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Don’t get caught out, backup the computer today

Tuesday, January 4th, 2011

With so many expensive items in homes throughout the country, it is vital to have household insurance which will replace items should the worst happen. However, it is possible to lose everything on a home computer without the machine being stolen at all.

Backing up a computer is one of those things that many people always promise themselves that they will do, but never get round to it. If a computer or laptop dies and the hard drive is lost, including all of the applications and all of the data, the impact can be huge. Backing up a computer is never something that is forgotten once the worst has happened because there is nothing like the benefit of hindsight.

It is important to backup all data regularly, not just any documents used but also mail files, calendars etc. Everyone unfortunate enough to lose their entire hard disk, not only loses data and applications but other little things such as; Cookies which automate all login information used on a daily basis, links and bookmarks for favourite websites and options and preferences for all apps used, not to mention all of the default settings.

Assess just how vital the computer is and take appropriate action; CD, DVDs and memory sticks are fine for saving a small amount of data or some important documents. However, an external hard drive is more than worth the cost if the other option is being without the computer for a few days or losing data. For the average home user an external hard drive will be more than adequate, the more complex systems are aimed at business users. The older a computer is, the more likely it is to happen. But just because the computer is new, does not mean regular backups should be ignored.

Backing up the system is very easy, first plug the external hard drive into a power source and place the external hard drive’s USB cable into the respective port on the computer. Next click start then “accessories” then “System Tools” and then click “Backup”. Follow this by Clicking “Next” on the “Backup or Restore Wizard” screen which will appear. Ensure that the “back up files and settings” option is selected and Click “Next”. Then select the “All information on this computer” option from the “What to Back Up” box and Click “Next”. Select external hard drive on the menu asking to “Choose a place to save the back up”. Provide a name for the back up in the space provided and click “Next”. Finally Click “Finish” on the “Completing the Backup or Restore Wizard” page and click “Close” once the

Tags: Contents Insurance, Home Insurance, household insurance
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Protect the home from cold winter weather

Tuesday, December 14th, 2010

The signs are that the winter of 2010 is going to be cold…very cold! Some parts of the United Kingdom have had temperatures close to -20C and even the big cities have regularly dropped below freezing. With icy conditions and more snow on the way, are our homes a warm and safe place for us to hibernate this winter?

Insurance firms are warning that everyone needs to winter proof the home. An unwanted plumbing bill due to a burst pipe or a defunct boiler could not come at a worse time with Christmas just around the corner. Although many household insurance policies will provide cover for some damage caused by emergencies, everyone should have full protection against all potential winter hazards.

Not having cover for your heating and hot water boiler is nothing less than folly really. If the worst happens and the boiler is a write-off, it will take a substantial sum to replace the boiler, even a small breakdown will leave you with a cold and miserable house until you find a tradesman to cure the fault. Of course he will have to be paid too. Some insurers will include cover in a home insurance policy, paying for call-out charges, some labour costs, parts and materials. With others extra cover can be added to a policy which will pay for call-out charges, labour costs, parts and repair to the domestic heating or water system.

Check to see if the roof has any loose or missing tiles. If it does, get them fixed before the winter weather gets any worse. Make sure all the gutters are clear from any blockages. A build up of water on the roof can lead to leaks and may even cause damage to the structure of the property. It is also a good idea to check the seal around the windows and that the doors have no gaps.

Cold and icy weather means that there is a risk of pipes freezing, then bursting and flooding the home. This can be prevented by repairing any cracks which may let in cold air and insulating the pipes properly. Even something as simple as making sure that everyone in the home knows where the stopcock is so it can be turned off quickly in the event of an emergency can be vital.

Finally, make an emergency winter survival kit so that the household will be prepared if the worst happens. It is a good idea to have a torch, some candles, some blankets, tinned food and a first aid kit. Ensure everyone in the home knows where the kit is located. Always keep a copy of the household insuranceAll sizes Sweet Home #2 Flickr – Photo Sharing! policy to hand as well as a phone number for an emergency plumber and electrician.

Tags: cold winter weather, Home Insurance, household insurance
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Households need to look after expensive Christmas gifts

Tuesday, November 23rd, 2010

New Year’s Eve is generally considered to be the festive season’s worst day for burglaries. Homes are 25% more likely to be burgled on December 31st than on any other day of the year as thieves throughout the country take advantage of people who leave their homes unoccupied and full of expensive gifts received just a week before.

The cost of being burgled over the festive season will be much higher than on a normal day because of all the extra expensive items in their home. Homeowners should take extra security precautions over the Christmas and New Year period to make sure that their spirits are not dampened by a thief on the lookout for newly unwrapped items.

As millions prepare to hit the high street next month buying Christmas presents, insurers are warning that expensive electrical items will be high on a thief’s wish-list. Technology moves on quickly, items being bought as gifts include mobile phones, iPods/MP3 players, Sat-Nav systems, digital cameras, games consoles, laptops, LCD TVs, Pocket PCs/Blackberries. All are expensive and all are very easy to carry for unscrupulous thieves.

In the run up to Christmas, households should not leave the presents under the tree nor should they be hid in obvious places such as wardrobes, under the bed or in the shed.
Of course everyone would like to put the presents under the tree for Christmas Eve but before the big day make sure that they are hidden away somewhere safe and not in full view by anyone passing by.

The loft is a great hiding place for presents before Christmas as the average burglar will not have time to climb into the loft and it’s also a safe place to keep presents from excited children who are desperate to get a sneaky look at what they can expect on Christmas morning.

It is also a good idea to speak to the household insurance company whenever any expensive items are bought to have the policy updated. For example a new wide-screen television may bring the contents cover over the limit. Never discard whole boxes in the dustbin, as this will give a thief some clues about what they will find in the home. Instead why not take the box to the local recycling site. Anyone out and about on New Year’s Eve should leave some lights on and make sure all doors and windows are securely locked.

Tags: Home Insurance
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Home entertaining

Tuesday, November 16th, 2010

Entertaining is a fundamental pleasure for those who are proud of their home and is often the springboard for success in career or friendship.

If you are entertaining guests or work colleagues you might like to serve a three course meal in a slightly formal setting to impress them.

A clean, white table cloth will always make the table look elegant and classic. It is also easier to co-ordinate with other tableware and accessories. If you are using a rectangular table then a table runner would make it look spectacular. Decorative napkins or napkin rings can also accentuate the table setting.

The dinner plates should be placed neatly with regular intervals. If they have patterns you need to make sure that they are facing the same, right direction. The cutlery will be placed in the order it is to be used, from the outside. So the knife will be placed to the right of the plate, then the soup spoon or any other cutlery for the starter. To the left will be the folks. The desert spoon and fork will be placed above the plate, the bowl of the spoon facing left and the fork below facing right. The water glass will be placed above the knife followed by the red wine glass and then the white wine glass.

They all should be placed neat and tidy, but if you think there are too many of them you could remove the desert spoons and folks and bring them with the desert. Or you could use just one wine glass. The main purpose is to have an enjoyable dinner with your guests and not to intimidate them or make them nervous with too many knives, forks and glasses.

If you are having many guests you need to make sure there are enough salt & pepper sets and butter dishes on the table to prevent a “queue”. For finishing touches flowers and/or candles in the middle of the table will look elegant and beautiful but they should be small so that the guests can see and talk with other guests comfortably and without obstacles.

Also remember that old saying the more the merrier can also mean the more the chance of an accident. If any of your guests spills or drops anything, don’t make a fuss. Deal with it calmly; telling yourself and your guests that it is exactly what the household insurance is for.

Tags: Home Insurance, household insurance
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Cardboard can be used to keep the home warmer

Thursday, October 14th, 2010

Having good household insurance gives piece of mind and protection for possessions in the home. It cannot, however, stop heat escaping from the home; but there is an easy and very cheap way to help with this problem.

If there is a room in the home that is not used much and is always very cold in the winter, it could be that all is needed is some more room insulation. Doing this with some corrugated cardboard may sound crazy, but it really is a very effective method of insulation. The best way to use cardboard as insulation is to cover the windows with it. The window will be a major source of heat loss. Corrugated cardboard room insulation is not the most glamorous room design, but it is only temporary and it can be taken down just as easily as it was put up.

The room may be not used for many reasons and with energy bills getting higher each year it is important to keep the heat in the home. Close and lock the windows in the room and then put a layer of duct tape over any area that leaks as this will help the insulating effects of the corrugated cardboard.

Measure the length and width of the window to work out how much cardboard is needed. Using a couple of pieces of cardboard will make a difference, and if they are available three or four pieces will be even better. Use a utility knife to cut the cardboard to the size of the window. Place some drops of glue on one piece of cardboard then place the second piece of cardboard on top of it. Align the edges and do the same with the third and fourth pieces of cardboard. Use the duct tape to stick the edges of the cardboard stack closed. Next, to increase its resistance to heat flow, cover the cardboard with some foil as this will help radiate any heat back into the room. Gently tack the cardboard into place over the window.

Corrugated cardboard is made up of a fluted layer of heavy paper which is sandwiched between two thicker, puncture-resistant layers of heavy paper. The fluting acts as a cushion when the corrugated cardboard is crushed. The flutes in the centre are aligned vertically which add extra strength to the cardboard. Heavy-duty corrugated cardboard, which has multiple layers, provide extra insulation compared to regular cardboard. The heavier the cardboard is the better its insulation qualities.

Tags: cardboard, DIY, heating, Home Insurance
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Upgrade the bath and ease the aches and pains

Tuesday, October 12th, 2010

Whether it is after a hard day at the office, after a few hours working in the garden or maybe it is just a case of wanting some quiet time to relax. Nothing will ease stress and tension like a soak in a whirlpool bath. A whirlpool bath is a luxury in many master bathrooms. Most people will opt for a one-person, standard-jets tub in a shape that they like.

When the decision has been made to have a whirlpool bath the first job is to measure the space where the bath is going to be installed. Quite often this will be a space between two fixed walls. Unless the entire bathroom is being gutted, the space becomes the first factor in the choice. When measuring the space, take note of any existing plumbing, as this could be another limiting factor if the existing plumbing is going to be used.

Make a list of all the features that are wanted on the whirlpool bath. Place the most important at the top of the list and the ones that could be subject to compromise further down the list. The price can go up very quickly so it is best to work out a budget for the bath and remember that depending on the selection, there may be extra fixtures to mount to the walls or to the deck platform rather than the deck. Some will even have to be mounted to the ceiling; all of these will affect the price. Looking at the space available, work out where the access panel will be located, in case any maintenance work is needed on the whirlpool motors. This may mean that certain models will not be suitable.

Take the list of size, features, accessibility, and budget to a showroom and look for a whirlpool bath that best fits the criteria of what is wanted. If possible climb into a whirlpool bath to see how it fits. Each tub is different and while appearance is important, how a whirlpool bath feels is just as important. Also get a qualified trades-person to do the installing otherwise if it is done wrong and water escapes it will mean a big claim on the household insurance.

Spending as little as ten minutes in a relaxing whirlpool bath each day could make a huge difference to the aches and pains. It is possible to convert a bath into a hydro-spa with a conversion kit if installing a new whirlpool bath is not a realistic option. There are many of these kits on the market. The kits are best installed by an experienced technician who can install it into any existing bath, as long there is access to one side. A whirlpool bath will have simple and reliable controls that allow the user to bathe in complete safety and comfort. Everything needed is within reach and a constant temperature will allow the user to stay in the tub as long as is needed. Adjustable airflow also gives full control of jet intensity.

Because a whirlpool will re-circulate the water from within the bath it is very simple to every now and then add a specially formulated cleanser to a bath full of water and then re-circulate it through the entire system. These cleansers are widely available from a number of shops.

Tags: bathroom fittings, home improvements, Home Insurance
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Laptop that does a job home or away

Thursday, September 30th, 2010

These days most homes have a desktop computer, a great majority now have a laptop as well. They are ideal for children when studying as they can be used both at home and in college as they are easy to transport. Commuters also love them as it means they can work during their commute hence giving them the option of working fewer hours in the office.

Computers should always be protected by household insurance policies, but remember if they are taken away from the home then special clauses may come into play.

If you are looking for a small and light notebook, then the Advent 4489 could well be the answer. It is ideal for the traveller as it is super light weighing just 1.2 kg. It is slightly smaller than an A4 sheet of paper but has a 9 inch screen which is plenty big enough to enjoy videos or pictures.

The netbook is really easy to use, the keyboard is light and gentle on the fingers, yet big enough to use comfortably, the touchpad is responsive and accurate. Another big plus is that the Advent 4489 is energy efficient. If left unused for 15 minutes, it automatically shuts down but the information is readily available when switched back on.

One downside to Advent 4489 is that programmes cannot be played from CD or DVD without buying extra equipment, but its primary use is the internet and considering its price then that is acceptable. The battery supplied lasts just over two hours which is okay for short trips and it does recharge quite quickly. To make it the perfect travelling companion for any trip, higher capacity batteries can be purchased for around £30.

The Intel atom processor is 1.6GHz and comes with 512 MB of RAM, which is quite sufficient for the commuter working on office documents. Upgrades are available and are inexpensive if the computer is to be used for games etc.

Overall, I think at just over £200 the advent 4489 is great value and although it will never be a main computer it can certainly be used as a backup. It is a perfect train traveller.

The netbook is available at PC World and can be bought via the collect at store option.

Tags: Advice for Tenants, Contents Insurance, Home Insurance, Possessions Insurance
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An outside tap can be handy for the garden

Thursday, September 9th, 2010

Fitting an outside tap to a property is always a good idea. Watering the garden and cleaning the car suddenly become so much easier. Some basic plumbing skills are needed for the task of fitting an outside tap but it can be accomplished with care. First job is to turn off the water supply. If there is an isolation valve on the cold water supply pipe, turn the valve off. If there is not, go to the main stopcock which is usually found in the kitchen. When the water supply is turned off, turn on the cold tap on your kitchen sink and run until the water stops and the system is drained.

To install a new tap you will need to drill a hole through the outside wall for the connecting pipe work. The easiest thing to do is to put the tap near an exposed cold water supply close to the sink in the kitchen. Make sure to position the tap at least 250mm above the damp-proof course and mark the screw holes for the tap.

A 15mm diameter pipe will be required to connect the tap to the properties cold water supply. The hole for this will need to be about 150mm above where the earlier marks were made indicating the position of the tap. A quick job to do before drilling the hole is to make a ‘sleeve’ for the pipe to run through using a piece of 22mm diameter plastic pipe. This ‘sleeve’ will stop the pipe rubbing and if the pipe does burst it will stop water leaking out of the hole and also avoid having to claim on any household insurance policy. It is time to drill the hole next and make sure that the hole is big enough to take the diameter of the ‘sleeve’.

Cut through the cold water pipe directly under the hole that has been made in the wall. Use a hacksaw for this job and then file the ends. A T-piece connector is going to be fitted so make sure enough of the pipe has been removed. Connect one end of a short piece of pipe to the T-piece connector and the other end will be connected to the isolation valve, this means that the water supply to the new outside tap can be cut off if and when required. When deciding on whether to use copper or plastic pipes it is worth remembering that copper looks the best out of the two but plastic is much easier to work with. It is also best to use either Push Fit or Compression connectors as they will not need any soldering.

Finally to attach the new tap, drill the holes for the outside tap’s wall plate, use some plugs and then screw the tap plate to the wall. Put some plastic clips on the pipes on the inside which will stop any vibrating. Use a sealant to seal around the pipe. Then turn the water supply back on and hopefully there will be no leaks. If there is no leak, then it is another job well done.

Tags: Garden, Home Insurance
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3D to cost over 2K

Wednesday, August 25th, 2010

Earlier this year one of the biggest technology events in the world of TV took place. The first 3DTVs went on sale in the United Kingdom.

They had already been on sale in the US and Japan for many months, and as expected the price for a new 3DTV was not cheap. The price of the first 3DTV released cost a huge £1,799 and there are also a lot of other bits of kit needed to get the set up right. For example a pair of 3D glasses for the system cost £150, a 3D Blu-ray DVD player is another £350 and a compatible HDMI cable will cost around £50. At that price it is advisable to inform the household insurance company of the extra contents in the home.

It may well be the future of television in this country, but getting there is not going to be cheap. Sky are showing sport in selective pubs around the country and they hope to have a 3D channel soon. Video gaming is another area where there’ll be a lot of 3D content available in the future, and this is seen by some in the industry as a key driver of 3D TV sales. Forecasts are for only modest sales during the first year but once the content improves and the price comes down, sales will improve.

But it is not all good news for 3DTV after the world’s largest electronics firm highlighted potential dangers the technology may pose to pregnant women, the elderly, children and also anyone with serious medical conditions. The manufacturer warned of an array of possible side effects viewers may suffer. They claim the devices may trigger epileptic fits or cause problems which can range from altered vision, dizziness, sickness, cramps, and even involuntary movements such as eye and muscle twitching. Anyone who has been deprived of sleep or anyone who has been drinking alcohol is also being advised to not watch a 3D television.

The technology was given a boost by blockbuster films such as Avatar and Alice in Wonderland being made in 3D. To view content in 3D, special glasses need to be worn which bombard the eyes and brain with a succession of flashing images that will appear for just a fraction of a second. The technology puts unusual strain on the body, so viewers will need to take regular breaks to prevent suffering from the side effects. Watching television while wearing the 3D glasses for long periods of time can cause headache or fatigue. If this happens it would be a good idea to stop and rest.

Tags: 3D Television, Home Insurance, household insurance
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The mouse that everyone needs

Thursday, August 12th, 2010

Before 1984, the thought of a mouse being inside most homes and people happily handling the mouse on a daily basis would have been crazy talk. However, 26 years later, that is what happens in millions of homes and offices throughout the world. The Mouse first entered into the public consciousness with the introduction of the Apple Macintosh, and since then they have helped to completely redefine the way that we use computers today.

Every day of computing life, means reaching out for the mouse whenever the cursor is needed to move or something needs activating. The mouse will sense any motion and the clicks are sent to the computer so that it can respond appropriately. It is amazing how simple and effective a computers mouse is, something else amazing is the fact it took so long for a mouse to become a part of everyday life. It was originally born in the 1960s, but it took a couple of decades before the mouse was to become popular.

For many years light pens were used on an array of machines as a pointing device, and graphics tablets and even joy sticks were also popular in the 70s. None of these really took off as the perfect pointing device. However, when the mouse hit the scene (attached to the Mac), it was an instant success. It is easy to see why as there is something about it that is natural. When compared to a graphics tablet, a mouse is inexpensive and they also take up very little space. In the computer world, the mouse took longer to gain ground; this was because of a lack of support within the operating system. Once Windows made Graphical User Interfaces standard, the mouse quickly became the pointing device of choice for the public at large, and PC’s started appearing more and more in the home. Now most homes will have some sort of computer covered by their household insurance.

The first type of mouse around was the mechanical mouse (also called a ball mouse), and it used a moving ball to work. As the mouse was moved across a surface, the ball moved as well. An optical mouse is one of the most common computer mice in use today. It works by using optical technology and so does not need any moving parts. As the optical mouse is moved over a surface, a small red LED (Light-Emitting Diode) will emit light onto a surface and then it will read the pattern on that surface. The mouse will then convert the surface information into meaningful data which it then sends to the computer. Laser technology has been the newest technology breakthrough in a computer mouse. They work similar to an optical mouse, but with better results as it can deliver up to 20 times the performance of an optical mouse.

Tags: Contents Insurance, home entertainment, Home Insurance, technology
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