Computer Aid International is Managed Networks’ preferred charity for re-using computer hardware that has reached the end of its useful business life.
Computer Aid International regularly reviews its partners to ensure that the services we provide continue to support the needs of our donors and they have changed their data wiping provider from Blancco to Kroll Ontrack.
Ontrack Eraser has been developed to meet stringent international security requirements, it is certified by the following organisations:
- UK CESG HMG Infosec 5 (Lower & Higher)
- US Department of Defense
- German PCI
- Norwegian National Security Authority (NSM)
For more information about Ontrack Erasure, please click here
Please don’t hesitate to contact us should you have any questions.
Whenever we have old computer equipment that is being replaced we give it to Computer Aid International. They are a charity based in Holloway that then uses this equipment in the Third World to improve educational standards.
If you have old equipment, particularly screens, whether they are CRT or flat screen, complete their donation form and they will work with you to collect the equipment.
If you need new equipment prior to the donation, give us a call on 0800 783 6170 and we will be happy to supply what you need. We will then deal with Computer Aid International on your behalf.
Most people think the snow looks pretty and if they don’t have to work, it can be great fun to sledge in or have snowball fights, but if you have to work, it is no fun at all.
- you try to get to work but the buses, trains and roads are not working properly
- you have your mobile but anyone who phones your desk cannot get hold of you (unless you remembered to divert calls before going home last night)
- if you dont have a mobile data device (BlackBerry, Windows Mobile or iPhone etc.) you won’t get your e-mails,
- or does your IT run over Microsoft Terminal Services (Remote Desktop Services to give it its current official name) or Citrix
If your customers are working and you aren’t, what do you think could happen? Would they be happy? There is a potential risk that they could then call your competitors.
May I suggest you look at IT solutions that enable you to work from anywhere - remote desktop, Terminal Services, Citrix - all are search terms that will identify potential solutions that will enable your staff to work from wherever they can get an internet connection.
With the exception of those delayed by snow and schools not going back, the vast majority of our clients returned to work, after the New Year, on Monday 4th January. Some people hadnt been in work for over two weeks and so, perhaps unsurprisingly, the most common IT support issue we dealt with on that day was………….. Password resets!
18% of all IT support tickets raised through our service desk were for password resets.
Beware of this e-mail that seems to be circulating and targeting those who use Google Adwords. It is not from Google and so please do not follow the links or give them any details
Hello,
Our attempt to charge your credit card for your
outstanding Google AdWords account balance was declined.
Your account is still open. However, your ads have been suspended. Once
we are able to charge your card and receive payment for your account
balance, we will re-activate your ads.
Please update your billing information, even if you plan to use the
same credit card. This will trigger our billing system to try charging
your card again. You do not need to contact us to reactivate your
account.
To update your primary payment information, please follow these steps:
1. Log in to your account at http://adwords.google.com/Select/Login.
2. Enter your new or updated billing information.
6. Click ‘Update’ when you have finished.
In the future, you may wish to use a backup credit card in order to
help ensure continuous delivery of your ads. You can add a backup
credit card by visiting your Billing Preferences page or visit the
AdWords Help Centre for more details:
https://adwords.google.com/support/bin/answer.py?answer=3D28857&hl=3D.. B
Thank you for advertising with Google AdWords. We look forward to
providing you with the most effective advertising available.
Sincerely,
The Google AdWords Team
————————————-
This message was sent from a notification-only email address that does
not accept incoming email. Please do not reply to this message. If you
have any questions, please visit the Google AdWords Help Centre at
https://adwords.google.com/support/?hl=3Den_GB to find answers to
frequently asked questions and a ‘contact us’ link near the bottom of
the page.
It seems that silly season has really kicked in!
Early on Saturday evening one of our engineers received a call from a client saying they had lost all internet connectivity. A little invesitgation work identified the cause:
The staff wanted to put up the Christmas tree and plug in the lights, but there were no spare plug sockets…………………………………………..!
Perhaps we should send them this: http://www.delfyn.com/christrescre.html
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
The new version of Microsoft Exchange is out now and there is a great deal that will help your business:
- you can use Exchange for your voicemail, so you no longer need voicemail on your phone system
- you can send and receive text messages from your Outlook or Entourage - with Windows Mobile 6.5
- Outlook Web Access is much better and far easier to use
- the resilience is significantly improved
- the back-end databases take up far less space and so the storage you need to allocate is far less
- archiving is improved and can be controlled for compliance reasons
Want to talk about it? call us on 0800 783 6170
The number of computers being infected by Scareware has increased considerably over the last few months, especially those without any real perimeter defence.
It works by claiming to have found viruses and then asks the user to purchase anti-virus software that will kill the “found viruses”. Anyone who does this will have wasted their money and may well have given hackers access to their PC. Unfortunately this is a constantly evolving piece of malware and is difficult to spot, so vigilence is required.
This is Managed Networks’ recommended route to clearing it. To get rid of the malware is a two-stage process and will have hopefully happened before the malware gets through to the server infrastructure.
- use Malwarebytes and SUPERAntiSpyware to delete it
- you have to delete and rebuild the user’s profile because this is usually where the malware embeds itself. It should be deleted from both the local desktop and the server.
You should be protected from older versions of this malware, if your AV software is up to date, but please be vigilant.
Did you know that a standard retail or MOLP Vista license doesnt allow you to virtualise or stream the desktop OS?
A VEDC license is also required
The latest ‘big thing’ in IT is virtualisation - but what is it and is it any good for SME’s?
The in-depth explanation is that virtualisation refers to the technology designed to provide a layer of abstraction between computer hardware systems and the software running on them. This ‘abstraction’ splits the single, stronger server into sub servers. With a virtualized IT network in place, companies benefit from secure, efficient and proven technology.
Are you still reading???
Virtualisation is one bigger server (the host) hosting a number of smaller virtual (guest) servers using software such as Microsoft Hyper-V or VMWare. Each virtual (guest) server is allocated a specific amount of the processor capacity and the memory (RAM) and so uses more of the capability of the server than would ordinarily be used if you used a lot of smaller physical servers.
Virtualisation is growing in popularity with SME’s despite the widely held myth that it is really only appropriate for larger companies. Why? Because it really can save SME’s money and delivers more reliability. Fewer servers are needed on-site, instantly cutting associated costs on admin, power & cooling.
Business analysts also have assorted theories about how the increased efficiency and savings have a knock on effect throughout the company. However at Managed Networks we are straightforward souls and think that ideas that save you money and provide a reliable solution are potentially very good ones to adopt.
It’s something we at Managed Networks are doing more and more of, so if you want to talk about it give us a call or comment on the blog
