Q. What is networking?
A. Networking is connecting all of the IT equipment in your business so that all of the users can access everything they need to with minimal effort. This can include hardware, such as workstations, printers and photocopiers, and software such as sage accounts. This allows everybody using the network to logon to their workstation and be able to instantly access the Internet, any files that multiple users need to access and print to any printer that they wish to as well as many other tasks that would not be possible if a network was not in place. This is essential for any business to run efficiently and minimises complications such as having to use external hardware devices to transfer files between computers. If you require any assistance on how to improve the IT infrastructure of your business to help it run more smoothly and efficiently then contact us now and we will be happy to help.
Q. Will Your Service plan suit me?
A. Here at 127 Solutions we try to plan our support contracts around the needs of the client. We do not try to drag clients into a certain category of support, instead we plan the support contract around the client’s needs. This ensures that our service plan will be customised to suit you.
Q. Can you supply new hardware for my business as well as providing support?
A. 127 Solutions has many different links with the leading hardware suppliers such as Dell and HP to provide a wide range of hardware at a competitive rate. These relationships enable us to customise hardware down to a specific specification, allowing us to order the right hardware for you. Whether you work with CAD packages and need a large monitor and a multiple processor PC, or you just want a basic machine for minimal use, we are able to fulfil your requirements.
Q. Can you supply new machines with an XP operating system instead of Vista?
A. As Vista is integrated into the market more and more, it is becoming increasingly difficult to buy a new machine with Windows XP installed. At 127 Solutions, we can often arrange for our suppliers to ship out new computers with XP installed instead of Vista. If this is not possible we can perform a downgrade at a minimal cost so that any computers that you order from us will have XP already installed.
Q. My last IT support company were impossible to get in touch with. How do I know that 127 Solutions will be easy to contact?
A. To live up to our low response time we want to answer your calls as soon as possible. Here at 127 Solutions we have a specialised phone system that is manned Monday to Friday 9-5.30. If for any reason we cannot take your call immediately then it will be forwarded to one of our engineer’s mobiles. This will eliminate any worries over not being able to contact us.
Q. My last IT support company ripped me off and charged over the odds for support. How do I know that I am getting value for money?
A. 127 Solutions provides its customers with several different support options to suit your business needs. Whether you are a big company who is likely to need a lot of support or a small company who will only need support now and again, we offer a range of services for you to choose from. We offer several different support contracts ranging from high maintenance with very quick response times to low maintenance with slightly longer response times. Those users paying higher prices will be receiving a greater priority support. All support contracts include free phone and remote support. We also offer a pay as you go service for users who only need support from time to time. This means that you only pay for the amount of support that you require.
Q. How do I know that you will be able to protect my computers from viruses and spyware?
A. After many years experience dealing with different anti-virus products, we believe we have found an excellent product that can provide full protection but not slow down your machine by using up too much system memory. This product is called Nod32 and is published by a company called ESET. This unique piece of software has four different threat protection modules that continuously scan your files, emails, office documents and the internet. This makes it almost impossible for a virus to get onto your machine. Because Nod32 is constantly scanning files, when an infection is detected it automatically warns the user that an infection has been quarantined and gives them the option to delete it. There is also an option to perform an in-depth or custom scan of your PC and network drives. All of these features together provide maximum protection against viruses and spyware.
It is also quick and easy to install Nod32 to every machine on your network. The Nod32 remote administrator console is an excellent piece of software that can distribute Nod 32 to any workstation on your network. All that you need to do is install the remote admin console onto your server and this will give you the option of installing Nod32 to whichever machines you want, whether it is all the workstations on the network or just specific machines. If you are adding new workstations to your network there is also the option to scan the network to see which machines do not have Nod32 installed. This makes it quick and easy to secure new workstations that are added to the network.
Q. Do I need a server?
A. Many small businesses may ask this question, but what are the advantages of having a server? One of the main advantages is centralised security and file management. If you have several people that need to access the same documents on a regular basis then storing them on the server allows everyone on your network to access them without having to email them in attachments or transferring them using a memory key for other users to access them. The server can also store a large amount of user information including a username and password for every user that uses your network. This means that if a user wants to access his network profile, all they have to do is log on using their username and password on any machine that is on the network and their personal desktop, files and settings will all be instantly available. This centralised authentication system allows a flexible working environment that is safe and secure.
Backup is another major advantage on a server. All files, data and user settings will be stored on the server. This means that only the server needs to be backed up. This can be set as a scheduled task to run automatically on the server to an external media source. If the server should fail for any reason all files and settings can be restored using the backup. If a workstation fails then all of your files are safe on the server.
Q. Can I receive my emails when I am out of the office?
A. Most systems that we support are controlled by a Windows Server with an inbuilt exchange server. If you are using a Microsoft Exchange server you can view your emails when you are out of the office using a tool called Outlook Web Access. This is done by typing a web address into any browser where an Internet connection is active. This means that wherever you are in the world, as long as you have an Internet connection this will work. Once you have typed in the web address for your Outlook Web Access you will be prompted to enter your username and password. This will be the username and password that you use to log onto the computer in your office. You are now logged into your mailbox. Any changes that are made through Outlook Web Access are synchronised with the server so that when you are back in the office all the changes will have been applied on your office desktop. Don’t worry if your system does not have a server, we will be happy to come and install one for you and explain all the other advantages of having a server on your network.
Q. Can you help me set up my IT system in a new office?
A. Whether you are setting up an IT system for the first time or you are moving office, we are happy to help. We can supply you with equipment such as workstations, servers and printers, as well as other important network hardware to get your business up and running as quickly as possible. If you are unsure how your computers should be connected to the network we can patch your PC’s into the network using high quality equipment including switches that can transfer data at 1000 megabytes per second. This will allow fast and effective data transfer across your new network. With several engineers that have had many years experience we can advise on how your network should be set up and what kind of hardware and software you will need for your particular business. We can also advise you on what type of backup system you require including some of the latest software in backup technology. If you are moving office then we can advise you on how to safely shut down and disconnect your server and help you decide how to integrate your old system into your new office setup. During this process we can also recommend any improvements that will benefit you in your new working environment. With experience in this area before when we helped medical company Assura Group move and set up over 100 workstations and several servers into to a new site, you can be sure that this transition can be completed with excellent results.