Video Editing Software

Carrying on with our guest contributors, we have Ash Dunn this week with his guide to video editing software for all the youtubers and video editors out there...

As a youtuber, editing is the most difficult part of the creative process comes down to the editing. So it's always good to get the best software possible. So here are a few of my past and present favorites

Windows Movie Maker

Once a standard piece of windows machines back in the days of windows XP, now as a download for windows 7, this software is a great place to start. With simple easy to use tools and instructions I would recommend to anyone new to the world of editing. However it is very limited in its abilities, adding captions is not made clear creating the need to make a blank page and then attempt to drag and drop over the clip you wish to use. But if all you wish to do is create slideshows or just practice your skills then this is where to start

Revelations, Sight and Sound

The next piece of software I moved onto back in 2009 when I was creating more often. A really good mid range piece of software. Made adding of captions, transitions and effects much easier. Adding of backing tracks and adjusting the volume levels was easy. But again this was held back by its tendency to freeze or not render files cleanly. It could sometimes take three attempts to get the quality correct and trying to use the setting menu to correct this was no simple task

Serif Movie Plus 6

My current editing software and by far my favorite. This is by far the smoothest setup I've run, simple to use but produces great quality exports and easy to set the standards required. Adding of captions and transitions is as simple as a drag and drop, leading to neat overlay of clips. Although it is simple it is a very professional piece of software, easy to use setup for green screens is available, for which I am yet to play with but I shall update when I do as well as creating insert windows within a screen

So there you have it. I hope you've found this useful and enjoy your future editing career. Ash out   

Back It Up!

A frequent problem that ties into our data recovery post from the other month, very commonly witnessed is the lack of backing up I see people do. Possibly the single most important (and certainly the most secure) way of protecting your data against all problems.

So, what are the best tips for backing up your data? Well to begin with, its important to know how much you want to back up. Remember, hard drives, pen drives and so on can only hold so much so make sure you know what you want to save and try to quantify it as accurately as possible.

There are a number of types of backups that can be made depending on the system you're using. Most computers and laptops these days have a function to back up the core operating system in some way shape or form in case a reboot is needed to prevent loss of data and settings. Or you can back up just selected files and folders (which is the absolute minimum that should be done).

If you are a tablet user, SD cards are the way to go to keep backed up and these can be quite reasonably priced (we will be looking at getting these in stock soon).

If you would like the reassurance that your backup has been/is being done correctly, we offer a data back up service at affordable rates, for more details visit: http://www.worleyitservices.com/Repairs/DataBackup.aspx

To cap it off we also offer backup restore services to find and restore your files from an existing backup. If you have had your data backed up with us, we can take 10% off the price: http://www.worleyitservices.com/Repairs/backuprestore.aspx

If you are looking for somewhere to back up to, we currently have a small stock of reconditioned hard drives which have been restored to factory defaults and all previous usage erased. Please see http://www.worleyitservices.com/Products for more details.

To summarise, make sure there is adequate backups in place to protect your data. These do not have to be company standards of several backups in case one fails and are very easy to set in place. Back ups are worth having at least every 6 months to prevent loss of changes etc.

Hope you find this useful.

ATB

Ash

Data Security

Another one that's important yet gets forgotten, data security. Quite important and certainly the one we hear the most about when CD's, USB drives, hardrives etc get left behind in taxis or on trains etc. Lets bring this into the personal environment however, and look at the security of our personal data within our own home.

Of course password protection is one way but that won't stop someone who is determined to do a smash and grab of your devices they will find ways of getting the data off and of course, anyone who has had data recovery done will know that some people will use the software maliciously. So we need to think about the physical security as well (lock and key is certainly useful here). However we don't need to go over the top to protect our data, just a few useful little bits will make it easy and secure.

My five top tips on this one really are:

1. Passwords - always use a password to protect your data it's a good barrier for when your computer is hacked
2. Don't leave personal data on cloud systems (like iCloud, OneDrive or Google Drive). You're not in control if the server gets hacked and you won't know what gets taken!
3. Keep your laptop or device safe - if you have a cabinet, keep it in there over night or when you go out. Don't advertise its presence
4. Avoid Linux and Windows on the same computer. This sounds a bit far fetched I know, but laptops dual booted with Ubuntu are quite insecure. From my experience, Ubuntu is quite good at breaking into Windows partitions and bypassing the need for passwords to access the files
5. Don't sync your data between devices. There's a whole post coming on this soon (stay tuned) but in short, the synced data can be intercepted!

Very simple and basic I know and easily considered but also, easily forgotten. Data is important to us all so keep these tips in mind and stay safe!

All the best
Ash

Welcome

Hello readers and welcome to the Worley I.T. Services blog. This blog is set up by Worley I.T. Services as part of our impartial advice approach to our customers. Here you will be able to find unbiased reviews and opinions on the latest I.T. related news and happenings that may be of interest for those who are unsure of news items they may have read or just for general reassurance.

We will run a small series of useful how to's and how don'ts to help with some of the smaller tasks that can be carried out that may help to make using and maintaining I.T. equipment that little bit easier. We don't and will never recommend readers carry out any tasks we discuss if you are not confident in your abilities. If in doubt, contact us and we will discuss what services that we offer that can be of use to you to rectify any problem you have.

Finally, please visit our website to learn more about us by clicking here and feel free to contact us to discuss any I.T. issues you have and if we can be of assistance to you.

All the best

Ash