Blog & Security Alerts
IT advice, scam warnings, and security tips from the GLS Tech team in Consett, County Durham.
Problems with All-in-One Computers: Why They're a Bad Investment
All-in-one computers look great but cost far more to repair and upgrade. We explain why they're poor value and what to buy instead for your Consett office.
Read more →Why Your Laptop Is Overheating (And How to Fix It)
Laptop running hot with fans roaring? We explain the real causes—dust buildup, failing fans, dried thermal paste—and how to fix them before the heat causes permanent damage.
Read more →Do You Need to Pay for Antivirus?
Probably not — and that's our honest answer. Why Windows Defender is enough for most people, and the free common-sense habits that protect you more than any software.
Read more →Cost-Effective Computer Upgrades: When & What to Upgrade
Learn which upgrades offer real value—RAM, SSD, repair vs replacement. We guide you honestly through what's worth the money and what isn't, based on real workshop experience.
Read more →Don't Panic — Windows 10 Security Updates Have Been Extended
Microsoft has extended Windows 10 Extended Security Updates for another year — free in the UK. Here's what it means and how to enable them in two minutes.
Read more →IT Support for People with Additional Needs — Patient, Jargon-Free Help
Technology support that works at your pace, without jargon or rushing. We support customers with disabilities, autism, ADHD, learning difficulties and more across County Durham.
Read more →Is Your Computer Slow After Upgrading to Windows 11?
Upgraded to Windows 11 and finding it sluggish? We remove bloatware, advise on RAM and storage upgrades, and explain what the end of Windows 10 support means for you.
Read more →7 Essential IT Tips for Small Businesses in County Durham
Backups, password security, phishing awareness, Microsoft 365 and managed IT — practical advice for small businesses based on what we actually see going wrong.
Read more →Why Is My Computer So Slow? Common Causes & How to Fix Them
Startup programs, malware, HDDs, overheating, not enough RAM — we cover the most common reasons a computer slows down and what actually fixes each one.
Read more →Free Google Reviews Integration for Your Website
How I built a zero-cost Google Reviews display for the GLS Tech website — fetching live reviews via the Places API and publishing them automatically, no paid widgets required.
Read on Medium →How We Stress Test PCs Before They Leave the Workshop
Every machine we repair goes through memory testing, drive health checks, CPU load testing, and thermal monitoring before it's handed back. Here's exactly what we run and why it matters.
Read more →PC Repair in Consett — Common Problems We Fix
Slow PC, won't turn on, blue screens, broken screen, overheating? We cover the most common faults we repair for customers in Consett and County Durham — and what's usually behind them.
Read more →Getting Pop-Up Virus Warnings? It Could Be a Scam
Scary virus warnings appearing on your screen? These fake malware pop-ups are designed to panic you into handing over your card details. Find out how to spot them and what to do.
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