Network Security

1.) How can I reduce the volume of SPAM in my inbox?

Spammers and Spam Blockers are constantly at war each trying to stay one step ahead of the other. We provide one of the best spam filters available, SpamAssassin, which typically tags between 95% and 99% of incoming spam. By customizing a set of rules specifically set for each email account, our spam filter can identify, mark, and move each spam email to a different folder. Your spam problems will become a thing of the past.

2.) How do we protect our office PCs from viruses?

Although we don't provide our own virus protection, we can install, update, and maintain anti-virus software such as Norton AntiVirus. Virus protection is essential for everyone from a home PC user to a large corporation, and we can make sure computer viruses are one less thing you have to worry about.

Internet

3.) My office internet service is slow and unreliable. What options do we have?

The following chart explains the difference between all of the different types of connections. If you want more info, there is a more detailed explanation after the chart.

Modem - Usually much less than 56 Kbps. Dialup speeds vary by the quality of the phone line and the many different user configurations. There are many dial-up users who experience extremely slow speeds such as 28 Kbps on 56 K connections. When you disconnect, you are truly disconnected.

ISDN - Integrated Services Digital Network is an international telecommunications standard for transmitting voice, video, and data over digital lines. ISDN's can run at 64 Kbps. Most ISDN's offered by the phone companies provide two lines, called B channels, one for voice and one for data. Alternately, you can use both at once for data (known as bonding), giving you data rates of 128 Kbps. Even faster is ISDN's Primary Rate Interface, which provides 23 B channels, equivalent to a T1 line.

DSL - Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) uses already existing copper wires to send data at greater speeds. Speeds vary depending on the distance between the customer and the telephone company's central office. Though bandwidths up to 9 Mbps could be achieved, long distances and poor qualities may reduce the rate of data transfer. Because DSL lines keep you constantly connected to the Internet, it is important to follow certain safety guidelines.

Cable Modem - As millions of homes already have cable, it seems a cable modem would be one of the best ways to access the internet. The only drawback to using a Cable Modem is there can be a serious slow down due to congestion from too many users or during peak Internet hours. Because a Cable Modem keeps you constantly connected to the Internet, it is important to follow certain safety guidelines.

T1 - T1 lines are used mostly by businesses because of greater cost and fast speed. It is a dedicated, digital circuit provided by phone companies and runs at a speed of 1.54 Mbps. T1's use two wire pairs, (one for transmitting and another for receiving) and Time Division Multiplexing, a technology that allows multiple signals to pass over a single path. T1's have 24 channels of 64 Kbps each of which may be combined or split as required and may be configured to carry voice or data. Any phone companies will allow you to buy fractional T1's, which include only some of the 24 channels.

T3 - T3 lines are used by ISP's to connect to the backbone of the Internet. With 672 channels of 64 Kbps, T3 lines can reach speeds of 44.7 Mbps.

4.) Should I get a website for my business and what will it cost?

Even if you don't have a business you should get a website! The price can vary due to how many megabytes of storage you need (usually 10-100MB), how many email account you want, as well as several other options you can include (secure credit card transactions, spam filtering, web-based email access, etc).

5.) What do I have to do to get a domain name?

In order to obtain a specific domain name, you have to verify that particular domain has not yet been taken. If the domain you are trying to register is available you have to register it with a domain registration company. After the domain is registered we can set up email addresses to include your company name. For example: joe@mycompany.com.

Desktop

6.) What version of Windows should we get?

Since you cannot purchase older versions of Windows we recommend installing the newest version of Windows your machine can handle. If the machine is going to be used in an office/small business we recommend Windows XP Professional. It is designed for businesses of all sizes and for home users who demand the most from their computing experience. It includes all the great features and new visual design of Windows XP Home Edition, plus premier security and privacy features, advanced recovery options, improved ability to connect to large networks, and much more.

7.) How can we get Helpdesk support? What is the cost?

TechPeople provides 7-day customer support via phone or email. Call us at 493-1400 or email at support@techpepl.com . All questions are taken and responded to by one of our experts ASAP, no matter how complex or straightforward they may be.

8.) We need software training for our staff but classes cost a lot. Is there an alternative?

We excel in one-on-one training of all types of software, including anything Microsoft. Whether you're a beginner or just want a quick refresher, we can provide on-site tutoring or recommend some training software.