Last year Microsoft decided to offer the Microsoft Surface computers on a subscription style basis for business users. They have called it Surface as a Service and have made a good attempt at getting their deal as good as ours… sort of. Surface as a Service enables business customers to pay monthly to lease for
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Schools all over the country are buying and leasing multiple iPads. Not only are they spending thousands on the devices themselves, but also on the insurance they will need to cover them… Apple devices are very expensive but so common. They have flooded the market with all of their must buy- must have products and
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The new Microsoft Surface Book has finally emerged.We have been waiting patiently, but there are now alternatives. The Surface Book Performance Base is a 13.5 inch laptop with a removable screen (for those of you with your head in a hole and missed the last Surface Book). The Surface Book Performance Base isn’t so much
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Spring is here and we have been seeking out the latest and freshest products for our customers. LaCie offer storage solutions that are aimed at those creative professionals that make up a large part of our client base. They have had a revamp with new Thunderbolt 3 storage…. Storage is imperative for all companies and
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Cyber Essentials is a Government initiative to ensure businesses are covered against cyber attack, and to impose an industry standard that you can sign up for and conform to. It has been mandatory for Government suppliers to have Cyber Essentials since 2014 but is due to be extended to many Business to Business suppliers… If
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Over the past 2-3 years Ransomware has become an ever increasing threat. Forget threats from Virus intrusions it’s now Ransomware 20% of small businesses suffered an outrage as a result of Ransomware in 2016. Ransomware and Crypto are annoying malicious software’s or Malware which infect your computer/ server and takes your data hostage. The owner will
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Or just learn about it so that you don’t get a massive fine… What is GDPR? Wait for it… General Data Protection Regulation. You may think it sounds dull but it is something that concerns all business owners This is a regulation, passed by European Parliament to strengthen and unify data protection for individuals of the
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We have recently been singing the praises of our preferred storage solution LaCie. We have told you a little about it, but here is why it could save the day! The LaCie Professional solutions are manufactured and maintained with creative professionals in mind. Extensive video footage, expansive audio sessions, and sprawling image libraries require a large
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When it comes to how to use your IT and behaviour on-line, your staff should know how to conduct themselves- its common sense, isn’t it? Here are some helpful reminders of how you should use your IT……. it’s not just sensible but with Ransomware becoming the number one security issue then these are prudent steps.
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Traditionally a laptop has several different types of port for data transfer USB, SATA or in Apple world it’s called Thunderbolt.. My ancient laptop has about 6… Now though; the shiny MacBook 12″ and the new MacBook Pro Touch Bar are equipped with one- yes ONE type of connection. The MacBook was released with only
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Covering a new Mac is becoming expensive and cover hard to find. If you have an Apple device, have you noticed any impact on your insurance? Apple devices are very expensive but so common. They have flooded the market with all of their must buy- must have products and even older models cost a lot
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HardSoft are experienced in helping SMB’s find the right technology and financing solutions to empower their staff. We know the importance of having the right technical tools for the job, helping new businesses and expanding companies to update their technology to keep them at the cutting edge of their business. Apple offer so many great
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Are you thinking about leasing Apple iPads or tablets for your classroom but do not know how you will use them? Here are some great ideas and tips for how to get the most from your devices. When it comes to technology and education, tablets are the new holy- grail! It is no wonder; they
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The new range of 13″ and 15″ MacBook Pro’s have surprised us! It was almost a ‘given’ that the new MacBook Pro would be USB-C and based on the 12″ MacBook we all felt it was only going to deliver us a single port, highly limiting expansion. Apple surprised us by making thinner and lighter Pro’s with 2-4
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HardSoft are expanding their products in Ireland !….HardSoft have been trading for over 25 years and we are specialists in both computing and finance. We have been an Apple Authorised reseller for a number of years but it is still important to keep in mind that we are also an authority on HP, Windows, Sony, Lenovo,
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At HardSoft we take pride in the close relationship we have with so many of our customers. By keeping in touch we are able to update and share information. This month we have been talking about which Apps and websites are working for you in class and here are the results. TED- This App is
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If you are just starting up, HardSoft are still able to help you with your leasing and finance. It is unusual for a company to be so supportive to those just starting out but HardSoft make a special effort to help new businesses get up and running. We will offer the same terms and conditions
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STRONGBOX PC’s are bespoke units which are the perfect answer for Architects, Video editors, Photographers, Animators, colour graders and Music & sound professionals. If you are in need of a particular element for the performance of your machine, this is the one for you! HP with their Z Workstations dominate this market but are often
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Christmas is fast approaching and there seems like a never ending list of things we all need to buy… Given the situation, you’d be forgiven for tightening the company purse strings. Spending big on new equipment is likely the last thing on your priority list right now, but then you face the risk of falling
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Recently with the re-emergence of the Crypto Ransomware virus coming back in to our lives and evolving faster than your favourite Pokemon, we have been spreading the word of how to avoid a cyber attack. We are also under constant threat of ‘Malvertising’ – when a legitimate URL you click on contains an infected ad
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Fancy a freebie?? Of course you do! This month, as always, we have some exciting freebies on offer! Join HardSoft and experience our ‘One Stop Shop’ approach to computer leasing. We offer a complete package service, revolutionising IT leasing. We supply Apple Macs, finance them and provide warranty for all of our products. This means that the customer only has to
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You’re in the outdoor classroom; your children find a caterpillar. You stop time to let the children examine it in detail; you guarantee that every child gets the chance to investigate it. You magnify the caterpillar to see how it eats – and make it crawl in slow motion as the class query how it
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The new Dell XPS laptop range has arrived and is available from HardSoft to lease. Often referred to as the only competitor to the MacBook Pro, this sleek and stylish laptop has a lot to offer… Available in a 13″ and 15″ screen, the 13″ is a refresh from the 2015 model and the 15″
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Apple announced the iPhone 7 this week and it was all anyone could/ would talk about in the office! We all want one… even if we don’t admit it. The Apple Special Event highlighted all of the great aspects of the new iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods. It didn’t mention however a few price hikes…
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With the announcement of the new iOS 10 comes some exciting news for schools! Apple is releasing their own coding App! Swift Playgrounds is going to allow students to learn to code using Apples coding language Swift. Now, instead of needing a PC or Laptop as well as your iPads to learn to code, it can
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If you are a home user looking for interest free credit on a Mac, HardSoft have some great Mac leasing offers for you. The finance can run over 6, 12 or 18 months and is cheaper than Apple Finance and PC World. Applying is quick and easy with almost instant decisions. As always, HardSoft are
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Yes, the hotly anticipated Minecraft for Education is being released in September! Minecraft has taken the world by storm and there is no denying the students LOVE it. It is going to be a steep learning curve for the teachers if they are not used to Minecraft. There is a handy tutorial to get you started with
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Lately our blogs have had a bit of a virus focus. With Crypto virus rearing its ugly head- so many of our customers are suffering We want to help you to protect yourselves against malware. Virus’ are spending and updating so quickly, it is imperative that you keep on top of your protection. Because of
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If you have invested thousands in your software, you will probably need to upgrade your machine/ graphics card to cope with it. Not even Lewis Hamilton could win a Grand Prix in a Ford Focus… When purchasing expensive graphics software, you need to ensure you have the latest hardware to use it on. Using software such as
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Its here… the Parrot Bebop Drone 2 is now available to lease from HardSoft and as with all of our packages, we have made up a corker this time! From estate agents to creative professionals, the Parrot Bebop Drone 2 is in high demand and can do so much for your business. Check out some
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Well is it?? You shouldn’t underestimate the importance of a mobile friendly website… with so many people working from, gathering information and looking at their phones on the go there is a good chance if your website is accessed- it is from a mobile. Remember, first impressions are hard to forget and if yours is an
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If you are using your laptop as a mobile device for work, is it taking daily abuse?? How much punishment can a Laptop really take, especially if you are in the field of some of the harsher working environments- like a building site or a desert? A regular laptop, although mobile, does not always stand
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The cheap and easy way to get a dual monitor set-up. This App is so much better than I had expected and has given my old iPad a new lease of life as a portable secondary screen with the use of an App and the charging cable! Duet Display is an App for PC and
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In the aftermath of Brexit there is a lot of anxiety. Many people are worried and confused about the effect if will have on the country and themselves financially. Although Osbourne has come out saying that “Britain is ready to confront what the future holds from a position of strength” Many feel like it is
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What email server software is running your business?? Thinking of making the jump to Microsoft Office 365? Is it the right choice for you though? Historically Microsoft Exchange Server was the only option for your email. With the emergence of Office 365 in 2011 you can now opt to keep all of your data in
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Do Your Own Deal Day is here and for one day only………..Our most amazing 24 hours is back- after 2 years and may not be repeated for another 2 years. As it says on the tin Do Your Own Deal Day is about you suggesting a deal and giving us a try – GIVE IT A
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Hurrah! Another reason to blog about dogs… who knew the opportunity would present itself again so soon. Further to my HardSoft Office Dog Blog last month, we have bring your dog to work day. Another excuse to take funny pictures of your dog in the office. For those of you who aren’t lucky to have
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Interested in leasing the latest technology for your business? We are offering this exciting flexible payment options to new and existing customers. This latest deal gives you the opportunity to receive your equipment ASAP and start paying in October 2016! You can take delivery now and you do not need to part with a penny for three months. At
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Technology is very present in the classroom and integral to teaching. We are using smart boards to teach, laptops to plan and organise but students now also need to be equipped to learn to use it. Mobile computing has been hitting the classroom in a big way. The days of taking your class to a
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Have you been considering the new MacBook recently? We have had some brilliant feedback from customers, detailing why it is working out so well for them. Here are some reasons that the 12″ MacBook might be the laptop for you- there is more to it. This lightweight little beauty is so portable, so pretty and so
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Hello again… we are back on the subject of getting your Mac to toughen up. We have changed the settings and told you the things to avoid in Part 1. In Part 2 we are going to focus on the things you need to do to protect against sneaky virus’ and people invading your private
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Have you checked your Mac settings lately? Unless, like me you have children that are more computer savvy at 6 than I was at 26, you probably aren’t too worried about them. Most of us, know we should be ensuring out Macs are protected (or can protect themselves) but it is always one for the to
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Did you see it…? Apple officially announced that the average lifecycle for an iPhone is three years, can you believe it ?? People are going mad, £600 for 3 years!! My NOKIA 2310 came free with my phone contract and I expect it will still be working in 2310. I am not surprised, we all
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Fancy a freebie?? Of course you do! This month, as we have been focusing on the troubles our customers are having with malware, we are introducing a new AVG anti-virus protection to our freebies. Join HardSoft and experience our ‘One Stop Shop’ approach to computer leasing. We offer a complete package service, revolutionising IT leasing. We supply devices, finance
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If you are starting out with iPads in your school, the number of Apps recommended and available can be confusing. It can be difficult to know where to start, the expectation of parents and peers adds pressure to a new learning situation. Here is a simple guide to the in-built Apps iPad as standard… and what
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Did you see the article circulating on FaceBook last week about the retiring office dog in Japan? I thought that it was just HardSoft but no, it is an actual thing doggoneit!! Hot diggity dog, I cannot hide my excitement. It is not that I wanted a job at HardSoft just for the office dog, mutt it
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Lots of this blog is probably going to contain very SHOUTY CAPITALS… This is because I cannot stress enough HOW IMPORTANT it is you read and take action. Lately the dreaded crypto virus has decided to rear its ugly head. The virus is spreading thick and fast- AGH! Because of this, we believe it is prudent
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Due to the popular demand in schools for their original App, Pic Collage, Cardinal Blue have now released Pic Collage for kids. The original Pic Collage is also free but has a public gallery which may contain content not suitable for students. Pic Collage for kids is a safe, free app that can be
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As a newly authorised reseller of Sonos, it is easy for us to sing their praises. We love the speakers! But what about other people? People who aren’t trying to sell them? I went down to the Blue Dog offices in London to see how they are getting on with Sonos in their office. Blue
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Laptops are getting hotter and hotter… it is true, the aesthetics of laptops are now as important as their components. With smooth, sleek designs and beautiful materials being used to build them, we cannot get enough of these exquisite little bad boys. Here is a list of the HardSoft top 5 as voted for by
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