When to Use Pages
Pages are designed for static, evergreen content—the information that doesn’t change frequently and forms the core of your website. Typical examples include:

• Home
• About Us
• Services
• Contact

Pages sit outside of the blog structure, don’t rely on dates, and are usually linked through your main navigation menu. Think of them as the foundation of your website.

When to Use Posts
Posts are used for dynamic, regularly updated content. These are ideal for:

• News updates
• Blog articles
• Announcements
• Advice and insights

Posts are displayed in chronological order and can be organised using categories and tags. This makes them perfect for building a news section or blog, helping visitors (and search engines) find relevant, up-to-date information.

Why It Matters
Using pages and posts correctly improves your website’s structure, supports better SEO, and makes it easier for visitors to find what they need. Trying to use pages for blog-style content can quickly lead to a disorganised site that’s harder to maintain.

In Summary

• Use pages for core, static information
• Use posts for news, updates, and ongoing content

At RLS Computer Services, we always recommend structuring your website this way to keep things simple, scalable, and effective.

What is the Risk?

The vulnerability (tracked as CVE-2025-55177) exploits how WhatsApp handles media files in group chats. Attackers can create a group, add users, and send a specially crafted media file. If your settings are set to “auto-download,” the malicious file lands on your phone instantly, potentially allowing remote code execution or the installation of spyware.

While Meta (WhatsApp’s parent company) has issued server-side updates, security experts—including those at Google and Malwarebytes—note that these fixes may only partially mitigate the risk. Manual intervention is currently the most effective way to ensure your data remains secure.

Action Required: Disable Auto-Downloads

To protect your device, we recommend immediately disabling automatic media downloads. This ensures that no file is saved to your device unless you specifically choose to download it.

How to update your settings (Android & iOS):

1. Open WhatsApp Settings: Tap the three dots (Android) or the “Settings” gear (iOS).
2. Navigate to Storage and Data: Locate the “Media auto-download” section.
3. Deselect All Media: You will see three categories: When using mobile data, When connected on Wi-Fi, and When roaming.
4. Turn Off Everything: Open each category and uncheck Photos, Audio, Videos, and Documents. Each should now display “No media” or “Off“.

Enhanced Privacy Steps

For those seeking a higher level of security, we suggest two additional configurations:

• Restrict Group Invites: Go to Settings > Privacy > Groups and change the setting to “My Contacts”. This prevents unknown actors from adding you to malicious groups.
• Enable Advanced Privacy: Under Settings > Privacy > Advanced, you can enable “Protect IP Address in Calls” and check for the new “Strict Account Settings” (if available on your version), which further restricts how the app processes data from unknown senders.

As your IT partners, we strongly advise all clients to verify these settings today. Staying proactive with these minor adjustments is a vital step in defending against increasingly sophisticated mobile threats.

What information may have been exposed?
The data potentially accessed includes real names, email addresses, Flickr usernames, account types, IP addresses, general location data, and site activity logs. Importantly, Flickr has confirmed that passwords and payment card details were not affected.

How many users are impacted?
While some reports suggest that up to 35 million monthly users could be at risk, Flickr has not yet confirmed the exact number of affected accounts.

What caused the incident?
The breach originated from a vulnerability within a system operated by an unnamed third-party email service provider, rather than Flickr’s core platform.

What should users do now?

• Stay alert: Be cautious of phishing emails or messages claiming to relate to your Flickr account. Attackers may use personal details to make scams appear convincing.
• Check your account: Review your Flickr account settings for any unexpected changes or suspicious activity.
• Review password use: If you use the same password on other websites, change it immediately on those services to reduce the risk of credential-stuffing attacks.
• Know what’s legitimate: Flickr will never ask for your password via email.

If you use Flickr and are concerned about account security, now is a good time to review your settings and remain vigilant against phishing attempts. For businesses and organisations, this incident is also a timely reminder of the importance of strong third-party security management and user awareness.

Summary of Pricing Adjustments

While some plans, such as Business Premium and Office 365 E1, will remain at their current rates, several core subscriptions will see a price increase. Below are the expected adjustments with indicative GBP equivalents based on current exchange rates:

• Microsoft 365 Business Basic: Increasing from $6.00 to $7.00 (approx. £5.50) per user/month.
• Microsoft 365 Business Standard: Increasing from $12.50 to $14.00 (approx. £11.10) per user/month.
• Microsoft 365 E3: Increasing from $36.00 to $39.00 (approx. £31.00) per user/month.
• Microsoft 365 E5: Increasing from $57.00 to $60.00 (approx. £47.70) per user/month.
• Frontline Plans (F1 & F3): Increasing to approx. £2.40 and £8.00 respectively.

Note: Final UK pricing in GBP will be confirmed by Microsoft closer to the effective date and may vary based on the prevailing exchange rate at that time.

Why the Increase?

The update follows the integration of several high-value services into the standard licences:

• Built-in Security: Microsoft Defender for Office 365 (Plan 1) is being added to E3 plans, and URL protection is being extended to Business Basic and Standard users.
• AI Integration: Copilot Chat and new ‘Agent’ capabilities are being embedded directly into the core Office apps.
• Management Tools: Advanced endpoint analytics and remote help tools are being included to help IT teams maintain more secure and efficient environments.

Next Steps for Your Business

We recommend reviewing your current licensing estate well in advance of the July 2026 deadline. This early notice provides an opportunity to:

1. Audit Usage: Ensure you are only paying for the seats you actively need.
2. Lock in Rates: Depending on your renewal cycle, there may be options to secure current pricing for a further 12 months before the increase takes effect.
3. Consolidate Tools: Evaluate if the new built-in security features allow you to retire costly third-party subscriptions.

If you have questions regarding how these changes impact your specific billing or would like to discuss your licensing strategy, please get in touch with our team.

A lot of the preparation for Christmas now happens online – from buying gifts and decorations to ordering festive food, sending digital cards, and catching up with friends and family. While this makes life easier, it can also make us more vulnerable, especially when we’re busy, distracted, or rushing to get things done.

Cyber criminals know this. The festive period often sees a rise in scams, phishing emails, and fake websites. Increasingly, these threats are being enhanced using AI, making them look more convincing and harder to spot than ever before.

Christmas is also an ideal time to pause and check your digital security. Reviewing the settings on your devices, apps, and social media accounts now can help protect you well into the new year. Simple steps such as updating software, checking privacy settings, and using strong, unique passwords can make a real difference.

Get Safe Online has produced a helpful Christmas checklist that clearly explains what to look out for and how to stay protected during the festive season. You can access their advice here:
👉 https://www.getsafeonline.org/christmaschecklist/.

A few minutes spent checking your online safety now can help ensure the only surprises this Christmas are the good ones.

Data centres are using more RAM than ever before

Behind everyday services like email, file storage, video calls, and online backups are huge data centres. These facilities run thousands of servers, and each server needs a large amount of RAM to work efficiently.

As more businesses move to cloud-based systems, demand for server memory has grown rapidly. Cloud providers tend to buy RAM in bulk and on long-term contracts, often taking priority over consumer and small business supply.

Because manufacturers have limited production capacity, this means less RAM is available for desktops, laptops, and small servers, which pushes prices up and increases delivery times.

Artificial intelligence is taking priority

Artificial intelligence (AI) systems require vast amounts of very fast memory to operate. Training and running AI models uses far more RAM than traditional software, and manufacturers are now focusing heavily on producing memory specifically designed for this purpose.

Major technology companies and data centre operators are willing to pay a premium to secure this memory. As a result, RAM manufacturers are prioritising high-end, specialist memory for AI systems instead of everyday RAM used in PCs.

Companies such as Samsung Electronics, SK hynix, and Micron Technology are directing more of their production towards these higher-value markets, which further reduces availability elsewhere.

What this means in simple terms

In short:

• Big data centres and AI platforms are buying most of the world’s RAM
• Manufacturers are focusing on higher-profit, specialist memory
• Less RAM reaches the general market
• Prices remain higher for consumers and small businesses

RAM is no longer just a standard computer part. It has become a

What Happened

In December 2025 the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) announced a £1.2 million fine against LastPass UK Ltd after a 2022 data breach that affected the personal information of up to 1.6 million UK users.

The breach occurred through two linked security incidents in August 2022. Attackers first compromised an employee’s corporate laptop and gained access to LastPass’ internal development environment. Encrypted company credentials were taken in that incident. Shortly afterwards, the attacker then breached a senior employee’s personal device using malware and captured their master password. This second breach gave the attacker access to LastPass’ backup database containing customer data such as names, email addresses, phone numbers and stored website URLs.

The ICO found that LastPass did not have sufficiently robust technical and organisational security measures in place to prevent this unauthorised access, leading to the data compromise.

What Was Exposed and What Wasn’t

Importantly, the ICO’s investigation found no evidence that hackers were able to decrypt customer passwords or other highly sensitive credential data stored in users’ vaults. This is because LastPass uses a “zero knowledge” encryption system, meaning master passwords and vault contents are encrypted and stored on customers’ devices, not on LastPass’ servers.

Nonetheless, the breach still exposed personal information, and the ICO has confirmed that the fine reflects a failure to implement appropriate security controls under UK GDPR.

Key Lessons for Businesses

The ICO’s action serves as a reminder that even technology vendors with a security focus must maintain strong internal security practices. Key points for organisations to consider include:

• Ensuring strict access controls for internal systems and sensitive environments.
• Avoiding the use of personal devices for work systems whenever possible and enforcing separation between personal and corporate access.
• Regularly reviewing and testing security policies and technical safeguards to protect against malware and credential compromise.

The ICO continues to encourage businesses to use guidance from the ICO and the National Cyber Security Centre to assess and strengthen their security posture.

Strengthen Your Own IT Security

A fine of this size highlights that even established providers can fall short when internal controls are not fully effective. We recommend that local businesses review their own technology and security arrangements to make sure they are not exposed to similar risks.

If you would like assistance assessing your IT security, identifying vulnerabilities, or improving your data protection measures, please contact us for expert advice and support.

Source:
https://ico.org.uk/about-the-ico/media-centre/news-and-blogs/2025/12/password-manager-provider-fined/

Microsoft 365 Home vs Business: What’s the Real Difference?

Many people assume that Microsoft 365 Home (Personal & Family) and Microsoft 365 Business are essentially the same product, just with different pricing. Unfortunately, that assumption often leads to GDPR problems, data loss, and in some cases, licensing issues.

In this guide, we break down the real-world differences in plain English, using examples from businesses we support here at RLS Computer Services. By the end, you’ll know exactly which version is right for you or your organisation.

A Real Story: When a Cheaper Licence Becomes Expensive

A few months ago, a small local business contacted us in a panic.

They’d set up all their staff using Microsoft 365 Family, thinking it was “basically the same as Business, just cheaper”.
Then one day, they discovered they’d lost a batch of customer files stored in an employee’s OneDrive. Unfortunately, this employee had left the company — and because the licence belonged to them personally, the business had no legal or technical right to access those files.

Worse still, they were potentially in breach of data protection rules.

This story is far more common than you might think.

Microsoft 365 Home vs Business: The Core Differences

1. Microsoft 365 Personal & Family (Home) — Personal Use Only

The Home editions are designed for:

• Families
• Households
• Personal devices
• Students
• Individuals

The major limitations:

• The licence belongs to the individual, not the company
• No central admin or security controls
• No SharePoint or Exchange (the business-grade cloud services)
• No control over data ownership
• No compliant backup options
• Not suitable for GDPR-regulated data

Home editions are not designed for business, clubs, local authorities, or organisations of any kind.

2. Microsoft 365 Business — Built for Organisations

Microsoft 365 Business is designed for:

• SMEs
• Charities
• Parish & town councils
• Schools
• Clubs & committees
• Any organisation handling data from members, customers or the public

What you get:

• Licences owned by the organisation
• Full Microsoft 365 Admin Centre
• Controlled access to OneDrive, SharePoint, Teams & Exchange
• Device and account management
• GDPR-ready security and compliance tools
• Multi-factor authentication
• Optional backup and retention controls

These features are essential for anyone handling sensitive or regulated information.

“But I Don’t Own My Company’s Data with a Home Subscription?”

Correct — and it’s one of the biggest hidden dangers.

If company data is stored in an employee’s personal OneDrive:

• You do not legally own that data
• You may not be able to retrieve it if that person leaves
• You may breach GDPR by storing data in a non-compliant personal cloud

When a staff member leaves, so does your control over the files stored under their account.

Business Advantage: You Retain Full Control

With Microsoft 365 Business:

• Your organisation owns the tenant
• Permissions can be reassigned instantly
• IT admins can suspend accounts without losing data
• You can remote-wipe lost devices
• Data stays inside controlled, UK-based Microsoft cloud environments

With Home editions, none of this is possible.

Pricing: Is Microsoft 365 Business Really More Expensive?

Many people assume so — but when you compare the features, the difference is surprisingly small.

Microsoft 365 Personal & Family (UK Pricing)

(Correct at the time of writing)

• Personal: £84.99/year (£8.49/month)
• Family: £104.99/year (£10.49/month) for up to 6 people

Includes:

• Office apps
• 1TB OneDrive per user
• Install on up to 5 devices per user
• No business or security tools

Microsoft 365 Business Plans (UK Pricing)

(Approximate monthly prices, month-to-month)

• Business Basic: ~£5.52 per user/month
• Business Standard: ~£11.52 per user/month
• Business Premium: ~£20.28 per user/month

Includes:

• Business-grade desktop apps (Standard & Premium)
• SharePoint, Exchange, Teams
• Full security and admin controls
• Compliance tools
• Optional enterprise-level backup
• Install apps on multiple devices per user

A small monthly increase brings massively improved security, control and compliance.

Buying Microsoft 365: Home vs Business

Home Edition — Simple Online Purchase

Buy directly from Microsoft:

• No partner involvement
• No setup
• Support via Microsoft
• Suitable for families and individuals

Business Edition — Best Purchased Through a Microsoft Partner

A trusted partner, like RLS Computer Services, provides:

• Licence supply & management
• Full Microsoft 365 tenant administration
• Security configuration
• Backup and retention policies
• SharePoint/Teams/OneDrive setup
• GDPR-compliant configuration
• Ongoing support

Think of a Microsoft Partner as your business cloud IT department.

Backup & GDPR: A Critical Difference

Microsoft 365 Home offers only:

• A 30-day recycling bin
• No advanced recovery
• No audit trail
• No retention policies
• No compliance centre

If something is deleted — especially by mistake — it may be gone for good.

Business Plans Offer:

• SharePoint version history
• Tenant-wide retention policies
• Full audit logging
• MFA security
• Optional full Microsoft 365 backup

For councils, charities, local authorities, sole traders and SMEs, this is essential.

So Which Version Should You Choose?

Microsoft 365 Personal & Family — Choose this if:

• You’re a single user or family
• You only need the basic Office apps
• You’re not storing customer/member data
• You’re not a business, club, school, or local authority

Microsoft 365 Business — Choose this if:

• You run any organisation
• You handle personal or sensitive information
• You need security, retention & compliance
• You want Teams, SharePoint, Exchange
• You want data to stay under company ownership
• You want proper IT administration

Final Thoughts

Choosing between Microsoft 365 Home and Business isn’t about features — it’s about data ownership, security, compliance, and control.

If you’re unsure which version you need, or if your organisation is currently using the wrong one, we can help.

At RLS Computer Services, we can:

• Assess your current setup
• Recommend the correct Microsoft 365 plan
• Migrate your data safely
• Configure security and compliance
• Provide full ongoing support

Get in touch today for expert guidance

For UK businesses that rely on newsletters, customer updates, appointment reminders, or any form of outbound email marketing, these changes require immediate attention to avoid rejections and spam filtering.

Why This Change Matters

Microsoft’s updated policies aim to reduce spam, spoofing, and fraudulent email. While this strengthens the email ecosystem, it also means:

• Messages without proper authentication may be blocked or sent to Junk.
• Poor list-hygiene practices could damage your sending reputation.
• Organisations using outdated or poorly configured systems may find their emails failing silently, resulting in missed communication with clients and customers.

Key Requirements for Bulk Email to Outlook.com

1. Mandatory Email Authentication: SPF, DKIM & DMARC

Your outbound email must pass:

• SPF – verifies your authorised sending servers
• DKIM – cryptographically signs messages to protect integrity
• DMARC – enforces identity alignment and monitors authentication failures

Microsoft is now rejecting or degrading delivery for bulk senders who fail these checks.

Callout:
If you use platforms like Mailchimp, SendGrid, HubSpot, CRM systems, ticketing platforms or VoIP software, your DNS records must be updated to include their SPF and DKIM settings.

2. Stronger Bulk Email Compliance

Microsoft now requires:

• A working unsubscribe link, ideally one-click
• All unsubscribe requests honoured within 48 hours
• A valid, monitored From/Reply-To address
• No spoofing or misleading domain usage
• Clear identification of your organisation within every email

3. List Hygiene, Bounce Management & Complaint Reduction

Maintaining clean, compliant mailing lists is now essential.

• Remove addresses that bounce repeatedly
• Remove subscribers who remain inactive over time
• Stop sending to anyone who flags your messages as spam
• Avoid purchased or low-quality third-party lists

Callout:
Poor list hygiene is now one of the fastest ways to damage your domain’s reputation at Outlook.com.

The Risks of Non-Compliance

Failing to meet these requirements can lead to:

• Hard bounces or outright rejections by Outlook.com
• Placement in the Junk Email folder
• Long-term reputation issues affecting all outbound mail
• Delivery failures for important transactional messages (invoices, notifications, password resets)
• Wasted time and reduced engagement

For organisations with clients or customers using Outlook/Hotmail addresses, the impact can be especially significant.

Real-World Checklists for UK Businesses

These practical checklists help ensure compliance and maintain strong email deliverability.

Technical Checklist: Email Authentication & Infrastructure

• SPF record exists and includes all sending platforms
• DKIM signing enabled for every system that sends email
• DMARC record configured (at minimum: p=none)
• Marketing and transactional emails use separate domains/subdomains
• “From” address is valid and belongs to your controlled domain
• DNS updated to match all external tools (Mailchimp, CRM, VoIP, portals, etc.)
• Regular monitoring of DMARC reports
• Email provider not sending from shared/untrusted IPs

Bulk Email Checklist: Marketing & Newsletter Campaigns

• Clear, functional unsubscribe link in every email
• Unsubscribe requests processed within 48 hours
• Reply-To address monitored daily
• All recipients opted-in and properly segmented
• Campaign frequency controlled to avoid complaints
• Consistent branding and sender identity
• Content designed to minimise spam triggers

List Hygiene Checklist: Protect Your Sender Reputation

• Immediate removal of hard bounces
• Removal of long-term inactive users
• Removal of repeated soft-bounces
• No sending to anyone who marks you as spam
• No use of purchased or unverified email lists
• Double-opt-in used for new sign-ups

Best Practice Recommendations

1. Separate Marketing and Transactional Email

Use dedicated subdomains for campaigns (e.g., updates.yourdomain.co.uk).
This protects your main domain’s reputation.

2. Apply a Robust Email Policy

Define who sends what, using which domain, via which platform.

3. Monitor Deliverability

Review DMARC reports and keep track of domain and IP reputation trends.

4. Review Third-Party Integrations

Ensure all platforms sending on your behalf are authenticated correctly.

Final Thoughts

Outlook.com’s new requirements represent a major shift in how bulk email is assessed.
Properly implemented authentication, unsubscribe management, and list hygiene are no longer optional — they are essential for ensuring outbound communications reach your customers’ inboxes.

Businesses that invest time now in strengthening their email infrastructure will benefit from:

• Higher delivery rates
• Fewer spam complaints
• Improved trust and domain reputation
• More successful customer communication overall

Need help implementing this?

If you want to ensure full compliance with these new Outlook.com requirements — including SPF, DKIM, DMARC configuration, DNS changes, list hygiene strategy, or platform integration — contact RLS Computer Services for assistance.

Over time, your Outlook mailbox can fill up with unwanted emails, especially in the Deleted Items and Junk Email folders. When these folders aren’t cleared regularly, they can use up valuable storage space and even stop new mail from coming in.

Here’s how to quickly tidy up your mailbox:

1. Empty Deleted Items:
   • In Outlook, right-click the Deleted Items folder.
   • Select ‘Empty Folder’ to permanently remove those emails.
2. Clear the Junk Email Folder:
   • Open the Junk Email folder and check for any messages that shouldn’t be there.
   • Once you’ve checked, right-click the folder and choose ‘Empty Folder’.
3. Check Sent Items and Large Attachments:
   • Sent emails and attachments can take up a lot of space. Sort by size and delete anything no longer needed.
4. Optional – Archive Older Emails:
   • If you’d like to keep older messages, consider using Outlook’s built-in Archive feature to move them out of your main mailbox. This is normally an extra feature that needs an additional Microsoft 365 licence .

Regularly clearing out these folders not only keeps your mailbox organised but also helps Outlook run faster and ensures you never miss an important email.

What This Means for You

Your PC will still turn on, but it won’t be safe. Without regular updates and security patches, Windows 10 becomes increasingly vulnerable to hackers, malware, and data breaches. Even with antivirus software, there’s a growing risk that something malicious could slip through.

In addition to security concerns, software compatibility will quickly decline. Over time, apps, games, and even Microsoft 365 will stop working properly — in fact, Microsoft 365 will no longer be supported on Windows 10 after October 2025.

Why Upgrade to Windows 11

Upgrading isn’t just about staying supported — it’s about staying protected and productive. Windows 11 offers stronger built-in security, faster performance, longer battery life on laptops, and an updated design built for modern computing.

You can either upgrade your current PC (if compatible) or invest in a new Windows 11 device for the best experience. With ongoing updates and modern hardware, you’ll stay ahead of the curve and keep your data secure.

Take Action Now

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Upgrade to Windows 11 today and enjoy a smoother, more secure computing experience.

👉 Download our free Windows 10 End of Support FAQ to learn more about your options and how RLS Computer Services can help you transition safely. Alternatively, get in touch with us if you require any assistance with checking compatibility or with upgrading. 01553 776937 or email support@rlscomputers.co.uk.

At RLS Computer Services, we understand that data protection is not just a legal obligation – it’s also a matter of trust between your organisation and the people you serve. Whether you are a local authority, a parish council, or a small business, compliance with the UK GDPR is essential. Two of the most important areas we support our clients with are Article 25 – Data Protection by Design and by Default and Article 32 – Security of Processing.

Article 25: Data Protection by Design and by Default

This article requires organisations to embed data protection into the way they design and use systems. At RLS, we ensure that every deployment – whether it’s a new computer for a single user, a Microsoft 365 setup for remote working, or a full network infrastructure upgrade – has security built in from the outset.

For example:

• When we configure Microsoft 365, we enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) as a default setting, so users have a higher level of protection against unauthorised access.
• When setting up new computers, we configure them with BitLocker encryption to ensure data is secure even if a device is lost or stolen.
• For councils and public bodies handling sensitive citizen data, we implement role-based access controls, ensuring that staff only have access to the data necessary for their role.

This approach ensures compliance with Article 25 by designing systems with privacy and security at their core, rather than as an afterthought.

Article 32: Security of Processing

Article 32 focuses on the technical and organisational measures organisations must take to secure personal data. At RLS, we take a “security from the ground up” approach for all our clients, ensuring that risks are minimised and systems are resilient.

Examples include:

• Regular patching and updates to keep software protected against known vulnerabilities.
• Endpoint protection and firewall management to safeguard against malware and external threats.
• Secure backup solutions, ensuring that even in the event of a ransomware attack, critical data can be recovered quickly and safely.
• Staff training and awareness sessions, as human error is often the weakest link in data security. By raising awareness, we help organisations maintain compliance in day-to-day operations.

For UK organisations, particularly local authorities and small businesses, these measures provide assurance that personal data is handled securely, meeting both GDPR requirements and the expectations of the public.

How RLS Supports You

Compliance doesn’t have to be complex. With RLS Computer Services, you have a partner who makes sure GDPR principles are built into your IT systems by default and reinforced through strong security practices. From one-off device setups to fully managed IT support contracts, we ensure that your organisation remains compliant, secure, and trusted.

If you would like to discuss how we can help strengthen your GDPR compliance, get in touch with us today.

As part of our managed services we apply updates, upgrades, patches and maintenance to our clients devices on a specified date and time of the week. This is so we can keep to tight schedule on workloads and all devices are managed to the same level.

The task of updating a client’s device (computer, laptop, tablet or mobile) isn’t easy and we follow a strict timetable to make sure that nothing slips through the net, however we need our clients to adhere to the schedule for it to take place.

What Work Do We Carry Out?

Although the work can vary from client to client the majority have these mandatory processes implemented.

Software Updates (Mac & Windows)

• Microsoft Office
• VLC Media Player
• Adobe Acrobat Reader
• 7-Zip
• Google Chrome
• Microsoft Edge
• Mozilla Firefox
• Thunderbird
• Microsoft Teams
• Brother iPrint & Scan
• and many others..

Operating System Patching & Updates

• Windows Updates (Critical & Important)
• Windows Service Packs (if applicable)
• Microsoft Office Service Packs (if applicable)
• Includes Mac OS recommended software, security, and stability updates

Maintenance

• Full System Virus Scan
• System Clean Up
• Empty Temporary Files

When Do You Carry It Out?

We carry out the work overnight as to not disturb your working day, however sometimes Windows devices may need to reboot the next day.

What Do I Need To Do?

• Leave your computer, laptop, tablet or mobile switched on
• Make sure your device is connected to the internet either via WIFI or LAN connection
• If using a mobile device make sure it is plugged into the mains supply
• Make sure all files are saved & applications are closed.
• There is NO need to be logged in.

If you work from home then these updates can be done there as long as you have a fast Internet connection, just follow the procedure above.

How Will I Know It’s Completed?

If you don’t hear from us assume everything is alright, however in some cases we might need to access your device to complete a task (i.e. installing drivers for printers, graphics cards, IOS updates, etc.). In these cases we will make a separate arrangement to complete the work.

What Happens If I Miss The Deadline?

If you forget to leave your device on, don’t worry it will get completed either the next day or the next weekly cycle depending on the urgency of the update, patch or upgrade. However, we have no control over the time and cannot guarantee it won’t disrupt your working day.

In London, the problem is especially severe, where around 70% of thefts involve mobile phones. Criminal gangs target unsuspecting pedestrians, stealing devices that are quickly sold on, often overseas, creating a black market worth tens of millions of pounds. Despite this, less than 1% of these cases result in a charge.

How Do Snatch Thieves Operate?

Snatch theft is usually fast and opportunistic. Thieves typically work in pairs or alone using e-bikes, mopeds, or scooters—some capable of reaching 70 mph. They target people walking on pavements or sitting in public spaces with their phones out, especially when distracted.

Other tactics include:

• Distraction thefts: where one person engages you in conversation while another grabs your phone.
• Pickpocketing: lifting phones from back pockets or handbags in crowded places.
• Drive-bys: scooters or bikes zoom past and grab the phone right from your hand.

The whole act can take just seconds.

How to Avoid Becoming a Victim

While no method is foolproof, here are some practical habits to help reduce your risk:

• Stay aware when using your phone in public, especially near roads or cycle paths.
• Keep your phone out of sight in busy areas or when walking near traffic.
• Use earphones or smartwatches for calls and navigation to avoid holding your phone.
• Avoid placing your phone on café tables or resting it in open bags or pockets.

Top 6 Practical Tips if Your Phone Is Stolen

1. Note your IMEI number
   Dial *#06# on your phone to display its unique IMEI numbers. Write it down or screen grab and store it safely. You’ll need it if you report the theft or ask your network to block the device.
2. Enable tracking and locking features
   Set up tools like Find My iPhone or Google Find My Device. These let you locate, lock, or even erase your phone remotely if it’s stolen.
3. Use trusted support if unsure
   If you’re not confident using tracking tools yourself, professional IT support providers can help you track, lock or wipe your device remotely.
4. Change your passwords
   Use another device to log into your Apple ID, Google account, or banking apps and change your passwords immediately. This helps prevent fraud.
5. Contact your network provider
   Ask them to block your SIM and blacklist your IMEI numbers. This stops the thief from using the device on any UK network.
6. Report the theft to the police
   If the theft just happened or is ongoing, call 999. Otherwise, call 101 or report it online at www.police.uk. Give them your IMEI number and any tracking details to aid recovery.

In Summary

Phone theft is on the rise, but there are simple steps you can take to reduce your risk and respond quickly if your device is stolen. Stay alert in public, avoid displaying your phone unnecessarily, and prepare now by activating tracking tools and storing your IMEI number. And remember—support is available if you need help managing your device remotely. A little preparation today could save a lot of stress tomorrow.

At RLS Computer Services, we believe this is a fantastic step forward. We’ve long supported parish and town councils with technology solutions, and this development reinforces our mission to help you go digital in a practical, secure, and cost-effective way.

What’s Changing?

The government’s new direction allows local authorities to decide how best to allow councillors to attend meetings remotely—via video conferencing platforms like Microsoft Teams or Zoom. Proxy voting will also be permitted in specific circumstances (like illness or parental leave), helping ensure democratic decisions aren’t delayed.

Why It Matters

When councillors can contribute from anywhere, representation improves. It means better decision-making, fewer meeting cancellations, and a broader pool of people who may feel able to stand for office.

How RLS Can Help Your Council

We offer a full range of IT support tailored to the needs of local government:

• Hybrid Meeting Setup: Cameras, speakers, microphones, and stable Wi-Fi – everything needed to run smooth hybrid meetings.
• Platform Support: Help with Zoom, Teams or other platforms including setup, training and ongoing support.
• Devices for Councillors: Laptops and tablets pre-configured for secure access and remote participation.
• Document Sharing & Security: SharePoint and Microsoft 365 integration so agendas, minutes, and policies are easy to access and safe.
• Clear IT Policies: We’ll help clerks establish practical and easy-to-follow policies for remote working.
• On-Demand Support & Training: Reliable, friendly support when you need it most

Ready to Modernise Your Meetings?

We’re already helping councils across Norfolk take the next step in digital governance—and we’d love to help yours too.

📞 01553 776937
📧 info@rlscomputers.co.uk
🌐 www.rlscomputers.co.uk

Read Full Government Article: Remote attendance and proxy voting in local authorities: consultation results and government response

Mastering the art of signing PDF documents is a key skill for office professionals looking to streamline their workflow, and Adobe Acrobat Reader is the go-to tool for this task. From adding your signature to filling out forms, this step-by-step guide will equip you with the knowledge needed to sign PDFs like a pro, all at no cost. Boost your productivity and efficiency by harnessing the power of Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Discover Adobe Acrobat Reader: A Free Tool for Signing PDFs

Why Choose Adobe Acrobat Reader for Signing Documents

Adobe Acrobat Reader stands out as a reliable solution for signing documents. It’s a universally recognized tool that ensures compatibility across different operating systems and devices. This means when you sign a PDF using Acrobat Reader, the document will appear the same to everyone, maintaining the integrity of the format and your signature.

Moreover, security is a top priority with Adobe Acrobat Reader. It offers several features to protect your sensitive information, such as password protection and certificate-based signatures. This ensures that your documents are not only signed but also secure.

The free version of Adobe Acrobat Reader provides the essential functionalities required for signing documents. For many users, this suffices for their day-to-day needs without incurring extra costs. This cost-effectiveness, combined with its ease of use, makes Adobe Acrobat Reader a smart choice for professionals who regularly deal with PDFs.

Step-by-Step Guide to Signing PDF Documents

Signing PDF documents with Adobe Acrobat Reader is straightforward. Start by opening the PDF you need to sign. Navigate to the “Tools” menu and select “Fill & Sign.” Click on the “Sign” icon, and you will be presented with two options: “Add Signature” or “Add Initials.”

If it’s your first time, you’ll need to create a signature. You can do this by typing your name, drawing with your mouse or touchpad, or uploading an image of your handwritten signature. Once created, your signature will be saved for future use.

Next, place your signature where it’s required on the document by clicking and dragging it to the appropriate field. You can also adjust the size to fit as needed. After placing your signature, save the document. You’ve now successfully signed your PDF, and it’s ready to be shared securely and reliably with others.

Boost Your Productivity with Digital Signatures

The Advantages of Signing PDF Documents Digitally

Digital signatures provide several advantages that boost productivity in any office environment. First, they save time. Rather than printing a document, signing it by hand, and scanning it back into a digital format, digital signatures allow you to sign documents with a few clicks directly on your computer.

Another significant advantage is the reduction of paper clutter. Digital signatures negate the need for physical storage of signed documents, freeing up office space and reducing paper waste. This not only helps in being environmentally friendly but also makes it easier to organize and locate documents when needed.

Digital signatures also enhance document security. They can be encrypted, making them tamper-proof and ensuring the authenticity of the signer. Additionally, digital documents can be easily tracked and audited for changes, providing a clear history of modifications and signatures.

Overall, the shift to digitally signing PDF documents can lead to a more efficient, secure, and environmentally responsible business practice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Signing PDFs

When signing PDFs digitally, there are a few common pitfalls to be wary of. One such mistake is not verifying that the PDF is in a final format before signing. Making changes to a document after it has been signed can invalidate the signature, potentially leading to legal and professional setbacks.

Another error is neglecting to save a copy of the signed document. Always ensure that you save the final version of the document with your signature applied. This prevents any loss of data and confirms that the signed version is the one being sent or stored.

A third oversight involves the security settings of the PDF. Before signing, check that the document’s security allows for signatures. If the document is locked or restricted, you won’t be able to sign it without the proper permissions.

Lastly, ensure that you use the correct signature every time. Using inconsistent signatures can lead to questions about authenticity and may require re-signing documents, thus hindering productivity.

Try it Yourself: Resources for Getting Started

All you need is Adobe Acrobat Reader for signing PDFs. To help you get started, a wealth of resources is available via our website at https://rlscomputers.co.uk.

If you prefer direct assistance, our support team is ready to help you navigate any challenges. You can reach out to us by calling 01553 776937 or sending an email to support@rlscomputers.co.uk. .

Moreover, Adobe’s own website offers comprehensive support and tutorials, which can be invaluable as you familiarize yourself with the software’s features. By taking advantage of these resources, you’ll soon be signing PDF documents with confidence and efficiency.

Understanding macOS Version History

Since 2010, Apple has consistently rolled out new versions of macOS, each with its own set of enhancements and refinements. Here’s a historical list of macOS versions released since then, along with their names and release dates:

1. Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard – Released on August 28, 2009
2. OS X 10.7 Lion – Released on July 20, 2011
3. OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion – Released on July 25, 2012
4. OS X 10.9 Mavericks – Released on October 22, 2013
5. OS X 10.10 Yosemite – Released on October 16, 2014
6. OS X 10.11 El Capitan – Released on September 30, 2015
7. macOS 10.12 Sierra – Released on September 20, 2016
8. macOS 10.13 High Sierra – Released on September 25, 2017
9. macOS 10.14 Mojave – Released on September 24, 2018
10. macOS 10.15 Catalina – Released on October 7, 2019
11. macOS 11 Big Sur – Released on November 12, 2020
12. macOS 12.7 Monterey (Star) – Released on October 25, 2021
13. macOS 13.6.2 Ventura (Rome) – Released on November 7, 2022
14. macOS 14.1.1 Sonoma (Sunburst) – Released on November 7, 2023
15. macOS 15 (Sequoia) – released September 16, 2024

How to Tell Which macOS Version You Are Running

Identifying the version of macOS currently installed on your Mac is straightforward:

1. Click on the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen.
2. Select “About This Mac” from the dropdown menu.
3. A window will appear displaying the name and version number of your macOS installation

How to Upgrade to the Latest Version of macOS

Now that you know which version of macOS you’re running, here’s how to upgrade to the latest version:

1. Ensure that your Mac is compatible with the latest version of macOS. You can check compatibility on Apple’s website.
2. Back up your important files using Time Machine or another backup solution.
3. Connect your Mac to the internet and plug it into power.
4. Click on the Apple logo and select “System Preferences.”
5. Choose “Software Update.” Your Mac will check for available updates.
6. If a new version of macOS is available, click “Upgrade Now” to begin the installation process.
7. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the upgrade. Your Mac may restart several times during the process.

Conclusion

Upgrading to the latest version of macOS ensures that you have access to the latest features, performance improvements, and security enhancements. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily upgrade your Mac to the newest version of macOS and stay up-to-date with the latest developments from Apple.

To learn more about the features of the latest macOS version, visit Apple’s official website highlighting macOS Sonoma.

Happy upgrading!

You might be wondering; how does this change affect your Careline service? Well, we’re here to help you understand.

What is the Switch off about?

Openreach, the UK’s largest telecoms & broadband network provider, is switching off copper cables in 2025, because it is part of a national effort to modernise the country’s telecommunications infrastructure. Copper cables, which have been in use for over a century, are not capable of providing the faster broadband speeds and higher bandwidths required by modern digital services.

What does this mean for you? It means that you will no longer be able to use your traditional landline phone and broadband service as you do today. Instead, you will need to switch to a digital service, such as fibre broadband and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) also known as digital voice services, to ensure that you can still make calls and access the internet.

How does the digital switchover affect Careline?

With the digital switchover, there may be questions about the performance of Careline’s service, especially as your alarm system is connected to a traditional phone line. While certain adaptors can be used to facilitate the transition to the new digital system, it’s essential to note that these alarm systems weren’t initially designed for this purpose.

Is there an alternative version of Careline’s service?

Absolutely! The Careline’s Digital Alarm Unit serves as an alternative to the traditional Careline service. The Digital Alarm Unit is a state-of-the-art system. Simply plug it into a power socket, and it’s ready to use. The unit is equipped with a SIM card (used in mobile phones), where it can contact Careline’s dedicated team swiftly when assistance is needed. Additionally, this system operates even during power outages, thanks to its 40–70-hour backup battery.

How and when should you transition to Careline’s Digital Alarm Unit?

Transitioning to Careline’s Digital Alarm Unit is a straightforward process. To get started, please reach out to Careline Community Service via phone at 01553 616200 or email careline.operators@west-norfolk.gov.uk. Their dedicated team will guide you through the transition smoothly. To ensure a seamless switch, it is advisable to make the transition before the digital switchover takes place, allowing you to have your new equipment ready well in advance.

In summary, the digital switchover is transforming the telecommunications landscape, impacting traditional care industries alarm systems. Careline’s Digital Alarm Unit offers a modern and dependable solution to ensure your safety in the digital era.

For any inquiries or assistance with the transition, do not hesitate to contact Careline Community Services. RLS Computer Services and Careline Community Service are dedicated to your well-being, no matter how technology evolves.

Further Reading

https://www.careline-cs.org.uk/products/careline-home-alarm/

Careline Digital Switchover Information Flyer