How to Buy A Computer!

25th January, 2025: How to Buy a Computer!

Part 1: the introduction.

Hi.

My name’s Paul: and I’m also called Nik Nak.

And this may possibly be the first post on Nik Nak’s Old Peculiar that you’ve read: or first video you’ve watched on the @MrCuddy2977 YouTube channel.

I write a set of quizzes called the Daily Teaser: and talk about movies and TV shows I’ve watched.

That’s assuming you want to hear what I think of them, of course.

At any rate, that’s what I do, between living the rest of my life: job-hunting, gossiping with friends, sleeping, eating, looking after my nephew, and watching the world go by: from a bench on Warley Hill.

That’s if I managed to get out of the house, of course.

And assuming the bench is dry.

I also have a possibly unhealthy interest in computers: and a very limited layman’s understanding of the subject.

Enough that — occasionally — friends ask me for something.

Buying advice: simple buying advice.

Something I’m happy to offer: so long as the friends in question are happy to ask me and realise I don’t know everything.

At any rate, I know a little about these things, am happy to offer advice and opinion: but fully expect you to take my advice with a pinch of salt.

I’m a layman, not an expert.

And one who’s very aware there’s a lot of twaddle out there.

~≈¥≈~

Part Two: What Do You Need?

Here’s the first thing you have to ask yourself.

What do you need from a computer, what are you going to use it for?

What do you need, rather than want?

Let’s be clear here, shall we?

There’s a few different types of computer.

Devices that take some data, do something to it with an app, then put the results somewhere.

Whether that data is sending text to an email address, putting this scene into that part of a video, display this link on that screen, play this song on those speakers.

What have you.

If I hear the phrase “do it on a computer”, the computer I’m thinking of is an old fashioned desktop: a box that goes on your desk and is attached to a monitor, keyboard and mouse.

So when I’m “doing something with a computer”, I’m talking about a desktop.

But the phrase equally applies a laptop, a tablet, a phone, a Smart TV, hell, even a watch!

You’ll be emailing from your phone, playing a song on a smart watch.

So when I ask you “What are you going to use this thing for?”, there’s going to be a lot of different answers.

If we’re doing relatively simple stuff?

We’re messaging friends, using Facebook or Instagram, doing some basic online shopping, we’re not necessarily going to need anything powerful.

We could probably get away with a phone, a tablet or even a watch.

Or a lightweight laptop, the type knowns as notebooks.

Something that’s portable, rather than powerful.

If we’re doing something heavier?

Gaming, content creation, computer aided design, coding?

We’re going to need something a bit more powerful: a specced out laptop, a muscular desktop.

I do a lot of video editing, for example.

So the most recent computer I bought was the most powerful I could afford.

Some gamers I know?

Have far more powerful rigs: as will anyone doing intense design work.

If you’re going to be doing any of this on the go?

You’re going to need something portable, however powerful.

My point?

Is simply this: you need to have a good idea of what you need, and buy accordingly.

Which brings me to my next point.

The money.

~≈¥≈~

Part Three: The Money!

Let’s talk cash, shall we?

And let me ask you this: how much do you intend to spend on a computer?

There’s going to be a figure you’re comfortable paying, isn’t there?

I started writing this piece in December of 2024: and bought my most recent computer in October of that year.

I spent some £999 on a new Mac mini: roughly $1270, or €1210, according to the quick google search I did at the time.

£799 got me the new Mac mini, with the latest processor and sixteen gigabytes of RAM: I paid £200 extra for a one terabyte solid state drive, rather than the default 512gb drive.

That — plus a few extra quid for a new mouse and keyboard — brought my total to £1257 (€1526/$1600).

I’m also aware I spent some £300 (€365/$380) on a large capacity external hard drive, to used as backup: bringing the running total to £1557.

I already had a monitor.

I managed to offset the total cost by some £140 (€170/$178), selling a pair of older model external drives.

So?

I spent some £1417 in total.

That was a price I felt comfortable paying, with the cash I had available.

My point is this.

That price you think you’re going to be paying for a computer is not the complete price.

Even if you get a deal on a desktop that includes a monitor, keyboard and mouse, even if you buy a laptop, or tablet, that price on the box isn’t going too include everything you need.

You may not buy software, right now, you may not buy a back-up drive, right now … but you’re going to need to budget for them in the not too distant future.

Please make sure you plan the budget for the computer: and for needed extras.

~≈¥≈~

Part Four: The Extras.

You’re possibly saying, “Oh, good grief, Paul, extras? What extras?”

Let’s start with the one that — I think — everything else depends on.

An internet connection.

How many of us have one?

I honestly don’t know.

But?

I know that many of us who have one, are online for no other reason than to watch YouTube on our smart TVs.

I’m also very aware that many of us don’t one: those of us on benefits will be struggling to pay for one, unless we’re using one of the rare social tariffs provided by some internet service providers.

That connection is essential for someone who owns a computer.

If for no other reason than this: a computer’s software gets updated over the internet … !

On top of updates?

You can access a lot of useful services, online.

I’m both jobhunting, and have various medical conditions.

So accessing online services is a life saver!

As is being able to contact people through various messaging services.

An internet connection is vital.

Another thing we will need money for?

Is backup: online, or local.

There’s no point you sitting there, saying “Nothing’s going to happen to my computer!   It’s impervious to damage!”

Oh, no it isn’t.

As I found out, when the power supply in my old iMac gave up the ghost.

As a neighbour found out, when her laptop died.

As a friend found out, when he spilt orange juice on his desktop computer.

The big difference between me and the neighbour, and the friend with the orange juice?

I and the neighbour, had back up: but I’m not sure Mr Orange did.

I’ve relied on Apple’s Time Machine app for years.

All I’ve needed to do to make it work, is plug in an external drive and use Time Machine to back up my machine to that drive.

So?

It’s helped me transfer things between old and new Macs, recover my data when a hard drive’s failed, and — last but not least — allowed me to transfer stuff from a dead iMac to a newly purchased replacement.

Being unable to access my files in the meantime?

Prompted me to get some online storage: so I can store copies of my files, if that happens again, so I can access my files from anywhere.

My point is this: you will need backup, whether online or hooked up to your machine.

No two ways about it, you will need backup.

This means you need:

• free, or commercial, backup software.
• an external drive for the backups.
• online storage for your backups.

I’ll emphasise this again, when your machine fails — when, not if — you will to have backed it up, and need to have paid for that back up!

Another expense?

Is software.

Yes: I am very aware there’s plenty of free software around.

I’ve been using a lot of it for many years.

I’ve relied on LibreOffice, and OpenOffice, for my basic writing needs, I’ve used VLC to play and stream music and films, I’ve used HandBrake and MakeMKV to back up optical discs for the same sort of time, and I’ve used Apple’s free iWork suite.

But?

As a YouTuber, I’m aware that a copy of Final Cut Pro could come in handy: I don’t necessarily want to rely on iMovie, all the time.

I’m also aware that the free office software I use may be less powerful than its commercial equivalent.

I’m aware, in other words, that I’m going to have to pay for software at some point.

As will you.

This needs to be budgeted for.

As a last extra?

And one that’s way down the list?

Let’s talk entertainment.

Whether it’s a subscription to Spotify, Apple Music or Netflix, whether it’s free catch-up services, or online games, we’re probably going to want entertaining!

These days, there’s still a lot we can do that doesn’t need a ’net connection, or a computer.

But we can access a lot more with an internet connection, and some form of computer: smart TV, laptop or otherwise.

This costs: whether we have just a connected computer, and access to free services, we still have to pay for the connection.

Even if we’re not paying for Disney+.

My points are three-fold.

We’re going to need more stuff than we think.

We’re going to need more money than we think.

And?

Technology costs more than we expect.

~≈¥≈~

Part Five: And Finally …

In conclusion, what can I tell you … ?

Possibly not much more than I already have.

About all I can do is to try and offer a metaphor.

An ex-girlfriend of mine — let’s call her Norma — had been brought up around cars.

Her dad was quite a good mechanic, as was at least one cousin, her step-father — and her eventual husband — cabbies, most of her female relatives very good drivers … 

And she got lumbered with a boyfriend — me — who couldn’t tell a brake pedal from a gear stick.

Which is another story.

At any rate, Norma always tried to encourage me to learn to drive: as did my mother and sisters.

Norma made the effort mostly because there were times she wanted us to go out as a couple: and do so when I would drive and she could drink.

Which is yet another story!

Between all this?

Norma would make a very good point, though, one I’ll try to make here.

She’d make the very good point that — when you bought a car, went to price up a car — the price on the price tag wasn’t the total cost.

You might be looking at £5000 for a cheap second hand wreck, £18000 for a new hatchback, £30000 for a new saloon … or a couple of million for a brand new Masarati.

Norma’s point?

Was that the figure on the price tag wasn’t what’s now called the ‘total cost of ownership’.

There’s the price of the car, the fuel, the insurance, the spare tyre, the safety kit in the boot, and — for cars in the UK over three years old — the annual MOT test.

Computers are the same: the price on the box is not the total cost.

There’s a net connection, software, peripherals, hardware upgrades, software updates, and the inevitable repairs and replacements.

When you buy a computer?

Keep that in mind: and budget for as much as possible!

~≈¥≈~

Part Six: Farewell …

Just as a last thought?

I should tell you that I started writing this piece in October, 2024: and published in late January of 2025.

So, while I’ve been as accurate as I possibly can, some of the prices — especially the ones in foreign currencies — aren’t necessarily current or consistent.

With that out of the way?

I hope you find this piece informative, educational … and, hopefully, useful.

If it is … ?

Thank me by following the blog, liking the video version on YouTube … or by having a go at one of my Daily Teaser quizzes.

Until the next time?

Have fun!

The Imitation Game: Is A Great Film!

11th March, 2015.

It has to be said, I was going to open this post with the line, “I’m a sucker for a good film.”

Which — in a sense — is true.

I like watching good films.

But it struck me that opening with that line?

Was that opening with “I’m a sucker for a good film” would possibly be just a bit too glib.

Too superficial … shallow … 

Too … 

Yeah … I think you get my point.

That opener was way to shallow an opening.   Too shallow … 

Given the fact I wanted to tell you about a serious movie: one I know I’ve just been wanting to catch, ever since I heard of its making.

And release, last year.

The 2014, WW2 era drama, Morten Tyldum directed, The Imitation Game.

And wow … 

I think it’s been worth the wait.

~≈†≈~

Brainstorm: A Review …

8th October, 2013.

You know, I’ve only got so much in my iTunes account.

No, really … !

Which means  two things, really.

One … ?   That I look at a rental price, when I’m thinking of renting out a movie through Apple.

I do like to spin the cash out, you know.

Two … ?   That I’ve not been renting as much as I could.

Saving money: and download limits, frankly.

Either way … ?

Well, either way, I like to think I make wise choices in what I rent: and hope, in writing about them, afterwards, that this is reflected in what I tell you.

If that makes sense … ?

I hope it does.

At ANY rate … ?

At any rate, I’ve managed to catch a film tonight: Douglas Trumbull’s 1981/83, Brainstorm.

And thinking, “Bloody HELL, that’s something!”

There’s a reason for that … 

You see, I think this might be the film that successfully predicted the future.

~≈†≈~

The Left Handed Use Of Mice: Again ....

It's a strange - but potentially true - fact to note that many people who've met me realise I'm left-handed.

Mostly where I make point of mentioning it, if it ever seems relevant.

It's ALSO true to say I've something of a bee in my bonnet about it.

I think it's hard NOT to, to be honest.

The fact is that, here in the UK, it's hard to get things like left-handed scissors, pens, garden strimmers†

That’s a pain.

~~~~

At ANY rate … ?

At ANY rate, I'm at Brentwood Library, as I write this.

On International Left-handers Day.

With the vague thought that my fellow southpaws would possibly appreciate me highlighting something: and at least do something about one aspect of life.

Simply, that the mice used with modern Windozes based PCs aren't set up for left-hand use‡.

So, over the past few days, I've been doing a little digging, as the Brentwood Library computers now allow you to change the mouse buttons around for left-hand use: at least under the version of Windows 7, they use.

It's a mildly fiddly job.

But from the Start button, at the bottom left hand corner of the screen …

Then to the Ease Of Access section …

THEN to the "Make The Mouse Keys Easier To Use" …

Once In the new window that appears, click on the bit that says "Switch Primary and Secondary Buttons."

And you're done.

I hope that helps!

†        II help my mother out, every-so-often, by mowing her lawn: and have managed to knacker her garden strimmer, every time.   It's not just a case that the handles are the wrong way around, for me.   It's ALSO that the rotating head of the strimmer - the bit of the device that actually strims the grass - goes in the correct direction for a right handed person.   But not for me as a left handed one: a theoretical left-handed strimmer should have a head that rotates in the opposite direction … !

‡        Part of the reason I'm a bit of a fan of the Mac platform, was the simple realisation that the bog standard one-button Apple mouse could be used by me, and other left handers, straight out of the box: WITHOUT any fiddling about to reset the buttons.

The Brentwood Gazette Weekly Teaser — 5-6-2013

Blimey … 

I have to admit, I’ve got a documentary on, about the Voyager trips, to the outer planets of out solar system.

Which I have to admit, is a repeat: but one that, nonetheless, is a fascinating one to catch!

Although, admittedly, one with tons of dead people … 

Mmmm … 

Let’s move on, shall we … ?

≈~—~≈

After all, it’s Wednesday: which means, of course, that it’s the day for the Brentwood Gazette’s Weekly Teaser.

Here’s this week’s questions, along with the usual License* …

Q1) 5th June saw Apple introduce their first international hit, the Apple 2.   In which year of the 1970s … ?

Q2) More to the point, what was the name of their original computer, released earlier in the 1970s … ?

Q3) More to the point, which of Apple’s co-founders was the designer of these machines … ?

Q4) The other Apple co-founder died in 2011: what was his name … ?

Q5) That other co-founder also formed which film company: Pixar, Dreamworks or Aardman … ?

Q6) What was that film company’s first commercially successful film … ?

Q7) Mote to the point, what was that company’s most recent film … ?

Q8) Apple famously make the iPhone and iPad.   What was the name of the music player they introduced in 2001 … ?

Q9) The company introduced their Macintosh computer line with a famous advert during the US Superbowl.   Which English director made that ad: Danny Boyle, Ridley Scott or Ken Loach

Q10) And finally … In which year of the 1980s did they introduce the Macintosh line of computers … ?

And here’s last week’s questions and answers …

Questions.

Q1) 29th May, 1953, saw Hillary and Norgay complete their climb of Mount Everest: name either of the countries Mount Everest is in.

Q2) More to the point, HALF of Mount Everest is in what used to be where … ?

Q3) Which Commonwealth country did Edmund Hillary come from … ?

Q4) Similarly, which country was Mr Norgay from … ?

Q5) What was his first name … ?

Q6) Which ethnic group did he belong to … ?

Q7) How high is Everest: 27,029 ft, 29,029 ft or 31,029 ft … ?

Q8) What’s the Tibetan name for Mount Everest … ?

Q9) Most of the mountain’s native names translate as Holy what: father, mother or child … ?

Q10) And finally … in which mountain range is Mount Everest … ?

Answers.

A1) Nepal and/or China: seemingly, the border goes through it.

A2) Tibet.   (The Chinese occupation of Tibet only went into high gear, with the fleeing of the Dalai Lama in 1959: six years AFTER the first ascent.)

A3) New Zealand.

A4) Nepal.

A5) Tenzing.

A6) The Sherpas.

A7) 29,029 ft.   (That’s just shy of five ands a half MILES.   Base jump from THAT … !)

A8) Qomolangma: or Chomolungma, in some spellings.

A9) Mother.

A10) The Himalayas.

Enjoy those.

*        Regulars will know already: but for newcomers … all it means is that you’re free to copy, use, alter and build on each of my quizzes: including the Teasers, Gazette Teasers and the Friday Question Sets.   All I ask in return is that you give me an original authors credit on your event’s flyers or posters, or on the night: and, if you republish them, give me an original authors credit AND republish under the same license.   A link back — either to here or to the Brentwood Gazette’s version of the questions — would also be appreciated.

Pardoning Alan Turing

BBC News - Petition to pardon computer pioneer Alan Turing started

You know, that’s one other bit of news I meant to tell you about …

You probably know I’m something of a very amateur technology.

Very amateur, I should stress: I really don’t have the budget to be anything but.

I sort of also take an interest in computer’s history.

Mostly because some of it started here, in the UK.

»»•««

Probably more than you or I could could imagine, actually.

One figure looms large in the history of modern computing, though.

That of academic, Alan Turing: the man who defined computers with his On Computable Numbers, with an Application to the Entscheidungsproblem, and who went on to build and run some of the cryptanalysis teams at Bletchley Park.

Turing was gay.

And, as homosexuality was illegal, back then, he was criminalised.

And committed suicide in the 1950s, after eating a poisoned apple.

»»•««

Which has been something of a point of contention for many, me included.

You seen, I’ve long felt that ones sexuality is on a par with being left or right-handed, gender, ethnicity, what-have-you.* They’re just something that’s thereº.

At ANY rate … ?

At any rate, many people have felt that Alan Turing should have been given some sort of medal for his war work.

Or, if nothing else … ?

If nothing else, have his 1952 indecency conviction quashed.

The man was a war hero whose key theories drive much of the modern world.

That Pardon would be something I think.

* Granted, there’s racism, sexism, homophobia: and even — a trivial thing that I emphasise more than most — mild prejudice against being left handed. These are thing’s I’ve always felt are wrong: but unfortunately, a lot more present than we like to admit.

º Twenty or thirty years ago, I might have added ‘and can’t be helped’. Sod that, if you’ll excuse the phrase. I’ve ever so slowly come to realise the phrase implies someone needs help getting over the disability of being black, left handed or a woman. I’m pretty sure I know one or two woman, black people and LGBT community members — and other southpaws — who’d have a word or two to say …

Opening’s in Technology

Well now, there’s a thing …

Now, I’ve got to admit, I’m a technology fan, I really am … !

And one that’s on something of a budget, like many of us.

So I’ve, like many others, fallen back on what’s known as open source software.

Just in case you DIDN’T know, Open source software is computer software that is usually given away freely.

And, unlike many bits of proprietary software, the underlying code — the actual text that makes up the software — is readily accessibly those those who wish to change it, improve it, study it …

Or just plain have a look at it.

Now you’re PROBABLY thinking that’s a BIT geeky, aren’t you … ?

But if you reading this vis Firefox or Chrome … ?

They’re open-source web-browsers.

If you, like me, have used OpenOffice.org, or a version or it … ?

That’s another piece of open source software …

Or you’re using Ubuntu, or another Gnu/Linux distribution to work your PC … ? Or Android, in the case of an android phone … ?

They’re whole open source operating systems …

And usually, they’re NORMALLY handed out for free.

All the likes of you and me have to do is pay any company that’s made such a thing for technical support …

Unlike, for example, the case of any given version of Windows, or Mac OS X — or any other piece of closed source proprietary software — where you’d be paying twice over: once for any technical support, and once for buying the software in the first place.

»»~««

For many of us … ?

Well, for many of us, that mean’s that there’s a LOT of free software out there, that’s certainly on a par with it’s commercial equivalent.

Given the choice, I personally would go for an Ubuntu equipped PC, if I couldn’t afford another: although I realise that’s not going to please everyone.

If for no other reason than the fact that iTunes isn’t available on the platform.

However … ?

While I’m not surprised that more home users don’t know about open source software — mostly because of the way the shops that SELL us computers work, and the lack of a Linux version of iTunes is a big hindrance to its uptake — I AM surprised that local and national governments don’t make more use of it.

Near enough exactly what this little article I found says, if I’ve understood it correctly … ?

Can I be honest … ?

I’m thinking that good old fashioned inertia seems to be wider spread than people think …

Steve Jobs: Chairman of the Board … !

Blimey …

THAT’S a bit …

Sudden … !

Now, I don’t know if you‘re anything of a technology fan, but I am.

Well …

More of a gadget fan, let’s put it that way.

And I’ll happily admit that I’m a Mac fan, been one for years, and intend to keep being, for as long as the budget holds out.

AHEM!

But at any rate … ?

At any rate, I’m as aware as any one of the influence of one particular member of Apple’s management team .

The Big Kahuna, himself, Steve Jobs.

Who announced, late last night … ?

That he was stepping down as Apple’s Chief Executive Officer, becoming Apple’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, and handing the CEO position to former Chief Operating Officer, Tim Cook.

I was … shocked, to say the least.

After all, Jobs has been, along with Bill Gates of Microsoft, one of computing’s most recognisable figures: and, as Apple’s public face since 1997, the spokesman for the company’s much vaunted kit*.

»»·««

So this kind of shocked me.

Shocked …

But didn’t exactly surprise me.

After all, his health has been notoriously iffy, for quite some time: and in a way that famously influences Apple’s share prices, whenever changes to it are announced.

But personally … ?

Well, I shocked — and mildly worried — to hear it …

But I’m thinking the company will still do well, despite Jobs’ absence from day-to-day running of the company.

He has, after all, made sure it’s in a VERY good position …

* Which I’ll happily admit, I’ve been recommending to people, ever since I got my first Mac, back in about 2002.

Copyrght, Hargreaves … And stuff …

Oh, well, now …

It looks — LOOKS — like I can honestly turn around and say “Well, FINALLY” with both a certain amount of force.

And a certain amount of relief, as well.

Because, after a certain amount of consideration, Business Secretary, Vince Cable has announced the government’s response to the Hargreaves Report on Intellectual Property and Growth.

And it’s favourable.

»»·««

Just so you know, the report was published some time ago, and deals with the state of UK copyright law in the modern age: and, in part, how to deal with one or two of the anomalies of UK copyright law.

The bit of it that’s always struck me and many others as stupid, here … ?

Is the simple fact that in the UK, one cannot do what’s become known as format shifting.

In other words … ?

We can’t, legally, copy a CD or DVD we own from the original optical media, to our hard drive, and then to an iPod, MP3 player, flash drive*, external back up drive, home theatre computer … or the earlier models of Apple TV streaming device.

Ridiculous, really, isn’t it … ?

But, at ANY rate … ?

As you’ll have probably figured out, I’ve always thought that that was — speaking frankly — bloody stupid.

The law, in this sort of case, is not only an ass, but a bloody slow one, at that.

It’ll still be slow.

But if you’ve been watching the news, today, you’ll know that Business Secretary Vince Cable has announced the the coalition government will — in possibly the only good move I think they’ll make — be accepting those conclusions.

He also announced that the government will be dropping the web-site blocking aspects of the Digital Economy Act, that passed into law, just before the general election.

Mostly because of the legal moves afoot to force ISPs to block them: something I believe to be very dodgy ground. After all, it’s turning the people who provide you and me with access to the ’Net into policemen. And policemen I’d rather not have stomping around MY hard-drive, just on principle, thanking you … !

But, at ANY rate … ?

At any rate, this hopefully means that, now Mr Cable’s announced this … ?

It means we can all heave a collective sigh of relief.

Because we’re now no longer being made criminals, unintentionally.

»»·««

* I mention that as many modern models of DVD and Blu-Ray player/recorders, PVR and television set have USB ports on them, and happily play any correctly encoded video file on a USB flash drive.

The Comantra Scam: Trust me, I’m WETTING meself …

Oh …

Dear …

Oh, deary, deary me …

And I say that, whilst ALSO admitting I’m trying not to wet meself, despite this being a serious subject.

You see …

Well, you’ve probably noticed that I’ve written — a few times, now — about a dodgy company based in Bangladesh, called Comantra.

Who’ve been phoning people, for at least a year, to try and con people into to giving them remote access to their PCs: installing some seriously nasty software, and then charging the innocent mark to remove it.

I first wrote about it, roughly a year ago, when a friend of mine, Kelly, got a call from them.

And, Kelly, being Kelly, she immediately started asking around, to see if anyone else thought it was as much of a dead rat as she did.

Of course, ever since then, the Gazette’s been keeping an eyeball peeled, and managed to report at least three of these attempts.

And I’ll be honest … ?

I’ve just had a call from them, myself, calling themselves Online PC Services.

Here … this is the email I sent to the Gazette about it …

Dear Sir

I’ve got be honest, I’ve been reading your articles about scam phone calls from people claiming to be able to remotely ‘fix’ your PC, with interest

As you may know, I’ve been following the story for a while, and written about it on my blog, after a couple of friends tell me about calls they’ve had.

Well, I’ve got to confess, I’ve just had a call from the same people: today, at 12:53.

Coming from a bad line, from a caller with a heavy Indian accent.

The chap — at least I believe it was a man, the line was very bad — identified himself as coming from Online PC Support, and told me their investigations showed there was a problem with my computer.

I got him to repeat that a couple of times to make sure I’d heard correctly.

He basically told me their records were showing them there was a problem with my PC.

And I’ve got to confess, I was trying desperately to NOT laugh at him.

Because — me being me — I immediately turned round and said “I haven’t had a problem with my Mac, for years”.

They put the phone down on me.

Which was rude, I thought. You’d EXPECT a bunch of scammers to be politer, after all.

But I’m going to thank the Gazette, here. It’s nice to see others beside me and tech fans, making people aware of this sort of scam.

It really does need continual highlighting.

Lets hope that gets published.

After all, I’m thinking this sort of thing really does need continual highlighting.

Mac OS X 10.7: The Lion’s Released, today …

Well, I think I can safely say it’s officially official.

Going by the MacWorld reports, Mac OS X 10•7 ships at some point, today.

Hmmm …

I’ve GOT to admit, I’d like to get hold of a copy, I really would.

There’s only one problem.

Bruce, bless him, my ageing Mini … ?

REALLY doesn’t have the RAM to cope … !

That’s a shame, really.

I would’ve minded a go on that … !

Bletchley Park: Getting A Gong From The Queen …

Oh, well, now THERE’S a thing …

Seriously …

You know, you’ve probably worked out, by now, that I’m a bit of a technology fan.

Admittedly, rather a skint one who rather have more tech than he’s got, but none the less a tech fan.

And over the years … ?

One that’s taken something of an interest in the history of these things.

Now, in the UK, you can’t actually do that, without mentioning two names.

One of those, of course, is the late Alan Turing, the man whose On Computable Numbers paper defined computers, back in 1936, and who went on to build them.

The other … ?

The other name was the place honoured by the Queen, today.

Bletchley Park, in Buckinghamshire.

Now, in case you didn’t know, Bletchley Park was the site of Britain’s code breakers, during World War 2: including Alan Turing, I should add.

The code breakers based there worked on cracking the German Enigma code, along with the Lorenz ciphers, and assorted others. And are generally agreed to have shortened the war by a number of years.

So seeing the news, today, that the Queen has unveiled a statue, and paid tribute to the Bletchley Park codebreakers … ? Was something I know that I, certainly, felt was nice to see.

Now …

I wonder if that posthumous medal for Dr Turing’s on its way …

Information Pioneers: Alan Turing from Information Pioneers on Vimeo.