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Welcome to Vantage Point for April, your newsletter from Vantage IT Solutions - providers of high quality IT support, services and products with security in mind.

In this issue:

IT Support for IT Support          Windows and Office          Skype

The days are getting longer and the sun is getting sunnier - not long now before summer proper arrives.

If you have shown an interest in Skype or new Microsoft products, then this newsletter should have something of interest for you.

Don’t forget, if you want to cut down on the amount of spam you receive in your inbox, Vantage IT offers a spam filtering service. Please contact us for more information.


IT Infrastructure Services - IT Support for IT Support

For large companies that have their own internal IT support, Vantage IT is pleased to offer specialist advice and support. Our engineers have a wealth of experience in providing, for example, network support, the trouble-shooting of complex server issues and setting up firewalls. There are often times when in-house IT support staff need a second opinion or require help with a specialist piece of equipment - and this is where Vantage IT can help.

Because Vantage IT deals with so many different companies with many disparate needs, we have built up a substantial knowledge base, so why not benefit from it? For example, if you are planning a software upgrade, you could contact us in advance for advice on possible problems that may be encountered. Or perhaps you're considering securely connecting remote offices throughout your business and need assistance finding and implementing the best solution. Security is always important - both physically and electronically - and we make this a priority in everything we do. Our service would compliment your own in-house IT, helping you resolve complex issues and providing cover during holidays or busy times. For more details, please contact us.


Windows and Office News - Keeping You up to Date

In January, a government agency told schools not to implement Windows Vista and Office 2007. The benefits of changing to Vista and Office 2007 had not been clearly made and there continue to be implementation issues. Windows XP is still being supported and Service Pack 3 is due for release soon. Later this year Microsoft will stop supplying XP but will provide support for some time.

Office 2007 has been providing substantial headaches for some and it is a struggle to find people who have a good word to say about it. The main problem seems to be the considerable change from earlier versions, which is forcing users to spend an unnecessary amount of time trying to find menu options that were previously easily accessible.

Although we would be pleased to upgrade your systems, because Vantage IT always provides honest advice that is best for the customer and not our bottom line, we still don’t recommend using Vista or Office 2007. If you are sent documents that have been produced using Office 2007, there is a free converter available that enables you to view them. PCs purchased from Vantage IT will have this installed as part of the service we provide.

For anyone who does use Vista, please note that Microsoft has recently announced its first Service Pack can cause certain programs to lose functionality, or not work at all. The Service Pack is said to make Vista more secure, but ironically the software it causes problems with are mainly security programs. If you require more details, please contact us.


Skype - A Few Words

Certain Voice over IP (VoIP) applications such as Skype are becoming more popular, mainly for perceived cost reasons. There are, however, both speed and security problems with such software. All VoIP applications transmit a lot of data using the internet connection which, for most users, would impact web, email and VoIP use. Skype can even let other internet users use your computer for handling calls, further slowing your connection!

Skype can circumvent the security provided by firewalls and thus expose your network to risks you thought you had protected against. It does seem odd spending money on securing your network only to make a hole through that security by allowing Skype. Previously users have suffered from security compromises and they probably won't be the last.

If you really do want Skype, then please do be aware that there are security risks associated with it and your internet connection may need to be increased.


The Entertaining Bit

So we’re all being told we can generate electricity with a bit of wind and a windmill. That’s all very good, but what happens when the wind get’s a bit, well, windy and the windmill isn’t quite up to it? Here's the answer.

Please note that Vantage IT cannot be held responsible for content on third party web sites.

Vantage IT Solutions Limited 
Unit 2 Airfield Park, Cheddington Lane 
Long Marston, Tring, 
Hertfordshire, HP23 4QR 
T: 01296 668 966         E: mail@vantageit.co.uk         W: www.vantageit.co.uk