We're busy working away on the big migration this weekend that we emailed member sites about this week. As expected the massive majority of members haven't come across, yet, to the paid directory. Heck, nobody likes paying for stuff so that's understandable. It's good news for the people who have been willing to make the small investment though as they now have a lot less competition for potential leads generated through the site.

We did also find time to set up a twitter account for the computer support directory, which is just another way for keeping in touch and engaging with members and prospective members.

If you're on Twitter, you can follow us at http://twitter.com/ComSupDir

If you are a member of the Computer Support Directory, there's good news and there's bad news, so I'll start with the good news.

We're Still Number One

First piece of good news is that we're still the number one website when people search for "computer support" on Google.

Second piece of good news is that we're currently under going a site redesign which will include a nice new logo and a clearer, easier tounderstand interface.

New Fees for Listings

Here comes a piece of bad news: The Computer Support Directory is migrating to a new backend and to coincide with that, we will be charging a fee for being listed on the site. It will cost £15 (+VAT) per year to be listed on Google's number one site for "computer support".

In order to stay listed on the website, you need to goto http://members.computersupportdirectory.co.uk/ (no hyphens in the new management page) and signup from scratch.

(just to clarify: the new url mentioned above is purely for handling the members control panel. The actual directory website will be remaining at its current URL of www.computer-support-directory.co.uk)

Please note: your existing username and password will not work. Members are asked to create new accounts in the new platform. This should only take a few minutes.

We're looking at completing the migration by the end of the week so if you haven't signed up by then, you will, unfortunately, no longer be listed.

If you are an existing member, I can make a £5 discount voucher available to you which will make your sign up fee only £10. Enter the discount code "tuesday" at the checkout page to get five pounds off. This discount will remain inplace until the end of Friday.

Payment is taken either by credit card or Paypal.

We currently have over 1200 companies listed. It is likely that many companies will not wish to pay for a listing, so those that do will have less competition on the site for the enquiries generated.

Bye bye to Distracting Adverts

And just to finish things off, here's a final piece of good news: We will be removing Google Adsense and affiliate banner ads from the listings pages as part of our redesign. This means that potential customers will not be distractedby adverts on the site and taken elsewhere - which should increase thelikelihood of leads and enquiries being generated.

Action Is Required to Remain in the Directory

Finally, just to restate: action is required by you for your company to stay listed on the Computer Support Directory. If you not wish to be a part of the directory following our change, no action is required and your details will be removed post migration.

Whatever you decide,thanks for your membership up until this point.

SIGN UP AT: http://members.computersupportdirectory.co.uk/

By the way, don't forget that if you are linking to us, that gives you a slightly improved position in the listings we display. You will be asked to enter your reciprocal link during sign up to the new system.

Installing new RAM is one quick and easy way to boost your computers performance. Often shop bought computers come with the bare minimum so that they can sold at a competitive price, but with the price of RAM being pretty cheap these days, it's worth upgrading.

First off, you need to determine the type of RAM that you need. This whole task has been made easier by Crucial.com because they can scan your computer from their website to see what RAM you have and what you can buy. Order your RAM from Crucial and then just go ahead and install it. Installing RAM is a doddle, check the video below for a nice walkthrough.

YouTube Video Demonstrating How To Install RAM



Related Link: Crucial.com memory

If you are looking for an affordable gaming PC, look no further than Commodore.

Yes, I did just say Commodore and before you check, yes, we are in 2008. Well over a decade after the Commodore brand disappeared, it has now returned and they are specialising in sexy looking PCs for gamers. If you grew up in the 80s and 90s, you will be doubtless be familiar with Commodore. It made its names with a string of successful home computers: The PET, the Vic 20, the C64 (still the world's single most successful computer, selling 17million units) and the Amiga range.

The affordable gaming PCs from Commodore Gaming look fantastic, thanks to what they called "C-Kins". These are high definition, gorgeous looking chassis panels for the computer. There's a huge library of brilliant looking C-kins available, and the choice is growing all the time. Up and coming artists, photographers and even street painters are being encouraged to get involved and create images which can be used for the C-kins. They are easily interchangeable too, and new ones will become available to coincide with landmark gaming titles. It's a really fun way to have an awesome looking computer.



I'm really pleased to see Commodore branded computers available again. If you are too, have a look at the website of Commodore Gaming and check out the incredible looking PCs. Prices at start at a very affordable £749 inc VAT for the "Commodore g".

Save 10% on selected Dell computers! The code entitles the customer to a 10% discount off all Inspiron & XPS orders over £499 - one system per order only.

To use the code, you just need to enter the following code into the checkout section of the Dell website: VC6X4PMZH0LH9Q
Offer ends 30th January

Visit Dell Homepage

Labels: dell, discount code

John Redwood’s much publicised report on Competitiveness has attracted headlines for its recommendations over inheritance tax, but amidst the details are proposals which would be a real boost for IT contractors. He recommends that IR35 be got rid of completely and contractors be given the freedom to operate.

The idea comes as part of a package of proposals that Redwood’s Competitive Commission have worked, that have now been submitted to the Tory leadership for them to pick which ideas to adopt as policy.

IR35 has always been controversial and scrapping this complicated and unnecessary regulation would surely be a popular move with IT contractors. It might even win the Tories some votes, if most of the contractors weren’t South African anyway…

Welcome to the new Computer Support Directory Blog.

The intention of this blog is to be a place for news and stories relating to the Computer Support Directory website and the IT Support industry as a whole.If you have an interesting story that should be posted or are an IT professional and would like to write an article about an issue that effects you, please do get in touch