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In this section we provide some useful links for you to find further information.
Our Manual which is supplied to all computer purchase customers of ours contains some useful information. We are therefore pleased to provide some of the pages pages from this for viewing below along with other general information.
Please click on the appropriate link in order to view the following documents:
Your Rights & General Useful Links.
Your Rights are important. We want to ensure that our services are up to scratch and therefore if you have any grounds for complaint we ask that you contact us in the first instance to give us an opportunity to correct the problem (hopefully such instances will be rare). If however we are unable to provide a satisfactory outcome to your problem we have listed some links below which you might find of assistance.
Citizens advice bureau www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Direct on-line advice www.adviceguide.org.uk
Office of fair trading www.oft.gov.uk
Trading Standards www.tradingstandards.gov.uk
For further information on correct posture and setting up of your system there are several useful websites including www.rsi.org.uk .If you have particualr physical problems that might impact on your use of computers you might find it useful to take appropriate professional advice.
Software licencing and copyright issues do need consideration. We have therefore given below a link to microsoft’s website which should help you to ensure compliance with such legislation for Microsoft products.
www.microsoft.com
Hopefully you will find our website useful. However in order to cover ourselves legally we do need to make certain disclaimers and acknowledgements as well as setting some rules for use of the site. Please use the link on the left of the screen to view these.
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Internet Service Providers.
There are hundreds of internet service providers out there. Many offer free dial-up access where you just pay for a local rate phone call all the time you’re on-line. The problem is that not all of these support Linux. A few that do are as follows (there are others as well) :
www.free-internet-uk.net who give ‘free’ (charged at local rate) dial-up internet access for Windows and Linux operating systems as do: www.top.dialup.co.uk and www.free-isp-uk.co.uk . www.uklinux.net offer dial-up internet access to people using the Linux operating system only, profits from this isp go back into promoting free software. With Linux there can be issues with dial-up modems, especially the software or ‘WinModem’ type. Generally the external (hardware) type which connects to the serial (not USB) ports seem to be best suited to Linux.
Broadband with Linux is a bit more tricky as not many isp’s support Linux Broadband (although this can possibly be worked around). One that does claim to actively encourage Linux broadband use is www.v21.co.uk , another possibility being www.aaisp.net.uk . It is important that Linux users check with their potential ISP that any modem provided is Linux compatible prior to signing any contracts.
Note that we have not tried all of the above isp’s and are not recommending them in any way. We are merely suggesting that they may be worthwhile investigating. We do not endorse nor recommend any particular isp’s oir services. The best advice is to ask around your neighbours, colleagues, family and friends to see which services are best in your area.
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Linux And The Internet.
Linux computers can generally be connected to the internet, however there are some issues regarding this that need to be mentioned.
Modems for dial-up connections:
Not all modems will work with Linux. In particular it is important to note that most of the cheap internal PCI modems ‘WinModems’ will not work with Linux, those that do are very difficult to set up and can be unreliable. This type of modem relies heavily on the the processors resources in order to function and therefore they are not really to be recommended for Linux or Windows. A far better choice of modem for Linux is an external hardware type using the serial port, these are largely platform independent and almost always work but it is advisable to check with the manufacturer first to ensure compatibility. This type of modem does not put such a great demand on the processors resources and is therefore better if multitasking, etc. These modems generally cost in the region of thirty to fifty pounds which is considerably more than a WinModem (but worth the difference in our opinion). There are several ISP’s offering access to Linux users at local phone call rates.
Broadband and Linux:
Very few Broadband providers actually support Linux. This doesn’t however mean that broadband cannot be used with Linux, it does however mean that care needs to be taken when selecting the Broadband modem to ensure that it is Linux compatible. Where a service provider provides a ‘Free’ broadband modem it is important to check Linux compatibility prior to committing to any contract. Generally if you are thinking of getting Broadband it might be worth considering installing Windows on your PC instead of Linux as this will ensure compatibility with virtually all modems and service providers.
WHAT IS LINUX?
Linux is basically an operating system. Other operating systems include Windows XP and MAC OS. The difference with Linux is that it is generally free of charge to obtain and is normally supplied under a licence agreement which gives the user many freedoms which other operating systems do not.
The other good point about Linux is that it often comes with lots of free software included with it such as Office Suites, games, imaging and Internet software. With other operating systems often this all has to be purchased separately. Another plus is that Open Office (supplied with most Linux distributions) has word processor and spreadsheet applications that are largely compatible with ‘Word’ and ‘Excel’ which are used in many schools, offices and other places of study and work. Therefore in many cases it is possible to use a Linux PC to carry on with schoolwork or office tasks.
Another point of interest for those considering using Linux for internet access is its excellent inherent security. Without getting too technical the manner in which Linux is administered makes it much less prone to attack by ‘hackers’ or viruses. This is because normal users of the PC will only be logged in as as ‘user’ and to do anything to the critical system settings you need to be logged in to the system as the ‘ROOT’ user. This means that unless a hacker knows your root user password there should be very little that they can do to your system. Also, because Linux is currently less used than Windows there appear to be less viruses targeting Linux users at present than Windows users. We would however still recommend that a firewall is used and that any security updates from your distributions website be applied.
Of course it cannot all be plus points or everyone would be using Linux by now rather than paying for chargeable alternatives. So here we go with the downside. The main drawback to Linux is that many hardware manufacturers do not provide Linux drivers for their hardware, therefore not all hardware is supported in Linux. This having been said there are many groups working to develop drivers all the time and often drivers can be found for the more popular hardware items. Another possible drawback is that a lot of new software and in particular the latest games (though why people waste their lives playing computer games is quite beyond me, but that’s just my opinion) is not available for Linux machines, though given the vast wealth of free software available under Linux I am not certain that this is a drawback as such. The other potential drawback is that the free distributions of Linux do not generally offer any support by the manufacturer or supplier. This having been said there is a plethora of information widely available as well as user groups, forums, etc. to help with Linux problems. It should also be remembered that OEM distributions of Windows and other Windows based software (as well as other operating systems) often have no back up from the manufacturer/supplier either.
The basic advice that I generally give is that if you want the latest games software or if you need to regularly change your system components by upgrading and replacing items such as printers and modems then Linux is probably not for you, you’d be better off spending the extra and installing Windows XP or Vista. If however you just want a basic system to write letters on and maybe ‘surf’ the internet (it can also do lots more as well) then Linux could suit you just fine and save you some money.
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CE Marking
Important – The following is based on my understanding of the CE marking legislation. It is not intended to be an authoritative statement of the law. If interested in this subject please check the finer details for yourself.
For some time now there has been in force a piece of European Legislation that requires goods in certain categories to be ‘CE’ marked when first placed on the marketplace.
These regulations are good news really for the consumer as goods purchased which are CE marked should conform to certain standards regarding safety, etc.
The down-side of this is that in some cases goods might cost slightly more due to the costs incurred by manufacturers in ensuring compliance with the necessary standards.
When a new computer is manufactured (even a one off item made to order), this should be tested as a minimum for safety and EMC compatibility before being ‘CE’ marked (unless the manufacturer has other methods of being satisfied that it is compliant with the necessary regulations). The cost of carrying out the necessary testing is likely to be in the range of £500 to £600. For this reason many (in fact most from what I’ve seen) small companies offering ‘built to order’ computer systems do not appear to carry out the necessary testing and are therefore not conforming to this important legislation. In other words they are possibly illegally supplying systems which do not necessarily conform with the CE marking regulations. Because the policing of the regulations is ‘complaints driven’ and CE certification is done on a ‘self-certification’ basis largely these businesses can ‘get away’ with selling you untested goods unless you complain.
If you feel that you may have been sold a new computer system which does not comply with the CE marking regulations you can complain. If for instance your computer interferes with other equipment in your home (ie makes your TV buzz or anything like that) you may have cause for complaint, or indeed if it gives you an electrical shock. Your local trading standards department should be able to assist you with any complaints or concerns regarding this.
I would stress here that the CE marking regulations only apply to new goods and not second user equipment.
As a responsible business we are not prepared to sell new computer systems that have not been fully tested in respect of compliance with the necessary standards. For this reason we are currently unable to offer for sale any new ‘built to order’ systems as the price would become prohibitive (and we like to offer good value for money).
We do hope however to eventually offer a range of new systems which we will have tested for conformance to the necessary standards. By making many systems of the same type this reduces the cost of testing per. unit and therefore has less impact on the price that we would have to charge. For the time being however we are simply going to not offer new systems for sale rather than illegally sell non-tested goods (it’s a shame all computer traders don’t feel the same way).
In the meantime we are happy to provide new systems by purchasing them from other reputable distributors and then selling them on to customers along with ‘Value added’ services. Please see our services section regarding this.
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ABOUT SOFTWARE
For new computer users jargon such as ‘Software’ and ‘Hardware’ can seem daunting and confusing. It needn’t be however.
To understand the meaning of ‘Hardware’ and ‘Software’ it may be helpful to think of the hardware as being all of the physical components that make up a computer system (including peripheral devices such as the keyboard, mouse and monitor). The software on the other hand is basically made up of sets of instructions which tell the computer what to do.
Below we briefly outline the different types of software that a computer generally requires.
Operating System
The operating system performs several functions some of which are listed below.
1/ Provides a user friendly interface.
2/ Provides an interface between application programs (see below) and the hardware.
3/ Provides many tools and utilities to allow for (relatively) user friendly management of the computer system.
Application software
This is distinct from the Operating System. Application software is software which allows you to do useful work such as word-processing, your accounts or even accessing the internet. If you have the windows operating system you may find that you also need to purchase some application software in order to do what you intend to do with the system. Linux normally comes with some useful ‘Free’ application software. Linux application software is also often available free of charge as downloads from the internet.
Driver Software
Most new hardware that you purchase to work with your system will require driver software to make it work. The driver software basically tells the PC how to work with the new hardware. Both Windows and Linux come with many drivers included. However very new hardware won’t always be recognised. In this case a driver needs to be loaded (often a disk is included with the product).
Many manufacturers do not supply Linux drivers with their products, only Windows ones. This is why we say that Windows is the best operating system for you if you intend to frequently upgrade your hardware. Linux drivers can often be found on the internet as free downloads but it is wise to check this before buying any new hardware for a Linux based system.
Games Software
This is similar to applications software in that it works with the operating system to enable you to do things with your computer. The main difference being that whereas most application software allows you to do some useful work games software simply allows people (often grown men who should know better) to waste time. That last comment is just something I read somewhere and not necessarily my own opinion, if you like computer games please ignore it!
BIOS
Basic input/output software. This contains the basic instructions to get you computer to start up plus various other settings, etc. This is not stored on the hard disk but normally in an integrated circuit on the motherboard.
In this section we explain the types of operating system installations that we are able offer.
Operating Systems
The operating system software is a vital part of any personal computer system as it provides an interface to allow users to interact with the application software. Most people however think only of Microsoft Windows® in its various guises when they talk about operating systems. MS Windows is indeed very good and is becoming better with each release, Windows 2000 and XP being particularly stable. However whilst we are happy to provide Windows as an operating system we do feel that it is only fair to offer a free of charge alternative. We therefore offer Linux as an ‘Open Source’ (Free) alternative as we find this to be a very stable operating system which offers most of the capabilities that chargeable alternatives have.
Windows ‘95 and ‘98 are no longer supported by Microsoft. We would therefore advise that customers consider the security implications before purchasing a machine running these operating systems if they intend to use them for internet purposes. This is because there are security issues with these two operating systems but no longer any ‘patches’or updates available to fix the security problems.
Operating systems that we are able to offer are as follows:
Microsoft Windows ‘Vista’ (OEM). This can be added on some computer systems (the licencing terms are quite strict). This adds approximately £60 to the cost of a system for the basic ‘home’ version. This is a very new system and not fully tried and tested as yet, therefore for the time being it might be advisable to use XP instead. It is always normally good advice never to buy the first version of anything.
Microsoft Windows XP (OEM). The OEM version of Windows can be installed on certain computers (the licencing terms are quite strict). This adds approximately £65 to the cost of a computer system. The main drawbacks of OEM software (generally) are that the manufacturer does not provide support for it and the software licence is not transferrable. Note that Windows XP comes with only very limited application software included. What this means to the end user is that they must request support from the supplier of the system or another engineer rather than from Microsoft directly. Also the OEM licence is not transferable to another machine so if your computer stops working and needs replacing, so does your licence. Some repairs (in particular replacement of the motherboard) can result in the requirement to re-licence your windows operating system.
Microsoft Windows XP (Retail). This is the full edition of the software and is supported by the software manufacturer. The licence is normally transferable to another PC under certain conditions, the main one of which is that it must only be installed on one computer at any given time. The retail edition of Windows XP will add approximately £190 to the cost of a PC. Note that Windows XP comes with only very limited application software included.
Linux (RED HAT®). This is ‘Open Source’ software and we make no charge for this. This operating system comes complete with loads of application software including an office suite, internet browser, photo editing, games, audio applications, etc. In fact possibly all the software that you are likely to need in the near future unless you have very specialised plans for your PC.
Linux (EDUBUNTU®). This includes pretty well everything that RED HAT does but additionally has some excellent educational software as well. All included in the price of zero.
Linux is Open Source Software, therefore because it is free of charge it comes without warranties or support (officially). Having said this there is massive support in the form of Linux user groups and other forms of assistance (many of which are free). If you buy an official version directly from the distributor they will sometimes include support.
This may all seem confusing. Generally the best advise that we can give is that if you are simply going to use your PC to browse the internet and/or write letters or straightforward things of this type then Linux is likely to fit the bill and save you some money.
If however you are likely to want to buy the latest computer games or keep changing your peripherals such as your cameras, printers and scanners then you would probably be best paying for Windows XP. The reason for this is that many new games are only available to run on the Windows operating system at present. Also peripherals manufacturers sometimes do not provide Linux drivers with their devices (although more are beginning to as Linux becomes more popular).
An important note here is that if you have a problem with your Windows installation which requires re-loading of the software we cannot do this for you unless you have a genuine C.O.A. label attached to the PC case. This is something to bear in mind before purchasing PC cheaply which has not been correctly licenced.
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ABOUT HARDWARE
Computer hardware is basically all of the physical elements that make up the computer system. This includes the main computer system unit (base unit) plus as a minimum normally a mouse, display and keyboard. Depending on the uses that you put your computer to it may also include such devices as scanners, cameras, speakers, printers, etc.
In this section I want to briefly outline the various components that make up a basic computer system. I also discuss how the specification of different components might affect the performance of your PC. This is to give you some idea which (if any) of the computers that we have for sale might best suit your needs.
System Unit
This is the box that houses the components listed below as well as other parts such as a power supply and the motherboard. There are several choices of system unit to choose from including ‘Desktop’, ‘Tower’, ‘Cube’ and various smaller ‘Small form factor’ cases. Also, there is the laptop which has an integral display built into the lid and is ideal for portable use.
Although desktop cases may seem quite large often these can have a monitor placed on top of them. This results in the overall amount of desk space required being quite reasonable. Tower units can be more suited if it is intended to place them inside a cupboard or tucked away somewhere. Small form factor cases can be useful if space really is at a premium, these can have some drawbacks. In particular it is not always possible to perform some upgrading operations (such as adding an additional internal hard disk drive, etc.) because of space restrictions on small form factors cases.
Processor (CPU)
This is really the heart of any computer system so it pays to have a decent quality one. These come in various types including possibly most famously the Intel Pentium ® although there are other very good alternatives such as the AMD® Sempron, Athlon, etc.
If purchasing a PC with a Pentium processor these days you should ideally look for a Pentium 3 as a minimum and preferably Pentium 4.
You also need to look at the processor speed. These can be up to about four Gigahertz these days and this is necessary to run the latest games software and for some video applications. However if you are just going to be doing a bit of word processing or web browsing then anything from about five hundred megahertz upwards should suffice. You should however bear in mind whether you might in future be needing a faster processor before purchasing one that is possibly too slow. Generally the faster the processor speed the better.
Recently ‘Dual Core’ processors have been introduced. These can perform more operations at the same time making them more efficient in terms of processing speed.
Main Memory
This is memory which basically acts as a buffer between the hard disk (see below) or other memory device and the processor. The general rule is the larger the better when it comes to memory. As a guide most modern software requires at least 128 Megabytes of main memory to run. Generally at least 256 Megabytes is required in order for a modern operating system to perform tasks reasonably quickly. Modern computer games and video editing software, etc often require a minimum of 512 Megabytes, possibly more.
Once again if you are not concerned about speed and are just going to browse the internet or type letters you might find that 128 Megabytes will suffice although this will probably cause the computer to be slow to load some software. For most users 256 Megabytes is currently a reasonable compromise between cost and performance. For users wanting to run the latest games and/or do a lot of photo editing or video editing then the least they should consider is 512 Megabytes.
Main memory also has a rated speed. Again when considering memory hungry applications the faster the better, although for many applications this speed rating is not too critical unless waiting the odd nanosecond here and there is found to cause too much inconvenience.
Hard disc drive
The hard disc is where most of the software is stored on the system. This includes the operating system, the application software and any work that you create (files and folders). As most modern operating systems require two Gigabytes or more of hard disc space and applications often hundreds of Megabytes each clearly you need a hard disc with a minimum of five Gigabytes to do any useful work at all.
We would generally advise that a minimum of a six Gigabyte hard drive is fitted for just browsing the internet, writing letters, etc. If however you are going to be storing photographs or lots of scanned images then twenty Gigabytes might be a good starting point. If you are wanting to download or store movies then you might want to consider a hard disk of a hundred Gigabytes or more.
Hard discs also have specifications regarding their speed including the seek/access time and the speed of rotation. Generally the lower the access time and the faster the rotation the better.
Optical Disc Drives
Optical disc drives come in many forms. There are CD ROM’s, CD Re-Writers, DVD ROM’s, DVD Re-Writers, Combination Drives, etc.
Basically a CD ROM drive will allow you to use CD ROM disks to put new software or data onto the computer and is pretty well an essential minimum. It will also allow you to play audio CD’s if you have a sound card. A CD Re-Writer is much the same as a CD ROM but also allows you to copy CD’s or write files from the PC (ie your work). Special application software is needed for copying CD’s and data. DVD ROM’s can be used for installing data from DVD ROM discs, these can hold far more data than CD ROM’s. You can also play movies using a DVD ROM provided that you have the correct software and fast enough processor and memory components. DVD Re- Writers do all of the same things that DVD ROM’s can do but also allow the copying of data to blank DVD discs. Remember however with both CD and DVD Re-Writers that copyright issues need to be borne in mind.
Optical drives often have speeds associated with them such as X8 or X52. These are speeds that they are able to copy at or read so on the face of it the faster the better. However you can get compatibility issues and often it is best to accept what a system supplier or builder recommends.
There are other components that can affect your PC’s performance. However in order to keep this section a reasonably light read I have stuck to the basics here.
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SAFETY NOTES
This document is a page from our manual.
2. Safety Notes
We regard your safety as paramount in importance. Your appliance will have been tested for safety and operation prior to supply (or after repair) using our test procedures. Properly looked after it should give long and reliable service.
All mains powered electrical equipment does however have the potential to be hazardous in certain circumstances. Many of these circumstances are beyond our control once equipment has left us but within the control of the end user (You).
The main possible risks are of course those of electrical shock and fire. We therefore provide the following notes to assist you in ensuring the continuing safe and reliable performance of your equipment.
Some of the notes might also apply to other appliances in your home/workplace. This is general advice, please use common sense in deciding whether it applies to your particular situation.
2.1 Things that we would generally advise for safety:
DO’s
Ensure that the equipment is only connected to a properly wired mains socket.
Ensure that the equipment is correctly earthed (ie do not remove earth conductor).
- Disconnect equipment from the mains power supply when not in use, at night and if leaving unattended.
- Ensure that there is adequate ventilation around the equipment (Generally a minimum of six inches all the way around).
- Ensure that the equipment is placed on a flat and stable surface.
- Disconnect from the mains power supply before connecting or disconnecting any plugs/sockets or moving the equipment.
- If any leads become damaged discontinue use immediately and disconnect equipment from the mains supply if safe to do so.
- If you notice any unusual noises, smells or other anomalies with the equipment discontinue use immediately and disconnect the equipment from the mains electrical supply if safe to do so.
- Only use the mains leads as supplied with the equipment and with the correct fuses as supplied at the time of purchase.
- Consider using a surge protection device to protect your equipment from mains surges/transients and/or telephone line voltage faults.
- DO NOT’s
- Do not use in damp/wet or humid/steamy conditions.
- Do not touch the equipment with damp/wet hands.
- Do not place vessels containing liquids near or above the equipment in case of spillage. If spillage does occur isolate the equipment from mains supply immediately if safe to do so.
- Do not place the equipment on carpets or soft furnishings and do not allow flammable fabrics/materials to drape against or rest on the equipment.
- Do not allow young children to use the equipment without supervision.
- Do not allow pets to lie or sleep on top of the equipment.
- Never remove any of the equipment covers unless qualified to do so.
- 2.2 OTHER CONSIDERATIONS (Things you should give some thought to)
- To provide protection to your computer/data it is recommended that a surge protection device is also used where appropriate.
- To provide further protection against electrical shock an RCD or similar protective device can be used where appropriate (you may already have one of these fitted in your electrical supply system, if in doubt please consult an electrician).
- Do not move the equipment unless absolutely necessary and even then only with the greatest of care.
- We suggest always keeping a working smoke detector installed in your home if possible.
- Think about RSI and ergonomics, radiation, screen glare, etc and take precautions as appropriate (see notes on page 2 of our users manual).
2.3 This document cannot cover every possible risk. Nor is the advice given applicable to every situation. All we ask is that you give due regard to safety and use the equipment with care. If in any doubt about the safety of any piece of electrical equipment please seek appropriate expert advice. If any of the above notes contradict advice given by the equipment manufacturer or other informed source then please follow that advice if more appropriate.
THINK SAFETY
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WARRANTIES
This is a page from our manual.
7. Warranties
Where applicable we supply goods and services with a Three/Six month or one year limited warranty. OUR WARRANTY DOES NOT AFFECT YOUR STATUTORY RIGHTS.
7.1 Applicable Goods/Services.
Where a warranty is given this will clearly be marked on the invoice. Generally warranties are given on all complete computer systems sold by us and on repairs and upgrades carried out by us.
7.2 Warranty Period
This will be marked on the invoice where appropriate. Normally the warranty on a new complete system will be one year from the date of purchase. The warranty on re-conditioned systems and repairs/upgrades will normally be Three or Six calendar months from the date of supply.
7.3 Scope of warranty
The general scope of the warranty is to cover all hardware supplied at the time of purchase of a new or used complete system or parts as used during an upgrade and or repair. Cover is given against hardware failure in normal use and covers normal wear and tear only.
The warranty is supplied on a 'return to supplier' basis whereby you (the customer) must arrange for return of the goods to us at your own expense in order to receive service under the warranty. A reasonable charge may also be made for return carriage.
Note that customers living within the postcode areas covered by our home service may in some cases request service under warranty in your home in which case reasonable travelling costs/travelling time will be charged.
The exception to this is if the goods fail in a manner to suggest that they were not of merchantable quality when first supplied to you in which case we will arrange to collect them for inspection/repair.
7.4 Exclusions
The following exclusions apply to our warranty.
The warranty will be void in cases where:
a) The anti-tamper labels are damaged or missing.
b) The equipment has been subject to accidental or willful damage (our decision on whether or not this is the case will be final).
c)The equipment has been inappropriately or incorrectly configured or installed.
The warranty does not cover the following:
a) Software problems.
b) Problems arising from any modifications or addition of peripheral devices (unless carried out by us).
c) Problems arising from power fluctuations or surges.
d) Problems with telephone, network or internet connections.
e) Problems arising from misuse or any kind or user error.
f) Training of user in how to use the equipment/Software.
g) Connection to incorrect voltage source i.e. if used in a foreign country.
h) Damage or problems caused by any other external source, ie act of God, damage by pets, theft, damage by intruders, etc.
7.5 Our Liability Under The Warranty.
Our liability under this warranty is limited to the repair of the faulty item. In cases where a repair cannot be effected or is not cost effective we reserve the right to offer a replacement of similar specification or refund/partial refund in lieu of repair.
7.5 Data Loss.
IMPORTANT NOTE - We accept no responsibility for loss of data or subsequential losses of any kind. It is the responsibility of the user/owner of the equipment to ensure that all work is saved and backed up in an appropriate manner. When requesting service/upgrades the customer should back up any critical/wanted documents and files prior to the engineers arrival.
We also accept no responsibility for loss of productivity or loss of profits caused by a PC breaking down. It is the responsibility of business users to ensure that important data is backed up appropriately and that back up systems are in place in case of equipment failure.
7.6 Other Rights.
You may also have other rights in law under the sale of goods act and other legislation.
THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT AFFECT YOUR STATUTORY RIGHTS.
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DATA RECOVERY
It is not uncommon for even experienced computer users to delete data that they did not mean to delete. This could be from the computers hard drive or possibly a memory card used in a camera or similar device.
We can often recover data which you think has been deleted from your hard disc or digital media cards, etc. So if you’re unsure whether we can help or not why not give us a call for advice.
It is important as soon as you realise that required data has been deleted to ensure that you do not load any new programs if possible or save any new information on the device that you have accidentally deleted the data from. This is because there is a better chance to recover the data if no new data has been written over it than if it has simply been deleted.
INSTALLATION AND SAFE USAGE
- The following is a page from our manual.
Installation and safe usage.
- Please read this section in conjunction with our ‘Safety Notes’ document.
If this is your first PC (personal computer) you may be wondering where to put it and also how to set it up. Hopefully the following notes will be of some assistance. There are also instructions specific to your make and model of computer included with the PC. If however you are unable (or not confident) to install the computer yourself please ask about our installation service (only available within a ten mile radius of Bideford, Devon). If you are unsure in any way about how to safely use your computer please do not hesitate to contact us or seek appropriate professional advice.
1.1 General
The PC should be sited away from direct sunlight or heat sources and on a stable flat surface such as a desk or a purpose built computer work-station. Please read the safety notes section for more advice on this.
1.2 Connections
The basic connections are not too difficult to make. In many cases the plugs and sockets are colour coded so you simply cannot go wrong (unless of course you are colour blind in which case please ask for further assistance). Where the connectors are not colour coded we will have supplied diagrams to assist in identification of correct connections. Please ensure that all connections are carefully made before the mains plug is connected to the mains electricity supply outlet.
Connections to the telephone network are at your own risk. Where possible we will check that any modems fitted are approved by BT and/or are marked as complying with CE requirements or other relevant standards. Care should be taken to ensure that the pins inside the telephone sockets are not short circuited during connection. It is recommended that only telephone accessories approved by BT or your telephone service provider are used. When choosing a location for your PC, remember that if you want to use the internet you will need access to a telephone point.
It may be advisable to use a surge protection device to protect both your system components and modem. These can be purchased at reasonable cost from most I.T. retailers.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Desktop (flat type, rather than tower) PC cases are often strengthened to allow a monitor to be placed on top of them. Often there is no indication regarding how much weight they can bear. We would advise customers using desktop PC’s as monitor stands to ensure that they don’t risk using too large a monitor that could damage the case. In most cases a 15” or 17” CRT monitor is ok, or possibly a 19” flat screen TFT display, however this can not always be guaranteed. We would advise that customers are wary of this point and that common sense is used when selecting monitors to fit on top of desktop PC’s. We would also advise customers to discontinue use immediately if they do use a desktop computer in this manner and notice any case distortion, etc.
1.3 Software
Any software that is pre-installed on your computer will have been tested prior to supply. If you wish to add or remove any software then you can of course do so, however please note that our warranty does not cover problems due to software issues other than operating systems installed by us. We would also advise that all software that you install should be correctly licenced if applicable.
1.4 Ergonomics/RSI/Radiation
It is important to position the PC such that you can use it comfortably. In particular you should ensure that the height of the keyboard and monitor are correct for you so that you minimise any strain on your back and neck regions.
Also, it is important that your wrists are not stressed during keyboard use, it may be worthwhile investing in an ergonomic keyboard and/or wrist-rest if you find this a problem.
If you find that you are in any new discomfort during your usage of a computer system we would recommend that the cause is investigated to prevent any risk of RSI (Repetitive strain injury).
Radiation from monitors is not currently believed to have any proven health implications, however we would recommend that you try to position yourself a sensible distance from the screen as a precaution. Any monitors sold by us (new or second user) will be CE marked and/or be certified to appropriate standards.
Glare can also be a problem to some people. Anti-Glare and Anti-Radiation filters are available if either of these is of concern to you. We can obtain these if required for most monitors, please ask for a quotation if you are interested.
For more information on safe computer use there is a wealth of information available on the internet in particular we would recommend a visit to www.rsi.org.uk. We have made efforts to ensure that equipment supplied conforms to relevant safety standards where possible/applicable and have also carried out safety tests of our own prior to supply. We would ask however that the user does their part to ensure that nothing is done during their use of the equipment that could cause hazards to arise (see Safety Notes, etc).
It is generally advisable to keep your time using the PC to reasonably short periods with breaks in between. We generally only work for a maximum of ninety minutes at a time then take a thirty minute break, this works for us but may not suit everyone.
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SOFTWARE LICENCING
- The Following is a page from our user manual.
6. Software Licencing.
- Software licencing is a complex legal issue.
Unfortunately when it comes to operating systems in the home user sector one particular corporation has a virtual monopoly at present. This has led us to try to find alternatives in order to offer our customers a choice whether to pay for a licenced operating system or use an ‘Open Source’ (free) one instead.
- This does not mean that we do not approve of operating systems that you have to pay for. Far from it, we just want to offer as wide a choice to our customers as possible.
If your computer has been supplied with 'Linux' as the operating system then this is free to use and is supplied as Open Source Software. This means that you are also free to modify it, copy it and re-distribute it if you wish (certain conditions apply). We will have also supplied you with re-installation media, etc. in case you ever need it. You should however still familiarise yourself with the licence conditions.
- If your computer has been supplied with 'Windows' (any version) as the operating system then you do need to give some further thought to licencing. I recently read somewhere that it is thought that up to 75% of second user PC’s purchased with Windows software are not properly licenced. If that is correct then it is a worrying statistic as the computer user is actually breaking the law by using such a machine even if they are blissfully aware of the fact. If you feel that you may have been sold a system with illegal software on it you should really report this to the local trading standards office to prevent others being similarly ‘ripped off’.
We may have supplied a Windows operating system in one of three ways and these are outlined below.
- a) Clean Install.
This means that you are paying us to install the operating system or have paid for this in the price of the system. We will have purchased the operating system from Microsoft or one of their suppliers and will supply all manuals, media, licences and stickers as appropriate with the system. In such cases the software is properly licenced without any real doubt. In most cases an OEM version will be installed. This means that Microsoft do not provide support, any support is normally provided through the system supplier or Windows help files or via the various help sources on the internet.
- b) Pre-Installed with Certificate of Authenticity.
This means that the computer was purchased by us with an operating system pre-installed and with a certificate or sticker to suggest that it is correctly licenced (also with manuals and re-installation media if applicable/available). We purchase such systems in good faith in order to re-cycle them by refurbishing as necessary and re-selling them. In such cases the software is probably licenced provided that the supplier that we have received the computer from has not mis-used a certificate or licence. We check as best we can using Microsoft’s “How to tell” service but can not 100% warrant that the software is correctly licenced. We make no charge for the software in such cases, you pay for the hardware only. If the system has a C.O.A. sticker plus the installation media and manual then it is fairly certain that it is correctly licenced but we do not guarantee this.
- c) Currently Running Windows XXXX
This means that we purchased the system with a Windows operating system installed but without any evidence relating to licencing. We would not normally sell such systems without firstly either installing a free operating system (Open Source Software) and removing Windows or completely 'Clean Installing' (see 1/ above) a new (fully licenced) of Windows.
- If you are sold a system under this description (C above) we would advise that it is to be regarded as not being licenced and it will be on the understanding that you have an appropriate licence for the software OR will obtain one OR that you will remove the operating system and install a new one yourself. We can accept no responsibility for your illegal use of the operating system if you have been warned that it is probably unlicenced.
We are not in the business of trying to take customers away from Microsoft. Their operating systems are excellent especially Windows 2000 and XP which are particularly stable in our opinion.
- There are indeed benefits to having to licence software. These include the fact that many software vendors including Microsoft offer free updates for some of their software provided that it is licenced and registered. This is particularly important in the case of operating systems and security programs where it is advantageous to have the latest version in order to provide maximum security to your system.
It is important to note that some Linux applications and operating system distributions also offer free updates.
Application Software
- Some application software also requires to be licenced. This is the software that you use to actually make your computer do useful work such as word processing, etc. Again most (but not all) Linux application software is free to use. Windows software often requires licencing although there is some free software available on the internet and also very often on computer magazine 'cover disks'. If you install any new software please give due regard to licencing and copyright issues.
Software Installation
- We have a policy of not assisting customers to load non-licenced or counterfeit software under any circumstances. If you require assistance with the loading of such software please do not ask us as refusal to help could offend.
Similarly we will not knowingly supply pirated or illegal software under any circumstances, not on disc, pre-installed or in any other form. Please do not ask us to do so unless you want a lecture on why you should not consider using such software and a point blank refusal to assist. We apologise for being blunt and to the point but we do want to make it perfectly clear where we stand on this issue.
- The above notes relate to our current understanding of the licencing rules. We do our very best to ensure that we help our customers to run only legally licenced software and therefore to stay within the law. If you have any concerns regarding licencing issues please contact us if you wish and we will try to assist in any way that we can.
For further information on Microsoft Product licencing we would suggest visiting their website at: www.microsoft.com . For other software vendors we would suggest looking at the appropriate website. You can also look at the ‘End User Licence Agreement’ (EULA) which is normally supplied with the software.
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RE-CYCLING AND THE ENVIRONMENT
The following is a page from our manual.
3. Recycling & The Environment.
Although it may not be immediately obvious how purchasing a new computer rather than upgrading and reusing an older one can affect the environment there are good reasons for taking this into consideration.
The amount of heat required in some of the processes that go into making a new computer is quite phenomenal. Processes such as manufacturing the steel and plastic parts, forming the glass screens, etc. use a great amount of energy.
This energy is normally generated by the burning of fossil fuels to heat furnaces and also to generate electricity in order to drive the manufacturing machinery.
Also, of course there are often chemicals used in the processing of the raw materials which then have to be disposed of. Additionally it is of course wasteful of raw materials to replace rather than repair/upgrade equipment.
By choosing to recycle or upgrade a computer which has previously been manufactured rather than replacing it you are saving this waste of energy and resources and preventing unnecessary pollution from being released into the environment.
Of course it is not all about saving the environment. You will also be saving yourself some money.
There are some computer users who do need the newest specification equipment. This is because they use programs which fully utilise the power and speed that is offered only by the latest specification PC’s. This might include people who want to use the latest games software or who do a lot of video editing, etc. For the rest of us however a computer that is a few years old is normally more than adequate for our needs.
This having been said we would not try to talk you out of purchasing a new computer. This is because obviously someone has to buy new computers at some time or there would be no used ones to recycle! However if you do decide to buy new equipment then we would encourage you to think about the purchasing of a new computer as a long or medium term investment which you will look after and keep for many years rather than changing it every few months.
It is important that we all do our bit in this consumer driven world to help reduce wastage and pollution where we can. In the case of computers making the most of used equipment and also keeping equipment that you have purchased from new working for as long as possible normally makes good economic and environmental sense.
3.1 Us and the environment.
For our part we will continue to encourage the recycling of I.T. related equipment where this appropriate/safe to do whilst at the same time being ever mindful of ways that we can help improve our own environmental policies.
n particular we will endeavour to operate fully within the WEEE and ROHS regulations as and when they apply to us.
Our main business PC is for instance a Pentium 3 and about six years old (at the time of writing), we are able to administer our business and our website plus do all of the normal tasks that most people do on their computers using this PC. There are no current plans to upgrade this computer as (despite being considered fairly ancient by modern standards) it fulfills our needs well.
3.2 Other considerations.
In addition to recycling I.T. equipment we would also encourage computer users to switch off their equipment fully when not in use by disconnecting it from the mains supply rather than leaving it in standby or power saving mode. Of course this only saves a few Watts of power and typically to do this for a year would save around £4 but it still adds up. Also, leaving your computer on at night or when not attended could pose a fire hazard if (for instance) a cooling fan fails or some other unforseen event occurs.
Some people leave their computer running all of the time, mainly because they do not like waiting for it to ‘boot up’. Not only is this a fire hazard but also it also wastes a considerable amount of energy. For instance a base unit might consume about 300 Watts of power and a CRT monitor another 90 Watts. This is over a third of a kilowatt! To leave that on all day (24 hours) would use about 8 KWH which might currently cost typically 64 pence. Over a year that is 365 X 0.64 = £233.60! Of course modern computers often have power saving features which switch the system into sleep mode or similar when it isn’t used for a few minutes but these aren’t fail-safe by any means. Why take the risk?
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MISSION STATEMENT
Mission Statement
Our mission is to provide quality computers, peripherals, repairs, upgrades and ancilliary services at reasonable cost to the people of North Devon.
We will treat all customers regardless of age, gender, race, education, background or disability with respect, fairness and consideration.
We will not try to talk you into buying anything that is too highly specified for your needs. However we will respect your wishes if you are insistent on purchasing such over-specified items.
We will encourage recycling of materials where possible and safe to do so. Consideration will also be given to any implications of the ROHS and WEEE directives where these are applicable to the business.
It will be one of our primary goals to promote computer and IT usage amongst those who might otherwise not feel able to do so. In particular we will occasionally offer tuition to members of the older generation and technophobic’s at reduced rates. We will also try to offer various aids and accessibility options to assist computer usage amongst people with a range of disabilities.
Safety will of course be our prime concern. All goods will be checked for safety where applicable prior to supply to customers following methods set out in our safety policy. We will also ensure that appropriate warnings are given as well as sufficient operating instructions to ensure safe usage where appropriate. A written procedure will be adhered to regarding safety testing and records will be kept.
We will try to keep customers informed and to make all documentation clear and concise. All prices and descriptions of goods/services will be set out clearly and openly for all to view.
Literature will be published on our website and freely available to view. Customers will be encouraged to check on their legal rights where appropriate in the event of any complaints if an agreeable solution can not be found by discussion with us (hopefully such occasions will be few and far between).
We will not knowingly sell or install software and/or supply systems with software installed if the software is not licenced correctly. If systems are sold to our knowledge by us without proper licences for the software this will be clearly stated in the description. Such software should be removed from the system after purchase or licences obtained by the purchaser.
We will try to ensure compliance with any appropriate legislation as and when we become aware of it including the CE marking regulations. We will, where possible and reasonable to do so ensure that potential customers and other interested parties are aware of such legislation.
Above all we will be fair and caring.
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SAFETY POLICY
S. Humphrey.
SAFETY POLICY.
Safety is first and foremost in our priorities. It has two main areas, these being firstly the safety and well-being of our customers and secondly the safety of ourselves.
To maximise safety on both of these counts the following safety rules have been put into place.
1/ All items sold by us which connect directly to the mains supply shall be tested for safety prior to sale. The only exceptions to this being brand new items which have been manufactured by someone other than us and CE marked by them. In such cases any packaging and literature supplied by the manufacturer will be supplied with the goods. See details below on safety testing.
2/ All items sold by us which connect directly to the mains supply shall be labelled in such a manner as to prevent opening of the cases without disturbing the labels/seals.
The only exceptions to this being brand new items which have been manufactured by someone other than us and CE marked by them. In such cases any packaging and literature supplied by the manufacturer will be supplied with the goods.
3/ All items sold by us which connect directly to the mains supply shall be supplied with the correct type of mains cable/plug fitted with appropriate fuses. All such plugs/fuses shall conform to proper recognised safety standards.
4/ All customers purchasing items which connect directly to the mains supply shall be given a copy of our ‘Safety Advice Notes’. The only exceptions to this being brand new items which have been manufactured by someone other than us and CE marked by them. In such cases any packaging and literature supplied by the manufacturer will be supplied with the goods.
5/ Customers having repairs/upgrades carried out shall also receive the ‘Safety Advice Notes’.
6/ All items sold by us which connect directly to the mains supply shall be labelled with the advice ‘Disconnect from mains electrical supply if leaving un-attended’. The exception to this being brand new items manufactured by someone other than us which bear the CE mark. In such cases any packaging and literature supplied by the manufacturer will be supplied with the goods.
7/ All items sold by us whether they connect to the mains supply or not shall be checked for integrity of casings, etc. Further they shall be checked to ensure that there are no obvious sharp edges to the casings or other apparent dangers.
8/ All items sold by us will be supplied with instructions on their use and an offer to assist if there is any difficulty in using the item correctly.
9/ If there is any reason to suspect the safety or integrity of an item we will not sell it. Customers safety will at all times remain a priority above profit.
10/ Where items are delivered to customers premises we will where possible check that the mains electrical sockets that the items are to be connected to are correctly wired. This will be done with a Polarity/Earthing plug in tester.
11/ Customers will be asked to sign to acknowledge receipt of our manual including safety notes when purchasing a new piece of equipment or safety notes only when having an upgrade or repair carried out. The only exceptions to this being brand new items which have been manufactured by someone other than us and CE marked by them. In such cases any packaging and literature supplied by the manufacturer will be supplied with the goods.
12/ Equipment used for carrying out safety tests will be checked with a DMM regularly and the DMM in turn will be calibrated annually with calibration traceable to national standards. Records will be kept of calibration of the DMM, checks on our other testing equipment and safety checks carried out on customers and stock equipment.
13/ Records will be kept where possible relating to CE and other approvals applying to items sold.
14/ If we become aware of any problems with a particular brand of item that we have sold we will advise customers of this as soon as possible and try to arrange appropriate remedial action.
15/ Customers will be advised to contact us if they are in any doubt whatsoever regarding the usage or safety of any item supplied by or repaired by us.
16/ Our engineers are instructed to refuse or terminate any service operation/delivery or training course if they are subject to physical or verbal abuse/attack or in the event that they feel threatened in any way. They will not enter any premises where they feel threatened.
17/ Engineers will carry I.D. badges at all times when making house calls. We advise customers to ask to see an I.D. badge prior to allowing anyone purporting to be from our company into their premises. If unsure please contact us before allowing access to your premises.
18/ The fact that items are CE marked shall be taken to imply that they have been tested/designed for conformance to appropriate legislation regarding both electrical safety and emissions (including x-radiation from CRT monitors). In the case of CRT monitors we will also check that an appropriate test standard (such as FCC) is claimed.
Safety Testing.
Prior to sale of any item that connects directly to the mains supply the following tests will be carried out where appropriate.
- Check on casing integrity.
- Check on mains lead.
- Check on mains plug and fuse.
- Check for sharp edges, etc.
- Insulation test @ 500V. approximately.
- Earth Bond test @ current as appropriate (Class 1 items only).
- Class 2 items will be given an appropriate insulation test but will not require Earth Bond Testing.
The only exceptions to this being brand new items which have been manufactured by someone other than us and CE marked by them. In such cases any packaging and literature supplied by the manufacturer will be supplied with the goods.
There will be a further document which will detail the test equipment to be used to perform the safety tests and also detailing the pass or fail limits for such tests.
Test equipment used for the safety tests will be periodically checked with a calibrated DMM which is calibrated annually to traceable standards.
All safety test and calibration/periodic check records will be kept on file and shall be traceable to the item that they relate to.
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TERMS OF BUSINESS
Terms Of Business
Nothing in these terms is intended to detract from or affect in any way your statutory rights.
We reserve the right to alter or change our terms of business from time to time. Such alterations will be published on our website.
1.1 Definitions.
‘We, our, us’ means S.Humphrey.
‘You, your’ means the customer.
Second User Equipment. This is equipment that has been pre-owned by at least one owner, possibly more than one.
1.2 Scope of Service.
We will supply a service in areas of North Devon including the supply of refurbished and new computer equipment and peripherals. Also, the repair and upgrading of computer systems. We may also offer ancillary services such as tuition and networking.
Computer systems and/or peripherals may also be offered by mail order both inside and outside of the North Devon area in which case prices including delivery will be clearly shown on our website.
1.3 Payment Terms.
Payment for services carried out at customers own premises or goods delivered to customers premises is due immediately on completion of the work or delivery of the goods.
Payment can only be accepted by Cash, Cheque (with valid guarantee card) or by direct payment into our business bank account. A receipt/receipted invoice will be supplied upon receipt of payment.
Goods ordered for delivery by mail or carrier will only be despatched on receipt of cleared funds.
1.4 Title to goods
1.4a) Goods will remain the property of S.Humphrey until cleared payment is received.
1.4b) Refunds will be given where expressly directed by law. We will also give refunds at our discretion where goods have been purchased in error and are returned within seven days of supply. This is provided that they are returned at the customers expense and are found to be in good condition and working order and complete with any packaging, accessories as supplied at the time of sale. A re-stocking charge of ten percent will normally be applied in such circumstances plus a deduction will be made from the refund to cover the initial delivery costs (normally £24 if the goods were delivered to your home/premises by one of our engineers).
1.5 Refusal of Service.
1.5.a) We reserve the right to refuse service if we deem this to be appropriate for any reasonable reason.
1.5.b) Service will be refused in all cases where there is abuse (verbal or physical) directed towards any member of our workforce. Any agreement between us and the customer will be terminated forthwith in such circumstances, this includes the immediate cessation of any ‘Warranty’ agreement which will be declared to be null and void. If money is owed to us in such circumstances the matter will be put into the hands of a collection agency or action may be taken through a small claims court.
1.5.c) We can only provide service at customers premises if those premises are situated within a distance of ten miles of Northam, Bideford, Devon and reserve the right to refuse service beyond this limit.
1.5.d) We may refuse service if access to your property is difficult. In particular if it is not practical to carry the system parts without presenting a health and safety risk to our staff due to awkward access.
1.5.e) Service may be refused if there is any reason for a member of our staff to feel that their safety might be compromised by entering a customers premises. This includes such cases as dangerous dogs, etc.
1.6 Correspondence Address.
Our address for correspondence is:
13 Deans Close, Northam, Bideford, Devon. EX39 1EJ. THIS ADDRESS IS FOR CORRESPONDENCE ONLY! We cannot accept personal callers as our insurance’s do not cover this situation.
2.1 Warranties.
Our hardware warranties are subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions that are set out in our ‘Warranties’ document which is provided in the ‘Computer Users’ booklet and also available to view online.
Any Warranty Given Does Not Affect Your Statutory Rights. In particular you may have rights under the sale of goods act.
3.1 Loss of Data.
We accept no responsibility for any loss of data or consequential losses which may occur as a result. Customers are advised to ensure that any important data/files are backed up regularly. It is strongly advised that such data is backed up before calling for service/repair/upgrade on your system as no responsibility can be accepted for such losses. Certain tasks such as data-recovery operations and operations involving the replacement of a hard-drive or upgrade of an operating system always put data at particular risk of loss however carefully the work is carried out.
3.2 Co-Incidental Breakdown.
We accept no responsibility for any faults which co-incidentally occur during a repair/upgrade/service/health-check operation or shortly afterwards unless such problems can be proven to be directly attributable to faulty workmanship/materials used by us during the repair/upgrade/service operation.
3.3 Connection to telephone network.
We will where possible check that any modems or other equipment supplied by us that is designed to connect to the telephone network is either approved by BT or CE marked. This should ensure that no problems are experienced when connecting it to a telephone service providers network. However we would advise customers that connection of any equipment to a telephone network is at their own risk. We further advise that customers should check that their telephone network supplier considers that any modem or other equipment is compliant to their requirements prior to connection.
3.3.1 Where connection is made to a telephone network for dial-up internet services customers are advised to check their telephone charges regularly to ensure that they are only being charged the correct rate for such access. This can be done by telephone if it is a BT line using the ‘Call my bill’ service. We can accept no liability for any problems arising from internet fraud.
3.3.2 We cannot guarantee that every customer will be able to obtain internet access. There are still many areas where broadband does not work and others where even dial-up internet access is not possible due to noisy lines, etc. We would suggest that customers who are unable to obtain internet access contact their service provider.
3.3.3 Where we assist you to set up an internet service it is on the understanding that you will administer the service properly. In particular you should ensure that anti-virus software is kept up to date. We advise customers to keep a regular check on their telephone accounts to ensure that their connection has not been ‘Hi-Jacked’ by rogue dialer software. We also advise to check your dial-up settings regularly to ensure that the dial-up number is (normally) a local rate ‘0845’ or similar number and not a premium rate or international number.
All repairs/upgrades/service operations are carried out at the customer’s premises where possible. If it is necessary to order non-stocked parts to complete a repair we will arrange to call back at a later date to fit the parts and complete the repair. Customers may be asked not to use the equipment in the meantime if this could be dangerous or cause further problems in our opinion. We can accept no responsibility if customers do not follow such advice/requests.
Where home service is arranged via the internet the distance selling regulations and e-commerce regulations will apply where applicable. For further information please visit the OFT (Office Of Fair Trading) website at – www.oft.gov.uk or contact your local trading standards office.
If it is necessary to remove your equipment to our workshop for testing or repair you will normally be asked to sign a document giving permission for this. Although this will not always be the case if verbal agreement is made.
You should ensure that your home is a safe environment for our engineer to work in and that adequate lighting, etc are available.
4.2 Loan Equipment.
In exceptional circumstances we may be able to offer a loan system whilst waiting for parts or information to effect a repair. This is subject to suitable loan equipment being available and also on the customer being able to provide an assurance that such equipment would be covered against loss, accidental damage, fire or theft by their household or business insurance. A small charge will be made for this service.
4.3 Assistance/Advice on choosing a computer system.
Where we provide advice to assist people who are not yet computer literate to select a suitable system for their needs. The final choice of which system to buy is yours alone. Any advice given can only be based on the information supplied to us by you and we then do our best to advise accordingly. It must be remembered however that computer prices are falling all the time whereas the specifications are rising. Therefore it is likely that after a few months of computer ownership similar machines will be available more cheaply, this is simply the way that the market is going. This is not a failing on our part but merely a reflection of the state of the industry. We keep records of details supplied to us regarding such advice, this is simply to enable us to ensure quality of service and to be able to check that any advice given is appropriate. We accept no responsibility whatsoever regarding any advice so given as such advice is based merely on our opinion and may differ from your own judgement.
4.4 Installation of Systems purchased from us.
Our prices normally include delivery within a ten mile road journey of Bideford, Devon. However they do not include setting up or installation of the system.
If you require installation of the system then this can be arranged for a small additional charge. Note however that standard installation does not include installation of additional electrical, telephone or network sockets as we are not insured for such work. It also does not cover installation of printers or other peripheral devices unless these were purchased from us along with the computer system.
4.5 Software used for repairs/maintenance.
In order to keep costs down for our customers. When we carry out maintenance or repair tasks which require specialist software such as anti-virus, anti-spyware, back up, partitioning, data retrieval, etc. We will generally use open-source or freeware programs where available provided that there is nothing in the user agreement to prevent this. If however we feel that there would be a real benefit in using a chargeable software product instead we will discuss this with you and pass on the cost of any chargeable software used if applicable. If you wish for a particular software program to be used please specify this at the time of initial enquiry so that we can source this to use.
4.6 PC Health-Checks.
Our PC Health-Checks are designed to help keep your PC running as it should with as few problems as possible. However the health-check service does not include repairing any problems or faults with the computer (other than those covered within the Health-Check) or any in depth assessment work. Such items would require a service call to specifically address the problem or fault concerned.
There are of course many hundreds of components inside the typical PC. It is therefore beyond the scope of a PC health-check to individually check every component. The PC Health-Check service cannot guarantee that your computer will not break down at some future point in time but should in most cases prolong the time before it does.
4.7 Live Trading and Business Use.
We accept no responsibility for losses such as ‘missing out’ on a deal or similar losses if computers supplied by us or repaired by us fail and this affects ‘Live Dealing’ sessions. Similarly we accept no responsibility for any business disruption or losses caused by computer failure. We advise all customers using computers for business use that they back up any important data regularly and that they have suitable back up systems in place in case of computer failure.
5.1 VAT.
We are not currently VAT registered. Business customers should note that we are unable therefore to provide VAT receipts or invoices.
6.1 Mail Order.
Where goods are offered for sale by mail order or order via our website the distance selling regulations and e-commerce regulations will apply where applicable. For further information please visit the OFT website at – www.oft.gov.uk
7.1 Confirmation of Receipt of Goods/Services.
Customers will normally be asked to sign to acknowledge receipt of goods/services and the declaration may also include an acknowledgement of receipt of certain documentation. In the case of goods delivered by carrier signing for the goods will confirm receipt of such items.
8.1 Contacting Us.
If it is necessary to contact us or if you wish to comment on our services please see the ‘Contact Us’ page in the Users Guide Booklet or visit our website at – www.shumphrey-computingandit.co.uk
8.2 Complaints/Praise/Feedback.
We welcome feedback and praise, please feel free to send as much as you like to us (see the ‘Contact Us’ page for details). We also want to hear if you have any complaints, hopefully these will remain few and far between but we would welcome the opportunity to put things right rather than have an unhappy customer. So whatever you want to say whether good or not so good please let us know.
8.3 Your Details/Data Protection.
We only keep on file details necessary to provide services to you efficiently such as your name, address, phone number, etc plus details of your transactions with us. We do not record or keep any banking details, card numbers, etc. supplied by you or any personal details that are not freely available in the public domain (unless you provide such details voluntarily). We will not divulge any of your personal details to any third parties unless it is expressly agreed by you to do so. The only exception being if this is required by an official government body or agency for legal reasons.
Where possible we will not view any personal documents that are stored on a PC hard disc that we have to repair. However it is sometimes necessary to check that files are opening properly, etc. We do ask therefore that any particularly sensitive information is either backed up on another medium and removed from the hard disk before we are asked to repair a PC. Alternatively, if you mention to us at the time of repair that there is sensitive data which you do not want viewed then this will assist us greatly.
9.1 Availability of Service.
We normally try to respond to messages and enquiries within twenty-four hours. However we do reserve the right to have holidays and time off at public holidays, etc. When such occasions occur we will normally publish the fact on our website. In the event of a key member of staff falling ill we reserve the right to withdraw our services completely until such time as they can return to work.
10.1 Safety.
We put in much effort to ensure that goods supplied by us and or repaired/upgraded by us are safe. Our methods of doing this are documented in our safety policy and procedures. In order to ensure the continued safety of the goods we supply advice notes, user documentation, etc. We may ask for customers to sign to acknowledge receipt of such literature, this is to ensure that you are given sufficient literature to enable continued safe usage of the equipment.
10.2 Information.
We aim to provide sufficient information to enable safe usage of equipment supplied by us. Advice given by us regarding topics such as RSI, radiation, ergonomics, screen glare, etc is intended for guidance only, users should take further advice if they have concerns regarding such topics.
If you have any concerns regarding RSI, ergonomics, radiation, or any other aspect relating to health and computer use please seek suitable advice. We believe that it is our duty to point out such potential hazards to you but can not accept any responsibility for customers failure to seek appropriate advice if required. We can assist you in trying to obtain anti-glare or anti-radiation screens as well as ergonomic wrist rests, etc if required for a reasonable charge.
11.1 Tutorials/Taster sessions
The price of tutorials includes between 1.25 and 2 hours of one to one tuition, this should be ample to cover the tuition subject. However if the customer requires more time on one particular aspect of the tutorial it may be necessary to arrange for an additional tutorial session to complete the full subject matter of the tutorial. In such cases an additional charge would need to be made to cover the additional time.
Note that internet taster sessions/tutorials will require internet access. If using our computer equipment the connection will be by dial-up connection and will show up on your telephone bill as an 0845 number and be charged at local rates. It is your responsibility to meet these charges.
12.1 Your Rights.
Nothing in our terms and conditions is designed to contradict or attempt to negate any legal rights of our customers. We believe that your legal rights are important and wish to make it clear that nothing in our terms and conditions or our warranty affects your statutory rights. All transactions shall be subject to any relevant UK law.
If you feel that there is anything in our terms and conditions which might not be strictly ethical or fair please let us know. We will willingly investigate any such feedback and make appropriate changes if these are felt to be appropriate. We want to be fair to our customers and welcome such feedback.
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PRICING POLICY
Pricing Policy
In pricing our work we are keen to ensure that customers get a highly competitive price whilst we also earn enough to ensure that we can stay in business.
After much consideration and having compared pricing structures of other companies offering similar services we believe that the rates shown below offer excellent value for money.
Repair & Service pricing 2007.
Repairs/Software problems.
Call out including travel within a ten mile distance by road of Bideford, Devon and the first half hours labour. £24.00
Each additional half hour (or part thereof). £7.00
An additional charge is made for any parts, software (unless ‘open source’ or free software used), accessories or sundry items used.
Tutorials.
Including travel within a ten mile distance by road of Bideford, Devon and tutorial notes (tutorials normally last 60 to 90 minutes). From £24.00 each
If it is found that 90 minutes is not sufficient for you to cover the subject as fully as you’d like you may request more time which will be charged at £7 per. half hour or part thereof.
Discounts may be possible if more than one tutorial is taken during the same visit.
Upgrades.
Call out including travel within a ten mile distance by road of Bideford, Devon and the first half hours labour. £24.00
Each additional half hour (or part thereof). £7.00
An additional charge is made for any parts, software, accessories or sundry items used.
System Installation.
If you have purchased a system elsewhere but require assistance in setting it up we will generally be happy to assist.
Our charge for this within a ten mile distance by road of Bideford, Devon including up to two hours labour is £35.00
Each additional half hour (or part thereof). £7.00
Any parts and/or sundry items charged extra. Note: We are not insured to drill holes in walls, run cabling, install mains sockets, etc. Any such work should be carried out before our engineers arrival.
When systems are purchased from and delivered by us we offer a subsidised installation service at the price of just £8.00 for up to two hours labour.
Computer Tasters
Taster sessions of 1 hour to 1.5 hours duration to help you decide whether computing is for you. £24. Only available within a ten mile distance by road of Bideford, Devon.
Data Recovery.
From a Hard Disc:
First 1Gbyte (or part Gb) of data recovered including travel within a ten mile distance (by road) of Bideford, Devon. £62.
Each additional 500Mbytes (or part thereof) of data £24.
From removable media:
Depends on type of media and worked involved, can be from £24.
Estimates.
We are happy to give estimates for any work required. Please e-mail us giving full details of work required. info@shumphrey-computingandit.co.uk there is no charge for estimates given in response to e-mails.
Discounts.
We can in some instances also give discounts if several services are requested by the same customer to be carried out at the same time (or in the same sequence of calls to your premises), please ask if you think this might be beneficial to you.
Call-out Fees (a tricky subject)
We do charge a call out fee but would stress that this includes the first half hours labour as well as travel costs. We would also point out that it is somewhat lower than many competitors (although they may not actually call their charge a call out fee). A well known national company will not call out for less than £59.99 and for most services charge considerably more than us even if you take your computer to their premises and collect it afterwards (whereas we come to you).
The call out fee is chargeable regardless of whether a repair is carried out or not. This includes incidences where a quotation or estimate is given (verbally or in writing) and declined following a visit to your premises.
Hopefully customers will appreciate that this is necessary to offset travel expenses and other overheads. This enables us to keep our prices in general at what we believe to be very competitive rates.
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DISCLAIMERS & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Disclaimers and Acknowledgements.
Disclaimers.
We have taken much care to try to ensure that information given on this website and in our users guide and other publications is accurate and correct. However we can not accept any responsibility for any damage, loss of data or any physical injury or other problems arising directly or indirectly from use of this website or other publications of ours. Similarly none of the information given regarding legislation, copyright, etc is intended to be an authoritative statement of fact. Please check the finer detail of any legislation/advice mentioned for yourself or take independent professional advice if required.
We can not accept any responsibility for your use of linked sites. Information or services received from linked sites is the responsibility of the owner of the site in question.
If in doubt about the use of any piece of equipment, software or legalities please contact us for assistance or seek appropriate professional advice.
Acknowledgements.
We acknowledge the following trade names and registered trademarks as used in this website.
1/ Windows is a registered trade name of the Microsoft Corporation.
2/ Linux is a registered trade name belonging to Linus Torvalds.
3/ UBUNTU, EDUBUNTU, KUBUNTU & Cononical are registered trade names of Canonical Ltd.
4/ RED HAT is a registered trademark of Red Hat.
We also acknowledge that any other trade marks or trade names used on this website are the property of their respective owners.
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USE OF THIS WEBSITE
We have taken much care in the preparation of this website and believe that all of the information given is correct at the time of writing. However we can not accept any responsibility for any loss, damage or other inconvenience caused through following any advice or instructions given on this website or through following links from this website. Use of this website is at your own risk.
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Free Advice/Assistance
We are happy to provide free advice and technical assistance by e-mail only. This is available to both customers and non-customers alike. However we would point out that the needs of our paying customers must be put first and therefore we make no guarantees whatsoever regarding the length of time that it may take to reply to e-mail requests for assistance. We also regret that we can not offer free advice by telephone or by post except to paying customers. Any advice or assistance given is given in good faith but without any warranty regarding its suitability.
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