Computer network services

Most small businesses start off with one or two standalone PCs with one of them having an Internet connection. Very soon, more computers are added and there is a need for people to share files and have their own Internet connection and e-mail address. 'Sneaker networks' - copying files to floppy disc or CD-R and carrying them to another computer - become a waste of valuable time. Staff have to wait their turn to access the Internet or answer e-mails that have arrived in your single in-box.

The answer is a local area network (LAN) - but how do you go about setting one up? This is where we can help. We specialise in helping small businesses set up and operate computer networks with shared Internet and e-mail access via broadband (ADSL).

Our services include:

• Installation and configuration of wireless or wired networks.
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• Broadband (ADSL) services for business.
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• Network security to protect against threats from the Internet.
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• E-mail server and client software installation.
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• Workgroup fileservers constructed, configured and installed.
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• Backup hardware and software.
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Network installation

We can supply, install and configure all necessary hardware for your new wired or wireless network - router, firewall, anti-virus software, wired or wireless network cards, network attached printers and file server for network access, file and printer sharing. Contact us for an informal discussion of your requirements.

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Broadband services

Looking for a reliable business class ADSL service? We recommend Skynet as your broadband supplier. Beware of cheap broadband offers - these are targeted at domestic users and may not offer the speed, reliability and technical support you need. Many include a 'free' ADSL modem as part of the package, but such connections expose your network to attack. We can install, configure and test an ADSL modem/router/firewall at your premises. Contact us for an informal discussion of your requirements.

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Network security

Always on ADSL connections connect you to the Internet, but this exposes your networked computers to attack. To prevent unauthorised access to your computers and infection by threats such as viruses, worms and trojans, we install a hardware firewall plus individual software firewall and anti-virus software on each networked PC. We recommend Sophos anti-virus and firewall software and would be pleased to quote you for supply of multi-user licences and installation of this software on your networked computers. Contact us for more details.

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E-mail servers and clients

Many small businesses start up with one or two computers and a single dial-up Internet connection. A simple network follows with an ADSL connection, with staff collecting their e-mails by individually connecting with their mailbox at their ISP. What do you do when a staff member is away on holiday? Do you wish to have a general 'enquiries@...' address that can be handled by several staff members? How do you protect the computers on your network from viruses, worms and trojans that arrive as e-mail attachments? How can I filter out SPAM before it arrives in our mailboxes?

The answer is to use a Mail Server on your network. We can install and configure a Mail Server for you. We recommend an FTGate mail server, having used this software for a number of years. The mail server can be integrated with anti-virus software that removes harmful attachments before they arrive in your in-box. Contact us for an informal discussion of your requirements.

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Workgroup fileservers

If you have two or three networked computers, simple peer to peer file sharing, with each computer storing files, may be adequate. Beyond this, things just get too complicated. What if Jill's computer at the other end of the building is off and you want to access a file on her computer? There is also the issue of backing up essential files stored on each computer.

The solution for larger workgroups is to dedicate one computer as a fileserver. It does nothing else - it acts as a repository for all your users files, hosts your mail server (if you have one) and can be used as a proxy server for Internet access. Your dedicated server would have a backup device fitted so backups can be made automatically to removable media. The server stays on 24 hours a day, 7 days a week so it can be accessed at any time.

Fileservers are not just another PC. They should be of simple design with emphasis on the quality and reliability of their components. As they will be on most of the time, they must have adequate cooling. They do not need things such as fancy graphics cards - they won't be used for running games or graphics intensive programs! If you would like to find out more, read an article on the subject at Techword.com

For small workgroups, a fileserver running Windows XP Professional is a cost-effective option. For larger networks, Windows 2003 Small Business Server is the preferable choice. We can supply, install and configure a fileserver to your requirements.

Contact us for an informal discussion of your requirements.

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Backup hardware and software

Sooner or later, the computer containing your vital business data will go wrong! We visit many businesses and most do not back up their data. Centralised storage of files on a fileserver with a backup device will protect your valuable data. The hardware used can be as basic as a USB flash memory drive for small networks with low data volumes; other possibilities are removable hard drive cartridges such as Iomega Rev and tape streamers. Whatever your requirements, we can advise on a suitable backup strategy for your company. Contact us for an informal discussion of your requirements.