Category Archives: Uncategorised

Dual Screens – How they can boost productivity

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Often with in a working environment employees are working on deadlines to get a task completed. With more applications employees working with, can the benefit of having dual screens boost the output of a employee. In this article we are going to give the pro’s and cons of each method, also talking about how we use dual monitors to deliver a smoother service to our clients.

It is worth noting that often adding a 3rd screen does not benefit most employees and as such we are only focusing on single to dual monitors. Each option may benefit employees in different ways but 39d is always willing to offer advice and discuss how each option effects your business.

Single screen – 19″ Monitor

Pro’s

  • Small on desk space
  • Cost to purchase is typically lower

Cons

  • Only able to display one application
  • Does not allow the user much room to have multiple applications open
  • Employee has to swap applications if they are viewing data on a another application

Single screen – 28″ Monitor

Pro’s

  • Great for visual work such as graphic design
  • Allow for multiple applications to be open side by side

Cons

  • Screen resolution can make text harder to read
  • Requires more desk space
  • More cost to purchase

Dual screen – 24″ Monitor

Pro’s

  • Able to run two applications side by side. For example a PDF and Sage
  • Ability to leave a secondary task on the other screen and while working on the primary screen. For example Outlook on the left screen and Word on the right screen
  • Data matching – If you are working on two documents you can load one on each screen to help cross reference easier.
  • Improved learning – Sometimes employees are following guides such as a tutorial. Dual monitors can help as they can leave the tutorial to one side of the screen while following it on their primary monitor.

Cons

  • Double the cost of a normal screen
  • Increases the space required on the desk
  • Some older computers may only have one output

How does 39d use dual screens day to day?

Our team when they join are set up with dual 24″ monitors to help deliver a faster service to our end clients. Typically the help desk team have their Left screen showing our CRM / Support portal open along with the support mailbox. This leaves our right screen open with the clients computer. By doing this we have all of the information we require about the client for easier access.

When we are not supporting a client we may have our client monitoring software open looking for any issues that may affect a clients network. Often we may be running tasks in the background and using dual screens gives us the ability to monitor the task while carrying out other tasks.

Go Back to School. Is Your IT Equipment Ready?

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IT Support in Essex: That’s right, the six-weeks are almost finally over and before you know it, thousands of children all across the UK will be getting their book bags, ready to learn. But, have you made sure your IT equipment is ready to handle the pressure after a long break? 39 Degress Services, Essex have made a checklist to prevent IT breakdowns at the start of the new school year.

Is Your Network Suited to Handle the Number of Users?

Firstly, a computer network is a set of hardware connected together for the purpose of sharing resources. Most schools have a shared drive that gives teachers and their pupils quick access to worksheets and information. However, how do you know you’re using the right one?

Local Area Network (LAN)- A local area network is a computer network best suited to work at a single site such as a school or office. LAN’s are very useful for sharing resources such as printers and photocopiers as well as document sharing. So if you’re a school, it’s recommended you use this.

Have You Got the Best Security in Place?

With recent events, it’s important more so now than ever to protect your school from hackers and data attacks. Simple precautions can be put in place to protect your equipment, such as:

Anti-Virus and Malware You can’t monitor which sites everyone is on all of the time, but you can install anti-virus and malware to prevent any nasty viruses spreading amongst your network. The level you wish to use this software at can vary greatly- however, for a school. It is highly recommended you choose the highest level of protection to be extra cautious.

Data Recovery If damage occurs to either the internal or external hard drives. You may potentially lose vital information and records. 39 Degress Services fortunately offer a data recovery service, so you can rest assured all of your records are safe with us.

That’s Ghost, IT Support in Essex, top recommendations to check ahead of the new academic year starts. If you would like more information on the services we can provide, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Benefits of using VoIP for Your Business  

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Despite lots of your day to day work being done on a computer, businesses still need to use phones for communication with clients and potential customers. In fact, when you’re setting up a new office, one of the first things you think about is reliable phone and internet access.

Unlike old phone systems that are expensive and difficult to setup, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology offers the user to make phone calls from their computer using a broadband internet connection.

At 39 Degress Services Essex, our experts have listed the benefits of using VoIP over traditional telephone methods.

Increased Flexibility and Mobility

 Using VoIP does more than just reduce your phone bills, it enables your staff to integrate software programs such as emails and remote conferencing over the internet via telephone.

VoIP users can also bring their adapters with them anywhere they go, meaning they can hold conversations at venues that have internet connection. This increase in mobility can help individuals who are always on the move i.e. those who travel a lot during working hours.

Increased Productivity

 VoIP also increases the productivity of your organisation by allowing your employees to multi-task without any interruptions. VoIP systems allow users to attach documents, conduct virtual meetings and share data while video conferencing.

Easy to Install, Use and Troubleshoot

While it may sound complex, VoIP require little technical knowledge. In fact, it’s easy installation process and the mobility of the VoIP makes the system preferable over traditional telephones. For example, there is no longer the need for separate cabling unlike with traditional methods. This scalability makes it easy to add new components to the VoIP system without any hassle.

If you’re still not sure of the benefits of using a VoIP system, why not contact 39 Degress Support in Essex?

39 Degress Solutions Essex provide a number of IT services to help your business use your devices more effectively. We offer web hosting Essex, cloud services and remote monitoring. For more information about our services, call 01708 390370.

Buying Computer Hardware from Ghost Services

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Updated computer hardware can be a vital factor in a smooth-running business. Here at Ghost Services we have a range of hardware available, all of which are incredible quality and trusted brands. Below are several reasons as to why you should choose Ghost Services for your hardware needs.

A large variety of hardware – There is no need to travel here, there and everywhere to find the perfect piece of IT equipment. Our website has a wide range of products available for you to choose from and all at the comfort from your own office or home. From laptops to servers we will find the correct hardware for your exact requirements.

Our experience and knowledge – Here at Ghost Services we pride ourselves in our expertise and friendly personal service. We will answer all of your questions, listen to your needs and find the perfect match for you and your business.

All in one – Not only can we source and supply the computers but we can provide your company with complete IT services. We’re able to install, maintain and monitor your hardware, as well as advise and educate you and your staff as to how to receive the best outcomes from your new systems. We can offer your business a whole range of hosted services that can be tailored to your exact requirements.

Streamlined communication – Due to our IT experts being able to cover all aspects of your IT support there would no longer be a dip in communication throughout the installation process, where equipment has been purchased from and who maintains them. We will have the knowledge of all this information and be able to monitor your IT systems thoroughly and with ease.

Here at Ghost Services, we can be your IT department, anytime, anywhere. By purchasing our hardware, you will be able to trust our services and have complete peace of mind that should anything go wrong, we will be on hand to help. For more information visit our website today or call a member of our team on 01708 390370.

The Importance of Cloud Services to Your Business

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In simple terms, cloud computing is computing based on the Internet. In the past, people would run applications and programs from software downloaded onto their physical computer or server in the building. However, cloud computing allows people to access these applications and programs through the Internet instead.

For example, when you update your Facebook status, you are cloud computing. Or when you’re checking your bank balance from your phone, you’re using the cloud!

Infact the chances are, as a business, you are relying on cloud computing far more often than you realise. In 2015, it was estimated that 90% of UK businesses would be using at least one cloud service.

That’s why it’s important you understand it to make the most of the benefits cloud computing brings to your workload and employees.

Flexibility

Cloud-based services are the ideal solution for businesses with growing or fluctuating bandwidth demands. Thankfully, if your bandwidth needs increasing, it’s easy to scale up your cloud capacity by drawing on the cloud’s remote servers. You are also able to scale down your capacity should your business not need the bandwidth you’re currently working with. This flexibility gives cloud computing an advantage over traditional methods.

 Quick Recovery

As a business, we would recommend investing in some robust disaster recovery in the event your computers are hacked. For a smaller business, this could be an expensive investment and expertise are often needed. However, cloud computing is helping more and more small businesses prevent their files being lost, at a fraction of the price.

Work From Anywhere

As long as you have an internet connection, you can work with cloud computing. Even the biggest cloud services offer mobile apps, meaning you aren’t restricted by time or location! This means your business can offer more flexible working perks to your employees, allowing them to work from home should they need to.

39 Degress Services Essex provides effective and reliable business IT support all over Essex. Offering a variety of services such as cloud backup services, support services and business continuity for your company.

To find out more information about our IT services, call 01708 390370 or email sales@ghostservices.co.uk

Holiday Cover This Summer with 39 Degress Services Essex

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We’re now officially into the summer months of the year, and for small businesses that means many employees are jetting off to sunny destinations for a week.

While it may be the rest and relaxation your employee needed, for you as their employer, it spells trouble when it comes to covering your phones and IT support.

You shouldn’t let the absence of your staff affect the performance of your company, instead why not have someone cover them while they’re away?

39 Degress provide a Seasonal Holiday Cover package, helping to manage and support your IT delivery through periods of holiday, sickness and any time of additional demand such as summer holidays.

Our team of skilled IT technicians are able to provide you with temporary resources to see you through any skill shortages and annual leave, ensuring your business continuity and peace of mind.

Remotely covering your telephone and computing, you can consider our team as an extension of your in-house IT department rather than just a helping hand.

Here are just some of the benefits our previous clients have found from using our seasonal coverage:

– No need to source and recruit temporary workers.

– No burden on existing employees.

– It is a short and flexible commitment with no long term contract.

– Premium level cover.

– All of the team will be familiar with your business, ensuring faster and smoother handovers.

Are you interested in Ghost’s Business IT Support? We offer a number of services of business IT support including our holiday cover package.

Here at 39 Degress services, we like to think we are a one-stop shop for all aspects of business-to- business IT. We are able to source and supply computers and IT equipment, install them and maintain your equipment to ensure you are making the most out of it.

For more information about our services, call 01708 390370 or email sales@ghostservices.co.uk

What Can Your Business Learn from Ransomware?

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After the recent Ransomware outbreak on the NHS it’s safe to say that the need for security measures and an action plan when it comes to IT security has been highlighted.

With this in mind, we thought we would use this article to discuss the ways in which your business can learn from Ransomware and how best to protect your IT for the future.

Below are some of the lessons that can be learnt from Ransomware and ways to prevent your business falling victim to a security breach.

Scrap Windows XP – Historically we all loved Windows XP but it’s time for an update. The longer your business is left using this software without security attention from Microsoft, the greater risk your company is in.

Don’t ignore updates – Microsoft is never shy when it comes to telling you to update to their latest software, but it’s important to ensure that these notifications are definitely from Microsoft. Once you’re sure, it’s important to then update your systems accordingly. Updates often include security increases and the latest encryptions to prevent threats to your system.

Educate yourself and your team – Cyber-attacks threaten small businesses more now than ever. As an SME, you will no doubt already find yourself too busy with the day to day running of the office to be worrying about cyber security. However, it’s vital to not see it this way and instead make time to understand the risks involved, as these attacks could cripple your business and cost you and your customers thousands in the long run.

If you simply don’t have the time, why not look into outsourcing your IT management with experts that know what to expect and how to deal with threats. Here at Ghost Services we’re able to provide support to you and your team. As IT specialists, we know how to protect your data but also how to maintain this protection.

Develop an action plan – Last but not least if you’ve already encountered a cyber-attack or are just planning for the future, you need to implement an action plan and share it with your entire team. It will address ways in which to minimise the risk of a cyber-attack and how to react should the company fall victim to one.

If you would like further information from our IT specialists here at Ghost Services, then give our team a call on 01708 390370 and we will be happy to help. We can talk about the plans we can implement to help manage your IT risks or simply help your team to keep your IT solutions updated.

Job – Digital Marketing Assistant

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Company:           Ghost Computer Service Ltd

Position:              Digital Marketing Assistant

Hours:                   8.30am to 5.30pm

Reporting to:     Matthew Southgate (MD and Senior Technical Consultant)

Place of Work:   Run Way House, North Weald Airfield, North Weald, Essex, CM16 6HR

Company Profile:

 

Ghost Services are a one-stop shop for all aspects of business to business IT.

 

Ghost Services source and supply computer hardware and IT equipment for businesses. This also includes installation, maintenance and monitoring of equipment and also advice and guidance to customers.

 

 

 

Primary Job Function:

 

  • Producing on and off site SEO/content
  • Content writing
  • Creating Google Adwords PPC adverts
  • Website product and category page optimisation
  • Using social media platforms in business environments for marketing purposes
  • Creating and sending HTML emails
  • Providing analysis on previous campaigns, reporting results.
  • Monitor the website’s key metrics such as conversion, bounce and traffic

 

As a Digital Marketing Assistant, you will be tasked with helping to design and optimise content for our website and Social Media Campaigns, Planning our social media campaigns, creating HTML emails and updating product information on various websites.

 

 

 

 

Attributes Required:

 

  • GCSE and/or A level in IT/Computing/Business and or Maths
  • Excellent verbal communication skills
  • Excellent documentation and written communication skills
  • Team player, resilient and aspiring for a long-term career in IT services and product delivery
  • Ability to work onsite or remotely without supervision – after training
  • Energetic “can do” attitude
  • Desire to work in an environment delivering exceptional customer service
  • Ability to follow business procedures such as time and activity recording

 

The following attributes would be advantageous:

 

  • Experience with HTML or CSS
  • Email Marketing
  • PPC / SEO
  • Social Media
  • CMS systems

This is an excellent opportunity for the right candidate to grow their Digital marketing knowledge in a diverse and fast-moving company.

JOB OPPORTUNITY: DIGITAL MARKETER

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  • JOB TITLE:Digital Marketer
  • LOCATION: Harlow, Essex

This is a fantastic opportunity to build  the digital marketing  for one of the area’s fastest-growing business-to-business IT support and retail companies. Ghost Services is based in West Essex, serving the Essex/Herts/North London area, and beyond. Our principal functions include supplying and installing computers and IT equipment to new starts or small-to-medium enterprises, maintenance, monitoring, IT crisis recovery and hosted services that can be tailored to any business.

We are currently seeking a motivated and inspirational designer with an interest in IT.

WHAT WE NEED

  • Highly creative with experience in identifying target audiences and devising digital campaigns that engage, inform and motivate.
  • Uploading copy and images for the organisation’s website.
  • Designing website banners and assisting with web visuals.
  • Conducting keyword research for pay per click (PPC) campaigns.
  • Plan and execute all web, SEO/SEM,
  • Marketing to email, social media and display advertising campaigns
  • Maintaining and building technical and marketing knowledge by attending training sessions.
  • Design company branding.
  • Design offline marketing.

WHAT YOU HAVE TO OFFER

  • Basic knowledge of IT networking
  • Excellent communication skills, computer literacy, keyboard skills and telephone skills.
  • Must have minimum ‘O’ level/GCSE Maths and English.
  • Understanding of HTML
  • CSS and search engines.
  • Enthusiastic, adaptable, reliable, self-motivated, achievement-oriented team worker.
  • Ability to multi-task, use own initiative and perform effectively under pressure.

WHO THIS ROLE MAY SUIT

  • College Student
  • Looking to return to work
  • Second job

 

OUR PACKAGE

  • 10 Flexible hours per week.
  • £8.00 per hour.

Please send CVs to digital-cv@ghostservices.co.uk quoting job ref. Digital4  

NO AGENCIES PLEASE 

IT Security – Try This!

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Lesson of the day from Ghost has been to keep an eye on your IT security, and in particular, to make sure your password is up to scratch.

As a special treat, we’ve found  a site that will put your password through its paces.

https://howsecureismypassword.net/

Tap in your password and see how long it would take for a hacker to discover it. You will either be cheerful (465 million years) or absolutely horrified (52 seconds).

How good is yours? Let us know!