibe.

A Few More Things to Consider:

• Your Store's Environment: If your hot shop puts more strain on any cooling system.
• Staff Comfort: Noisy fans are a pain, especially during long shifts. Over an extended period, some computer noise starts stressing me out. 
• Maintenance: Do you have the time for the extra upkeep water cooling needs?

Testing your computer

If you are worried about the temperature on your existing computers, I suggest downloading a temperature-checking software, CoreTemp. This is one of the best temperature tools for computers. You can get it here. Now let it run for a bit and see what it says the temperature is for each of your computer cores. If you see what they are

Recommended CPU Temperature Ranges

This gives you one core, but you can get all of them from the hidden icons at the bottom right.

Here are some general CPU temperature guidelines:

• Below 60°C - Temperatures are average. No action is needed.

• 60-70°C is an acceptable range for a computer running.

• 70-80°C unless you are doing a lot of work on the computer and then only for a short time, it would be too hot

• 80-90°C - Too hot! Take steps to improve cooling immediately.

• Above 90°C - Danger zone. Risk of throttling or damage. Act now!

Need an Expert Opinion?

Overall, doing the pluses and minus, we feel that air-cooled is better. Still, if you are unsure, there's no shame in asking for help! Contact our experts, who can give you a personalized recommendation based on your needs.

Summary: Air cooling is cheap but noisy. Water cooling: powerful but pricey.

Barcode scanners today are incredible in speed and accuracy. On average, we calculate that manually entered data has a 1% error rate. Barcode scanning cuts that down to 1 error in 10 million scans! This translates to massive time and money savings for retailers.

But did you know your old barcode scanner could be costing you customers?  

In this guide, I will discuss the pros and cons of the existing CCD and laser scanners vs. the newer camera scanners, which will soon be available in bulk, so you can make the best choice for your store's needs.

Before I start, I should say that the camera scanners are really CCD scanners on steroids. They are like giving an old CCD scanner a superhero upgrade! They can read virtually any barcode, no matter how blurry or beaten up, and even scan stuff right off a phone.

The Barcode Scanner Basics

Let's start with the two main existing categories:

• Tried-and-True: Laser and CCD Scanners These have been around for ages, and with good reason. They're specialised tools that excel in certain areas:

  • Laser Scanners

    • Lightning-fast, super accurate, and can handle even crummy barcodes.
    • Many models scan from a distance, which is great for heavy items.

  • CCD Scanners

    • They're more budget-friendly
    • Generally better than laser scanners for close-up scanning of good-quality barcodes.
    • They often have trouble reading damaged labels or wet items like a Coca-Cola bottle directly from the fridge.

Since they're both small, they are great for stores with limited counter space.

Most have trouble reading barcodes on phone screens,

They are designed to work with the basic 1D barcodes. Soon, we are expecting that some products will switch from 1D barcodes to more complex barcodes. When this happens in bulk will be when the problems come. 

• Camera-Based Scanners 

  • These can read virtually any barcode (1D, 2D, QR codes, etc.) easily 
  • Scanning from phone screens is good.
  • Can be used with self-checkout, mobile coupons, and inventory checks with a simple photo snap.
  • Higher upfront cost
  • Often slower
  • Often have issues in low-light situations
  • Need more training to get used to them.
  • It's still pretty experimental; most shops that use them only use them for some types of scanning.

Scanner Showdown: Which Model is Right for You?

Here is my breakdown to help you decide:

• Volume is King: If you have a busy store, laser is the fastest.
• Going Digital: Want customers to use mobile coupons, streamline returns, or consider self-checkout? Camera-based is the only way to unlock these customer-pleasing features.
• Budget Matters: Tight on budget? CCD is the cheapest way to go. 
• The future: Camera-based tech, as it keeps evolving, will replace CCD and laser, but not anytime soon. 
• Omnichannel or Not: Camera scanners can now do everything, while CCD and laser scanners generally cannot. 

The Bottom Line: It's All About Your Needs

Only get camera scanners if you have a need that CCD and lasers cannot do.

Chat with us, your point-of-sale (POS) provider, and we can tailor a solution just for you!

Ready to take your small business to the next level? Ask us for the best scanner options for your shop – your customers (and your bottom line!) will thank you.

Are you tired of your POS devices dying halfway through a busy shift? As a point-of-sale (POS) software company, we know that having reliable batteries is important. In this guide, we'll share real-world examples to help you make your battery last longer.

Common Battery Myths

These misconceptions can drain your battery power faster than you think – let's set the record straight!

• Myth 1: Ignore those manufacturers battery limits

  • Reality: Battery makers set those charge and discharge limits for a reason – to make your battery last longer! Pushing those boundaries may shorten its lifespan. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for best results.

• Myth 2: Charge It While You Use It for a Faster Top-Up

  • Reality: This might shave off a few minutes, but it's not worth the risk. So do not do it. Devices produce heat, and so does charging the battery and together, they make more heat. Think of charging like a relaxing break – your device will thank you!

• Myth 3: Off-Brand Chargers? Sure, Why Not?

  • Reality: Official chargers are made and tested for your device – so they're designed for your device. Off-brands might work, but they could damage your devices. If you must use an off-brand, run it on a slow charge. 

• Myth 4: Slow and Steady Harms the Battery

  • Reality: Nope! Slow charging is kinder to your battery, putting less stress on it. A slow charge setting is the way to go if you charge overnight.

• Myth 5: Leave It Plugged In, It's Fine!

  • Reality: Big no-no! This isn't just about wasting energy. Power surges occur anytime, and the longer it is plugged into your device, the more likely a surge can hit your device. Charge up when needed, then unplug for a longer-lasting battery. 

• Myth 6: All batteries degrade and are soon useless

  • Reality: Yes, all batteries do degrade, but generally, it's only a few percent a year. At a 2 to 3% loss a year, a battery in 10 years still, in theory, holds about 78% of its charge. That is often more than you need in one session. We have sold units that are 20 years old and still going fine.

• Myth 7: Drain It, Then Charge It to the Max

  * **Reality:** That worked for old-school batteries, but today's prefer a little snack-like top-ups. With modern batteries full draining and recharging can stress them out and shorten their life.

The Environment Matters: Heat, Cold, and Shelf Life

• Feeling the Heat (and Cold): Extreme temperatures are your battery's foes! Heat speeds up degradation, while cold zaps capacity. Store your devices in cool spaces, and don't let them bake in hot cars.

• Batteries Have a Good Shelf Life: Good news! Modern batteries hold their charge well. Charge them up and have them ready to go. You do not need to scramble at the last minute. After extended use, I put them aside overnight to let them cool down, Charge them the next day, and then store them until needed.

Conclusion

Look after your batteries and they will keep your devices going a long time.

What you will notice is that if your computer is running slowly, and we or someone else gives it a preventive maintenance service, it now runs faster. Temperature is a common reason for this happening.

What happens here is that one or more of your computer's cores which are the brains of your computer overheats. Once a core goes over its maximum temperature, the computer slows it down. This is to avoid causing permanent hardware damage. Your computer, which is an i9 starts running like an i5, an i5 like an i3 etc. What is happening is to try to prevent damage, it slows down. It can get worse than this as nothing in a computer likes high temperatures.

So let us discuss the signs of overheating, methods to check your computer's CPU temperature, and troubleshooting tips to improve cooling and prevent heat buildup. 

Signs Your Computer May Be Overheating

Generally speaking, if your computer is running too hot, you will see things like:

>Slow performance - This is the most common sign.

>Loud fan noises - The fan often will be spinning at high speeds to remove heat

>Random crashes - Suddenly, your computer just stops working. You turn it off for a while, and it works like normal.

>Video on the monitor suddenly looks bad, this can be very serious as video cards are now some of the most expensive parts of computers today.

Don't ignore these warning signs!

Testing your computer

If you are worried about the temperature, I suggest downloading a temperature-checking software, CoreTemp. This is one of the best temperature tools for computers. You can get it here. Now let it run for a bit and see what it says the temperature is for each of the cores. If you see that they are

Recommended CPU Temperature Ranges

This gives you one core but in your hidden icons at the bottom right you can get all of them.

Here are some general CPU temperature guidelines:

• Below 60°C - Temperatures are normal. No action is needed.

• 60-70°C is an acceptable range for a computer running.

• 70-80°C unless you are doing a lot of work on the computer and then only for a short time, it would be too hot

• 80-90°C - Too hot! Take steps to improve cooling immediately.

• Above 90°C - Danger zone. Risk of throttling or damage. Act now!

Computer CPU cooling

If your computer is running too hot, there can be many factors as to why; here are some points:

Clean Out Dust Buildup

It could be that dust has built up too much in the computer. This is a common problem in POS Systems, which work in dusty environments. The dust blocks the air coming in and as a blanket covering the computer parts, causing overheating. If so, clean up the dust. 

Thermal Paste

The thermal paste that protects the cores may need to be reapplied. This actually requires technical skill to do this, do not do this unless you know what you are doing.

Core came out

The cores may be loose, and sometimes they need to be pushed in again this requires some technical skill to do.

Cooling System

It may be that your cooling system has degraded or is not big enough; they may need to be replaced. Often today, cheap computers are sold with cooling systems that are too small.

Computer position

It could be where your computer is placed.

> The area could be too hot.

> Another problem is that it may obstruct airflow - if the cold air cannot get inside the computer, it cannot cool.

In this case, a simple movement may do wonders for your computer. 

Next step

Now, if it is still a problem, what will need to be looked at next is the cooler installation and the thermal paste. For most of us, this needs professional help. 

High CPU temperatures lead to poor computer performance and can seriously damage components. Keeping a close eye on your processor's heat levels is essential for preventive maintenance.

Don't let the heat take down your computer!

Stay cool!

I doubt we can get more high-tech Point-of-Sale units with the Black Friday sale prices from our supplier much longer. They have proven extremely popular because they are so fast, elegant, and easy for staff to operate, and they create a streamlined point-of-sale solution.

This has become our customers' favourite All-in-One system, as it conveniently bundles everything you need into one clutter-free touchscreen terminal.

What is an All-in-One POS System?

An all-in-one POS unit combines your hardware and software in one integrated machine. You see them today in most modern shops and restaurants. 

I took some pictures of the unit. Once you see them, I am sure you will be impressed with the small footprint on the counter.

Benefits For Your Business

You will love the real benefits they get from this all-in-one system:

1. Convenience

One of our clients told me "With just one machine instead of a mess of wires and gadgets, managing my sales counter is so much smoother."

2. Space-Saving

These units have a small footprint to free up valuable counter space for merchandising.

3. Ease Of Use

The intuitive touchscreen interface means minimal staff training.

4. Customer Experience

Another of our clients told me that this "new POS is lightning fast so I don't keep customers waiting. This seems to make them happier." 

5. Cost

As I said, all-in-one units are very competitively priced, still on special, making them a wise investment. I doubt with our inflation, these will be at this price for much longer.

Perfect For Your Shop

This integrated POS conveniently bundles everything into one good-looking unit for faster transactions and happy customers.

Learn more! Contact us for a your perfect all-in-one system.

This computer is the most popular with our customers now for their POS System.

This upgrade to our new computers will solve many headaches for you.

Key Benefits of these computers

- Small Footprint: On the front counter, it takes up as much room as a monitor. 

-Big screen: These ones are 17 inches, which is excellent for those people who find it hard to read small writing on the screen.

-Customer display: A nice big customer display that is free with the unit

- Touch Screen Capability: It has a touch screen, yet costs the same as a regular monitor. When processing on the checkout, a touch is much faster and more natural.

- Looks modern: An outdated computer monitor sends a terrible message to your customers.

- This thing in the middle is a powerful computer that effectively takes no space on the counter. It's an i5 with plenty of RAM.

- Cost Savings: If you priced out a monitor, customer display, and computer separately, there would be substantial savings versus this all-in-one unit.  

- Durability for Shop Environments: The computer is designed to withstand the harsh, dusty, and dirty conditions typical of a shop environment.

Reliable Customer Support

Of course, getting value from your investment comes with great support.

• 24/7 technical support - We know this equipment, so we can often quickly troubleshoot any issues. In truth, we have had very few with them.

• Hardware warranty - 1 year warranty is included.

Our customer support team has your back so you can focus on running your business, not troubleshooting POS problems.

Let us know if you are interested in learning more here.

Recent Microsoft updates have caused some issues with our POS software and some other software for a few customers. It is a known problem by Microsoft here. For some reason, it is now starting to appear.

If you are experiencing problems problems with your POS Software, don't panic! Here is some troubleshooting you can do to get your POS system back up and running smoothly.

Restarting Your Server

A simple restart is often all that is needed to clear up software issues caused by these updates. Follow these steps:

• Close any open programs on your system
• Shut down the server computer completely
• After 1 minute, restart the server and let it boot up fully
• Try using the POS software again - the issues may be resolved!

Restarting your server essentially clears any memory errors or software conflicts that the updates may have caused. It's a quick first step to try before investigating deeper issues.

Contact Our Support Team

If restarting your POS server doesn't fix the problems you've been experiencing, please reach out to our customer support team immediately.

Our support reps can troubleshoot further, analyse your system logs, and identify what precisely in the Microsoft updates is causing conflicts. We can then provide targeted solutions to get your POS software connecting correctly again.

Let us know if you have any other questions! We're here to help.

A reliable, high-speed internet connection is no longer a luxury for small businesses today - it is an absolute necessity. It is the primary mechanism for most people in business to communicate today. 

1. Internet Speeds

For a modern business today, you do not want a download of anything less than 25 Mbps. However, faster speeds will allow your business to function much more efficiently. I find that 50-100 Mbps is adequate for most small businesses, that want to do some advanced functions like Zoom conferencing. 

2. Reliability 

This is the most important in business. 

A consistent, reliable connection is crucial. The best thing to do is ask locals, while in your shop, who you use and how you find them. When I moved into my office, I first contacted the people nearby and asked them about their experience with their internet supplier. They were all quite pleased to help me. 

I suggest that you look at their Google reviews online. They are only relevant if it has a few; one or two reviews tell you nothing. For rating, you want something about 4.2; anything much over that sounds suspiciously like they are buying good reviews. Pay particular attention to the recent reviews; you are not interested in ancient history. 

3. Data limits

Today, you can get unlimited for as much as plans with limited data. If you think you do not need much, you can get away with much less. Be careful, though many have been burnt with not buying enough and getting big bills from the internet provider when they exceeded the limit. I like the Optus plan here, as you do not get charged more if you go over. You just go slow.

4. Price and Fees

Well, we all have budgets. No one bank is unlimited. Buy what you think you can afford.

5. Customer Service

Find out if they offer telephone support, and if so, what are the hours. Most restrict the hours. Also, some only give telephone support if they cannot work it out with email or chat first.

6. Technical Support

Check what is covered in their technical support; some internet providers, for example, only support modems you purchased from them. This is no minor matter as a large percentage of support calls for the internet, in my experience, have to do with modems. 

7. Local availability

It is great if they have an office or shop near you. I had a client that had problems with his internet. The internet support team could not help them with their modem. As their internet supplier was an Optus reseller, we told them to go to the local Optus shop to check it out. The Optus team established it was a faulty modem, sold them a new modem and then checked their internet provider's SIM, and they were up and running almost immediately. 

8. Scalability

Your business requirements go up and down, so it is best to pick an internet provider with many plans. That way, you can change your plan as your business requirements change. I have a client who, over the school holiday whom I talked about above, whose son helps out over the holidays. When the son is there, he increases his plan.

9. Connection Type

I could write a whole blog post on the main two connection types used by my clients, the 5G network and the NBN (National Broadband Network). Both are two very different technologies. The 5G is wireless, while NBN mostly relies on fixed, wired connections. I suggest for reliability going for the NBN.

Note in some areas, NBN is also wireless, so check first.

10. Contract Terms

Beware of lengthy contracts. The problem is that some come with termination fees. A month-to-month or annual contract offers more flexibility.

11. Bundled Services

Many ISPs offer bundled deals with phone, TV, web hosting, email accounts, VoIP and other services. While not always necessary for business, bundles can save you significant costs if you need those services. One of my clients gets two free virtual phone numbers. He uses one to monitor how his advertising goes since the only time that number is used is when he advertises.

12. Compare online plans

One site I recommend you start looking for an internet provider is here. 

This will give you a good start.

Conclusion

The odds are the internet provider you will be using for a long time is more than just comparing speeds and prices; you need one that is right for you.

A reliable, high-speed internet is too important to avoid getting wrong!

Some people do not switch off their POS System computers. They run them 24/7.

In my opinion, this is not a good practice.

Why You Should Restart Your POS System Weekly

Using point-of-sale (POS) systems during regular business hours and restarting the POS computers weekly can keep things running smoothly. While it causes a brief downtime, the overall benefits make it an intelligent maintenance routine.

The Benefits of a Weekly Restart

Restarting Windows-based POS systems weekly provides several performance and stability advantages:

• Install updates - Windows can check for and install important OS and security updates. Keeping things patched prevents issues.

• Clears out temp files - Temporary application files and caches are deleted, freeing up disk space.

• Frees memory - Programs with memory leaks are reset, freeing up RAM. This prevents sluggish performance.

• Resets connections - Network connections, ports, and sockets are refreshed. This can fix odd connectivity issues.

A reboot clears out any digital cobwebs and lets your POS system start with a clean slate. I recommend this as a general best practice for any business system.

When to Schedule the Restart

The best time to do it is between Tuesday and Thursday; this is because if something goes wrong, you can help.

Often you can stagger the restart if you have multiple computers, so they aren't all offline together.

The Temporary Downtime is Worth It

The downtime from a reboot is usually brief - just 5-10 minutes. While inconvenient, the performance and stability gains outweigh this small window of being offline. It's a smart tradeoff for any business.

Adopting a weekly restart routine is an easy way to keep your POS system running optimally. Combine it with other IT best practices, and your point-of-sale environment will stay healthy for the long run.

Today people are paranoid about data leaks as data breaches continue to get media attention. It seems now daily, just yesterday, we found out that what was reported as 320,000 people in Latitude finance is now includes almost 8 million people. So we now have the largest-known data breach of a financial institution in Australia. 

Millions of Australian and New Zealand customers have had their records stolen in a cyber attack on Latitude Financial, including up to 7.9 million driver's license numbers and 53,000 passport numbers, making it the largest-known data breach on a financial institution in Australia. Today a data leak can have serious repercussions; besides harm to a company's reputation. Today there can be considerable financial losses from legal consequences. As such, people are taking strong measures to avoid such incidents.

So what happens today as computer equipment is replaced and we have the old stuff to worry about?

More than reformatting a hard drive is required to ensure confidential data cannot be retrieved. This is because of what we call data remembrance.

It is a real worry; a study from MIT here showed that data remembrance is a real threat here. In this study, 158 disk drives were purchased through eBay. 29 of the 158 drives purchased didn't work at all, and of the rest 117 (91%) of the drives contained old data that could be recovered and read.  91% is a lot.

What I found interesting is that in the sensitive information retrieved from the disk drives were detailed personal and corporate financial records, medical records, and personal e-mails such as love letters and pornography. This sort of stuff, if you go in front of a court today, could cost heaps. This is why people realise today the importance of completely erasing confidential data before disposing of hard drives.

Just reformatting a hard drive is not a secure data destruction method because of data remembrance of sensitive information. If you want to stop data remembrance, you need to either use specialised software to do a data wipe or physically destroy the hard drive. 

The advantage of specialised software is that you can still have an asset, the hard drive to sell. The problem is just how good the data wipe is. Much software available today claims to permanently destroy data on the hard drive so that it cannot be retrieved or reconstructed. How good it is, I cannot say.

Now there are three options our client has. In order of security from least to best

The specialised software I like which gives good results is ccleaner.

Partial clean.

Often the computer cannot be reformated as the new owner will need it to use the computer. If so, delete everything that may be a security problem. Make sure it is all your documents; some can be very embarrassing. 

Then run ccleaner > disk wiper. It has the option to delete everything in free space. Select that with a complex wipe and at least three passes. That will shred everything that is deleted. If someone can crack that, they are very good at this. 

Wipe the hard drive

If you can wipe the whole hard drive, go into Drive wiper and select a complex three or 7-pass wipe. On a modern hard drive, it can take a long time. 

Physical destruction

Yet, more is needed by some, and they demand that we physically destroy the hard drive. The argument is that an old hard drive isn't worth much, and it is not worth the risk.

Physically destroying a is undoubtedly the most secure method to destroy its data. 

If you destroy your hard drive physically, it is vital to do so correctly. A strong mallet will work. If so, I recommend putting the hard drive in a strong bag because of flying fragments before banging it. We used a canvas bag, put the hard drive in it, and smashed it.  Then we put part of the remains of the hard drive in one bin and the rest of the pieces in another bin. It works well for us as two different waste disposal companies collect these bins.

Summary

> Data leaks can have serious repercussions, including financial losses and harm to a company's reputation.

> Confidential data can still be there after reformatting a hard drive due to data remembrance.

> Specialized software or physical destruction should be used

> Physically destroying a hard drive is the most secure method.

Recently, a client brought an almost new computer, it was claimed, but it turned out to be an old computer. Interestingly the client himself is very computer knowledgable, and he was fooled.

So it led to a discussion here on how to determine the age of a computer. It turned out to be quite tricky. Unlike cars, few computers have a manufacture date stamped on them. Plus, most computers should be better described as an assembled date rather than the manufactured date.

Invoice date

My client did it by looking at the invoice date. It was not right. Also this is not easy as people often do not have this documentation. The other problem is that the date of sale only sometimes corresponds to the age of the computer. Some computers sit in a warehouse or a store for long periods unsold. This is particularly true if they have been sold on a computer sale. There are good reasons why computer sales often have good prices. This can be, at best, a good guide, but that is all.

Inspection of computer

You can also try looking at the label on the back or side of your computer to determine its age. Once you have the model number, you can search online to discover the initial release date of that computer.

You can note the computer's serial number and contact the manufacturer's customer service. Their representative should be able to provide information to you on when this model was in production and an estimate of when your computer was built. That is the only definite way I can think of.

BIOS date

Probably the quickest way to determine the approximate time your computer was initially assembled is from the BIOS date. What you can do is check the system information in Windows. To access this type "system information" in the start menu's search bar, run it, and a window will pop out showing you details about the computer, including the BIOS Date.

What you will get is

This will only work if the computer has not updated its BIOS from the initial installation and the BIOS was new at the assembled date.

Windows settings

Going into windows setting > about, it will tell you the version of Windows and when Windows was installed. Again its a guide no more as a new version of windows may have been installed on that computer

Summing up

It is not easy to find out. These methods, at best can only help.

Having said this, it's important to note that the age of a computer is not always an accurate indicator of its performance or lifespan. An older computer that has been well-cared for often functions perfectly for many years. New computers that are lemons are not uncommon, either.

The Effect of Slow-Running computers on Business Activities and Income

In the current business climate, speed counts. It results in decreased customer satisfaction, reduced productivity, and missed deadlines. People do not wait. If your computers run slowly, they will leave. People do not wait, and they will go. Additionally, employees' stress and frustration may rise due to sluggish technology. No one wants to work on the old junk that is slow.

There are several reasons for your computers running slowly.

People's perception.

Firstly it is perception are rising as computer technology advances. What they see is the constant stream of new computer models and upgrades that have entered the market at lower prices. So we see a demand for faster performance for faster and more powerful computers with higher specifications. Once these new computers start spreading, people demand that these computers do more.

Plus customers think little of a business today running old computers. I do not think much of a business image if I see this monitor in use.Noah in the ark, had something better.

Software

The software market has also been affected by ongoing advancements in computer technology. As the computers increase in power and time, your software can do more, improving over time; this gives you more features and options. This increased functionality means the software requires more resources. The software code needs more resources like memory and processing power to run. The reports get better, the software gets better, and the wait time increases.

Information (Data)

The amount of data we store on our computers grows over time as we use them more. Think of this five people working on a computer for a year are entering a lot of information. As your computer's data grows, its performance begins to suffer. What was a good computer now, in a few years, often cannot handle the workload. This is why on old computers, you must to manage your data by deleting old history by archiving old data, to maintain your computer's responsiveness and speed. Only by doing this, you can guarantee that your computers will continue to be productive.

The absence of routine software and hardware maintenance

Unfortunately, dealing with this issue can be challenging.

Attempting maintenance tasks like updating drivers or cleaning your registry can be risky. Attempting to resolve such problems often results in more harm than good. So we always have clients that call us with a significant problem because someone did some maintenance on their system. Systems have suffered considerable damage or become unusable. Then even if fixed, there is always the possibility that an extra issue unrelated to this issue arises. Because of this, many experts are reluctant to do maintenance tasks to avoid being held accountable for any problems that might arise later that were not their fault.Also today operating systems like Windows have evolved and now include many automated maintenance routines. Without requiring any of your time or effort, these features can aid in maintaining the smooth operation of your computer. This is why it is rare today for significant speed increases to be possible by doing routine maintenance.

Security software

This needs its own section. Computers need protection from malicious software, including viruses, malware, spyware, and ransomware. These harmful programs are becoming more sophisticated. So today, security software needs to consume more processing power making it harder for older computers to keep up with their demands. Nothing we can do about this as, unlike other software, you need the most up-to-date security software. This ensures that it is compatible with the most recent threats and can safeguard your computer. As a result, older computers experience significant sluggishness, making efficient use difficult. Nothing we can do as these malicious programs can cause damage.

Preventing Slow-Running Technology

Often some simple hardware changes can result in faster speeds. Moving the faster computers where they are needed often is a significant speed increase.

If you are buying new equipment, do proper planning and research to guarantee that you buy equipment and programming that meet your business requirements.

Conclusion

In conclusion, sluggish technology can impact revenue and business operations.

The Need for Faster Internet Speed

Nowadays, the internet is a necessary component of nearly every business. You must select an internet that is both fast and dependable if you want your business to operate as smoothly as possible.

NBN vs mobile

More people are getting faster internet as the switch from copper to fibre continues. Yet, despite improvements, Australian speeds are still average.

Many people cannot get NBN; some, amazingly, are in big cities. We assist these individuals with mobile data via 4G and 5G, with varying degrees of success. In most cases, mobile internet costs are higher. Nor are they dependable. Something goes wrong with the tower, and they die. Often the problem can only be fixed once the ISP support team is working. What is fustrating is that your ISP usually has to go to the Telstra or Optus Tower support team; this sometimes means the internet is down for a day. Another issue is that current usage, traffic and rain impact speed.

Some advantages of speed and dependability

Since many services you use today are connected to the internet, you can only serve your customers if you have access to the internet. I've had clients whose EFTPOS failed, forcing them to turn away customers. The internet is required for many software packages to function. You can only use them if there is the internet.

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize that the faster you work, the more you can do. It is a waste of time to wait for the internet. It is time-consuming and stressful; Despite your readiness, you cannot work.

Slow speeds are detrimental.

Check Your Speed

A quick speed test can help determine if your current connection is adequate for your needs. A broadband download speed of 40 Mbps (megabits per second) is the minimum standard quoted for modern businesses. But to get a complete picture of its performance, you must test your speed at various times throughout the day. Many people have speed problems at some times of the day.

A good speed test and comparisons are available here

Fixing Slow Internet Speed

There are many reasons why your internet speed could be faster. If you see the numbers above and think it's slow, you should talk to your ISP to see if it's a problem with your ISP or your plan.

In other instances, it might be an issue on your end, a lousy modem, a broken network, a bad connection, etc.

Conclusion

It is crucial to get the best internet possible in today's world. Businesses today need access to fast and dependable internet.

Are you in the market for a new point-of-sale (POS) computer screen?

If so, look at the latest models of POS monitors here. See, they are lower. 

Why do you ask?

Being lower, they have a lower centre of gravity so, making your POS computer screen more stable and less prone to falling over.

Consider this

Imagine someone accidentally bumps into the counter. Without a stable POS computer screen, it's easy for the screen to tip over and so suffer damage. Not only is this frustrating for you, but it can also disrupt business operations and lead to costly repairs.

A POS computer screen with a lower centre of gravity is less likely to tip over in the event of accidental bumps. This is because the lower centre of gravity increases the support base, making it harder for the screen to tip over. 

This is why many current POS monitors are built low and squat. 

Another advantage is that as these are also less likely to wobble or move around, they help reduce eye strain and improve overall comfort, as an unstable monitor can cause your eyes to constantly readjust to the changing position, leading to fatigue and discomfort. Conversely, a sturdy monitor will stay in place, allowing you to maintain a consistent focus and reduce the strain on your eyes.

This can also help improve your posture. It can lead to neck and back pain if you constantly reach or lean forward to see a wobbly monitor. 

In summary, they can positively impact your ergonomics, helping you feel more comfortable and reducing strain on your eyes and body while using the device.

Work tip

Ensuring your POS computer screen is securely fastened to the surface to prevent accidental tipping.

Murphy's law, it will go down at the worst possible time.

When is the worst possible time in retail? Christmas, when it will be challenging to get a tech to fix your computer and you will be busy.

Give all your computers a test run now. Make sure it all works.

Also, ensure you have enough computer consumables, e.g. receipt rolls, ink, etc. 

Make sure your backups are working. Worst case, your computer is replaceable, but your information is not without a backup. With a good backup, we often need to replace the computer, and you can be back up and running in a day.

There has been an ongoing problem with Windows and receipt printers for months. We have been told it is fixed, but we do not believe it as it keeps coming back in new forms. So far, we have identified it in Windows 10 and Windows 11. Microsoft must be working in that space, and they are not testing it properly as receipt printers keep failing but with different causes. It looks like something in their test program needs updating.

If you get this error with your receipt printer that it stops working, we can fix it quickly.

Here is how you can analyze your computer's speed and performance. What happens is that over time, computers in continuous use slow down. This is because
1) Software tends to improve over time. It gets better but more extensive and complex, requiring a better computer. 
2) Software developers make their software for modern computers
3) You get more information on your machine, so processing takes longer.
4) It just seems slower, as other computers are getting faster.

It can help to take everything off, reset the computer and put everything back on. It is a lot of work so only some people want to do this.

Here is a quick and professional way to determine how your computer stacks up in the modern world. The software we use is *performance test*. You can get a free copy here. It does take a while to run, so let it rip and do something else.

The score you will get looks like this.

​

Now the lower the figure in Percentile, the worse the score. This computer is pretty ordinary. It is in the bottom 13%, or if you prefer to think of it like this, 87% of computers tested are better than it. So as you can see, it is way in the low range.

You want to test all your computers and move the fastest ones to where you need the speed. We call this game musical chairs.

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USB stick in many ways still a good backup method if used properly

Currently, the most significant security problem our clients face is ransomware. It is common. What it does is blocks your system and demand you pay money to use your system. Interesting some pay and are still blocked. This is why we recommend no one pays. 

Now it is easy enough for a person who has a backup to overcome this problem, all they do is go back to backup, but there is always a but, often the ransomware blocks the backup too. This is because if your computer has access to the backup, so does the ransomware.

There are a few ways to overcome this problem; USB sticks are probably the best and probably cheapest. They are easy to use. Stick them in a computer, do a backup on to them and take them out. The last point is very important.

- Once the backup is finished, take the USB stick out of the computer! Only while doing a backup should a USB stick be in the computer.

- Regularly check your backups are working. I have seen USB sticks that appear to work, but when we tested them were saving nothing.

Hope this helps

Three-in-ones are computers designed for a retail shop.

-They have a small footprint
-They can take dirty environments
-Very fast for retail transactions
-They look good, something essential for the front counter where people see them.

This is the newest model of the three-in-ones that just came.

These are a bit dearer than the others I talked about here, but I think better.

Once you see them, I am sure you will be impressed.

Note: For the budget conscious, we have only a few of the older models left. Once we sell out of these, we cannot get any more of these models.