Archive for August, 2011

Windows Small Business Server 2011 is a Great Choice

Aug 31, 2011 Networks

The primary point of focus for an average small business owner is usually placed on the running of their small business rather than to any relevant IT issues. The majority of small businesses operate without their own server, often because of concerns about dependability and expense. Microsoft are able to provide a practical, low cost solution to small business owners.

Windows Small Business Servers are an ideal choice. If you explore the cost of buying the components needed to manage your business individually you will find that they provide remarkable value.

They present a firm foundation on which to construct your small business, containing the essential services a small business requires, including; document and file sharing, contact sharing and of course email and calendar. They additionally provide the peace of mind of network security. All data is saved every night,automatically and allows for data to be restored in the event of any problems occurring. Perhaps most importantly they are tremendously simple for users to use and install.

The two recent editions on the market are; Firstly, the SBS 2011 Standard and the newly released Small Business Server 2011 Essentials.

You can gain access for up to 75 users with Windows Small Business Server 2011. This package is an all in one business solution. Microsoft exchange server 2010 SP1, Microsoft SharePoint foundation 2010 and Windows software update packages are all included.

If you presently use a former version, it is extremely trouble free to change over to the Standard version. You will then be able to take advantage of greater reliability and protection.

The Windows Small Business Server 2011 Essentials is very easy to use, even for those with limited IT skills. It is able to provide access to 25 users. It enables comprehensive organisation of data and remote access.

Windows Small Business Server 2011 Essentials offers great security and permits you to run a selection of business software including Cloud.

There is a 2011 Premium Add On which will work with either edition. This offers further options such as the addition of extra servers if required. This premium add on can assist you to make more informed decisions made for the business with its analysis and reporting capabilities. In addition it gives users access to the whole range of Windows Server 2008 R2 standard technologies.

Windows Small Business Servers are a top selection for your small business. You may well be happy to purchase and install the software yourself. Alternatively you may feel more comfortable hiring a Windows Small Business Server Specialist to direct you through the procedure and guarantee the seamless transfer of data along with the minimal amount of downtime for your company.

Small Business Server 2011. Essential Business Technologies is an IT Support London company with a 20 year history of giving the highest quality IT services to a wide range of businesses. We make technology a power tool that increases your business’s profitability, productivity and operations. Small Business Server 2011

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Creating a Wireless Desktop

Aug 30, 2011 Networks

We live in an age of technology and as such we are always looking for ways to make life easier or ways to make things look better. In the home or office (or even the home office) making things look better involves getting rid of clutter. This is where the wireless desktop comes into play. No wires means less clutter and because when using Bluetooth wireless devices line of sight is not needed, you can use your desk space to its optimum with no worries.

There is more to the wireless desktop than you might think as well. You will all be aware that you can get a wireless keyboard and mouse. But wireless technology and Bluetooth in particular stretches much further than that. Your mobile phone if a recent one will probably have Bluetooth technology built into it. This means that you can easily connect it to your PC. Companies such as Logitech offer software that really gets your mobile phone and your PC working together. Synchronization is just one aspect of this, but how about being able to type an SMS text message on your keyboard and send it without having to touch your phone. This is all possible with the power of Bluetooth. Communication with your mobile phone is not the only method of contact with Bluetooth. You can also get Bluetooth headsets that work with Microsoft Messenger so you can add an easy chat functionality to your desktop. As new products come on the market Bluetooth becomes more and more popular. Peripheral devices such as Printers and Scanners can now be found.

The Wireless Keyboard and Mouse

This is the first device that you will probably buy for your wireless desktop. This is the basic starting point and probably the most effective. The keyboard and mouse wires cannot be hidden away from sight as they have to be straight in front of you. plus limiting the mouse wire can mean limiting the mouse movement as well. So A wireless keyboard and mouse will give you a better looking desktop as well as freedom to move your keyboard where you want it. You can have it on your lap or anywhere else in range. Having a wireless mouse will also help in gaming. Most wireless mice are just as responsive as corded ones and your wire wont snag at that vital moment when online gaming.

Wireless Printers

While printers are not being produced as wireless as yet. The idea is very much being worked on. Currently what you can by for your USB connected printers is a two small connecters that plug into your printer and USB port which connect together like a wireless network. Its almost a wireless USB connection if you like. I doubt that is how it will be described though. The advantages of the wireless printer as well as the lack of wires behind your PC is the range can be increased as well as you being able to place your printer in a place where a USB cable would be unsuitable to travel. A second advantage would be that connecting your printer to a wireless network for sharing will be much easier.

Wireless Networking

I think the biggest advantage of wireless technology has to be Wireless Networking. While Bluetooth technology is does not have the range in which to be affective at networking computers together. RF technology is still used however and is very easy to setup. For a simple network (peer to peer) on two computers all you need is two wireless networking cards setup to the same channel. More complex networks can also be setup using a server and workstations. Anything you can do with a wired network you can do with wireless technology.

While we keep saying that the main advantage of wireless technology is that you don’t have wires lying around everywhere, this is more true than ever when we are talking about wireless networking. When your computers are likely to be located in different room, the last thing you want is for wires to be laid around your home or office being an eyesore. Plus should you wish to move your computer at anytime, you don’t have to re-route the wires connecting your network together.
Security on Wireless networks is set by adding a name for your network which all computers on that network must be assigned to connect to, plus then you can add a password to keep unwanted intruders out from your files. Software firewalls are also recommended on wireless connections (as well as wired) just for added security against unwanted virus’ or Adware/Spyware.

Wireless Headphones / Microphone

Wireless headphones are readily available from many manufacturers. These are really one of the most practical uses of wireless technology behind the networking. Wireless headphones allow you to freely listen to your music, game or whatever noise your PC is making anywhere in your room without the restriction of wires. Even if your wires are long enough they will still be a little dangerous stretched across the room. And we all know you like to dance around your room listening to your favourite tracks. A set of wireless headphones could save you a few quid on broken items that your headphone wires have snagged on and brought crashing down to the floor :) .

Wireless Speakers

Wireless speakers are poking out of the woodwork and those of you that have a 5.1 or above sound system will just how many wires are involved in that setup. Not only do you have connection to the computer but each speaker is connected to the sub / power box and and you also have the volume control to deal with. At time of writing this the US seem to have a decent supply of wireless speakers where as only a few can be found in the UK. I am very sure that wireless speakers will become a lot more popular in the UK over the next couple of months. Wireless speakers will remove loads of wires from the back of your computer. Using a 5.1 wireless system will allow you to place your speakers in the perfect position without any restrictions or ugly wires running along your walls or floor.

If you found this article interesting why don’t you visit and read Leland Polik’s other articles on his website the latest being on Baseball Hitting Drills, and Baseball Fielding Drills.

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Removing a Hard Drive for Data Recovery

Aug 29, 2011 Data Recovery

You might feel that all your valuable data has been lost forever if you have a serious drive failure. But you could be able to get your information back by sending your defective hard drive to a specialist data recovery service. This can require that you take out the hard disk from your personal computer so it can be posted to them. This sounds rather like a scary job, but you can simply remove a drive by using the right tools and by following a couple of provisions.

Tools Needed.

You will need some tools to take out the hard disk. These may include the following, dependent on your PC model: a nut driver/socket set to unscrew the case screws; a nut driver/socket set or Phillips head screw driver to remove the screws that secure the drive to its bracket; and a grounding strap to keep static electricity from further damaging your hard disk. All of these can be acquired at a local electronics or computer store. The staff can assist you in getting the right tools.

Opening up the Computer

After you have gathered your tools, the following step will be to open the case of the computer to show the internal parts. Unplug the machine and remove all cables to the external components, such as the monitor, mouse, and keyboard. Disconnect any printers or other peripherals that are attached. Place the PC on a solid work space, like a table or workbench. Remove the screws securing the outer covers on the PC and open the covers to show the internal parts. Consult your computer’s instructions for help.

Removing the Broken Hard Drive

Attach the grounding strap around your wrist and secure the spring clip to the metal frame of the PC. You must also touch the metal housing of the power supply to empty any static electricity. Find your faulty drive. It will be a rectangular metal and plastic box with 2 connections attached to it. One will be the data cable, attached to the back; the other will be a power connector, usually with red, yellow, and black wires attached. While other components may look similar, it ought to be mentioned that the drive will not have an opening to the outside of the PC. CD drives and other parts will have outer doors or slots. Again, consult your computer’s paperwork for the exact location, however it should be straightforward to find.

Remove both cables by pulling on them gently but strongly. You will have to rock them back and forth a bit to get them started. Take note of their orientation for reinstallation of your new drive. You’re now prepared to remove the faulty hard drive. If the bracket is removable, you can remove its screws and remove it from the frame, then remove the hard drive from the bracket. If not, then remove the screws securing the hard drive to the bracket, often two on each side, and thoroughly slide the hard drive from the mounting bracket and remove it from the computer.

Now your drive is removed and ready to be despatched to a Hard Drive Recovery consultant to have your files, digital photographs and vital info recovered from it.

Jason Sloan runs a data recovery business called Kingdom Data Recovery Edinburgh who service all the United Kingdom. He has got many articles on his website which refer to issues with storage and helpful information about stopping data loss.

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