Webcams: More than Just Video Conferencing!

Webcams are a pretty standard thing these days. With Skype installed, you can have video conferencing to anywhere in the world for virtually nothing. But did you know that your web cam can also be a security camera? Webcams can be setup securely to stream a live video feed over the Internet to another location, without other people eavesdropping in. Imagine being able to make sure things are fine at the office while you are away! The same system can even be used in an "online-classroom" setup, with multiple people viewing a single stream. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination! For more information, please contact us.

AFACT Gets DDOS Attack

The website for the Australian Federation Against Copyright Theft (AFACT) was attacked earlier today by hackers using a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack. This is where a website or other resource is sent many requests at once, essentially block the website from being visible to intended users. See the full article here.

Remote Desktop - Access Your PC from Anywhere!

One of our most popular setups is Remote Desktop. This is a system that allows you to access one computer's screen from another over the internet. For example, say you needed to check some figures in MYOB, but it is only installed on your work computer in your office. You can use Remote Desktop to access your work computer from home over the internet! This same setup can be used if you have multiple people in off-site locations that need access to resources from the one computer (this is called a Terminal Server). For more information on Remote Desktop, please contact us!

All in One Means Telephone and Network Cabling Too

At DCN Solutions, we offer a one stop IT service. This includes network, telephone and other low voltage cable installation. From additional telephone points, to multi-storey network cabling complete with networking rack, switches and other equipment, we have done it all!
We are also licenced to check your existing cabling for compliance with current Australian standards. If you need any cabling done, just give us a call! (Open Cabling Licence T24002)

Bargain Graphics Laptop!

Getting a laptop to have a decent graphics chipset for a bargain price is hard to come by these days. However, the Acer TravelMate 5740G has ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5650 with 1GB DDR3 RAM, XP Pro downgrade and 12 months CA anti-virus for under $1000! For more info, see the specs at dcnsolutions.localline.com.au, or contact us at info@dcnsolutions.net

We Are Close by For All Your IT, Web Design and Programming Needs!

Are you looking for someone close by for your computer, networking, Internet, web design or programming needs? Have a look at dcnsolutions.net/contact, and click on your suburb name to see what zone you are in! If your suburb isn't listed, give us a call, and we'll let you know how far away we are! The zones are in 15 minute blocks, so Zone 1 is 15 minutes away, Zone 2 is 30 minutes away, Zone 3 is 45 minutes away etc.

For any queries, you can call, skype, IM or email us!

Great All Round PC!

This month we have a special on a new computer package:

Intel Core i5 650 3.2 Ghz Dual Core Processor (upgrade to Quad core for less than $50)
Asus P7P55 Motherboard (dual video card slots for CrossFire)
4 GB DDR3 RAM
1.0 TB Hard Drive
Ati HD5770 Graphics Card w/1GB RAM
24x DVD Burner
18.5" LCD with Speakers
Logitech Keyboard/Mouse kit
Windows 7 Home Premium
Microsoft Office Basic (Word, Excel PowerPoint, OneNote)

All for under $1550, installed on site, complete with anti-virus, Microsoft Office etc.!

This system is ready for games, internet, 3D design and much more! Upgrades are available for Graphics cards, CPU, RAM, Hard drive etc. So if there is something that you specifically need (or want), just let us know!

For more details, please contact us here.

Laptop Won't Boot? Check the Battery!

We have had quite a few cases where laptop batteries are no longer storing charge. Every time, the laptop has been left for weeks without use, with the battery still attached to the laptop. This causes the battery to be unable to retain charge properly, so if you are not going to be using your laptop for a while, disconnect the battery, and save the $200 that will be needed to order in a new one!

On the subject of laptops, we have access to Asus and Toshiba and MSI laptops, check out our estore here for more details.

So Many CPU Choices - Which Is The One For You?

When deciding what to get in a new computer, the processor is the most critical part of a system, as it determines the maximum possible speed that the computer can run at. There are many sockets that CPUs are made for, and many processor models for each socket. The sockets that are currently available are:
AMD AM3
Intel LGA775 (soon to be phased out)
Intel LGA1156
Intel LGA1366


The actual models are:
Athlon II X2
Athlon II X4
Phenom II X2
Phenom II X4
Phenom II X6
Intel Core 2 Duo
Intel Core i5
Intel Core i7



So which is the best? It depends on what you need the computer for. As a general rule of thumb, the Athlon II X2 processors are the cheapest, and still fairly fast for office work, MYOB, web browsing etc. For a quick boost in speed, you could go for a Phenom processor. If you want a gaming machine, work on 3D drawings, or process large amounts of data, go for the Intel Core i5 processor (our best seller!), as these are considerably faster, and even though more expensive than AMD, they are the best value for money at the moment. If you want the top of the range and don't mind spending the dollars, go for Intel Core i7. They are the fastest processors out, but you do pay for the privilege!

Protect Your Data with a Server

Do you have files shared on multiple computers in your office? Do you have a backup of your data done every week? It is essential for smooth operations and multiple redundancy that you centralize your data and do regular backups. A simple server doesn't need to cost you a fortune either, as we can supply and install server computers with backup drives for under $1500! For info, contact us at info@dcnsolutions.net

Beware of Anti-Virus Scams!

There is a fake alert bug that has been going around for quite a while now, and we are still coming across infected systems. It goes by various names such as Anti-Virus XP, Anti-Virus 2010, Win 7 Antivirus Pro, Total security, plus many more. Your system would get infected by opening an email with a link to an infected website. Once installed, it modifies the system registry so that when you open any program, the fake anti-virus is run first. Once it is open, a fake scan takes place, and an alert is given saying that your system is infected, and that you need to purchase the program to fix your system. This is a scam, and we have found that some anti-virus programs have trouble detecting and removing it. It is a bit tricky to remove as well, as there are registry settings that need to be edited as well as removing the actual file. If you believe that you have been infected, please contact us, and we'll get it sorted for you!

Monitor Web Activity

With the prevalence of unsavoury content on the internet these days, a way to monitor and block these web sites is in high demand, whether it be to keep employees from recreating during work hours, or protecting your children. K9 web protection is your answer, as it can limit web access based on categories, keywords, URLs or even the time of day! it also has a built in log, so that you can see waht sites have been accessed. For more information, please contact us.

Manage Your Business With a Custom Program

There are many different invoicing and accounting packages available today, each with their own set of features. Which one is best for your business?

We have found that each package has its own unique benefits, and incorporated them into our own web based Business Manager. Our program allows you to keep a database of contacts, create financial reports for any time period, email invoices and outstanding statements, view statistics on your customer's payment history and much more! And like any other DCN Solutions program, it can be customised to fit your business setup (such as integrating an eStore, stock management, or Mailing List Editor).

For more information, please contact us and we will be more than happy to answer any queries you might have.

Which Anti-Virus?

There are many anti-virus programs on the market today, and some are available for free. Other promise excellent protection for a fee. So which should you choose?

In a home environment, we recommend AVG as it automatically updates and protects your PC in real time from any web or email-based virus attacks. However, it is free ONLY in a non-commercial environment.

For businesses, we recommend CA anti-virus, which is available in a 12 month 3PC pack for $50.

There are other more expensive programs that include firewall, spam protection etc. but the majority of people on ADSL connectionsa can configure their modem/router to block incomming hacking attempts. If you think that your computer may be infected with a virus, or wish to check your security against hackers, you can book a computer repair by contacting us at info@dcnsolutions.net

The Latest PC Technology in Perth

DCN Solutions has access to all the latest technologies in Perth, including Solid State hard drives (SSD's). These drives have no moving parts and use a parallel bus architecture, so there is no spin up time or defragmentation needed... EVER!We also have Core i5 and Core i7 processors. Core i5 CPUs are great value for money, while Core i7 are the fastest available! For more info or a quote on a system or upgrade, email us at info@dcnsolutions.net, or go to our

Laptop of the Month!

Want a value for money laptop, something that will get your work done quickly and not break the bank? Then the Acer TravelMate 5740G is for you! It has an ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5650 with 1GB DDR3 RAM, XP Pro downgrade and 12 months CA anti-virus, all for under $1000! For more info, see the specs at dcnsolutions.localline.com.au, or contact us at info@dcnsolutions.net

Get Your PC Up to Speed!

Is your PC more than 5 years old? Thinking of throwing it out and getting a new one? Depending on your configuration, you can get an upgrade for a fraction of the cost! The motherboard, CPU and RAM are upgraded to current spec Intel or AMD setups, with the option to upgrade the hard drive to faster speeds and greater capacities, all while keeping your existing copies of Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office and even your current data (no extra software to buy!). For more info on parts, have a look at our eStore at dcnsolutions.localline.com.au, or give us a call for a free quote.

Backup Everything... Even Your Keys!

Your office computer network is probably the backbone of your business. It stands to reason then to make sure things are configured and running smoothly. Imagine what would happen if a fire breaks out, or thieves break in, and you lose your computer with critical data? A backup solution is imperative, including a list of all CD keys and CD images that you have running, so that you don't have to try to hunt down older software versions when reinstalling on a replacement PC. Also, keep in mind that dust build up inside the PC case can overheat components, and cause major failures, and a regular maintenance schedule is recommended.

Should I Upgrade?

The temptation to keep up with the latest technology is rampant in our world today. But should you throw away your 3 year old computer for a current model? Have a look at this article at Tom's Hardware. If you computer is not running as fast as it did when you first bought it, it might be an idea to keep your PC as it is and do a software clean out (see our Computer Repairs page)