Hills District Independent August 2020 #62 August 2020 | Page 19

BUSINESS Do not update your printer firmware with Jeff Harper Cartridge World, Castle Hill I wrote this article 12 months ago; the subject is an important one which I think needs to be repeated. When you buy a printer, it has factory installed firmware (sort of like software) that allows it to function. The firmware allows all the motors, printheads and the operating/user panel to work. Modern printers have had all the bugs ironed out of the firmware and they are truly excellent machines that perform amazing functions. However, from time to time, the printer manufacturer sends you an alert that says, “would you like to update your firmware?” or something similar. It’s sort of natural for you to LAW & ORDER say “yes”, after all, upgrade means something good, like an updated car. Doesn’t it?’ Not is all as it seems. This “upgrade” can be a lot more than you think. The last “firmware upgrades” from 2 high-profile printer manufacturers resulted in serious problems for the owners of certain models. The upgrade interrogated the printer and if it found non genuine cartridges it rendered them inoperable. Their excuse is that it’s a security feature. What is it securing you ask? One may presume that it’s securing the revenue stream of the printer manufacturer. But that would be cynical, wouldn’t it? What else does the upgrade do? Does it study your printing habits? When you print, how much you print, what you print? So, once again, please consider before allowing a firmware upgrade for your printer, you could be opening yourself up to a world of pain. Jeff Harper from Cartridge World Castle Hill is your printer expert. He is always happy to help and guide you, so give him a call on 9659 5366. Drop into the store at 8 Victoria Avenue, Castle Hill or visit www.cartridgeworld.com.au for more information. What happens if I am terminated from work? with Anthony McDonnell of McDonnell Schroder Employers do have to give you a minimum period of notice under the Fair Work Act. If you are a full-time employee and have been at work for less than a year, a one-week notice is necessary. If you have been employed there for more than five years, four weeks’ notice is required. That notice may be increased by one week if you are over 45 years of age. Of course, if you are employed under an enterprise agreement or contract, that notice may be more. Your employer can make a payment in lieu of notice so long as it is at least equal to the full rate of pay you would have received if you worked out the whole notice period. The only situation where notice is not required is where you may be accused of serious misconduct - this is called summary dismissal. The employer must be able to prove that any allegation of serious misconduct is justifiable under the Fair Work Act. If you do not believe you have been fairly treated, you may have unfair dismissal rights. If your employer does not give you proper notice when dismissing you, you may take legal action in the Federal Circuit Court of the Federal Court to recover money owed by the employer. This usually amounts to the wages that would otherwise have been earned during the notice period. If you need legal advice from a professional, contact McDonnell Schroder on 9622 1155. This article is written in a general non-specific manner. Always contact your solicitor for specific legal advice. The ONLY specialised Retail Outlet for Printers, Inks, Toners & Paper in the region. Epson Brother Oki Canon HP Fuji Xero Dell Lexmark YOUR Printer Expert 32 Years Experience 8 Victoria Avenue, Castle Hill 9659-5366 Easy parking in front of store Email: [email protected] Visit: www.cartridgeworld.com.au LEGAL SERVICES AT SCHOFIELDS YOUR LOCAL LEGAL TEAM AT SHOP 3, 103 RAILWAY TERRACE, SCHOFIELDS 50 YEARS IN LEGAL BUSINESS CONVEYANCING • Buying and selling homes • Mortgage explanation • First Home Buyer’s grants • Stamp Duty exemptions • Leases including commercial, retail and residential BUILDING LAW Anthony McDonnell has extensive experience in building and town planning. Please contact us to make an initial consultation with Anthony to discuss your matter in detail. CRIMINAL MATTERS • Stealing and related offences • Drink driving • Police and traffic offences • Assault, drug and robbery charges • Domestic violence COMPENSATION LAW NO WIN, NO FEE (conditions apply) • Injured at work? WIRO funding available • Car accident compensation • Negligence claims • Insurance disputes • Motor vehicle claims • Workplace or job related claims • Medical litigation • Negligent legal advice • Defective product claims • Sporting and playground accidents • Superannuation claims and disputes • All compensation • Life Insurance & disability insurance claims • Shopping centre or public place falls FAMILY LAW • Property disputes • De Facto relationships • Child custody and access arrangements • Parentage disputes • Prenuptial agreements • Cohabitation agreements WILLS • Drafting a will • Contested wills First consultation free www.mcdonnellschroder.com.au McDonnell Schroder Shop 3, 103 Railway Terrace Schofields OR our Blacktown office - 121 Main Street, Blacktown T: [phone] E: [email protected] THE HILLS INDEPENDENT www.hdinews.com.au ISSUE 62 // AUGUST 2020 19