If one thing is certain about computing it is that the more you do the more likely you are to encounter some problems.

Most likely they will not be the sort of problems that you will need a nerd for, but the sort that just niggle at you for days or weeks until they drive you half way around the bend.

Apple is meeting Microsoft head on by providing a complimentary copy of its iWork productivity suite with every new smart phone and tablet. The latest iPhone and iPad includes the productivity suite, previously available as a paid for download, from the moment you first sign in to the Apple app store on your gleaming new device.

Thousands of computers will need upgrading in New Zealand come April 8 when Microsoft ends support for Windows XP and Office 2003. Microsoft will stop providing automatic updates for Windows XP, Microsoft Security Essentials for Windows and all versions of Microsoft Office 2003.

Apple claims to have received four million orders internationally for its new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus handsets in the first 24 hours they were offered for sale.

Apple iPhone 6 The stylish new iPhone 6 and 6 Plus

Downloading the newest version of Apple's software to your old iPad, iPhone or iPod isn't necessarily a great idea and here's why.

If you find it hard to find a computer that suits you, or you need to keep updating it to run the latest software, you could consider custom building your own machine.

With a custom built machine you have the luxury of being able to choose exactly the components you want. This means you'll never either under power your machine again, simply because a manufacturer thought a certain part would do the job for most users, or over pimping it just because the manufacturer had a deal with a certain parts maker.