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Frequently Asked Questions
Answers
Q: What are managed services?
A: Managed services are a set of tools and services that can be used to monitor
and maintain the health and performance of your network and proactively eliminate
problems before they have the chance to effect system uptime.
Q: What is network monitoring? Can you see everything I do on
my computers?
A: Network monitoring refers to using devices and programs to monitor the
status, health, availability and performance or various devices on a network. This
monitoring looks at things like network connectivity, error logs, processor and
disk usage and virus definitions. It does not allow someone to see data or what
a user might be doing.
Q: What is a MSP?
A: MSP stands for managed service provider. This refers to a company or individual
who is capable of providing proactive maintenance.
Q: What does patch update mean, and do I need it?
A: Patch updates are fixes or updates that are released by a software manufacturer
to correct security or feature flaws in programs. Computer Service Corp. offers
complete patch-update and testing services for Microsoft and other products including
Windows, Office and Servers. We test and verify each update before deploying it
to your system.
Q: What is VoIP and do I need it?
A: VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. This technology allows businesses
to use their data network to carry voice traffic as well as data. This allows a
company to stop having to maintain two separate networks: one for voice, and one
for data, maintaining which adds up to huge cost savings in very short order.
Q: Is it really cheaper to outsource my IT department?
A: This can be a difficult question to answer. Consider a small company that
has about twenty computers and one IT person who works part-time. For less than
the wages the part-time IT person is being paid, you could have an entire staff
of trained and certified network technicians monitoring and maintaining you network.
For a very small company, with under five computers that has no IT staff, it is
obviously more costly on the surface to have an outsourced IT staff, however the
increased productivity and revenue will more than pay for the costs. Even large
companies with many IT professionals can benefit from having a team of extra people
ready to help if needed.
Q: I have data cabling in my office, how do I know if I need to
upgrade?
A: The only way to be certain is to have a technician come and evaluate your
current network and electronically check the wiring. If your connection to the Internet
or your server seems slow or is unreliable, bad wiring is a likely suspect. CSC
uses only the best products and accessories when installing wiring to ensure the
longest possible lifetime and maximum performance and reliability. We are so confident
that our wiring will perform that we back it with a 25 year warranty.
Q: What is the difference between Cat5, Cat5e, Cat6 and Cat7 cable?
A: The differences in cable category have to do with the ability for data
to flow over it over a distance. Cat5 cable is rated for data at distances of up
to 100M. Cat5e cable is rated for up to 350M. Cat6 cable is rated from 550M to 1000M
depending on the source of the cable and speed used. Cat7 cable is supposedly rated from 700M to 1000M.
It should be noted that there is currently no official standard for Cat7,
hence the range of distances. A good rule of thumb is 100m for gig speeds, less for higher speeds.
Q: What is the difference between the various types of cable
- UTP, Patch, Stranded, Solid?
A: UTP stands for Unshielded Twisted Pair. It is a type of cable that contains
insulated copper wires twisted together in pairs. Groups of these pair, usually
four pairs, are then placed in a single sheath. UTP cables are the most common type
of cabling used in data networks. Stranded cable is made up of several small copper
wires in each insulation sleeve, and as a result is more flexible than solid cable.
Solid cable uses only one large copper wire in each insulation sleeve. Solid cable
has better electrical characteristics than stranded, thus it is usually used for
longer runs of cable like through ceilings or inside walls. Patch cables are made
from stranded UTP cable and are typically used for very short runs, like from a
wall outlet to a computer.
Q: What type of cable do I really need?
A: If you need a patch cord, you can get them pre-made in lengths from one
foot to over twenty-five feet. For the best reliability and performance these pre-made
cables are the only way to go. If you are making a longer run, especially when running
through walls or ceilings, go with Cat5e (solid) UTP cable and have it professionally
installed.
Q: I know someone who can fix my computers, why shouldn't I just
use him or her?
A: Computers are a business essential and continuity critical tool for your
business. While your brother/sister/uncle/cousin might be a short term solution,
it is much better in the long run to employ professionals. Most people who can "do
computers" are not trained in how to get the most security and reliability out of
computer systems. It is a much better business choice to spend a bit more money
now to have trained and certified experts install and configure your computer systems
thus avoiding having to pay in lost productivity due to downtime later on.
Q: What is OEM software?
A: OEM software is software that was designed to be bundled with new equipment
when it is sold. For example, the version of Windows on any new PC form any computer
manufacturer or reseller is OEM software. Retail software can be removed from one
computer and installed on a new one within the terms of the license agreement for
a particular program.
Q: I already have a copy of Microsoft Office; can I use it on
my new PC?
A: Please see the question about OEM software. If it is an OEM version, the
answer is no. If it is a retail version, however, the license may be transferred
to a new computer if the software is removed from the old one (depending on the
license agreement for the version of Office you have). For more information please
refer to the End User License Agreement (EULA) on your Office disk.
Q: Why is it important to have a licensed and bonded and insured
contractor work on my network?
A: As with any construction, wiring or any other service, if the job is done
by someone who is not licensed they are unaware of the building and electrical codes
that they must adhere to. As a result of this it is against the law for someone
who is not licensed, bonded and insured to work on a business network. Doing so
could result in fines or other penalties if an inspector finds improperly done work.
This is especially true of cabling and wiring. Improper wiring can render a building
uninhabitable until the problems are resolved.
Q: Can I stop my employees from accessing Facebook or other areas
on the Internet?
A: Yes, there are many simple and affordable ways to prevent your employees
or anyone else on your companies network form accessing pornographic or any other
material you feel is inappropriate. There are many appliances and services available
to do this, so please call us and we can find the solution that is right for you.
Q: Viruses crashed my computer; can I get any of my data back?
A: In almost every case the answer to this question is yes. There are companies,
like Computer Service Corp., that can recover data from computers that have been
attacked by viruses. It should be noted that it is never possible to guarantee full
data recovery, but it is rare that most if not all of the data from a dead computer
can be recovered.
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