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Welcome to the October edition of Vantage Point, your newsletter from Vantage IT Solutions.

Firstly, we’d like to thank everyone who was kind enough to sponsor Steve and Paul when they ran The British 10K London Run in July in aid of Coeliac UK.  Your generosity is greatly appreciated.

As can be seen from the picture opposite, they were still standing after the ordeal and actually both enjoyed the experience!  If you would like to make a donation to Coeliac UK it is still possible on Steve and Paul’s Justgiving page, which can be found here - www.justgiving.com.

This edition of Vantage Point has a couple of suggestions that could save you hassle and money, so a quick read really could benefit you!


How Long Can You Last Without Your Broadband Connection?

It's always useful to learn from other people's experiences and this is something that really could benefit you.  One of our customers had a problem on their broadband line, stopping all internet use and external emails.  BT acknowledged the fault and visited the telephone exchange to change a part.  This didn't fix the problem, so a saga commenced.  Several weeks later the problem was finally resolved.  The impact on the customer was significantly diminished however, as a spare broadband line was available throughout.

We are telling you this to highlight a problem with broadband lines that are carried on the BT network (even if you don’t use BT as your internet service provider).  BT does not provide a service level agreement on broadband lines, meaning if it takes several weeks to resolve a problem, then so be it!  We've mentioned this in the past, but when a problem such as this happens, it makes clear just what an impact a 'no service level agreement' can have.

If you cannot survive for an extended period of time without your broadband line (and let’s face it, who can?) then do consider getting a spare line.  It will cost you a small monthly fee, but the alternative could cost significantly more.  If you want us to arrange a spare broadband line, please contact us.


Nothing’s Going to Stop us Now

This picture shows our new generator being delivered.  It has the capacity to power the entire company, meaning in the event of a power cut we can continue to provide the support that our customers have come to know and love!

This significant investment was made to ensure power cuts do not prevent us from helping you, plus our anti-spam service will also continue uninterrupted.

The whole system is automated, so within moments of the mains power failing, the generator starts and, as if by magic, the lights come back on.  Most importantly, the kettle will still work.


Should You Still Buy Now, Pay Later?

We never advocate spending money on new computer equipment unless it is necessary, and this is particularly relevant at the moment.  With a little help from Vantage IT, the life of your equipment can be extended.  If, however, there is no alternative to purchasing some shiny new IT equipment but you would rather not pay for it all now, have you considered leasing it?  We appreciate that people taking out loans has caused a little bit of trouble recently (it's even been mentioned on the news once or twice), but it can be a sensible way of updating your computer systems without the need for the initial outlay.  The rates aren’t as bad as you might think (as long as you’re not sub-prime!), so if you would like further details, please contact Vantage IT.


Viruses - the Perennial Warning

People are still being caught out by emails claiming they have a courier delivery, a statement of account or a bank statement.  We appreciate that we all occasionally work on autopilot and open emails when we’re not really thinking too deeply, but please do be very careful when opening emails and their attachments.  If an attachment arrives that you're not expecting, do not open it until you have verified its authenticity.  The results can be very, very annoying!

And if you do think you may have opened an email that perhaps you should have avoided, please do say.  It's best to have your systems checked, as some infected emails install information stealers that sit in the background sending your personal data to external servers.  Please contact us if you have any concerns.


New HP Laptop can work all day then all night without charging

HP has announced the development of a laptop that can run for 24 hours on one battery charge.  As more people are entering the world of mobile computing, this is welcome news.

Technology advancements have made the 24 hour runtime possible, although to do it will require the use of several options such as low energy screen, solid state hard drive and extended-life battery.  Clearly not many people will be buying all these options, but it does show how hard computer manufactures are working to increase the time required between charges.

Laptop sales have increased as people find there are benefits in being able to work away from the office, with wireless technology and mobile telephones making it possible to be in touch with the office from remote locations.

If you want to be relaxing in the garden and still be able to work, then please contact Vantage IT for details.
We’re here to make life easier!


The Entertaining Bit

Put your cup of tea down while you watch this (seriously).  Please click here for a bit of entertainment.


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