Computer Services

CONSULTATION SERVICES

The importance of getting the right advice can never be over-valued.

A poorly thought out computer system is not able to provide you with the reliability and functionality required to adequately meet your needs.

Before purchasing a new computer system, or upgrading an existing system it is vitally important that you have considered the following points:

• Understand the minimum requirements of all the software programs you are using. These requirements will determine the bare minimum standard of hardware you will need. Multitasking (running several applications simultaneously) will increase these requirements further. You will need to increase the capacity of your system accordingly.

• Viruses, trojans, adware and spyware can cause severe disruption to the operation of your system. Hackers accessing your computer system can destroy or steal data - or worse. 
  • Use an effective anti-virus program and ensure it is kept current.
  • Ensure Windows is up to date with service packs and critical updates.
  • Prevent or remove adware and spyware from infecting your system.
  • Use a firewall to reduce the possibility of unauthorised access to your system.
  • Implement effective security via passwords and restricting access to shared programs and data files.
     
• Know what you want to achieve with your computer system.
  • Do you require internal and external messaging (email)?
  • Is high speed / high capacity printing important to you?
  • Is high speed Internet Access important to your business?
  • Do you require shared access to company data?
  • Would you like the ability to print to multiple printers?
  • Do you need to check your email away from the office?
  • Do you need to access programs and data when you are away from the office?
  • Would you like to send faxes without leaving your desk?
     
• Always buy quality equipment, your business depends upon it.
  • Buy equipment from a computer dealer not a 'super store'. It is the technical ability of a qualified engineer that will prove the value of this over time.
  • Many 'super stores' return faulty goods interstate for repair (delays cost time and money) and aren't able to offer technically competent advice.
  • On going support from professionals is invaluable and not necessarily expensive.
  • A computer system generally will be out dated in 3 years.
  • A 3 year on-site warranty should be included for all computers you buy.
  • There is no substitute for a reliable data backup system.
  • Always ask for referrals from other clients when changing computer companies.

  
  

REPAIRS

We repair and upgrade all IBM compatible computers. When a repair or upgrade is not going to be cost effective, we will offer you a more appropriate solution.

We do not repair Macintosh computers or any type of game console such as Sony Playstations or XBox's.

We do repair IBM computers, and all brands of printers, monitors and other peripherals.

Onsite service and repairs are the core of our business.

SALES

Establishing a suitable solution is the first step to purchasing a new computer system. We speak to you in easy to understand language to establish your needs, and provide you with a quality product to meet them.

We offer a range of pre-delivery configuration options to suit your budget, whilst taking into account your computer literacy level.

• Gold Level Pre-delivery Configuration
  • The computer is unpacked at our workshop, all anti-virus updates are installed, all Windows updates are installed, an Anti-spy-ware/ad-ware program is installed and updated.
  • Hardware diagnostics are run overnight to ensure system stability.
  • Additionally, Adobe Acrobat Reader & Ultimate Zip are installed.
  • Any software purchased with the computer system is installed and relevant updates are applied.
  • Windows is configured for ease of use and maximum reliability.
  • The computer is delivered to your site and connected.
  • 60 minutes on-site training is provided.
  • Additional Charge $275.00*

  Data transfers to the new system and configuration of Internet access, email etc. and additional software is charged at our standard hourly rate.

• Silver Level Pre-delivery Configuration
  • The computer is unpacked at our workshop, all anti-virus updates are installed, all Windows updates are installed, an Anti-spy-ware/ad-ware program is installed and updated.
  • Hardware diagnostics are run overnight to ensure system stability.
  • Any software purchased with the computer system is installed and relevant updates are  applied.
  • Windows is configured for ease of use and maximum reliability.
  • The computer is delivered to your site and connected.
  • Additional Charge $165.00*

Data transfers to the new system and configuration of Internet access, email etc. and additional software is charged at our standard hourly rate.

• Bronze Level Pre-delivery Configuration
  • The computer is delivered to your site and connected.
  • A CD is provided for you to install your own updates. (Web based interface, easy to use with limited technical ability)
  • Additional Charge $110.00*

  Data transfers to the new system and configuration of Internet access, email etc. and additional software is charged at our standard hourly rate.

• No Pre-delivery Configuration
  • You collect the computer from our offices.
  • A CD is provided for you to install your own updates. (Web based interface, easy to use with limited technical ability)
  • No Additional Charge applies.

*Prices subject to change without notice. Prices include GST.

Trouble Shooting

Our senior engineer has worked as a qualified computer technician since 1987.

He has electronics qualifications and is a Microsoft Certified Professional as well as being a Novell Certified Network Engineer.

Two years in a telephone support role for a major software company has enabled him to solve many problems with out the need for an onsite visit.

His experience over many years includes all DOS and Windows versions, various networking systems including Windows, Novell, 3COM, Lantastic and Alloy.

He has performed repairs down to 'chip' level on computers since the first IBM XT (4.77Mhz, 256K RAM) was released.

The skills gained over many years give him the ability to solve almost any software or hardware problem quickly and efficiently.

Data Recovery

There is no substitute for regular backups. Remember that.

However, sometimes we do get caught out and the only option is to attempt to recover data from a disk drive, floppy diskette, CD or DVD ROM.

Recovery of DELETED files from a hard disk is often successful IF you cease using the computer immediately after the files were deleted. Continuing to use the computer quickly reduces the chance of recovering your data.

Data can almost always be recovered from any disk regardless of physical damage. However, if the damage is severe, the time required to recover the data can be extensive and therefore costly.

Many times data can be recovered at a moderate cost ($200 - $400) with a turn around time of 24 - 48 hours.

It is important for you to evaluate if recreating data may be more cost effective than recovering it.

Virus / Spy-ware removal

If your anti-virus program is not current, you will need to purchase a current version. (about $100)

*subject to distance. Includes GST.

Windows Updates

These downloads can be very large (up to 50 Megabytes) and take a long time to install if you don't have a broadband Internet connection. We can apply these updates for you in our workshop on a same day / next day basis.

Once your computer is up to date, you can schedule the updates to occur overnight to cause the least disruption to your business.

Offsite Backups

Backups can be made on CD ROM, DVD ROM, external hard disks, tape drives, usb memory sticks, floppy diskettes or any combination of these. There are advantages and disadvantages to all backup methods.

We can advise you on a suitable solution to your needs.

Ghost Backups

In the event of a hard disk crash and the loss of all data, you would normally have to do the following:

• Install a new hard disk.
• Install Windows, drivers, windows updates.
• Install Applications such as Office, anti-virus and any other programs you require.
• Configure applications, i.e. default directories, margins, fonts, page setup, templates, printers etc.
• Install printers, scanners and other peripherals and connect to network drives etc.
• Restore data from your last backup.

This process can take many hours and is a cost to your business in terms of both downtime and money.

If you use Ghost as a backup solution, the procedure is as follows:

• Install a new hard disk.
• Restore the Ghost backup.

This process typically takes under an hour. A considerable saving in both time and money.

Remote SUPPORT

Remote support via telephone, Terminal Services Client (for Windows Servers), PC-Anywhere and Windows Remote Assistance.

Problems can often be solved quickly, with out the need for an on-site visit by remotely connecting to your computer or just talking you through the steps to resolve the problem.

Regular Server maintenance is also performed using remote support out side of normal business hours.