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Join Captain's crew as we navigate the digital seas, ensuring safe online shopping. From two-step verification to robust passwords.

Confront the digital unknown with confidence. want to know more?

This Halloween, I'm dressing as a ransomware attack, and the reality is scarier than any costume.

In the vastness of space, a recent discovery of free-floating planets called 'Jumbos' serves as a unique metaphor for our IT systems.

Do you know remember what happened in 1986? Time for a history lesson, it's the moment the need for computer security was born.

Cybersecurity is more crucial than ever. With a constant stream of evolving threats, safeguarding your business is a top priority. At Northstar IT, we're here to guide you through the essentials of cybersecurity and provide effective antivirus solutions. Don't leave your business vulnerable; contact us today to fortify your defences and ensure a secure future.

In the realm of email scams, appearances can be deceiving. This article dissects a suspicious email, revealing subtle signs that unmask its true nature.

This article shares practical tips, from updating your operating system to managing disk space, to keep your systems running smoothly.

Want to know the benefits of using the BCC field for emailing? All is revealed in my latest video.

Sending an email to the wrong person has the potential to send your week veering off course. Here's how to check who's receiving your emails (and how to recall an email sent to the wrong person).

Want to know how to avoid email embarrassment (and red alert eye)? Point your pupils on my latest episode.

If you tend to leave things until the last minute, you might want to watch this video.

Back by alarmingly popular demand, here are the latest bloopers.

Whether you like your mother-in-law or not, you don't want them (or anyone else) falling for this IT support scam...

Want an easy way to improve your cyber security? Sure you do – come this way.

If your password is more predictable than, well, something predictable, you might want to check out this nifty little tool.

If you want an easier way to protect your data, systems and business (and you want to find out what IP stands for), watch my latest video.

Is your business Cyber Essentials certified? If it isn’t, you might want to watch my 91-second video.

71% of businesses worldwide suffer some sort of ransomware attack. If you'd rather not add to that stat, give this video a watch.

As you read this sentence, cyber criminals are hard at word creating the latest virus to infiltrate business systems. But that doesn't worry you because your systems are fully protected with antivirus software, right? Riiiight?

Think your business won't be the target of a cyberattack? Think again. With so many small and medium-sized businesses falling short of security measures, 46% of all cyber breaches now impact businesses with fewer than 1,000 employees. Get protected before it's too late.

Right now, how many tabs do you have open? If it's more than ten (and you have Windows 11), this might be the best 94 seconds you watch today.

Ahoy, Me Hearties! Before you install that pirated software, here's a warning for ye. Savvy?

Before you click 'JOIN NOW' to enter that really important meeting you've been dreading, have you tested your camera and mic works?

Want an easier to way to access every font, symbol and character on your computer? The Captain has the answer.

Because it's Christmas time, we thought we'd share some more bloopers with you. It's always fun to see the Captain lost for words.

Whoa there, laptop shopper. Before you buy that refurbished computer, have you checked its memory? Because let me tell you, if you're planning on buying some tech with a mechanical hard drive, you're probably wasting your money.

When it comes to technology, buying cheap often means buying twice. So before you opt for that refurbished laptop, get a second opinion from your local IT experts.

What would you do if all your data disappeared? Luckily for you, we have a solution to stop that happening. Here's the Captain to tell you more.

If your computer is running slower than usual, this episode's for you.

In the final installment of our garden office series, the Captain shares how to secure an outside internet connection without digging up your lawn.

Thinking about installing a garden office? Here's everything you need to know about securing an internet connection.

Back by worringly popular demand, here's some bloopers to brighten up your week.

If you struggle with your left and your rights, your ups and your downs, your forward slashes and your backslashes, this one's for you. (That's got to be a record for the amount of 'yours' in one sentence).

Trying to find those fiddly little symbols on an iPhone is one of the reasons we have screen insurance. So before you lose your cool, here's how to find all the characters you'll ever need...with ease.

Mind reading technology hasn't been developed yet. That happens in the year 2291. So before then, here's a bit of a self-reminder about 'assuming' I thought I'd share with you.

How important is data to your business? If your answer is “very”, you might want to watch this video. Here’s everything you need to know about backing up your files.

In part 5 of our SharePoint series, the Captain explains how file collaboration is made a whole lot easier from one simple feature.

Sharing data can be an issue when your files are too big. But with SharePoint's feature 'file caching', size will never be a problem again!

Just when you thought you knew everything about SharePoint, in swoops The Captain with another invaluable tip.

Hold on to your hats! Here comes the Northstar Support Ship with more benefits about Sharepoint.

In this second instalment about the benefits of sharepoint, The Captain lets us in on a little feature called 'auto-save'.

Sharepoint and Onedrive which one to choose.

An embarrassing story highlights a key lesson.

Technology is great until it doesn't work. Captain Christian suggests having an IT plan B.

Captain Christian explains how the ACSII code set came to his rescue.

Captain Christian suggests when you work remotely always make sure you’re prepared.

When you screen share, be aware of what else you might have open.

Learn an important lesson if you plan travel and to work remotely.

Captain Christian suggests a handy way to stay organised.

I can’t believe we’re back to Zoom, again!

Impatience is not good for your laptop.

How to avoid a big fine with Office 365 licenses.

Why your computer may not last you more than five years?

How to ensure your data is there when you need it and doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.

The new Microsoft NCE program. What is it and do we care?

Captain Christian explains why Office 365 Business Premium is a good thing to have.

Why you should never think you’re too small to be a target for hacking.

Captain Christian explains why using a cloud backup is the best way to protect your data.

Here are three rules to follow when doing backups of your business data.

In the second part of his series on Backups, Captain Christian explains the two crucial points you need to consider.

Captain Christian is again concentrating on the topic of backups.

Our 100th episode, who’d of thought it!

In this episode Captain Christian answers a very interesting question.

The disadvantages of cheap computers. Captain Christian explains why it’s always best to talk to the experts first.

Captain Christian has mentioned P.I.C.N.I.C in a few of his vlogs, watch to find out what it stands for.

Captain Christian explains a little-known feature in web browsers.

If you’ve got a problem with your computer Captain Christian explains the power of a reboot.

Captain Christian asks why would you ask experts for advice and then completely ignore them?

Captain Christian tells why a DIY approach to fixing your computer is never going to end well.

There’s always a solution that fits your needs. Watch to see how Captain Christian solved one involving temporary internet access.

Captain Christian has a reliable and secure way to backup your data.

In part two of his vlog series Captain Christian has another tip to improve the performance of your computer mouse.

If the mouse on your computer is playing up, see what Captain Christian recommends.

In part two of his vlog series on ‘dodgy’ stuff Captain Christian is focussing on text messages.

In this vlog Captain Christian starts a two-part series on ‘dodgy’ emails.

Captain Christian describes how everyone can use the cloud.

It’s the Christmas one and Captain Christian has a special message.

Captain Christian tells a tale about a client’s new computer monitor that wouldn’t work.

Captain Christian explains why you should ask the experts when buying your computer hardware.

Watch this vlog for a useful email tip.

Captain Christian tells Office 365 users you need to make sure your data is properly backed up.

Captain Christian talks about an event that happened in the early days of Northstar IT.

In the second part of his ransomware series Captain Christian focuses on why prevention is better than cure.

Captain Christian talks about ransomware software.

Captain Christian explains how you can prevent some random things happening when using your laptop.

Captain Christian explains why you need at least 8GB of RAM (Random Access Memory).

To mark his 75th vlog episode Captain Christian shares a selection of his latest bloopers.

In the final part of his series covering refurbed computers, Captain Christian is covering the internal memory or RAM.

In the second part of his series covering refurbed computers Captain Christian is talking about internal storage.

In this vlog Christian starts a 3 part series covering refurbed computers, and how to avoid a common pitfall.

Want to know how PoE can help make your network neater, more power efficient and improve your wireless network too? Watch this vlog to find out more.

Just when he thought Zoom had been milked for as much 'juice' as was possible...

In this episode Captain Christian uses an example of how a client benefited from using a VPN to remotely print documents from one site to another.

What do you prioritise when looking at a new computer? Captain Christian has been inspired by a client to make this video!

What happens when you spill a drink over your computer? Well aside from cursing four letter words... Watch to find out more.

Learn some useful tips when using the out of office assistant

What happens when you use someone with a little bit of knowledge to do a paid for job for you?

Captain Christian helps guide you in the right direction to make sure you have the correct CPU for your computer & the job you need it to do

When you buy computer kit for your business, learn to buy right, and then you will buy once!

What did you do on the morning after the Euro 2020 final? Were you using a computer with a tender head?

On this episode of the vlog, Captain Christian is back to Zoom, Zoom! Do you still need help with the controls?

This video contains an important tip, especially for laptop people! When did you last reboot?

Have you had an issue with your printer paper tray? Especially if you have been working from home for a year and are struggling with that once familiar trusty printer!

He's back to online meetings! Watch to learn an important and often overlooked point when meeting online

Watch this vlog for some tips with screen scaring and remote access when it comes to working from home or anywhere for that matter!

Watch the first in a two part episode about online screen sharing as the Captain covers this comical topic, where people are still overlooking the essential

This week we celebrate our 22nd Anniversary, and with it Christian covers one of his favourite IT support encounters from his time onboard ship

This episode of the vlog is here to help you with more secure passwords, and to introduce our free password tool for you to use

This vlog has more useful tips for online meetings, especially is you use Zoom! As usual with a tale from Christian's own experience too.

Watch this vlog for some help to take back control of that overflowing email inbox, every little helps!

Well a year in, and believe it or not, some people are STILL doing online meetings for the first time, but are you prepared? Watch this vlog to find out what happened...

In celebration of making it to the 50th episode, we mark this milestone with the latest of Christian's outtakes!

Watch this vlog to learn a really useful email productivity tip to take back control of your inbox

As we say goodbye, this video will last for all time, to help keep his memories alive, goodbye puppy

Watch the latest vlog to learn some important tips to keep your business emails legal in the UK

When you don't set them up correctly, email rules can go very wrong! Watch the latest vlog to find out more.

Watch this episode to help you identify what that old kit is laying around your office and what to do with it

Christian has a couple of co-stars joining him in this episode, as he talks about how your backup your data, and the best way to do it.

Learn an important lesson when it comes to printing, whether it be for business or personal use

This is the final part of the online meeting series, so watch to learn another tip when meeting online

In the next part, the Captain covers another common oversight when it comes to online meetings. Don't become another victim of your own embarrassment!

This week the Captain is teaching the most simple, and obvious tip when doing online meetings, and yet...

Learn an important tip to secure your online meetings, so you don't fall foul of a common mistake

Watch this episode to learn a basic tip to improve your productivity, and make Christian a happy Captain too!

Watch to find out how one user requested that Christian made a video about a specific incident involving some cables!

Watch this episode to find out what happened when a user tried to multitask!

What do assumptions lead to? Make sure you don't fall foul to this with Office 365!

Watch the first bloopers created from Captain Christian's vlogs from 2020

Watch this episode as it is a personal message from the Captain to reflect on as we say goodbye to 2020

Is your network running slow or are you having connection issues with a database or access files on your server? Then this one is for you.

If that laptop you're looking at seems like a REALLY good bargain, be aware! Watch this episode of our IT Support vlog to learn more.

So what does USB really mean, more importantly the "U" bit? Well watch this episode of the vlog to find out, and why it is important.

Can an Apple Mac become infected with a computer virus?

Ever wondered what a loopback is? Probably not, but watch this episode to learn how to avoid one.

Watch this episode to learn a good "don't" when it comes to YOUR network cables

Watch this episode to learn about a common mistake electricians have been known to make

With the next part of the networking series, learn something important about where to install your network cables

Continue learning the benefits of forward planning when it comes to your network by watching this episode of the vlog

Learn some basic advice when it comes to wireless networks

So how secure is your email mailbox? Have you ever given it any thought?  Probably not, who does?

This one was inspired by our own Queen of "PICNIC" client, don't worry she DID laugh!

Watch this episode of the vlog to learn some useful tips about choosing your next printer

If you're struggling to see some things on the screen, this one is for you!

Do you want your business to look small? Then get your email right at the beginning.

Has your bank put you on the computer NAUGHTY step?

Learn an important lesson from IT World history in this episode featuring The Love Bug

On this episode Captain Christian will teach you how to help spot a fake email from a genuine one, remember BETTER safe than SORRY!

On this episode Captain Christian is educating you to be on the lookout for dodgy emails, so you don't fall for a well known scam

Watch this episode of Captain Christian's vlog to see why two screens can help your productivity

Watch this episode of the vlog to learn a useful tip to save you an embarrasing call to your IT Helpdesk when you start returning to your desk from working from home!

This episode explains how you can make your wireless network bigger to reach that spot it doesn't make it to!

This episode helps you solve the most common computer glitch you can EVER experience!

This episode will help you protect yourself from one of the most common scams we're currently aware of.

Remote IT Support is no dark art, but it helps to play by the rules. Here are the first of some tips in engaging with your trusted IT Support provider.

Well Backups shouldn't be boring as they are IMPORTANT! Especially when something goes wrong.

So why invest more money into a computer if you're not a high end user? Watch this vlog to find out why...

Captain Christian talks about the ever important topic of passwords with some helpful memory hooks to make your passwords more secure.

In episode 5 of our vLog Captain Christian talks about a support challenge from early on in his career, but these things do still happen!

Watch episode 4 of our new vLog as this week Captain Christian talks about a support challenge from his early days with Northstar IT

Watch episode 3 of our new vLog from Captain Christian, this week he talks about why your password isn't working on your laptop

Watch episode 2 of our new vLog from Captain Christian, this week covering remote access

Watch episode 1 of our new vLog from Captain Christian

Some simple ideas to give your PC a new lease of life, but not as you know it!

Microsoft is finally retiring it's most successful and popular operating system...

Where has 20 years gone? It's certainly moved at light speed for sure!

Back in May, we all heard a LOT about the new GDPR regulations coming into force.

Microsoft Office 365 has all sorts of wonderful features, learn some more about them here!

Many people like to start the day with a cup of coffee or tea – but did you know it could be dangerous to your business?

Northstar has a new home on the web and a new mission control base back on earth being unpacked and assembled. But you can rest assured that we still do the things that you love, in the ways that you love us to do them.

There are several reasons why you might be a very good idea to stop using free email addresses for your business.

Once electrical goods were built to last (nearly) forever. I am sure you have come across remarks such as this by now “How old? What do you expect?”

If you use a laptop for more than an hour a day – you may be as risk of RSI (repetitive strain injury).

This blog post is really for those, who do not actually know, or are interested in what is going on inside of their laptops or desktops.

Usually power strips are low cost and a multi-outlet that is merely an expansion of a wall socket. They often have a circuit breaker or specifically rated fuse. Ensure the fuse is right for the equipment you are intending to plug in.

9 of 10 small business owners identify the costs of maintaining and upgrading technology as their most significant challenge.

Customer Relationship Management is a software solution for managing all your company's relationships and interactions with customers and potential customers.

You are on your computer and suddenly lights go off and your computer shuts down.

I was quite shocked to listen to the Jeremy Vine show on 1st April 2106 to hear that Dr. Sarah Jarvis had fallen prey to a cyberattack.

More than 5,000 people were conned into sending planned payments to fraudsters' bank accounts last year and losses in the UK totalled £126m...

Nowadays, there’s no underestimating the power of social media for SMEs. Having a presence on sites like Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn is no longer considered a novelty; it’s essential for business success.