Windows 8: First Impressions

I've used many different computers and operating systems over the years, everything from an Amstrad to your latest generation Samsung Galaxy tablet, Windows 3.1 to Mac OS X 10.7. Without doubt, the best of these operating systems is Windows XP. It is beautifully, simple and easy to use, above all it's quick! Even on systems I would consider to be under powered it still performed admirably.

Earlier this month I had to setup a new Asus X501A that a customer had recently purchased. An aesthetically pleasing laptop, with an Intel i3 processor and 4GB RAM, excellent value for money at around £350. The one drawback however was that it came installed Windows 8 as its operating system. I've recommend many similar spec Asus laptops to customers in the past, all of which have run Windows 7. I was amazed at how much slower 8 appeared to be than 7. Everything took five times longer than normal and it was full of superfluous menus and warning messages.

I should say at this point that this was not the first time I had used Windows 8. An evaluation copy has been freely available online from Microsoft for some time now. The first thing I immediately took a dislike to was the new Metro interface. I recommend you read the Wikipedia article for more information on Metro: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metro_(design_language). It seems totally unnecessary on a desktop or laptop computer. I'm certain it works brilliantly on a tablet though. The traditional desktop environment is still lurking underneath the Metro interface but the Start button is no more.

In conclusion, I see no reason to upgrade from Windows 7 to 8. In fact if you're considering buying a new PC or laptop I recommend you do whatever you can to ensure it's supplied with 7. If you're interested in an alternative operating system to both Windows and Mac OS take a look at Ubuntu. A free operating system used by over 20 million users: http://www.ubuntu.com/

3 Year Warranty on all new PCs

I am delighted to announce that all new PCs supplied by First 4 Computers will have a three (3) year warranty as standard.

The industry standard is typically only one (1) year with some retailers offering two (2).

A three (3) year warranty gives you added confidence in the product you are buying and the knowledge that you are getting great value for money.

Please visit http://www.first4computers.com/range.htm to see the current range of PCs.

All PCs can be customised to your requirements. Alternatively I can build a bespoke machine from scratch to suit your budget.

Wireless Networking

Recently it has come to my attention that a lot of people are having problems with their wireless networking setup. It is often the case that the wireless router (often provided by their Internet Service Provider) is of poor quality.

Consequently, users experience slow Internet speeds, connection drop outs and poor wireless reception. The solution is simple, buying a high quality router built by a trusted manufacturer. High quality doesn't mean high cost either, most routers First4Computers supply start from just £65 including installation and setup. A high quality router will ensure, greater security, faster Internet, greater reliability and far improved wireless reception.

First4Computers can supply wireless routers for Cable or ADSL Internet connections. Setup takes approximately one hour.

So call on 0117 922 0686 or e-mail today for more information.

Apple iPhone 3G/3GS + iTouch Repairs Now Available!

First4Computers is please to announce that we can now offer repairs for the iPhone (3G/3GS) and iTouch.

Currently we are only doing glass screen repairs, but a greater range of services are soon to follow. Please feel free to get in contact if you have a problem with your Apple device and we will advise on the best course of action. We offer some of the most competitive rates in the area and pride ourselves on delivering excellet customer service and satisfaction.

In the meantime, keep checking the iPhone repairs page at: www.first4computers.com/iphone_repair.htm for updates.

Thank you.

Laptop Repair Now Available

First4Computers is pleased to announce that we can now offer laptop repair as part of our wide range of services.

Our rates are very competitive and repairs can be done onsite or in our workshop.

Please click this link for a list of rates and services, www.first4computers.com/laptops.htm

Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all of us at First4Computers!

New Media Centre PC Announced! Perfect Gift For Christmas!

First4Computers.com is proud to unveil its new Media Centre PC, the perfect gift for Christmas!

Presented in an elegant, slimline case, the MediaLite has everything you need for a computer in your living room. It includes a powerful yet low wattage AMD dual core processor, 2GB of DDR3 memory, a large 500GB hard drive and a Blu-Ray reader with DVD-Rewriter. Best of all it includes a Hauppauge Dual DVB-T Freeview receiver. This means you can record one channel while watching another.

It is supplied with Mircosoft's latest operating system, Windows 7 (Home Premium). With this in your living room you can watch HD films, use it as a PVR (personal video recorder), browse the web and view all your photos and home videos thanks to a front bay card reader with USB and Firewire ports. Rear connectivity includes HDMI, DVI and VGA outputs. As well as RJ45 network ports, 4 USB2.0 ports and 6 channel sound capability.

First4Computers uses only the best quality components to ensure your computer runs cool and quiet (near silent in most cases).

All this for £770 including V.A.T. and delivery. Supplied with a twelve (12) month return-to-base warranty parts and labour. As with all our PCs, components can be added or removed as per your specifications. Visit our website for more information or go direct to the media centre page.

Alternatively you can e-mail or call 0117 922 0686

Can you speak up? I can't hear you over the computer

Do you suffer from an excessively noisy PC? It is a common problem for many people and is a nuisance when trying to listen to music or just typing a letter for example. Often the cause is old/cheap fans that hum and rattle as well as generally inadequate cooling devices.

At First4Computers we have a number of methods to make your PC near silent, outlined below;


The Case - A good quality case can ensure components operate at lower temperatures, causing fans to work less hard and reducing noise. Changing a PCs case can make a huge difference as well as improving aesthetics. Alternatively First4Computers can fit foam to the insides of the case to reduce the effects of noise. We can also check that the airflow through your case is ample.

The PSU - A lot of PCs are supplied with low quality PSUs (Power Supply Units). The fans are often low quality and start to hum and rattle relatively early in their lifetimes. Installing a higher quality PSU specifically designed to be near silent will greatly reduce noise.

Heatsink & Fan - To keep a processor cool, a heatsink and fan are installed to dissipate heat. Heatsinks and fans are typically found on the CPU (central processing unit) and GPU (graphics processing unit). Installing a heatsink made of better material (e.g. copper), heat can be dissipated more easily and therefore the fan works less hard reducing noise. In some cases, if a good enough heatsink is installed, there is no need for a fan. Better cooling of the CPU and GPU also increases the ability to "overclock" these processors and achieve better PC performance.

Water Cooling - This is the most expensive but most effective way to cool a CPU and GPU. As the name suggests it uses water to cool processors, removing the need for fans. This is also the best way to achieve the fastest overclocking


In summary, the key to a quieter PC is to make the components run cooler and reduce the work of fans, preferably removing them all together. At First4Computers we have the expertise to design a solution that meets your needs and budget. Please call or e-mail today or visit our website.