Connexion Blog Connexion Blog <![CDATA[Connexion Authorised Doubletake partner]]> Disaster Recovery is now central to any small to medium sized businesses IT strategy.  Most small to medium sized companies are hugely dependant on their information systems and most are acutely aware of their IT Risks realising that downtime is at best costly and at worst financially disastrous. 

In order to meet the growing demand from our customers for high availability and disaster recovery solutions we have become an accredited Doubletake partner. 

The Doubletake partnership enables us to provide clients with offsite DR and High Availability solutions either by replicating to the customers own equipment offsite or replicating to our cloud based infrastructure on a SaaS basis. 

We believe the thing that makes Doubletake special is that it provides by far the most cost-effective offsite DR solution in the marketplace coming in at around half the cost of a SAN storage network.  As it can purchased on SaaS basis it can also be implemented with next to no capital expenditure.

 

]]> Thu, 29 Jul 2010 18:05:30 GMT <![CDATA[Save costs on your printing]]>
Connexion customer I.T.P. will pay up to £4 per empty cartridge or make a donation to charity on your behalf. Provided you have over 15 cartridges to collect, they will take them away for free. This means that not only do you dispose of your often bulky “waste” free of charge, but your business or the charities and the environment benefits too. How much better can it get!

For more information, please visit I.T.P. Empties
]]> Fri, 26 Feb 2010 11:12:12 GMT <![CDATA[Microsoft shut down giant SPAM network]]>
A US judge was persuaded to issue a court order to shut down 277 internet domains used by the Waledac botnet.

Botnets are effectively groups of hijacked computers that have been infected with a virus that forces them to send out spam or malware.

Although this may seem like a big deal, unfortunately Waledac accounted for only 1% of spam traffic on the net so don't expect this to make much difference to your inbox. It is likely that the void will be filled by other spammers and it won't be long before Waledac will be back.

However, it is a step in the right direction to one day eliminating all spam but at the moment that day is still a long way off.
]]> Fri, 26 Feb 2010 10:50:10 GMT <![CDATA[Microsoft to offer users choice of browser]]>
A full scale role out will begin on March 1st via Windows Update and will offer users the opportunity to change their default browser to a list of randomly ordered options. Users will be presented with a list of leading browsers with a link to more information as well as a button to install. There will also be an option to "Select Later" to review the choice screen the next time the user logs on.

This update will arrive for Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7 customers. Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari and Opera are the alternative browsers that people will be offered.

For more information and screen shots of what you can expect, you can visit the Microsoft Blog.]]> Mon, 22 Feb 2010 12:34:54 GMT <![CDATA[Office 2007 licensing options]]> There are essential three different ways you can buy a license for Microsoft Office 2007 and we will detail both the advantages and disadvantages here so that you can decide which option is best for your particular circumstances.

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)

OEM can only come pre-installed with a new computer and cannot be transferred to another, even if it is stolen, damaged or broken.

Advantages:
  • Cheap initial cost. OEM licenses can cost considerably less than other options
Disadvantages
  • Cannot be transferred to another computer
  • Has to be purchased with a new computer
  • Cannot be upgraded via an upgrade version, you have to purchase a full version
  • Does not cover Terminal Server usage

Retail / FPP (Full Packaged Product)

Retail can be purchased as a standalone piece of software and usually comes in a display box with CD and manuals. Unlike OEM, a retail copy can be transferred between computers provided it is removed from the original first.

Advantages:
  • Can be transferred between computers
  • Install a second copy on the primary users portable computer
  • Can be purchased as a full or upgrade version
Disadvantages:

  • Higher initial cost
  • Does not cover Terminal Server usage

VL (Volume Licensing)

Volume licensing makes it easier and more affordable for those looking to purchase 5 or more licences. Volume licensing offers many different options depending on your requirements including the option to spread payments over 3 years. As Volume Licensing has many different options depending on your circumstances it can therefore be very complicated to find the solution that is right for you. As a result, depending on your solution, you can expect a combination of the following:

Advantages:
  • Use any previous version of Office if you wish
  • Install a second copy on the primary users portable or home computer
  • Covers Windows Terminal Server usage
  • Benefit from free upgrades during the period of your agreement on certain licenses (or with an optional purchase of a Software Assurance subscription)
  • Can be transferred between computers
  • In some cases you only pay for the number of licenses in use at the end of the year (even if this is less than the peak usage)
  • Option to spread payments
  • Simplified license tracking (fewer license keys and no paper copies to keep safe)
  • Simplified deployment to multiple computers
  • Cheaper in the long term if you plan on regular upgrades as new versions are released.
Disadvantages:
  • Can be very complicated to understand which options are best for you
  • In some circumstances you don’t own the software at the end of subscription period
If you would like to discuss your licensing requirements then please contact us
]]> Fri, 19 Feb 2010 15:10:58 GMT <![CDATA[Apple announces the long awaited iPad]]> On January 27th, Apple finally announced the long anticipated tablet computer called the iPad.

A tablet computer is nothing new and they have been around for quite a few years but have never really taken off into the main stream.

For those of you new to tablet computers, its basically a laptop computer with a touch screen. Microsoft has an operating system built specifically for them which gives additional features to take advantage of the touch screen.

The main reason that they haven't taken off is that there is no obvious use for them yet. If you work at a desk then you have a desktop, if you are always on the move and need to work from multiple locations  then you have a laptop and if you want something ultra portable but don't need the processing power then you have a netbook. Apple claims the iPad is not in competition with netbooks and it is in a market of it's own.


iPad features

Calling it "way better than a laptop, way better than a phone," Apple CEO Steve Jobs unveiled the iPad at an Event in San Francisco. Mr Jobs described the tablet, which will cost between $499 and $829 in the US, as a "third category" between smartphones and laptops.

"What this device does is extraordinary. It is the best browsing experience you have ever had," he said.

The iPad has a relatively straight forward set of features, opting for simplicity:

  • Weighing just 700g and 24 x 19 cm big (giving a 9.7-inch display), the iPad is smaller and lighter than any netbook.
  • It will come in capacities of 16GB to 64GB of flash storage, built in WiFi and optional 3G.
  • A 10 hour battery life for watching videos and up to one month standby time should be sufficient for even the most intensive users.

Major drawbacks - will these cause it to flop?

There are some major drawbacks to the iPad which will put off many potential customers.

  • In effect it is just a big iPhone with basically the same features - who in their right mind would want this?
  • There's no physical keyboard making touch typing very difficult.
  • It only runs a phone operating system which is more limited in what it can do when compared to a fully blown OS.
  • There's currently a maximum of 64GB of storage which isn't much now considering it will be used for music and movies.
  • There's no HDMI output, no camera and no USB slots which is very limiting to users. The battery is also not removable (although e battery life is very good).
  • It's very expensive when compared to its netbook rivals
  • As with the iPhone it's locked into Apple meaning you have to buy from the AppStore

Golden touch?

It seems that everything Apple touches turns to gold and I have no doubt that this will be a success. At the moment it is difficult to see where the iPad will fit into the market and becoming the latest must have gadget. There will always be the Apple fanatics that will buy the device regardless but will it convert the mass public? I guess time will tell..

For more information on the iPad, visit the Apple website.]]> Mon, 01 Feb 2010 15:33:26 GMT <![CDATA[The future of IT support is here!]]> For many years the way IT support companies operate would be to wait for the customer to call when something breaks and they would then fix it. This method is flawed not only because it causes the customer distress as they can't get on and do what they wanted but it is also unmanageable from a support point of view. Customers would be unproductive and support technicians would find themselves constantly putting out fires while less urgent issues get pushed to the back of the queue.

For Connexion, this has now changed. We now run our service from a support platform that allows us to fix problems centrally and in many occasions, without the user even knowing we have fixed their computer. This means we are able to pre-empt potential problems and issue a fix before they happen.

For example, we recently had an issue whereby Outlook would fail to launch after a Microsoft Update was applied to the computer. The fix required a registry update which would usually take around 5 minutes per computer to implement. The Microsoft update caused problems for a lot of our customers and we were soon inundated with support calls of users who were without email. Rather than have to dial in to each and every computer, we are now able to push an update out to all of our customers computers and within 10 minutes everyone was fixed! Even users that hadn't yet reported a problem were fixed, thus preventing an issue before it even happened. In the past it would have taken hours or maybe even days to fix.

The future of IT support is here. For the customer it means less time lost in productivity and for us it means more time to spend on maintaining your network rather than fixing problems as they happen. Everyone is happy.

]]> Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:18:28 GMT <![CDATA[Does Facebook know too much?]]>
Facebook is your typical marmite site, you either love it or hate it. Some feel it is a great way to keep in touch with friends and family, meet new people, share your photos, likes and dislikes with others. While some think that it is invasive and hate the lack of privacy and the fact that the world know what you are doing and where you are.

However Facebook only know as much as you are willing to tell it. If you don't want the world to know what you are up to then don't post it online. Naturally you can't control what others put on there but that's true of life in general. Facebook should be used as much or as little as you want but if you don't want to face the concequences of what you put on there then it probably shouldn't go up.

I guess the term garbage in, garbage out has never been so true in this case!]]> Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:52:44 GMT <![CDATA[Connexion built website nominated for Kentico Site of the Year 2009]]> We are pleased to announce that the Thomas Turners website built by Connexion is a Kentico Site of the Year 2009 Finalist!

The Thomas Turners site is a finalist in the best on-line store category and is pitched against two other websites.

For more information visit the Kentico website and help us to win the title by voting for us.]]> Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:30:34 GMT <![CDATA[Quick tip to improve the Windows 7 task bar]]>
Luckily there is a quick way to revert back to the 'old' way of having a button per window in your task bar. Right click on a blank space on the taskbar, choose Properties and choose Combine When Taskbar Is Full from the Taskbar Buttons dropdown menu.

Hey presto, you now get each window given its own icon, just like Vista / XP.]]> Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:25:15 GMT <![CDATA[How to upgrade to Windows 7 from Vista]]> here
]]> Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:47:02 GMT <![CDATA[Microsoft Release Major Security Update]]> Microsoft Security Response Centre (MSRC) have announced that they are to release it's biggest ever security update on October 13th (today). The update will address 34 vulnerabilities in Windows, Internet Explorer, Office and other applications.
 
Most people will get the updates automatically but links to download them can also be found on Microsoft's security pages. Once applied to a PC, the machine will need to be re-started before the fixes take effect. Microsoft typically issues its updates on the second Tuesday of every month.

As with all updates we strongly recommend that you ensure your PC is updated today with this latest patch.

If you have any questions regarding this update, please give us a call on 0118 9209600.]]> Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:01:13 GMT <![CDATA[How to stop SPAM]]>
Options for a hosted email account
  • Most email programs like Outlook or Outlook Express have a filtering option which will move messages into a junk folder for you to check. These features may not be on by default so look in your chosen program for spam or junk mail settings.
  • Many email providers will have some form of spam filtering option available. Be sure to check with you ISP if it has been enabled on your account. Some providers will simply attach a word into the subject line of emails they suspect are junk such as “[spam]”. You can then use your email client to move these emails automatically into a junk folder by using the rules wizard. If your ISP don’t provide any form of email filter, it may be worth moving.
  • If the above option isn’t thorough enough for you then you should consider routing your emails through a third party first. At Connexion, we like to use MailController by Opal. These email filtering solutions will clean out and delete all spam and viruses from your email before they are sent on to you. These normally need some configuration to ensure that legitimate emails aren’t deleted so some effort is required. These types of providers normally charge a monthly or yearly fee.
  • If your e-mail program or webmail service can't deal with the spam you are getting you could try a dedicated anti-spam program. There are two types, some delete mail on the server and some delete mail on your computer .The good thing about products which delete mail on the server is you don't have to wait (and pay) to download spam onto your computer. Norton and McAfee provide a system for removing emails that have arrived on your computer.
  • For the ultimate in spam removal, you could opt for black and white lists or challenge response. These systems only accept emails from an approved list of contacts. This does mean that you won’t get emails from new contact unless you approve them first but it is the only guaranteed method to get rid of 100% of spam.

If you are running your own copy of Microsoft Exchange you have a lot more options:
  • Set up reverse DNS lookup on your exchange server. Effectively a reverse DNS lookup checks to see if the email is coming from an allowed server. If the email fails the reverse lookup the server will automatically mistrust the email and reject it. Reverse lookup is a facility that can be set up for you by your Internet Service Provider. This is not a foolproof solution, spammers have managed to get around this.
  • IMF is an anti-spam service that is included with Microsoft Exchange. Once installed you can ensure that you get regular updates to combat the latest type of spam. You can increase the level of spam filtering until the point at which real emails are blocked. You will know that the level is right when you are at the point where you only get a few emails a day. IMF is available in Exchange 2003 only. Exchange 2007 has a load more filters to combat spam which we have found to be very good.
  • Install an additional anti-spam service onto your Exchange server. For most of our clients, we like to use GFI mail essentials. These programs use many tactics to block unwanted emails including spam blacklists, lists of blocked IP addresses and content scanning and provides you with a greater level of tuning than provided in the standard IMF service.
If you are having problems with spam, then why not call us on 0118 9209600 and we will be happy to help.]]> Fri, 09 Oct 2009 16:26:21 GMT <![CDATA[More news on TV licenses for your business]]> BBC that businesses are breaking the law if employees are watching live online transmissions and they don't have a TV licence.

We reported this in our July blog, Does your office need a TV licence? The BBC reports that the information can be very confusing but the law is clear, if your employees are watching live broadcasts then you need a TV licence.

Mobile phones and laptops that are not plugged in are covered by the users home TV licence but all computers that are plugged in are liable. The standard fine is £1000.

Business can choose not to purchase a TV licence but they could be subject to inspections without warning. The report also goes on to say that businesses have been fined in the past and will be in the future.
]]> Fri, 02 Oct 2009 10:13:05 GMT <![CDATA[Apple iPhone no longer exclusive to O2]]> Orange and Vodafone announce that they will offer the Apple iPhone to customers as the exclusive deal with O2 comes to an end.

This is good news for consumers because not only does it mean prices are likely to fall but it also means that you are no longer tied to the O2 network and their coverage. Our experience of the O2 network is not perfect and we think that Orange and Vodafone should mean better service for customers.
]]> Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:52:44 GMT