News

A Complete History from 1981 to 2025

Microsoft has been developing operating systems for over four decades. From the humble beginnings of MS-DOS in 1981 to the AI-powered Windows 11 of today, Microsoft’s operating systems have shaped how billions of people use computers. This guide covers every major version—consumer, server, mobile, and embedded.

Part 1: MS-DOS (1981–2000)

MS-DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System) was the foundation upon which Microsoft built its empire. Originally purchased from Seattle Computer Products for $50,000 and adapted for the IBM PC, MS-DOS became the standard operating system for personal computers throughout the 1980s and early 1990s. Continue reading →

January 2026 Security Update KB5074109 Causing Problems for POP3 Email Users

Summary: The Windows 11 January 2026 security update (KB5074109) is causing Outlook to hang, freeze, or fail to close properly—particularly affecting users with POP3 email accounts and PST files stored in OneDrive. If you’re experiencing these issues, read on for workarounds.

What’s Happening?

Microsoft released the January 2026 security update (KB5074109) on 13th January for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2. This updates your system to build 26100.7623 or 26200.7623.

Shortly after release, users began reporting problems with classic Outlook (the desktop version, not the new Outlook app). Microsoft has acknowledged the issue and is investigating, but a fix has not yet been released. Continue reading →

Two Decades of Partnership, Innovation, and Trusted IT Support

In 2006, three IT professionals with a shared vision came together to form Trichromic LLP. Twenty years later, we’re proud to still be here—supporting businesses across the UK with the same commitment to partnership and practical solutions that we started with.

This milestone isn’t just about us. It’s about the clients who have trusted us with their technology, the relationships we’ve built, and the journey we’ve taken together through two decades of extraordinary change in the IT industry.

How It All Started

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The 3CX Partner Program recognises companies who demonstrate proven competency in installing and supporting the 3CX phone system. As a certified 3CX Silver Partner, Trichromic has the expertise and accreditation to deliver reliable, professional telecommunications solutions for businesses of all sizes.

Why Choose a 3CX Partner?

Working with an accredited 3CX partner ensures your business receives:

• Expert installation and configuration tailored to your specific requirements
• Ongoing technical support from certified engineers who understand the platform inside and out
• Seamless migration from legacy systems with minimal disruption to your operations
• Best practice deployment following 3CX’s recommended standards

Continue reading →

What UK Businesses Need to Know Before They Need to Claim

Many UK businesses now have cyber insurance. Far fewer have ever tested whether it would actually pay out when needed.

If you’ve got a policy sitting in a drawer somewhere, you might assume you’re covered if the worst happens. But cyber insurance isn’t like buildings insurance—you can’t just file a claim and expect a cheque. Insurers are increasingly scrutinising claims, and rejection rates are rising.

This article explains what cyber insurance actually covers, what insurers expect from you, and why so many claims are being denied. More importantly, it explains what you can do now—before an incident—to make sure your policy will work when you need it.

The Current Landscape

Cyber attacks on UK businesses are at record levels. In 2024, insurers paid out £197 million in cyber claims—a staggering 230% increase on the previous year. Malware and ransomware accounted for over half of all claims, and demand for cyber cover surged, with 17% more policies taken out compared to 2023.

High-profile attacks continue to make headlines. The 2025 ransomware attacks on Marks & Spencer and the Co-op resulted in estimated costs of £300 million and £120 million respectively. M&S has since made a £100 million claim on their cyber insurance policy.

But here’s the uncomfortable truth: a significant proportion of cyber insurance claims are rejected or only partially paid. Some industry estimates suggest as many as 30-40% of claims face issues—often because businesses couldn’t prove they had basic security measures in place.

What Does Cyber Insurance Actually Cover?

Cyber insurance policies vary significantly, but most offer a combination of first-party cover (your own losses) and third-party cover (claims against you). Here’s what a typical policy might include: Continue reading →

The Scams That Trick Even the Smartest Employees

“Hi, I need you to process an urgent payment. I’m in a meeting so can’t call, but please action this immediately and confirm when done.”

If you received this email from your managing director, would you question it? What if it came from their actual email address—or one that looked almost identical?

This is the reality of modern email fraud. Gone are the days of obvious scams from foreign princes. Today’s attacks are sophisticated, targeted, and designed to exploit the trust and urgency that keeps businesses running smoothly.

The Scale of the Problem

Email-based attacks remain the number one method criminals use to target UK businesses. According to government statistics, over 80% of cyber attacks begin with a phishing email. For small and medium-sized businesses, the consequences can be devastating—not just financially, but in terms of reputation, client relationships, and business continuity.

We see attempted attacks on our clients regularly. The good news is that with the right awareness and systems in place, the vast majority can be stopped before any damage is done.

Understanding the Different Types of Attack

Not all email attacks are created equal. Understanding the different approaches helps you recognise them. Continue reading →

Understanding Who’s Responsible for What Under UK Data Protection Law

One of the most common questions we receive from clients relates to their data. “Why is Sarah’s mailbox full?” “What’s using all the space on our file server?” “Can you tell us what emails John has been deleting?”

These are perfectly reasonable questions, but the answers often surprise business owners. As your IT provider, we can tell you how much data exists and where it’s stored—but we can’t tell you what that data contains or make decisions about it. That’s not us being unhelpful; it’s data protection law working exactly as it should.

Understanding the difference between a data controller and a data processor is essential for every business owner. It clarifies responsibilities, prevents misunderstandings, and ensures your business remains compliant.

The Two Key Roles in Data Protection

UK data protection law defines two distinct roles when it comes to handling personal data. Most businesses will act as both at different times, but understanding which hat you’re wearing in each situation is crucial. Continue reading →

A Plain-English Guide for UK Business Owners

If you’ve ever felt confused by data protection terminology, you’re not alone. Many business owners we speak to aren’t sure whether they should be following “GDPR”, “UK GDPR”, or the “Data Protection Act”—or whether these are all different things entirely.

The good news is that once you understand the background, it all makes sense. This guide cuts through the jargon and explains exactly what UK businesses need to know about data protection law today.

A Brief History of Data Protection in the UK

Data protection law in the UK has evolved significantly over the past few decades. Understanding this history helps explain why we have the current framework. Continue reading →

Essential insights to help your business thrive in the digital age

As your trusted IT partner, we’ve compiled these essential facts to help you understand the technology landscape and make informed decisions for your business. Whether you’re looking to improve security, boost productivity, or plan for growth, these insights are relevant to businesses of all sizes and sectors across the UK.

 

1. Cyber attacks cost UK SMEs an average of £8,460 per incident

According to government research, small businesses are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals. Basic security measures like multi-factor authentication and regular software updates can prevent the majority of attacks—often at minimal cost.

2. 43% of cyber attacks specifically target small businesses

Smaller organisations are often seen as easier targets due to less sophisticated security infrastructure. A managed security service can provide enterprise-grade protection at SME-friendly prices. Continue reading →