Scenario : Home Office, Several Computers

A home office, two old Windows 98 computers networked together, and connected to an ADSL router for internet connectivity. One has apparently lost ability to check email .There is a desire to get a newer computer .

Solution

I visited the client and fixed the problem with email. We then discussed the requirements for a new computer, and improvements to the computers present, and their wired network.

A new Intel Core Duo desktop was ordered and picked up later that day from Compulink.A new network cable was permanently installed to the new position of the older, replaced computer .

Both older computers , were checked over, and dust removed from the power supply ventilation, which would have overheated them ,and stopped them working very shortly.

Each computer only had 64 meg of RAM ,this was doubled or quadrupled depending on what older RAM was available. This increased the speed of them dramatically, along with other maintenance.

An expired Antivirus Program was found on one, this was replaced ,and new virus definitions downloaded.The computer was then scanned, picking up and removing 12 virus infected files.

The new computer was configured to suit this network, and both MYOB ,the contents of My Docs, and the addresses and mail in Outlook Express, exported or transferred directly across the network, from the old computer. The older computer was setup more for internet browsing, and a new CD-Burner was installed to transfer files off it into more permanent storage.

End result and Comment

3 fully functioning, much faster computers able to share files, internet and printers at minimal cost to my client.

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Scenario : Broadband ADSL, and WiFi home zone

A client has , or considering getting ADSL.They may already own a laptop and want a local WIFI hotspot for their home, to allow them to work anywhere in the home.

Solution

Either working with the supplied router, or purchasing a combined ADSL Router/Wap (Wireless Access Point), the router is configured to connect to the Internet, and the WAP point is configured for secure access, with as much security as the client requires , in discussion with me as to the various levels of security,and the implications of them all.

End Result

Clients laptop is able to connect seamlessly and automatically to the Wireless network.They are now free to work where ever they like in the house, and print to printers on the wired part of the network.

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Scenario : Client rings me, unable to use computer

Solution

Upon inspection and diagnosis, found that a Trojan/virus has disabled the actual antivirus protection itself, and the computer has been hijacked, so whenever it connects to the internet, is virtually un-useable.The virus/Trojan was identified, and steps taken to remove it and repair any damage caused to operating system files. The outdated ,subscription based antivirus solution is removed and replaced with a free alternative, that updates often,automatically, and offers better protection, and with less overhead, impact on the computer working speed.

End Result

A working usable computer, well protected against viruses and Trojans
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Scenario : Receive a call about a laptop, reduced to using dialup

Despite having ADSL connected, email was not sending from Outlook.Also Flash player was not working in Internet Explorer and was unable to connect to Adobe site to download Flashplayer,uninstaller of Flash Player had no effect.

Solution :

Decided with my client to take laptop to workshop . Made 2 full backups of Outlook Express mail,addresses and account setting. Also My Documents folder and any other personal data. Ending up reformatting the drive after trying a simple Repair of Windows, and installing a clean copy of Windows Xp Home. Let Windows Update complete to the latest service and security packs , and added updated AVG-Antivirus and Zone- Alarm. Did a full virus scan of drive, and re-added personal data , setting up Outlook Express as it was. Using a external USB2 DVD-Burner, made a complete image of the Hard Drive, enabling the hard drive to be quickly restored to a working state again

End Result

A working usable laptop, well protected against viruses and Trojans,able to connect on demand to ADSL .