VITS Monthly - A Newsletter Covering Recent IT News by Vantage IT Solutions Limited

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More Laptop Batteries Go Back

The laptop battery recall that affected Dell several weeks ago has spread throughout the industry. The origin of the problem is with Sony, who manufactured battery packs for a number of laptop suppliers. Just in case you haven’t heard, the fault is caused by small metal particles within the batteries that can very occasionally create a short circuit. There have been pictures of laptops bursting into flames - but these are exceptionally rare. So far, the laptop manufacturers who have announced recalls are Dell, Lenovo (formerly IBM), Apple, Toshiba and Fujitsu. Oddly, Sony hasn’t recalled any of its own laptops!

If you think you or a colleague could be affected, more information can be found at the following web sites:

Dell - www.dellbatteryprogram.com
Lenovo - www.lenovo.com/batteryprogram
Apple - https://support.apple.com/ibook_powerbook/batteryexchange
Toshiba - www.csd.toshiba.com/cgi-bin/tais/su/su_sc_dtlView.jsp?soid=1482876
Fujitsu - www.fujitsu-siemens.co.uk/support/batteryexchange/?home=be

Perhaps because of the battery problems, advice is now being given in the US that laptops should not be used on your lap for fear of injury. When the battery fires have happened, the conflagration occurred very quickly, giving the users little notice of a problem. It was recently suggested that men shouldn’t use computers on their laps for prolonged periods because the heat could effect parts of their bodies that shouldn’t be hot, but I don’t think it was realised quite how hot a laptop could get!

Cashing in on Wi-Fi

The latest issue of the ‘Good Hotel Guide’ has reported that some hotels are charging too much for wireless internet access (Wi-Fi). The cost of running a Wi-Fi network is relatively cheap, so the price of usage shouldn’t be too high. Although we have often stressed the security implications of using public wireless networks, if you regularly stay at hotels and see the benefits of using their wireless facilities, the advice seems to be to ask what the charges are before you start browsing the web. Of course, you can use your mobile network, but this isn’t cheap either!

Have You Heard of Vista?

The release of the new version of Microsoft’s Windows operating system isn’t far off. It will be called ‘Vista’ and, as always, promises great new things. There have, however, been questions raised by some people regarding the security and usability of Vista, so the jury is still out. We have been running it on a PC to see what we think of it and will let you know whether it is the best thing since sliced bread, or the next Sinclair C5. Our initial reactions are it could be quicker!

Hamster Wheel

Isn’t it Cruel?

If you’re feeling a little lonely at your desk, why not get a hamster in a wheel? Perhaps not the first thing you’d think of, but at least he’s entertaining. Once this little fellow has been plugged into the USB port and the software has been installed; the faster you type, the quicker his wheel spins! If you’re a rapid touch-typist, the poor little chap may be contacting the RSPCA. If you really want one of these, then click here (Vantage IT cannot be held responsible for content on third party web sites).

The Entertaining Bit

I know you’ve always wondered what to do with all those empty bottles and a pair of roller blades; click here for a suggestion.