What's New
Keep up-to-date with the latest news, offers and helpful tips and tricks.
22 MAY 13
With IT upgrades having been put on hold during the tough economic times of the last few years, many businesses are now growing concerned about their ageing (and possibly out of warranty) IT infrastructure. Keep reading
15 MAY 13
Microsoft's latest operating system Windows 8 has been around for a few months now and people are gradually making the move across. Windows 8 is a radical step from Windows XP and Windows 7 and initially looks very different. Keep reading
01 MAY 13
Word is one of Microsoft's most successful and popular products of the Office pack and most people are familiar with its features. There are a vast range of options and tools within Word however most people only use a small percentage of the features available. Keep reading
17 APRIL 13
If you've been impressed by some of the computer deals coming from the likes of Harvey Norman, and Noel Leeming, then you're not alone. However, what you need to be aware of is what you're actually getting for those deals, and that typically you'll likely be purchasing a consumer-grade PC as opposed to a business-grade PC. Keep reading
27 MARCH 13
It used to be that Internet Explorer was the most popular web browser as it comes pre-installed on all Microsoft computers, but in recent years we've seen a wave of new web browsers that offer a range of features and browsing options. Keep reading
26 MARCH 13
It's hard to believe that in 2007 Microsoft's "Windows Mobile" platform had a 42% share in the US market before the Apple and Android onslaught took place. Keep reading
13 MARCH 13
Deciding on when to replace your business server can be a difficult decision to make. Servers are often fairly expensive and so is the cost of installing them, migrating everything across, etc. So, what should your server replacement strategy be and is it economical to use servers until they no longer operate? Keep reading
12 MARCH 13
Microsoft Office 2013 was recently released in New Zealand. Microsoft Office is one of the most popular and essential products for business productivity. Below we discuss what the main changes are and which exciting new features to look out for. Keep reading
27 FEBRUARY 13
Fibre or Ultra-Fast Broadband (UFB) is fibre optic cable that is able to deliver internet data further and faster than traditional copper cables. The government has outlined an initiative to provide fibre optic cabling around New Zealand and this project is currently underway. Keep reading
13 FEBRUARY 13
Over the past year we've seen a real increase in the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) trend within business. This basically means that employees are bringing their own personal smartphones or tablets to work, to be used alongside their employer-provided PC or laptop. Keep reading
28 NOVEMBER 12
On October 26 Microsoft released its latest operating system for desktop and laptop computers, tablets and mobile phones. As with all new Windows operating systems there's been a lot of commentary about the changes, with much debate over the uptake within the business community and the usability for the end user. Keep reading
27 NOVEMBER 12
With the recent launch of Windows 8, Windows XP is now coming closer and closer to the end of its life. Many people think this simply means that Microsoft will no longer be selling this product, but it actually has far greater implications and even potential risks for business. Keep reading
10 OCTOBER 12
Being an IT company there are lots of little tweaks and modifications that we've made to our computers to make them perform at their best, so that we can get our work done as quickly and effectively as possible. Keep reading
19 SEPTEMBER 12
Although the iPhone 5 isn't drastically different from its predecessors, we thought we'd outline the range of new features that may be useful in the business setting, and what you need to consider before making your smartphone purchase decision. Keep reading
22 AUGUST 12
2012 seems to be marching along at an alarming rate, so we thought we'd review the biggest trends in IT for the year so far and take a look at the impact they have on small business in New Zealand. Keep reading
27 JUNE 12
When the media talks about thousands of computer users falling victim to some unknown nasty, it will often be referred to as a virus whether it is true or not. Keep reading
12 JUNE 12
In a few months, Microsoft will release their new operating system Windows 8 which will be the biggest change in convention for the Windows platform since the release of Windows 95 all those years ago. Keep reading
31 MAY 12
Tablets are a great answer to the growing demand for a lightweight, mobile way to stay connected. They cant at this stage replace the functionality you require from your laptop or desktop PC, but they do offer an easy way to manage your emails, browse the internet and play a few games if you have time to spare. Keep reading
29 MAY 12
With Microsoft releasing Windows 8 in September, their first tablet focused operating system, 2012 promises to be an interesting year for gadget geeks, irrespective of whom you pledge your allegiance to. Keep reading
16 MAY 12
Do you remember the day when you first opened Outlook? How fast and responsive it was to your every command? Well if those days have long gone and your Outlook response time is getting slower and slower, we have a couple of hints and tips that will help you optimise your Outlook, making the time you spend on emails more productive and pleasurable. Keep reading
15 MAY 12
Search Folders were first introduced in Outlook 2003 and this often underutilised feature of Outlook is great way to help you find all the information related to a particular project, an important client, or an upcoming conference for example. Keep reading
15 MAY 12
The .PST file is commonly used in the workplace as a means of archiving emails that are that are important to the user, giving him/her piece of mind. But did you know, in terms of disk space usage, storing emails on the exchange server (email server) is 3 times more efficient then using a .PST file. Keep reading
26 APRIL 12
OneNote is an easy-to-use digital notebook that provides a single place where you can capture, organise and share your ideas in electronic form. It also has the added benefits of search Keep reading
21 MARCH 12
Take instant messaging to the next level and enhance your office collaboration with Microsoft Lync. Create an instant, on-demand communications channel that is a more efficient alternative to telephone or email for many situations. Keep reading
29 FEBRUARY 12
An electrical surge can destroy your most expensive electronics in seconds! If you are going to invest in computer equipment then you need to invest in good quality surge protection power boards. Keep reading
16 NOVEMBER 11
The Microsoft Outlook Social Connector is a great feature to keep track of your friends and colleagues while also enabling you to grow your professional network directly from Outlook. Keep reading
02 NOVEMBER 11
Put simply, iCloud is a way of wirelessly storing and syncing all of your music, photos, books and apps across all of your devices. So, for example, if you download a song on your iPhone it will automatically and wirelessly sync with your iPad and your PC. Keep reading
01 NOVEMBER 11
iOS is the mobile operating system designed by Apple that is used on iPhones, iPads and iPod touch's. iOS 5 is the latest version that was released on 13 October 2011, and whilst the initial download attempt was a bit sketchy due to millions of people attempting to download it all over the world, once you do get it, it's fantastic and packed with loads of new features.
Keep reading
12 OCTOBER 11
At Optimus HQ we've always been big fans of the iPhone, but recently we were given a new Samsung Galaxy S II to trial. This is our first foray into the world of Android phones so we thought we'd share our thoughts on this rival operating system and let you know about the helpful things we discovered along the way, as well as share some of the best apps that we found. Keep reading
11 OCTOBER 11
Smartphones are fantastic for allowing us to do so much more, but the convenience of all of these additional features does come at a price - and that price is your battery life. Keep reading
11 OCTOBER 11
While the Android Market may not have as many apps as the iPhone App Store, there are still loads to choose from, and with more being developed and released every day it can be difficult knowing which really are the best. Keep reading
28 SEPTEMBER 11
Categories are tags, or keywords that you can assign to any item in Outlook. They can be used to help you find, sort, filter and classify all of the data that your Outlook profile contains. Keep reading
27 SEPTEMBER 11
Have you ever found that you use one or two particular features of your Microsoft Office programs more often than others? Whatever the program, and whatever the feature, it can be added to the Quick Access Toolbar for a conveniently customised interface. Keep reading
27 SEPTEMBER 11
Outlook Rules is a system of data filtering that allows you to customise what happens to your incoming and outgoing emails, appointments and tasks. Its a tremendous time-saving tool for helping to prioritise your interactions. Keep reading
07 SEPTEMBER 11
Do you know when your employees are on the Internet and what they are downloading? If not, then your business could potentially be at risk of violating the Copyright (Infringing File Sharing) Amendment Act. Keep reading
06 SEPTEMBER 11
The following advice is for employers, schools, universities, libraries, free wifi providers, etc. This information has been taken directly from the 3strikes.net.nz website. Keep reading
31 AUGUST 11
Google+ is Googles latest foray into the medium of social networking. So what is it that Google+ does differently to its competition? Keep reading
30 AUGUST 11
Google have made it very easy to start up a Google+ account with just a few short clicks. Here's a guide to get you up and running. Keep reading
30 AUGUST 11
Google+ recognises that you have different social circles, and behave, interact and share things with them all differently. So they've created Circles as a way of managing this. Keep reading
17 AUGUST 11
To cloud or not to cloud? That is the question we are being asked by many of our customers at the moment. Making the move into the cloud is a strategic decision and there are a few things to think about along the way. Keep reading
16 AUGUST 11
Over the past couple of years we have moved 90% of our business into the cloud. This gives us much greater accessibility allowing us to run our business wherever we are - be it in the office, on the go, or even in Tonga! Keep reading
04 AUGUST 11
Did you know that when searching the Internet there is a whole range of special things you can do that will narrow or improve your search results, so you get what you really want. Keep reading
03 AUGUST 11
Here are some easy-to-use instructions on how to get your iPhone up to the latest software version, to ensure that you have all of the latest releases and nifty tools. Keep reading
07 JULY 11
We all have our own way that we like to do things, and now with Ribbon customisation you can make it even easier to do your day-to-day tasks in your Office applications. Keep reading
06 JULY 11
A few weeks ago we wrote an article with tips and tricks for Windows 7. Following positive response we thought we'd share the keyboard shortucts that utilise the Windows Logo Key. Keep reading
15 JUNE 11
Love it or hate it, Microsoft Excel is a popular spreadsheet tool that most of us have as part of our Microsoft Office suite. Many of us probably think that we're pretty good at Excel, but it is in fact Keep reading
02 JUNE 11
With an increase in the number of recent incidents we believe that these scammers are out in full force. We want you to be aware so that you know what to do. Keep reading
18 MAY 11
If any of you have purchased a new computer in the last year or so you will have been upgraded to the new Windows operating system - Windows 7. Below is a list of helpful tips and tricks to make things easier. Keep reading
17 MAY 11
With the Windows XP "end-of-life" drawing nearer we believe that you need to be planning your upgrade to Windows 7 now. Keep reading
10 MAY 11
With the introduction of the new Copyright (Infringing File Sharing) Amendment Bill it has become more important than ever for business owners to have appropriate tools in place which monitor and control the use of their Internet connection. Keep reading
27 APRIL 11
Since getting an iPad we've gradually learned a few tricks that help make things easier and get the most out of this device. We've compiled the best of these tips and tricks into a helpful guide. Keep reading
26 APRIL 11
Since the recent update for the iPhone (iOS 4.3) you can now create a personal hotspot using your phone and the data on your iPhone. This means you can use your phone's data plan to get on the Internet with Keep reading
25 APRIL 11
Being nerds, the Optimus family sold their iPad 1 and upgraded to an iPad 2, purely to tell you all about it! The iPad is getting some traction in the business place now. Keep reading
14 APRIL 11
Recent studies have actually confirmed that bigger really is better! For computer screens that is. Many businesses originally purchased a 15" monitor several years ago which has served them well. But Keep reading
14 APRIL 11
Do you know if your screen resolution setting is really the best for you and your productivity? Keep reading
30 MARCH 11
A network can be as secure as you make it, fully patched, good policies for allowing traffic, strict rules for accessing internal services, but a relaxed password policy can bypass all of that. Keep reading
29 MARCH 11
Facebook privacy settings are extremely detailed but can be very confusing. There are so many options to choose from but here are the top 10 privacy settings to pay attention to. Keep reading
09 MARCH 11
Many of us couldn't live without our iPhones and find they have been seamlessly integrated into our everyday lives, but do you know how to get rid of the American spelling or how to get get caps lock? Keep reading
09 MARCH 11
If your battery is running low and you don't have access to a charger then check out these tips to prolong your battery life. Keep reading
02 MARCH 11
The earthquake in Christchurch has left many of us wondering how we would fare if such an event occurred in Auckland. Do we have an emergency kit prepared? Is our house and contents insurance up-to-date? Keep reading
08 FEBRUARY 11
Recently a customer called us saying they'd had a phone call from a company in Florida telling them that their computer was infected with a whole host of viruses and that they were calling to help. Keep reading
23 JANUARY 11
We are pleased to announce the launch of the new Optimus Systems website! It includes many new features and exciting new services that we can now offer our valued clients. Keep reading
