Simon Barker's Articles On Zath

Simon Barker is the founder and editor of Zath and has over 25 years’ worth of experience of using computers and technology in general. He can normally be found researching or testing the latest in technology products.

He has provided IT consultancy services to both home and small business users for over 15 years, building PCs, fixing hardware/software problems and providing comprehensive training.

Simon always likes to get the best out of the technology products he is using, by both making informed purchasing decisions and also optimising how they are used to get the most benefits possible.

If you'd like to follow and/or contact him on Twitter, please feel free to do so - @SimonBarker.

Google Street View In The UK – Its Early History & Development

6th January 2009 by Simon Barker - Last Updated: 28th September 2020

It Was Announced That Google Street View Was Coming To The UK In January 2009

In case you haven’t heard of Google Street View in the UK before, it is basically an addition to Google’s already impressive mapping services which form their online Google Maps website, Google Maps mobile software, their Google Earth web experience and Google Earth Android and iPhone apps. This added feature of Street View means that as well as seeing a location in map form and from a satellite view, you can now ‘go down to street level’ and navigate around using a 360° horizontal and 290° vertical panoramic interface that allows you to travel virtually around an area. [Read more…]

Write For Us @ Zath UK Tech Blog?

17th October 2008 by Simon Barker - Last Updated: 6th August 2019

write-for-us-zath-uk-tech-blog-typing-on-laptop-keyboard Would you be interested in having the opportunity to write for us here at Zath UK Tech Blog?

Have you ever considered writing for a technology blog website such as Zath? Have you got an interest in topics such as technology, hi-tech gadgets, gaming and software that Zath covers? Can you write original content to a high standard about these things that you like?

We’re a long-established UK Tech Blog that’s been running for over 10 years. Over the years, we’ve received several award nominations, such as the Computer Weekly IT Blog Awards for Best Gadget Blog. And also been featured on many other websites’ “Best UK Tech Blogs” lists. Just do a quick search and you’ll see for yourself.

We’re always open to new talented writers joining the Zath team to contribute on topics that interest them. We like to cover a variety of article types for our readers, be it analysis/opinion pieces, how-to guides or reviews of the latest in technology, hi-tech gadgets and gaming.
[Read more…]

Northern UK Bloggers’ Meetup Review (Leeds Blogging Event)

16th August 2008 by Simon Barker - Last Updated: 19th April 2019

The first Northern UK Bloggers’ Meetup took place yesterday at the Old Broadcasting House in Leeds — which is now one of the facilities of Leeds Met University, which happens to be where I was a student back in 2001-2004 — it kind of felt like I’d come full circle!

The aim of this first session was to decide on the format for future events (which we kind of did), have some informal discussions about blogging and basically get to know each other.

In total there were about 20 bloggers that turned out for this initial event, we proceeded into the “boardroom” — not quite like the Apprentice with Sir Alan Sugar waiting for us — there was certainly no intimidating grillings, it was a very relaxed and good-humoured affair.
[Read more…]

Dell Event at Formula 1 Silverstone Testing Day Review

12th July 2008 by Simon Barker - Last Updated: 23rd May 2019

A few weeks ago I was invited by Dell to attend a Silverstone Formula 1 testing day (26th June 2008) which was actually the final testing session before the British Grand Prix took place there just over a week later. The purpose of the day was for the launch of the new Dell Studio laptops. This was the second Dell event that I’d been asked to take part in, it was, therefore, a great opportunity and I gladly accepted.

Only then did I then find out that we’d be getting flown into Silverstone by helicopter – a place, where on the day of the British F1 Grand Prix is the busiest “Heliport” in the world!

I had to meet up at an Elstree Aerodrome in North London for 8.30am — it meant I had to get up at around 3am — which is probably the earliest I’ve ever had to, so that was bit of a shock to the system! I was out of the house and on the road by around 4am — but it would ultimately be a very worthwhile journey!
[Read more…]

Simon Barker's Articles On Zath

It Was Announced That Google Street View Was Coming To The UK In January 2009

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