Apple have revealed they are making the jump to 5G with the new iPhone 12, which will be released in the UK at the start of November. The tech giant have actually increased handset sales in the last year, going against the trend, and will look to bolster these sales with the additions of the…
Manual updates are time consuming, boring and ultimately pretty annoying. But take it from us, they are very important, so here are five reasons you need to keep your IT updated. #1 Security Keeping your devices secure is essential for your business. At Syn-Star, we know how important it is to keep your information safe…
TikTok has become one of the biggest social media apps in the world in only a few months. More than 850 million people worldwide are said to use it daily while the app has been downloaded in excess of 1.5 billion times. The meteoric rise of TikTok has revolutionised the app as the new home…
With one million downloads in the first day and more than ten million over the first weekend the new NHS Covid-19 app is clearly being taken seriously, so why is this track and trace technology important to your business? What does the app do? The NHS Covid-19 app will tell you to self-isolate if you…
Microsoft Teams is now a staple part of the day-to-day running of many businesses, and it’s not going anywhere for a while yet! While companies may now feel they have a grasp of how to use Teams, especially with the increase of employees working from home in recent months, are they tailoring it to their…
The new Microsoft Learn Platform looks to the future, giving your staff and team an important edge in today’s crowded digital market. The free online platform will allow employees to acquire in-depth skills across Microsoft platforms from Azure (cloud computing) to Microsoft 365 and Power Platform to Dynamics 365. The task-based achievements motivate employees to…
Our working lives are consumed by technology; it’s everywhere. The positive impact technology has cannot be ignored. Would you be able to fully conduct your role without technology? If so, our guess is it would present its challenges. Reliable technology for your business, whatever its size, is vital if you’re going to maximise efficiency with…
Data is important for any organisation – whatever its size. So what is data sprawl, and how can it be prevented in your organisation? Data sprawl is the large amount of varying data, from across departments, produced by a company every day. Typically, this is due to the increase of mobile apps, different storage systems,…
The next steps to ease the UK lockdown during Covid-19 remain unclear with the population tentatively waiting on what decision the government will make. But whatever the circumstance, it’s important for every business to have an action plan for their return to office working. Whether it’s a structure on how you’ll bring members of staff back into the business,…
LinkedIn is a gold mine – that’s if you use it properly. So, how can you improve your professional LinkedIn profile to maximise your organic impressions – those who see you without spending money, and engagement – people interacting with your content? With more than 675 million monthly users, the professional social networking platform is not to be ignored when it comes to brand awareness,…
As the UK continues to be on lockdown, many organisations that remain open for business are taking advantage of video conferencing options to communicate because, well, why wouldn’t you? From established Microsoft brands such as Teams and Skype, to platforms which had an overnight success like Zoom and Houseparty, consumers are most certainly spoiled for choice when it comes to video-based platforms. In…
Most companies now have staff working from home so the importance of maintaining the integrity of your backup routines is needed more now than ever before. Data Backups will minimise the risk of losing your company data, which ultimately is vital to the success of your business. If you’re now working from home and usually use a backup drive in the office which is updated each day – please ensure: You…
Due to the Coronavirus / Covid-19 outbreak, we have had an influx of enquiries from clients who would like to arrange remote working for their team. This is something we are able to offer support with – however it is important to understand there are right and wrong ways to allow a non-supported business machine to…
The effort people take to protect their personal data and privacy appears to be more paramount than ever before. But millions of people continue to remain vulnerable and open to having their personal data accessed as a result of failing to make some simple steps to protect themselves. According to a Ponemon Institute and IBM…
Passwords are the most common form of authentication used to control access to information – but commonly impact peoples’ ability to be instantly productive. Why? Because a password may have been forgotten so time is wasted calling IT help desks to support with logging into a machine. “The average user has 6.5 passwords, each of which…
It’s the final countdown! (Do, do, do, dooooo….) There are days to go until Microsoft Windows 7 and Small Business Server 2011 will reach End of Life and a large number of the world’s computers, most in the business environment, are still reliant on the technology which needs to be upgraded imminently. What is Windows…
WOW – What a cracker of a year it has been for Syn-Star! We have jingled our way through the months and have rung the bell of celebration on numerous occasions as we’ve supported hundreds of clients with their I.T. and telecoms systems. Thanks to your support we’ve worked with more people than ever before……
It has been brought to our attention a malicious email which claims to be Microsoft is being sent to users globally. The email urges people to update their operating systems (like Windows 10). If you receive an email like this please do not click on any link as this may cause a whole manor of…
Let’s face it, we all lead busy lives. We’re a nation eager to save time at any given opportunity – especially in the workplace. So, we’ve selected our top 20 shortcut keys to help you on your way with saving time and increasing your productivity. Alt + F – File menu options in the programme…
With Halloween around the corner, the thought of losing all of your data in a freak attack or hardware malfunction is frightening. Don’t be one of the 40 per cent of small to medium-sized companies that manage their own network and use the internet for more than e-mail will have their systems accessed by a…
We understand looking for an I.T. company that’s the right fit for your business can be a challenging decision. Our checklist has been designed to help you identify what other I.T. service providers offer compared to Syn-Star Complete I.T. Solutions. This form is only a guide and our I.T. support is not limited to what’s…
It’s time to think about protecting yourself from power outages. Even though power cuts are not very common, power spikes are. Whilst there has been a slight decrease in power outages in the last 12 months – compared to 2017 – the number of people actually effected in recent months has skyrocketed, according to reports…
Time most certainly flies when it comes to technology; it seems like yesterday since Apple released its iPhone XR, XS and XS Max. Before you know it, the world is focused on the next ‘big thing’… that’s the iPhone 11 and the iPhone 11 Pro, apparently! So, let’s take a look at the latest…
What a journey it has been! Pints have been poured, cake has been consumed, and memories have been shared as part of the Syn-Star 17th birthday celebrations. Our aim is simple: To offer reliable IT and telecoms solutions because we care about you! (Obviously there’s a lot more to why we do what we do, which…
Seventeen years of Syn-Star and what a journey it has been! Established as a telecommunications shop in 2002 by our director Giles Cleverley, the company has grown from strength-to-strength. Today we stand with a strong portfolio in I.T. support for business and continue to enjoy every moment. Celebrating 17 years since our launch, we’ve been…
GOSPORT based telecoms specialist Future Comms Ltd has recently ceased trading with hundreds of people affected by the closure. Whilst it is a sad occasion for any business to end its service, we understand it’s important for individuals and companies across Hampshire and the surrounding areas to continue with a reliable service provider. Future Comms…
THE NATION is celebrating England’s triumph in the Cricket World Cup on Sunday. Whilst New Zealand’s competitive edge wasn’t quite enough for the trophy to be in their hands, the two teams demonstrated excellent sportsmanship which everyone can learn from. We’ve touched on five key areas which not only can be reflected in business,…
The way in which people perceive I.T. for their business varies drastically. Typically, the opinion someone has of something depends on the experience they have had. One of the most enjoyable areas of my job is that I’m out-and-about on the networking scene regularly across Hampshire, West Sussex and Surrey. The rewarding thing about connecting…
We’re fully aware you don’t need to be an I.T. expert to understand how important it is to have reliable technology for your business. Technology should help the growth of your business; especially when it is managed efficiently. So here’s five simple points to help you understand why there is value behind your I.T, and…
Giles and Samuel discuss some core points on what businesses should be receiving from their I.T. service company.
Access your work anywhere with hassle free I.T. all for one affordable monthly payment – not even £50! Affordable. Scalable. Eco-friendly. Transform the way your company uses I.T. today… Every business relies on effective I.T. regardless of its size. There are many benefits to switching your workforce over to a hosted desktop solution from Syn-Star. Mobility The…
Every business, regardless of its size, requires an effective IT service to maximise productivity in their organisation. Without a reliable I.T. support service, a business may struggle to stay competitive; there’s no greater frustration for employees and the customer when unreliable I.T. is involved. So why is it important to regularly review your I.T.…
It is forecast around 50 per cent of the UK workforce will work remotely by 2020. The number of users who have moved into remote-working has increased by nearly a quarter of a million between 2012 and 2016, according the Office of National Statistics. Concerningly, a recent survey by Cybersafe, a global cyber-security firm, found…
We’re big on networking. We’re big on technology too. We love the fact networking provides us with the opportunity to build relationships with a whole multitude of business people. Connecting with other likeminded individuals on a regular basis reminds us of why we do what we do. We’re passionate about aiding the growth of UK…
Giles and Samuel discuss what you should look out for on a website to ensure you are safe online.
It’s a daunting task to transfer your company’s I.T. from one service provider to another. That’s why we’re focused on making the transition as seamless as possible… Our free downloadable PDF will provide an insight into the six core steps Team Syn-Star follow to have a clear handover from the I.T. provider you are leaving,…
Billions of emails are sent every day. Whichever industry you work, this form of electronic communication is almost inevitable. Email marketing is an important tool to build loyalty and trust in your brand. It helps the process of building relationships with potential clients and current customers. As email communication continues to be a valued method…
Giles and Samuel discuss the importance of remaining secure when using emails for professional and personal use.
Your Managed I.T. Services is critical to the success of your business. That’s why we have listed eight areas to consider when choosing an I.T. provider… Imagine your business without I.T… it’s difficult, right? The reliability of your I.T. is essential to support with the daily operations of your business. Whether you are a medium-sized…
With Valentine’s Day finally upon us we couldn’t resist but to share with you all the exciting things that have been happening at Syn-Star: Complete I.T. Solutions… and why we LOVE I.T. Yes, we know what you’re thinking: ‘Oh, look, another Valentine’s email!’ But this message to you, {$firstName}, is different to others! The past…
Microsoft’s support for Windows 7 will end on January 14, 2020. Now is the ideal opportunity to implement a plan to upgrade your computer system, maximising the strength of your machine’s security. Millions of people welcomed the launch of Microsoft Windows 7, which was released on July 22, 2009, but almost 10 years later, this…
Unsolicited email and spam is not going anywhere. It takes one spam email to cause multiple problems for your organisation. Don’t let it happen… For most users, these types of emails are a nuisance, but for an IT administrator, spam can constitute a major security threat. More than 3% of spam contains some form of malware,…
An astonishing 269 billion emails are sent each day with more than 3.7 billion email users worldwide. That’s a substantial number of documents to keep secure… With a growing number of people becoming more reliant on computers for various areas, protecting the content saved on our machines is more important than ever. When we talk…
Syn-Star understand financial investment in a company’s I.T. is not the most exhilarating of expenses. That’s why we compiled a list on the importance of having computer support for business. With 2019 in full-swing, many companies will approach January as an opportunity to review their I.T. support. Whether their approach is to find a new…
Something must be done to change the public’s attitude towards the importance of being greener. That’s the message of organisations such as the Committee on Climate Change, the United Nations Environment Programme and various political parties. Today, there is an unprecedented emphasis on the importance of being ‘greener’ both personally and collectively with colleagues at…
Eight tips on why cloud computing has a positive impact on businesses – and why they should move away from local on-location servers. Before we highlight the positive effect cloud computing has on business, it’s important to understand what it actually is. Cloud computing is the practice of using a network of remote servers hosted…
Hello! My name is Giles and I am the director here at Syn-Star: Complete I.T. Solutions. Even though my professional background isn’t in I.T, as a business owner I understand how frustrating computer and telecoms can be when it doesn’t work in the way people may hope. That’s exactly why I founded this company, to…
Is technology helping or hindering my business? Technology is everywhere. Our answer to this question is simple… no. Inevitably, as an Interactive Technology specialist you would expect Syn-Star to be enthusiastic about tech. And that is exactly what we are! Even though we specialise in computing and telecommunications, technology is vast and can cover many…
Hi there, my name is Samuel. I oversee the marketing here at Syn-Star: Complete I.T. Solutions… As a journalist by background, I have met lots of interesting people, from celebrities such as Dame Esther Rantzen to senior politicians like Theresa May (although when she wasn’t the Prime Minister!). Inevitably, my work here at Syn-Star is…
Below is the Christmas opening hours for Syn-Star: Complete I.T. Solutions. The team wishes each and everyone a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
Investing in your businesses I.T. will help it grow… Technology is unpredictable. Even the big names like Microsoft have been facing several issues recently – so here’s why it’s important you should have a professional I.T. company ready to help… At the beginning of this month, Microsoft’s activation servers had trouble with its updates, with…
Google set to support local High Streets with new initiative… A move to increase the number of people spending at High Streets across the country has been given a boost by internet giant Google, according to recent reports. Google has partnered with British start-up business NearSt to support consumers with identifying what is available at…
Supporting, inspiring, and promoting local companies is at the foundation of Small Business Saturday (SBS), which takes place on 1st December. Here is a short list of Microsoft products you could use to develop your business… The concept of SBS derives from an American shopping holiday after US Thanksgiving during one of the busiest…
Keeping your personal data secure is more important today than it has ever been before… For many of us, the internet has become our reliable and informative friend. But, it can also be a burden when it is not used safely. Here are 5 points on how to tell if a website is safe, especially for…
Something you should know about Microsofts latest Office update! Microsoft has recently rolled out its new version of Office, Microsoft Office 2019. The new stand-alone non-cloud-based version of Microsoft Office Software Suite requires no subscription meaning once the programme is yours, it’s yours to keep. Office 2019 replaces the 2016 versions of Word, Excel and…
Microsofts Small Business Server 2008 / 2011 (SBS) has been supporting companies across the globe for many years.. but it’s time to plan your upgrade! With enhancements in technology, it’s important businesses upgrade their server suite as the technology giant has discontinued the product. With the software now no longer available to purchase, medium-sized businesses with…
Working to prevent malware and online scams from affecting your computer can be a challenge, to say the least. Every email you receive would need to be opened with suspicion, public WiFi networks would have to be avoided, and your list of passwords would appear to be titanic. Staying safe online is incredibly important, especially…
Globally, there are 1.2 billion users using some form of Office product or service, according to Microsoft. An incredible 60 million monthly active users have Office 365 for commercial use. The figure is continually rising with around 50,000 small business customers being added to Office 365 each month. The programme is a powerful tool and…
Charging your phone several times throughout one day can become tiresome for many of us. Syn-Star has listed some simple and small suggestions on what you can do to make your phone’s battery life last longer… Dim the brightness of your screen This simple step can help increase the length of battery life your phone…
The information age, otherwise known as the digital age, has revolutionised the way in which millions of businesses operate across the globe. With the development of technology, creating a website to further progress your company is an effective way to win the trust of both new and existing customers. When looking to develop an online…
It comes as no surprise more than a quarter of the worlds population is using smartphones or their everyday communication. In fact, many people may be bewildered with the figure, which is forecast to be around 2.5 billion in 2019, as they might have expected the number of those using a handheld personal computer to…
The entertainment industry is continually striving to work in harmony with the progress of technology. Millions of people across the country are exploring numerous digital methods to be amused – including the most popular, video streaming. The number of people using commercial video streaming services has substantially grown in Great Britain, becoming the most popular…
Imagine it, the time you have been dreading has come; your computer has had it. It’s beyond repair and requires replacing. Whether you are considering to purchase a desktop computer or laptop for personal use, or business, choosing the technology that best suits your requirements can be daunting. In a media-driven culture we are continually…
Internet giant Google has secured several of the largest recruitment services in the UK for a local version of its job-hunting too, it has been announced. Guardian Jobs, Reed, Haymarket and Totaljobs.com are among the online recruitment agencies who will provide their job listings to the search engine. Global site LinkedIn has also stated it…
With a large percentage of Britain basking in the sunshine to make the most of the heatwave, there has been a notable increase with the number of computers and mobile devices overheating and, occasionally, breaking. Even though the sunshine may be blissful for a large number of people, it can be problematic for technology. Many…
Innovative. Overpriced. Revolutionary. Overrated. Wonderful. Regardless of your opinion concerning the most recent iPhone range which was released at the #AppleEvent in California on Wednesday (September 12), Apple has certainly got the world talking… once again. Its new range of three smartphones and a smartwatch will hit consumers across the globe very soon. The iPhone…
Are you worried about what your children may be subscribed to online? We hope these suggestions will be useful to keep your children safe. Facebook Messenger The Facebook messaging app allows private communication so your children cannot be targeted by unwanted guests. Parents can adjust settings on here. The control allows you to choose when…
Staying Safe Online Are you worried about what your children may be susceptible to online? We hope these suggestions will be useful to keep your children safe. 1. Facebook Messenger The Facebook messaging app allows private communication so your children cannot be targeted by unwanted guests. Parents can adjust settings on here. The control allows…
12 Top Tips for freeing up space on your PC! Install programs If you want to free up some space on your PC, you can google some good programs to install that help you see what is taking up the most space on your hard drive. Before you install a program onto your desktop, make…
No one likes to lose things they love. Your files and data saved on your computer are just the same and could be at risk. Why are they at risk? Computer loss, accidental removal, theft, system error, hard drive failure, viruses, hackers and natural disasters to name but a few. What can you do to…
Ransomware is the number one malware attack affecting Hampshire businesses today. It breaks through your firewall and then encrypts your files and folders, it then holds them hostage until the ransom is paid. However, this still does not guarantee the files will be free from trace virus’. Without Business I.T. Protection this can cause massive…
Using an ISDN or PSTN phone? Read this! Using an ISDN or PSTN phone? Then you MUST read this! BT has announced that by 2025 ISDN and PSTN phone customers will HAVE to change to VoIP Phones. No clue what VoIP Phones are… Not to worry Syn-Star has the answers to all your questions! In…
Ever wondered why there are so many different Microsoft 365 packages? Many of them are shaped for personal and business uses. But essentially the full packages may seem similar on the outside, but a lot of the variances are how they store the data and the capacity of the storage. For those of you business…
Given the news that a second large-scale ransomware attack occurred over the past 24 hours, we thought we would share some details now we have investigated the potential exposure to future attacks. Hopefully, these few guidelines and tips will help reduce potential threats to you. As a general rule, if you can make sure the…
Apps have proven to be a much easier way to handle business and personal needs in this generation. Soon enough, there will be no need for the basic pen and paper as it seems that everything is done digitally nowadays, including everyday working life. Below we have listed our most recommended apps for business use…
