Call Sign November 2006 - Page 10 - DIAL-A-CAB CREDIT UNION

DIAL-A-CAB CREDIT UNION

I’ve been buying PCs since 1989 when I purchased my first shiny 286. After that came the 386, 486 and then the Pentiums. Between each of these processor upgrades, I always noticed a massive difference in computing speed. It was always significantly more noticeable how super fast the latest model was compared to the previous one. However, once the Pentiums came in the difference became minimal. You couldn’t notice any difference when loading Microsoft Office or PaintShop Pro, so the enthusiasm for the new PC waned - until now.
For a recent venture, we used graphics intensive packages that eat Hard disk space, RAM and Processor power; even my 3.2GHz, 3GB RAM Pentium 4 struggles with a 300MB image. So 3 months ago I thought it was time to check out the Dual Core (Core Duo) processor PCs and to see if there’s a difference. It’s the first time since the upgrade from the 486 to the Pentiums that I’ve been impressed with the newer processor, so much so I’m going to get another one!
Without getting too technical, it’s like having two processors instead of one. Intel describes it like this: "Imagine that a dual-core processor is like a four-lane highway - it can handle up to twice as many cars as its two-lane predecessor without making each car drive twice as fast. With an Intel dual-core processor-based PC, people can perform multiple tasks such as downloading music and

gaming simultaneously."
   So, if you’re looking for a new PC, then seriously consider a Dual-Core. You’ll definitely notice the difference.
   Besides upgrading my PCs, I’ve also recently upgraded my ADSL to 8MB download and 800Kb upload and once again there’s a significant difference! All this speed is just too much!
   I’m with BT and decided to stay with them. Yes I know it’s being lazy not checking out the competition, but I just couldn’t be bothered – also the upgrade was free! In five years of service with BT’s ADSL, I’ve only experienced one problem, regardless of other people’s experience with them.
   Anyway, back to the speed thing again. To test my new upgrade, I found a great website with an excellent user interface. Go to www.speedtest.net. You can select any server around the world to test against and there’s a great speedometer for your upload and downloads. Visit the site and test your Internet connection.

See you at the market!
As mentioned previously, our venture for the past two years involves vintage UK photos and we attend North Weald Market near Harlow/Epping every Saturday. It’s the biggest market in the south and we get many London taxi drivers visiting. Why not pop down and meet us in row B40, come and view our range of vintage UK photos (including the best range of London cab photos), calendars and place mats. Alternatively, for those South of the river, come and see us in Blackbushe Market, Blackbushe Airport off the M3 in Camberley every Sunday (row B128).
I’ll even answer any PC related questions when you visit. How’s that for a bargain!

Be lucky
Vince Chin

Come and join us… you know it makes sense…

Before I go on about getting you lot out there to join the Dial-a-Cab Credit Union, I must first apologise to regular members if you’ve had trouble getting through to us. As you all know, the time of year we have just been through is the TAX month, or your HOLIDAY month and you all want MONEY! So everyone calls at the same time…
   When I talk to someone on the phone, I always have a little chat after doing the financial bit as I’m always interested in gossip going around the cab trade and like your barber, will listen to any problems you might have and hopefully give you a little advice on the way! So ultimately the phone is engaged for some 40 minutes or more. I know you probably don’t like leaving messages, but if you do, somebody will get back to you asap.
   We are still looking for new members and it does amaze me after all this time that it should even be a problem trying to persuade drivers to join. Of late, we have had some glowing reports from members who have been extremely pleased with the help and service they have received. I only wish they would put it in writing and send it to the letters page of Call Sign rather than just tell me.
   Our phone number is at the end of this article, as is the address. When you give it out, people automatically think of the one-way system at Stratford, but it’s not! We are just 5 minutes from Canary Wharf - just behind West Ham Station. So if you are passing by and fancy a chat about the Credit Union (or the trade in general), come on up – you’re always welcome. And don’t forget, your family also qualify should they want to join. If you don’t pass this way, a phone call to me and I can send you a membership form or if you are already a member and you want money from your account or a loan, I can post or leave the required forms at Brunswick House. As most of you know, we do an electronic transfer into your bank account, which usually takes 3 working days as opposed to 5 for a cheque, but the choice is yours.
   So as my headline says, come and join us… you know it makes sense!
   That’s all for now. As usual, be lucky, but be careful out there. There is always someone who wants something for nowt…
John Riley (K38)

Vice-President DACCU
Suite 209, Channel Sea House, Canning Rd. Stratford, E15
0208 522 4502 or 0208 522 4503

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