proofreader

My laptop is normally pretty fast when using Microsoft etc and is reasonably fast when browsing the internet. But the past few days it just seems to be struggling and going painfully slow. I have removed all unnecessary programmes, have defragmented the HD, and have limited it to having one window open at a time but it still seems to be struggling. Is it dying or is there life in the old dog yet? Is there anything I can try to get it faster or do I need some expert help? All sensible advice and offers really will be appreciated. Thank you very much in advance.

No, it wasn't what I was expecting either. Quite entertaining but a bit disturbing at the same time. I also found it difficult to not picture the narrator as Stephen Fry himself. Might give another of his a try though, possibly something more autobiographical or at least in his 'own voice'.

I've used Randstad (above Zavvi on Leopold Street) and they are excellent. They do skills testing and really do ask what you do and don't want. The most thorough and personable agency I have used to date. Good luck.

When I did teacher training we were told not to smile until Christmas. OK, it was an exaggeration but the idea was go in strict. If you start off strict you can then loosen up as term goes on and as the students know the rules, as well as the rewards and the consequences. Go in all soft and sweet and lovely and they will beat you. You cannot become more strict without a load of hassle, headaches and tears - from staff and students. Fair play to her - start as you mean to go on.

I would always recommend Canon. I have a compact, bridge and SLR and all are easy to use with good results. Just saying that so if you then fancy an upgrade you know the controls etc. Can also get a number of refurbished models on eBay for decent prices. A lot is down to trying before you buy, if possible though.

He filmed 'It's nicer up North' with photographer Martin Parr - not hilarious but well worth a watch. Saw him at Edinburgh Festival last year in Dave Tordoff mode - was OK but nowhere near as funny as John Shuttleworth. Love his tunes!

Thanks for that.

Hi I won't have time to shoot anything in time for this month's deadline so just wondered if anyone knew what the theme for next month was please? Cheers

I just wanted to recommend daz2094 for his computer help. He runs a small business called Comtech and he has been brilliantly helpful with both a PC and a laptop of mine that needed repairs. I am not a complete novice when it comes to computers but I do like to have things explained to me clearly and properly and to know what exactly needs doing and why. He was brilliant for this and I felt confident that my machine would be exactly as he said. It was. He was very reasonably priced but it was his customer service that was excellent. I highly recommend him to anyone in the Sheffield area. I was pleasantly surprised at the friendliness of a service that I have found quite daunting in the past. No techy speak to make me feel daft and shell out more cash. Thanks again to daz2094 for repairing a PC and laptop so that I now have two computers running as new for a relatively small amount.

I just wanted to recommend daz2094 for his computer help. He runs a small business called Comtech and he has been brilliantly helpful with both a PC and a laptop of mine that needed repairs. I am not a complete novice when it comes to computers but I do like to have things explained to me clearly and properly and to know what exactly needs doing and why. He was brilliant for this and I felt confident that my machine would be exactly as he said. It was. He was very reasonably priced but it was his customer service that was excellent. I highly recommend him to anyone in the Sheffield area. I was pleasantly surprised at the friendliness of a service that I have found quite daunting in the past. No techy speak to make me feel daft and shell out more cash. Thanks again to daz2094 for repairing a PC and laptop so that I now have two computers running as new for a relatively small amount.

Can second that. Archie has come back a completely different dog - in a good way! As a border terrier he needed to be hand stripped and we had difficulty finding trained groomers who offer this. Was hassle free and even gave us a couple of hours to get on with hoovering, mowing the lawn and other chores that he intereferes with. Will definitely use Sam again in the future and would highly recommend to others.

Oh I see. Brilliant. Thanks very much for that. May well be the way forward.

Thanks I might be showing my ignorance but wouldn't I need administrator privileges to format the PC and wipe it clean? It won't let me add or remove any programmes at present when I log on with my personal ID.

Hi Work has given me an old computer that would have otherwise been skipped. To log on I have to use my work password etc and can use the basic programmes that are already installed. I have a few programmes though that I wish to add but it won't let me because I do not have Administrator privileges. I can presumably get these details when I am back at work on Tuesday but had hoped to use the computer before then. Does anyone know a way round this? Will it work since the computer is no longer connected to the work network? Any advice or suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks.

Do you have an address for the Digital Photo School forum please? And thanks for the suggestion.

THESE HAVE NOW BEEN TAKEN THANKS Sometime ago I bought a box of white paper bags, similar to the type used in sandwich shops. I had a planned use for them but never got round to it. I thought they might be useful for some form of crafts, maybe as gift bags, though they probably wouldn't hold much weight because the handles are paper as well (though could be reinforced). Free to a good home if collected. I am based in S11. PM me for more details

Thanks Impinabox - that sounds like a cunning plan. And thanks again to Grissom for all his advice.

Thanks for the response Grissom. At the moment there is nothing on my website because it all seemed a bit hit and miss and unfocused and a bit bleurgh (for want of a better word). I enjoy botany pictures but only snap what I like, so will look into researching that more. I enjoy wildlife photography but don't have the kit for my (over)ambitious shoots. Definitely think you are right in saying find one area and stick with it. That's what I am trying to do in essence. I have the website more for personal pleasure than commercial gain but if a few sales gets me some more kit then I am well chuffed. Not sure that my photos are of a good enough standard to sell through somewhere like istockphoto. That was part of the reason to find one subject or area, to practise and practise and hone my skills and generally improve as a photographer and take more commercial shots. I am open to all suggestions of what to shoot as think that it might be something unexpected that gets me excited. If it has commercial value, fantastic, but at the moment it is about finding a subject that will get me focused and passionate again and really enjoying my photography.

I am currently unemployed and have a lot more time on my hands. This is not great for the budget but a real opportunity to take more photos. The problem is because I am taking photos of anything and everything I am not taking shots of anything in particular. My photos are showing my disinterest and lack of purpose so I hoped you could make suggestions on what I could photograph, perhaps suggest projects for me to take on? I have 35mm and digital SLRs but limited lenses. I enjoy looking for and picking out detail but don't have a macro lens. Black and white is as appealing as colour. I live in Sheffield but don't drive so would ideally go to locations within walking distance or easily accessed by public transport. I am fed up job-hunting and want something good to come out of my time off and more purposeful photography would definitely be a bonus. Thank you in anticipation of your responses - I have always found people on here to be very friendly and extremely helpful.

I would recommend doing the PGCE. It teaches you a lot about how you work and learn if nothing else. I taught secondary English for a couple of years before switching to reading development work. Teaching can be fantastic and I loved being in the classroom. But the paperwork was a killer and ruined it for me. You can't do it for the money and the holidays are good but you realistically get half of that time with planning, marking and bugs. I think being happy, settled etc makes a real difference. It can easily take over your life and if you live alone etc it can be all consuming in a very negative way. But mostly the good outweighs the bad and I think the PGCE is well worth doing (and the NQT year teaching after that) even if you decide at the end of it you would rather do something else.

Sorry, not been online for a few days. Thank you all so much for your posts. Have bookmarked Peak Imaging and will look into them. Have also been on eBay scouring for darkroom bargains. It is just black and white processing for now - I assume that is easier than colour to develop? Thanks also to Tombob for the offer of film. May well be PMing you when payday rolls round. Thank you all for the help and advice - very much appreciated.

I have just dug out my 35mm SLR and now want to develop my shots. Who are the best for developing film in Sheffield? Or am I better off sending them in one of those postal envelopes? I really fancy having a go in the darkroom though. Any suggestions on where I might be able to have a go at this? Or even how I could set up my own darkroom (fairly cheaply though)? May also need to invest in more film. Is eBay the best place for 35mm film? Bought a job lot of Ilford off there some time ago for what I thought was a reasonable price. Would rather pay more for quality but if people recommend somewhere like Poundland would give it a go. All suggestions much appreciated. Thank you in advance.

Does anyone know where I could find a chart showing what 35mm SLR lenses are compatible with a Canon EOS 350D? All help would be much appreciated, thanks.

If you enjoy driving what about driving instructor? I don't know if your age might go against you, and obviously you'd need a clean license. Just a thought. Once you were qualified could dictate hours to suit your health. Good luck. I have been very ill for the past two years and am looking for a change of career (was a teacher) so am in a similar position. Just moved to Sheffield though, can see why you'd like to stay here - I like it.

Oh brilliant. Thank you both very, very much.