Quad Computer Services Ltd

 I asked ChatGPT "what time is it?" Third time lucky? Always check the answers!!

When working on a computer, choosing between a mouse and keyboard can shape both productivity and user experience. Each has distinct strengths, particularly relevant when developing software or designing user interfaces. The mouse provides intuitive, point-and-click navigation, making it ideal for tasks involving graphics, layout adjustments, or web browsing. It’s especially useful in fields like design and video editing, where precise selection and visual control are key. The keyboard, on the other hand, excels in speed. Keyboard shortcuts enable quick execution of common actions—like copying, saving, or switching windows—saving time on repetitive tasks. This efficiency is essential for programmers, writers, and data analysts who often rely on fast text input and commands. For software developers, both input methods are essential to consider when designing applications. User-friendly software often provides both mouse-driven menus and keyboard shortcuts, allowing users to choose what’...

The Opera 3 SE Data Connector enables fast, secure and direct access to your data from Opera 3 SE and integrate it with business tools such as Microsoft Power BI, Excel and SharePoint enabling you to get even more insight into your business. More information can be found on the Pegasus website, or get in touch for more information. https://www.pegasus.co.uk/data-connector

In the digital age, where a click can lead you anywhere on the web, caution is paramount. Among the myriad of links that populate our screens, there's one particular symbol that should raise a red flag: the '@' sign in a URL. While the internet offers boundless opportunities for information and connection, it also harbours risks, and these seemingly innocuous characters can be a gateway to trouble. I came across this article the other day and it detailed something I wasn't aware of. https://chriscoyier.net/2023/05/22/if-youre-trying-to-trick-people-into-thinking-a-domain-name-is-legit-and-definitely-not-harmful-just-put-google-com-in-front-of-it/ So where does this link go :- https://www.bbc.co.uk.news.england.south.yorkshire@quad.co.uk/links/not-the-page-you-wanted.htm At first glance (and certainly if you only saw the first 50 characters) you'd be forgiven for thinking that you would end up on the BBC's website.  Hover over it first, then give it a click to se...

  We have now released our End of Year Guide for this year.  We would advise you refer to it and use it when processing your payroll year end in Opera. Note that there are two guides: one for simple payrolls and one for multiple/consolidated payrolls. The guide can be found on our Payroll Year End page on our website. https://www.quad.co.uk/accounting/payroll-year-end.html If you have any questions please get in touch

Challenge Quad was approached by an automotive company aiming to integrate GESIPA rivet nut guns into their build process. Due to being an automotive company, safeguarding their application against reject parts was crucial. They enquired about the feasibility of developing PC software to communicate with and retrieve data from the devices, enabling identification of failures and providing instructions for technicians. Despite uncertainty, GESIPA deemed the request feasible, albeit without existing examples due to the nature of this bespoke application. Requirements From GESIPA To be able to set the rivet nuts and capture the data sent from the FireFox 2 C-WT tooling to be able to identify good/bad fastener sets.  From Quad To design a visual display (on a large mounted TV screen) of the product with crosshair highlighting the holes that the operator must set the rivet nuts in, and which tool should be used. All the data must then be automatically saved and be able to be recalled ...

Traditionally, locating folders within Outlook can be time-consuming, especially in accounts with extensive folder structures. To combat this, I wrote an add-in for Outlook which appears in the toolbar.  The add-in provides a seamless solution by incorporating simple search capabilities, enabling me to quickly pinpoint desired folders through searches. It simplifies the navigation process, reducing the hassle of scrolling through a multitude of folders. By enhancing folder accessibility, this add-in empowers me to organize emails more effectively. With quicker access to relevant folders, I can prioritize tasks, retrieve information promptly, and maintain a structured email system. This efficiency boost translates into saved time and increased productivity throughout the workday. Bespoke Outlook add-ins tailored to specific user needs can unlock a plethora of benefits beyond a simple folder search. Customized add-ins might introduce functionalities such as real-time collaboration to...

 As we come to the end of cyber awareness month, we thought we'd share a couple of useful resources that you might find useful.  If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch. Multi-Factor Authentication Sometimes called MFA or 2FA (two-factor authentication) Protection From Malware and Ransomware Tech Support Scams Phishing Working Remotely - Securely We hope you found those useful.

 In today's digitally-driven world, where almost every aspect of our lives is intertwined with the internet, the importance of passwords cannot be overstated. These virtual keys protect our personal information, financial assets, and digital identities from prying eyes and potential threats. While creating a strong and secure password is crucial, it's equally important to choose something memorable. Here's why words can be a better choice than symbols when it comes to crafting robust and user-friendly passwords. Firstly, words are easier to remember. Our brains are wired to process and store language effortlessly. This means that opting for a passphrase composed of words or phrases that have personal significance can make it easier to recall your password accurately, reducing the likelihood of resorting to less secure methods like writing it down. Additionally, words can still provide formidable security when combined with best practices like mixing upper and lower case let...

The Benefits of AP Automation Managing accounts payable (AP) can be a daunting task, especially for businesses with a large volume of invoices. Manual processes are time-consuming, error-prone, and can lead to late payments or even fraud. That's where AP automation comes in. AP automation is the use of software to streamline the AP process, from invoice receipt to payment. By automating AP, businesses can save time and money, improve accuracy, and reduce the risk of fraud. Here are some of the benefits of AP automation in Opera 3 SQL SE: Save time and money : AP automation can save businesses hours of manual labour each month. This frees up employees to focus on more strategic tasks. Improve accuracy : AP automation can help businesses avoid errors in invoice processing, such as incorrect amounts or payments made to the wrong supplier. This can save businesses money and damage to their reputation. Reduce the risk of fraud : AP automation can help businesses detect and prevent fraud...

In the fast-paced world of technology, change is constant, and sometimes, it can be downright frustrating, especially when things seem to mysteriously vanish from your PC's menu. You might have thought, "Wasn't that option there just yesterday?" Fear not, for Windows Key + S is here to save the day, granting you access to an invaluable tool for seamless navigation. When you find yourself in a perplexing situation, Windows Key + S is your trusty companion. It unveils a powerful search box, your gateway to locating anything and everything, not only on your PC but also across the vast expanse of the internet. It's your secret weapon against the frustration of misplaced menu items and a reliable ally in navigating the digital landscape. So, next time you're feeling lost in the vast realm of your PC, remember this handy shortcut - Windows Key + S - it's your compass to finding what you seek, swiftly and effortlessly. Or phone Quad.

Losing a laptop or phone can be an incredibly exasperating and distressing experience. Not only do you have to deal with the financial burden and inconvenience of replacing the device, but there is also the considerable time and effort required to set it back up with all your applications, settings, and personal data. Additionally, the loss of a device can result in the permanent loss of precious photos, important files, and cherished memories. The thought of these irreplaceable items falling into the wrong hands can be particularly worrisome. Ensuring the security of your devices becomes paramount in such situations. Taking preventive measures to protect your laptop or phone can significantly minimize the chances of encountering further headaches. Implementing robust security measures, such as setting strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and regularly updating your device's operating system and software, can create a formidable defence against potential breaches. ...

 In the realm of insurance, it's a commonly heard adage that the true worth of your coverage is only revealed when you file a claim. The same principle applies to the world of data backups. While most people understand the importance of backing up their systems, how many have actually put their backups to the test? Unfortunately, all too often, we witness scenarios where backup strategies fail or prove to be much slower than expected when it comes to recovering from a catastrophic event. To ensure the dependability of your backups, it's crucial to establish a well-crafted plan and regularly put it through rigorous testing. Don't wait for a disastrous situation to find out that your backups aren't up to the task. Imagine the frustration of relying on a seemingly solid backup system, only to discover that critical data is irretrievably lost or restoration is painstakingly slow, putting your business operations and personal files in jeopardy. By implementing a comprehensiv...

Upgrading a laptop or PC is a common solution when it starts to feel sluggish. There are numerous reasons why a device may slow down over time. Age, software bloat, and full hard drives are some of the most common culprits. Fortunately, there are numerous options available to speed up a computer. If you're looking for an affordable and straightforward upgrade that can make a significant difference in your device's performance, consider replacing the hard drive with an SSD. Solid-state drives (SSDs) are a newer technology that uses flash memory to store data instead of spinning disks found in traditional hard drives. This design makes them much faster and more reliable than traditional hard drives, as they have no moving parts that can wear out over time. In addition to being faster and more reliable, SSDs also use less power, which can help extend battery life on laptops. Another benefit of SSDs is their ability to improve boot and application loading times. With an SSD, a comp...

Windows key shortcuts are a convenient way to quickly access various features and functions on your computer. Here are some of the most useful ones: Windows + E opens File Explorer, allowing you to easily browse and manage your files and folders. Windows + L locks your computer, protecting it from unauthorized access. Windows + R opens the Run dialog box, where you can type in commands to quickly launch programs or access system tools. Windows + D minimizes all open windows and shows the desktop. Windows + Tab opens the Task View, where you can see all of your open windows and easily switch between them. Windows + Ctrl + D creates a new virtual desktop, allowing you to separate your different tasks and keep your workspace organized. Windows + X opens the Power User menu, which gives you quick access to various system settings and tools. Windows + Shift + S captures a screenshot and allows you to select a specific area to save. Windows + F opens the search box, where you can quickly sea...

We've launched a newsletter to provide you with the latest help, tips, updates and other IT advice from Quad in order to make your IT work better for you. Quad Newsletter We won't bombard you with spam, just an occasional email to keep you up to date with the latest IT news from Quad.

Opera II - End of Support Pegasus have announced that Opera II Payroll will be updated for the last time in the February 2018 release.  This will allow processing of the 2018/2019 tax year.  The next payroll upgrade will therefore be the last for Opera II Payroll. No decision has been made yet from the remainder of Opera II, but Pegasus are looking closely at the Making Tax Digital initiative and how it will affect Opera products in the future.  We will post more information once it becomes available. What Does This Mean for Opera II Customers? After the 2018/2019 tax year, Opera Payroll users will not be compliant with the latest legislative changes.  For Opera II Payroll Only customers, AMCs will not be renewed after 31 March 2019.  For Opera II customers with Payroll as part of their system, AMCs will not be renewed after 31 March 2019. What Should I Do Now? Now that we have a date and a timescale, you should consider what timetable fits ...

The quick answer is "no" and if you do use directory enquiries, you could be ringing fraudsters. Most people are familiar and wary of scammers cold calling and telling you they are from Microsoft or somewhere similar and offering to aid you in fixing your computer. We know that once they're on your PC, they'll try and take money from you for their "services", and also try to hack any banking or credit card details stored on the computer. This week, we've found that if you call 118118 and ask for Yahoo! (for instance if you're struggling to access your account) the number they give you could put you straight through to the fraudsters. The above image is from 118118.com and is the same number given out by 118118 if you call. Yes, there are other Yahoo! numbers, and you may get one of them. However, we had a client who phoned 118118 to get the number for Yahoo!, then called the freephone number they gave him. Half an hour later, they'd remo...

Recently, we've seen some strange emails from people we know. It turns out that something has got at their contact lists - usually in Yahoo! email accounts (and providers which use Yahoo! to run their email like Sky, BTInternet, etc). Although difficult to pinpoint exactly how this happened (it is unlikely they've been hacked as the emails don't come from their account) the likelihood is recent Adobe Flash Player vulnerabilities which have been exposed and which users have failed to patch. Adobe Flash is a powerful tool and is used by many companies to display adverts on their web pages. You would hope these adverts are properly policed, but evil forces can put booby-trapped adverts on these sites which may in turn infect your PC or harvest data from your contacts. The detail of such attacks is documented very well on TheRegister  . It's not always tiny companies or dodgy sites that show these adverts. Again, TheRegister points at weather.com, a massive site ...

We are happy to announce that TheFirm Networking is coming back to Dronfield! Quad have helped to organize the networking group and would like you to come along to the first meeting of 2013 where you can network and benefit from meeting with businesses from all sectors.  WHEN:          14th February 2013 WHERE:        Hallowes Golf Club, Hallowes Lane, Dronfield, S18 1UR TIME:            7:00 am – 9:00 am It is only £10 per person (cash on the day please) to attend with no joining fee or subscriptions and a hearty breakfast will be served at each event too! It is easy to book on by visiting http://thefirmnetworking.co.uk/events/dronfield-firm   Hope to see you there.