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R Computing

Remote IT Support
Remote and local computer repair service!

Managed IT Services for businesses and home users
Operating system optimization
Virus removal
And more!

01/10/2026

I am planning to add a home visit IT support service.

I can come to your home in Aviemore and the surrounding areas and fix your computer or device problem on the spot if possible, or if it needs more time, I can collect your device and bring it back to you once it is sorted.

Would anyone be interested in this?

https://rcomputing.co.uk

09/05/2026

Linux Is No Longer “Just for Servers”

A few years ago, switching to Linux for daily use was still considered quite advanced. In 2026, that’s changing.

Windows 11 keeps raising hardware requirements and adding more telemetry and AI features that many people don’t want. At the same time, modern Linux distributions like Ubuntu, Fedora, and Linux Mint and other distributions have become much more user-friendly.

I’ve been running Linux on my main laptop (Omarchy, an Arch-based distro) for a while now. For web browsing, document work, and even light development, it’s been very stable. The biggest improvements I’ve seen are in:

• Better hardware support (especially Wi-Fi and graphics)
• Cleaner desktop environments
• Easier software installation through app stores

It’s not perfect for everyone — some specific Windows-only software still needs workarounds — but for a lot of everyday tasks, Linux is now a realistic option.

Have you considered switching to Linux, or are you already using it? What’s holding you back (or what made you switch)?

08/05/2026

Windows 11 Update Fatigue

Windows 11 has been pushing quite a few updates lately, and if you’ve noticed your PC restarting more than once after an update, you’re not alone.

Microsoft confirmed that some recent updates can trigger multiple restarts because of changes to Secure Boot. It’s not a bug — it’s by design. Still, it can be annoying when you’re in the middle of work.

A few things that actually help in 2026:

• You can now manage update notifications better in Settings > Windows Update
• The new Run dialog is noticeably faster and cleaner
• If you want a bit more control, turning off some telemetry and suggested content reduces unnecessary restarts and distractions

I’ve been testing the latest updates on my own machines, and these small tweaks make a real difference in daily use.

Have you had any issues with recent Windows 11 updates? What’s your experience so far?

07/05/2026

VPNs for Remote & Hybrid Work

A lot of people still think a VPN is only useful for hiding your location or accessing geo-blocked content. In reality, for anyone working remotely or running a small business, it’s become a basic security tool.

When you connect to public Wi-Fi at a café, airport, or even a client’s office, your traffic can be intercepted. A good VPN encrypts that connection so your emails, client files, and login details stay private.

For remote teams it also helps with:

• Secure access to company systems from anywhere
• Protecting data when working from home networks
• Avoiding ISP throttling on certain services

I’ve set up VPN solutions for both personal use and small business environments. The key is choosing one with split tunneling so you don’t slow down everything just to stay secure.

Do you use a VPN when working remotely? Any recommendations or bad experiences?

06/05/2026

AI" sounds like something only big tech companies use. But here's the truth:

Small businesses in the Highlands can benefit from AI right now — and it doesn't require a degree in computer science.

Here are 3 practical ways you could be saving time starting this week:

1️⃣ Automate appointment reminders
If you run a B&B, salon, or service business, you're probably sending manual reminders. AI tools can handle this automatically — text or email, scheduled, no effort.
→ Saves: Hours per week. Reduces no-shows.

2️⃣ Draft social media posts in seconds
Struggling to stay visible on Facebook or Instagram? AI can help you draft posts, captions, and even ideas — then you just review and hit publish.
→ Saves: The "staring at a blank screen" time.

3️⃣ Summarize customer enquirers
Got a busy inbox? AI can read through enquirers, pull out the key info, and help you respond faster. No more copy-pasting the same answers.
→ Saves: 30+ minutes a day on email.

The best part? You don't need to understand how it works. You just need someone to set it up for you.

That's where I come in. I'm building practical AI setup services for small businesses — no jargon, no fluff, just tools that actually help.

Want to know more? Drop me a message or give me a call.

📞 07852 749983
🌐 rcomputing.co.uk (http://rcomputing.co.uk/)

05/05/2026

Is your computer running slower than it used to?

You're not imagining it — and you don't necessarily need to buy a new one.

Here are the 4 most common reasons your PC or Mac has slowed down, and what you can do about them:

1. Too many programs starting up
Every time you turn your computer on, apps like Spotify, OneDrive, Zoom, and printer software etc. all try to load at once. That bogs things down before you've even opened anything.

→ Fix: Disable unnecessary startup programs. I can do this remotely in minutes.

2. Low disk space
If your hard drive is nearly full, your computer has to work much harder just to run normally. A good rule: keep at least 15-20% free.

→ Fix: Clear temporary files, uninstall old programs, or move files to cloud storage or external drives.

3. Background updates
Windows and Mac updates love to run at the worst possible time — right when you need to get work done.

→ Fix: Schedule updates for overnight. I can set this up for you.

4. Malware, bloatware, or just digital clutter
Over time, computers collect junk — leftover install files, browser extensions you forgot about, and sometimes unwanted software that's eating your resources.

→ Fix: A full system clean-up. I do these remotely or in person.

Need a speed boost?

I offer a complete system optimisation service:
💻 Remote: from £39.99
🔧 In-person (Aviemore & surrounding areas): from £50

📞 Call or text: 07852 749983
🌐 rcomputing.co.uk (http://rcomputing.co.uk/)

02/05/2026

The 5-Minute Security Check Every Small Business & Family Should Do This Month

If you run a small business in the Highlands, or just want to keep your family safe online, this 5-minute checklist is for you. It works on any device — Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android, doesn't matter.

✅ Step 1: Turn on automatic updates (60 seconds)
This is the single best thing you can do. Updates fix known security holes. On Windows, go to Settings > Windows Update. On Mac, System Settings > General > Software Update. On iPhone/Android, Settings > General/System > Software Update — and toggle automatic updates on. Set it and forget it.

✅ Step 2: Enable 2-factor authentication on your most important accounts (90 seconds)
Email. Banking. Social media. That's where to start. 2FA means even if someone steals your password, they can't log in without a second code from your phone. Most services support it now — check your account security settings. The NCSC now recommends passkeys where available, and 2FA everywhere else. Either is miles better than a password alone.

✅ Step 3: Check if your passwords have been leaked (60 seconds)
Go to haveibeenpwned.com (http://haveibeenpwned.com/) — type in your email. It'll tell you if your accounts have been caught up in a data breach. If yes, change that password immediately. Use a password manager (Bitwarden, 1Password, or even your phone's built-in one) so you don't have to remember 50 different passwords.

✅ Step 4: Spot the scams targeting the Highlands right now (60 seconds)
The most common ones hitting our area right now:

• "Your parcel is being held" delivery text with a link — Royal Mail and DPD will never send that
• "Your broadband is being cut off" — spoofed from providers like BT, Sky, Virgin
• "HMRC is taking legal action" — they don't do this by text

The rule: never click links in unexpected messages. Go directly to the website or call the official number.

✅ Step 5: Back up what you can't afford to lose (60 seconds)
Ransomware is still one of the biggest threats to small businesses. A simple backup means you can tell the attackers where to go. For a family, plug in an external drive once a week and copy your photos and documents. For a business, use a cloud service like Dropbox, Proton Drive, etc. or a simple NAS device. The 3-2-1 rule: 3 copies, 2 different formats, 1 stored off-site.

───

That's it. 5 minutes. 5 steps.

You don't need to be a tech expert. You just need to build these into a habit — once at the start of every month, or set a reminder on your phone.

01/05/2026

That "Urgent" Email from Your Bank? Probably Fake. Here's How to Check.

Phishing used to be easy to spot. Bad grammar, obvious fake logos, weird email addresses.

In 2026, scammers have gotten better. Much better. AI writes their emails now — perfect grammar, real company branding, personalised with data from breaches. Even tech-savvy people are getting caught.

But here's the thing: the red flags haven't changed. They're just harder to see.

The 5 checks that still work:

1. The URL doesn't match
Hover over any link before clicking. Does the tooltip say your-bank.com or your-bank.secure-login.xyz? If the domain doesn't match the company name exactly — it's fake. Every time.

2. It plays the urgency card
"Your account will be closed in 24 hours." "£400 refund pending." Legitimate companies don't threaten you with deadlines. Scammers do because it makes you act before thinking.

3. You don't recognise the sender
Check the full email address, not just the display name. "Your Bank" is not your bank. Your bank uses their real domain.

4. They're asking for something they should already know
Real banks never email you asking for your password, PIN, or full card number. They already have this information. Anyone asking for it via email is a scammer.

5. You weren't expecting it
Did you recently actually get a suspicious transaction notification? Probably not. If an email shows up out of the blue claiming something urgent, that's your first clue.

Quick flow to use every single time:

STOP → CHECK (look at the sender, hover the link) → VERIFY (contact the company through their official website, not the link in the email)

That three-step pause costs you 10 seconds. It can save you thousands.

Share this with someone in your family who "isn't very technical." They're the ones scammers are counting on.

30/04/2026

Self-Hosting Isn't Just for Geeks — 3 Simple Services You Can Run at Home

"Self-hosting" sounds like something only Linux sysadmins do. But honestly? If you've got an old laptop sitting in a drawer, you're already halfway there.

The idea is simple: instead of paying monthly subscriptions for cloud services, you run them yourself on hardware you already own. Here are 3 beginner-friendly services that anyone can set up in an afternoon:

1. Pi-hole — Block ads across your whole house
A tiny device (Raspberry Pi or old laptop) running Pi-hole filters out ads, trackers, and malware at the network level — before they reach any device in your home. No browser extensions needed. Every phone, laptop, and tablet in your house gets faster browsing automatically.

2. Vaultwarden — Your own private password manager
It's a lightweight, self-hosted version of Bitwarden. You get the same password sync and sharing across all your devices, but your passwords never touch a third-party server. Perfect for families who want shared logins without trusting a cloud company.

3. Nextcloud — Dropbox replacement on your own terms

Access your files from anywhere, sync photos from your phone, share documents with clients — all from storage you control. Plug in a USB drive and you have your own private "cloud" with zero subscription fees.

I run most of my self-hosted stack on a free Oracle Cloud server (4 CPU, 24GB RAM) with Docker. But honestly, a £50 Raspberry Pi or an old laptop will handle all three of these at once.

The only requirement: you need basic familiarity with following a tutorial. If you can copy-paste a command, you can self-host.

Start with Pi-hole. It's the easiest win and you'll notice the difference within an hour.

Got an old laptop you've been meaning to do something with? This is your sign.

29/04/2026

5 Free Tools That Work on Everything — Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, and Android

One of the most annoying things in tech is finding a great app — only to discover it doesn't work on your other devices.

The good news? In 2026, you don't have to pick sides. These 5 tools work flawlessly on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. No lock-in, no "sorry, Mac only." Just stuff that works.

1. Bitwarden — Stop reusing passwords. Bitwarden is a free, open-source password manager that syncs across everything. Phone, laptop, even your partner's computer if you share a family account. Costs £0/year for the basics.

2. Obsidian — Notes that stay yours. Unlike Notion or Evernote, Obsidian runs on local files. Your notes are plain Markdown on your hard drive — you can take them anywhere, even if you switch apps. Works identically on every OS.

3. Signal — Private messaging that doesn't suck. Yes, it's encrypted. But also: it works. High quality video calls, fast sync between devices, no ads. Signal runs on everything and won't sell your data to train AI.

4. ProtonVPN — Your privacy on public Wi-Fi. Especially useful in the Highlands where you might be hopping between cafés, B&Bs, or tourist centres. ProtonVPN has a generous free tier and runs on all platforms.

5. KDE Connect — Link your phone and PC without cables. Copy from phone, paste on laptop. Get your phone notifications on your desktop. Control your PC's music from your phone. Works between Android + any desktop OS (Windows/Mac/Linux). iPhone support is limited but the desktop side is fully cross-platform.

The common thread: they're all open-source or privacy-first, they all sync across devices, and you can use them today for free.

Which cross-platform tool do you rely on most?

Address

4 Alvie Court
Kincraig
PH211AH

Opening Hours

Monday	9:30am - 4pm
Tuesday	9:30am - 4pm
Wednesday	9:30am - 4pm
Thursday	9:30am - 4pm
Friday	9:30am - 4pm
Saturday	10am - 1pm

Website

http://www.rcomputing.co.uk/

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