Our last day of 2017 is Monday 18 December, and we are back on Tuesday 2 January 2018. For support whilst we are closed, please raise a ticket at directionforward.com/support.
Please note that all other contact methods will not be monitored during this time, including phone calls and emails.
We’d like to take this opportunity to wish all our clients a very happy holiday, and best wishes for the new year.
Please note that our cloud services, including Cloud Backup and Shared Drive, will no longer support previous generation systems from 27th November.
This includes machines running the following:
If you have a machine running an expired Operating System, please contact us as we may be able to provide a special version of the clients/applications.
On Wednesday 4th October from 0600-0700, some of our systems will be down for essential network maintenance. This will affect our Cloud Backup and Shared Drive services.
We expect the maintenance to last for approximately 1 hour – your files will remain safe but will not be accessible during this time.
Please be in touch with any queries at [email protected].
If you use the PC Cleaner CCleaner, there’s been a report that malware has managed to make it’s way into one of the builds — so please be sure to install its latest update!
It was noticed on 13 September that the installer for CCleaner V5.33 was triggering its malware protection systems. Upon inspection, the researchers found that the CCleaner application was legitimate and had a valid digital signature from its makers, but it also contained a malicious payload.
The payload contained a Domain Generation Algorithm and Command Control functionality that could be used to send encrypted information about the computer back to a server controlled by hackers. Although the software’s maker claims that in its review it has “not detected an execution of the second stage payload and believe that its activation is highly unlikely.”
No malicious software has been found in CCleaner 5.34, which was released 13 September and the malware was only present in the build that was released on 14 August (which has now been removed from the company’s download page)
Anyone using the free version of CCleaner needs to manually download and update their software as soon as possible to ensure your machine is safe.
For further information or if you would like to discuss our internet security service, please be in touch with us at [email protected]
There is an important update now available for our Cloud Backup and Shared Drive software client for Mac.
The update will support the upcoming High Sierra macOS update and will ensure a smooth transition as well as fix any issues and bugs from the previous version.
If you would like further information regarding this software update, the macOS update or would like to hear about our Cloud backup and Shared Drive services, please be in touch with us at [email protected]
If you thought you were out of time to install the free Windows 10 upgrade you’re in luck as the free upgrade is still accessible by using a few different loopholes.
The free copy is available on Microsoft’s server where you can download it using these methods:
Assistive technologies
For those that use assistive technologies or even for those that are interested in them such as keyboard shortcuts, the magnifier, Cortana or even if you feel you could benefit from Windows 10 reduced animations, this download is available for you. There is even a disclaimer on the page noting that even if you are interested in assistive technologies, you can benefit from this offer so no need to feel you are taking advantage of something that is not meant for you.
The download process is simple if you follow this link — microsoft.com
Windows 7 or 8 product key
Another pathway to gaining a free Windows 10 upgrade, is to enter a Windows 7 or 8 product key into the Windows 10 installer. This loophole was expected to close after it’s discovery over a year ago but it is still available today.
Using Windows 10 media creation tool you can install the free upgrade using an old Windows 7 or 8 product key — techspot.com
Temporary access
For temporary access to a copy of Windows 10 and without needing to use a product key, you can avoid upgrading your existing install by creating a virtual machine with VirtualBox or VMWare Player.
There is also a 90 day evaluation version of Windows 10 Enterprise from Microsoft’s website to download but expires obviously after the 90 days are up.
Windows 10’s data collection has been a topic of concern but fortunately you can configure your privacy settings in the system settings and these related tools are also helpful to keep yourself secure:
If you are unhappy with Windows 10, it is worth noting that you can resort to your previous installation by following these steps:
Start > Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Go back to Windows 7
Also, to clear and free up storage space on your machine, you can delete your old Windows installation via Disk Cleanup:
Start > search for “Dish Cleanup” > Clean up system files > Check ‘Previous Windows installation(s) on the list that appears.
If you would like any further information or support in installing Windows 10, please get in touch with us at [email protected]
Without Web Maintenance, any platform your website uses is open to vulnerabilities such as attacks, malware insertion and hacking attempts. As we have seen in the recent news, such as in the NHS attack, malware security issues are becoming an increasing global threat and so it is important and necessary to protect and maintain your website as best you can.
Our Web Maintenance service is performed to keep your website as updated, backed up and secure as possible. WordPress and CMS platform updates are vital to the health of your website. Regular maintenance and back up secures and inputs vital information to make your site more functional as well as deter any foreseeable security threats. Having a regularly cleaned website can make a night and day difference to its functionality.
We offer the Web Maintenance service for £10 pcm and you can find a detailed description of the service on our website at directionforward.com/services/web-maintenance
If you would like to sign up or learn more about this service or any of our other services, please be in touch at [email protected]
There will be routine Cloud backup and Shared Drive maintenance work performed on Thursday 18th May.
During this time, these services should continue to function as normal, but there could be delays or error messages when logging in.
The maintenance will take place from 6am – 8am on the 18th May.
If you have any further questions or would like to discuss our services, please be in touch at [email protected]
Version 4.2 desktop software for Windows and Mac is now available, which includes Cloud backup and Shared Drive.
The new software includes bug fixes and performance enhancements.
In the next two weeks, an email will be delivered prompting this update to version 4.2 or, if you don’t want to wait, you can download the latest software from our download links here —
PC – dfit.cloud/downloads/
Mac – dfit.cloud/downloads/
Please be in touch if you would like more information or are interested in this desktop software at [email protected].
Support will cease for Hosted Exchange mailbox clients using Windows XP on 28th February.
Microsoft has not updated WindowsXP with security updates since 8th April 2014 and due to this effect, the system has been vulnerable to malicious software and outside threats since this date.
If you are still using Windows XP after 28th February, your mailbox will cease to connect using Outlook or Internet Explorer. We recommend migrating to supported Microsoft operating system — such as Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1 or 10 so you can continue receiving Hosted Exchange Service without interruption.
If you require any additional info, please contact us at [email protected]