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Posts Tagged ‘Remote’

Remote Defence personnel to get recreational PCs

August 24th, 2010

Defence is to procure some 370 PCs and wireless carriage to provide internet access to help boost the morale of personnel serving overseas, patrolling Australia’s border or on extended exercises.

The initiative will allow approximately 3300 Australian troops currently serving in 13 overseas operations and some 500 domestic personnel to email or call home using VoIP telephony and update their iPods or other similar devices.

Under the initiative one wireless-internet capable fixed PC will be deployed for every ten deployed personnel in each overseas location.

Each console will include instant messaging and VoIP software as well as VoIP hardware and Apple’s iTunes. Security will be provided by commercially available anti-virus and anti-malware software.

The consoles will also feature software supporting Microsoft Word format documents, Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, PDF files, MP3 format music and MPEG and Flash videos.

Downlink bandwidth of at least 56kbps of internet access per user when fully loaded with both fixed PC consoles and with wireless users.

“Current-generation Australians utilise the internet for many reasons including personal business, banking, social networking and communicating with friends and family via email, instant messaging or voice over internet protocol (VoIP),” Defence documents on the initiative read.

“[Australian Defence Force] personnel are no different and the provision of these services to deployed forces is seen as a major contributor to morale and an extension of its existing amenities support.”

Australia has troops serving in locations including East Timor, the Solomon Islands, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sudan, Egypt, and Iraq.

Source:http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/358038/remote_defence_personnel_get_recreational_pcs/

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Tags: Hardware Remote

Windows home server vail’s first preview refresh, mac support deep dive

August 17th, 2010

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With the launch of Windows Home Server Vail’s first Preview Refresh, Microsoft revealed one of the major improvements in the new platform – support for Mac OS. Whilst HP has supported Mac OS on the MediaSmart Server for some time, those with hardware from other manufacturers as well as self-builders with Macs were left out in the cold.

Vail creates a level playing field, with the base operating system supporting the backup of Mac OS computers as well as the inclusion of a bespoke Windows Home Server Connector and Launchpad for Mac.

Whilst Mac support is still incomplete and a little rough around the edges, it’s clear to see the inclusive direction being taken by Microsoft. Let’s take a look at what’s in store for Mac owners.

Windows Home Server Connector for Mac

Install the Windows Home Server Connector on a PC (by accessing http://yourservername/Connect) and you’ll see the first hints of Mac support, with the option to download software for Mac offered in tiny writing underneath the PC download. Click the option and you can download a .dmg with the Windows Home Server Connector application for Mac.

3 thumb6 Windows Home Server Vail Preview: Mac Support Deep Dive

Testing access to the connector on the Mac was more problematic (for me anyway).Trying http://yourservername/Connect in Safari did not open the splash page with the home server refusing to be found.

It may well be that using the server’s IP address rather than device name would do the trick – however, I had the dmg file already downloaded and ready on a USB stick. So for now, let’s assume the link will be fixed and the file is downloaded to the desktop.

Opening the Mac Connector application runs a connection wizard which is broadly similar to that which runs on the PC to connect the computer to Windows Home Server.

Note however that you’ll need the server’s IP address for the initial connection and there’s no option for waking the Mac for backup (as Time Machine will ultimately take care of the backup schedule).

Before closing the wizard, you have the option to automatically run the Windows Home Server Launchpad at startup.

Windows Home Server Launchpad

The connector installs a Mac-specific version of the Windows Home Server Launchpad, which differs slightly from the PC version in a couple of ways. Firstly, you’ll see that there is currently no option for accessing the Dashboard from the Mac – at this point, we do not know if this option will be enabled in a future release candidate, but we certainly hope so.

Given HP managed to implement Windows Home Server Console access in v1 via Microsoft’s own Remote Desktop Client for Mac, you’d think this was achievable, but we’ll see. Here’s the Mac Launchpad, followed by the PC version for reference.

11 thumb4 Windows Home Server Vail Preview: Mac Support Deep Dive13 thumb4 Windows Home Server Vail Preview: Mac Support Deep Dive

As you can see, the Mac version still needs the correct fonts dropping in, but with the exception of the Dashboard link, appears very similar and even has the green icon in the dock (the PC Launchpad icon is still blue in RC0).

Time Machine Backup

Whilst the links through to Time Machine are operational, it looks as if the full integration with Windows Home Server is yet to happen, as Time Machine was unable to locate Windows Home Server as a selection for the Backup Disk.

Only the USB key and my Boot Camp partition were discovered. We’re looking forward to testing out backup and restore in the next refresh.

Remote Access Website

The home server’s remote website is also mostly usable in Safari. Much like the PC experience, the layout can be customised via drag and drop, and the media playing experience is also very similar.

You’ll be asked to install the Mac Silverlight client if it is not already installed. As remote desktop access to PCs and the server is only available in Internet Explorer, you’ll receive the same error message in Safari as non-IE users will see on the PC.

Once the Mac Connector is installed, you can check out the Dashboard (on the PC only at the moment!) and see the Mac included as one of your connected computers, although obviously the Backup status is reported as Not Set Up.

So, that’s Mac support in Windows Home Server Vail RC0 – hopefully there’s more to come, especially access to the Dashboard from the Mac. If you’re a Mac user, tell us what you think about the new features.

Source:http://www.wegotserved.com/2010/08/16/windows-home-server-vail-preview-mac-support-deep-dive/

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Tags: computer Hardware Remote Windows

Super Tech offers variety of services

August 8th, 2010

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If your computer isn’t working, you could pack it up and take it down to the shop. Or a computer technician could make a home visit. Or the technician may be able to fix the problem without ever having to actually touch the computer.

Remote support is the newest service offered by Super Tech Computer Service on Creswell Lane.

The computer repair service, which has been in business about three years, is owned by Robert Barnes and Nadia W. Duplechain. They cover all of St. Landry Parish and branch out into surrounding parishes, Duplechain said.

Barnes has been working in the computer repair field for about eight years.

He received his training from Louisiana Technical College. Duplechain, with six years’ experience, got her education in computers from Remington College.

The shop offers business services, as well as service to home computers.
Most businesses request on-site

service, Barnes said, while most residential customers take their computers in to the shop.

If the problem is with the hardware, the technician has to be physically present, but if the problem is with software or applications, often the problem can be fixed by a technician who can access the computer online.

If the problem is a virus, however, remote access may not be an option, Barnes said.

“If it’s a severely infected system, the virus will prevent connections sometimes.”

Otherwise, a computer can be repaired remotely from anywhere in the world, he said.

But fixing problems isn’t all there is to the business, Duplechain said.

Maintenance is also important.

“Right now, a lot of people are going back to school. They’re getting their systems cleaned up before they start.”

Source:http://www.dailyworld.com/article/20100808/BUSINESS/8080317

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Tags: computer Remote

Has apple forgotten about its remote app?

July 30th, 2010

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One of my favourite and most-used iPhone apps is Apple’s Remote app. It lets me remotely control iTunes, which is streaming to my living room stereo via an Airport Express. But why hasn’t it been updated in over eight months?

When the iPad came out, I was excited for what I assumed would be the inevitable update that would bring the app a similar interface as the iPad’s iPod app. It would be perfectly suited for the device, with the big screen able to show more artwork and make flipping through a large music collection easier. It never happened.

And now that I’ve got an iPhone 4, I keep waiting for the iOS 4/retina display update to, at the very least, update the resolution of the icon. No dice.

Hell, one would even expect some updated functionality in the app. How about being able to stream the music on either my iPhone or iPad directly to the Airport Express rather than having to go through my computer?

Are these big deals? No, obviously. The app still works and it works at half-resolution on the iPad. But it seems strange that one of Apple’s few first-party apps in the app store would be left to rot as hardware is updated even as Apple pushes third-party developers to update their apps for the latest releases. It’s last update was November 20, 2009! What gives, Apple?

Source:http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2010/07/has-apple-forgotten-about-its-remote-app/

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Tags: Apple Remote

Sentrybay ensures secure remote access

July 23rd, 2010

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Security software specialist SentryBay today announced the global launch of its Enterprise Secure Access System (SAS) which sets a new standard in secure access to web based servers and applications.

The SAS provides ultra-secure protection against the biggest online threats facing organizations which depend upon reliable, secure remote access to their systems such as banks, insurers, healthcare providers and money transfer companies. SAS provides a two-way authenticated connection using its own secure browser — all within 3 seconds.

For the first time, organizations can ensure the highest standards of remote access security Relevant Products/Services through a simple, low-cost software solution which gives full protection against Phishing, Key logging, Pharming and Spyware attacks that threaten remote computer systems.

SentryBay’s SAS provides simple, low-cost and highly secure remote access to central computer systems. It is simple to install, easy to use, and requires minimal change in user habits.

Dave Waterson, chief executive officer, SentryBay said: “SAS was designed from the ground up to deliver both security and usability. Usability is based on simplicity and ease of operation. From the moment the user clicks on the desktop icon, in 3 seconds they are connected with the correct server Relevant Products/Services, fully authenticated, and an ultra-secure channel established.”

SAS can be applied to a wide range of everyday remote access scenarios, whether it is through applying the highest level of security to the access of patients’ medical records, protecting transactions, such as online banking or money transfers, or enabling an employee to use company servers securely from home or remote locations.

The system works by opening up a brand new, single-use-only ‘virtual desktop’ on a remote user’s PC. This includes a locked down browser that authenticates the connection, creating an ultra-secure channel between the remote PC and a corporate server.

SAS can also be configured to only run on the original PC or USB device preventing copying. The system can use information from the hardware itself to create a unique Hardware ID to provide the first factor of user authentication. This is then complimented by standard login details – guarded by SentryBay’s EntryProtect anti-key logging technology — to deliver a secure second factor.

System authentication of the corporate website is then established to overcome pharming or “man-in-the-browser” threats while end-to-end encryption of the data Relevant Products/Services protects against all forms of “man-in-the-middle” and replay attacks.

All necessary certificates for authentication and verification are managed by SentryBay, making the system as simple to use as it is secure. And, because the authentication database requires no ongoing manual intervention or updating, SAS is much less resource-intensive than other two-factor authentication systems.

“Our early users include banks and money transfer organisations,” Waterson added. “These are businesses that need the tangible productivity benefits of an easy-to-use solution without compromising the security and peace of mind they can deliver to customers.

“The business also avoids the disruption of moving to a hardware-based platform — saving both time and cost. A software based solution to the issue of fast, secure access is now within the reach of all businesses.”

Source:http://business.newsfactor.com/news/Enterprise-Secure-Access-Debuts/story.xhtml?story_id=112001YIVI8G

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Tags: Business computer Remote

Guidelines on when to use remote access as a computer repair solution by west la computer services

July 7th, 2010

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A computer repair and services company provides situations under which remote access would be a suitable option for computer repair.

Remote access is a fast, economical, and safe way to solve certain computer problems – but it’s not a universal cure-all, according to Faraj Skelil, owner of West LA Computer Services.

“Remote access saves time and money because clients don’t need to bring their systems to our shop or pay for a technician to come to their site,” says Skelil. “Also, once the problem has been solved, our clients can get back to work immediately, as if nothing has happened. Remote offers the same convenience as an onsite service call but takes much less time and so is much less expensive.”

Remote access technology allows West LA Computer Services and other companies that offer this service to connect remotely to the user’s computer system via the Internet and in effect “take over” to diagnose and often solve problems on the spot.

Remote access services are typically less expensive than on-site services and in-shop rates. Another benefit is that users don’t have to deal with dismantling their system, bringing it in to the shop, and having to set it up again after it’s repaired.

Skelil says remote access is most useful for software problems, which make up 70 to 75% of his business. “It’s ideal for problems like deleting and reinstalling problem software and so forth,” he says. Remote access is available for both PC and for Apple/Mac systems.

Other problems that can often be handled by remote access include printer and other driver issues as well as configuring or reconfiguring scanners, cameras, and other external devices. Remote access can also be used to transfer data between internal and external hard drives if needed.

Although remote access is often helpful in pinpointing and diagnosing hardware problems, actual repairs usually require a visit to the repair shop or a service call. The same is true if the operating system has been corrupted.

“And if you’re seeing symptoms that suggest that your system may be on the verge of crashing, you’re looking at an emergency, so it’s best to bring it in as soon as possible,” advises Skelil, a specialist in data recovery. “If it looks as if there’s a hard-drive problem, for example, it’s best to shut the system down and bring it in for testing, and so your data can be protected against possible loss or damage.”

When is remote access the first go-to solution for computer problem?

- If the operating system is running, the computer can be booted, and the hard drive is in good physical shape.
- If the computer can connect to the Internet access so the technician can connect to the system.

Skelil adds that sometimes clients may hesitate to request remote access because they’re afraid of an “outsider” taking over their computer.

“It can be jarring to be sitting in your office or at home and seeing someone moving the cursor around on your screen,” he says.

“But you have to trust whoever you use to help you with your computer, whether at your own site, in the shop, or remotely. When we finish the remote access session, we close the connection so the client isn’t exposed to any security threats.”3

Source:http://www.pr.com/press-release/246997

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Tags: computer Hard Drive Remote

Online remote computer support and repair provide convenience to numerous offices and household

June 22nd, 2010

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People who are looking for remote computer support and repair have the privilege of finding these services available in the comforts of their own home or in their office. There is no need to take your computer to a local PC repair shop. All these can now be done online.
Some of the services you can get online these days include computer set-up and installation as well as virus/spyware removal, optimizing PC speed, downloads, PC diagnostic and repair among others.

One site that stands out to deliver these services and more is www.ineedtech.com.
The site mentions that they are an online remote computer repair and support company which lets you have your computer diagnosed and repaired without the need to disconnect it just to drive it to the nearest repair shop. However, if its hardware related, the site has skilled technicians that can walk you through hardware installation. They go beyond whatever software may be interfering with the hardware or OS of the company and they focus on “out of warranty” and “under warranty” computers.

It is a known fact that many of us who experience computer related problems would call through various sets of numbers and menus just to talk to an IT or computer specialist only to be put on hold forever. When somebody answers, “language barrier” becomes another problem. For these reasons, many are finding convenience in the site’s services. They have knowledgeable repair technicians that can help you in a matter of minutes.

iNeedTech.Com is definitely the answer to our everyday computer problems. They are a one hundred percent US-based team of computer technical support specialists having a wide range of expertise on every OS and hardware platform around.
For a flat fee of $69.99, you get unlimited assistance on any type of computer-related issue. They also provide free call back support should there still be issues that would persist after the consultation. All you need to do is to dial their toll free hotline 24/7, no waiting on hold forever and no “language barrier” issues to worry about.

Even Fortune 500 business is finding iNeedTech.Com the site to trust. Aside from very friendly technical support specialists, they also provide detailed and cost effective solutions. They can field printer-, browser- and email-related problems to massively complicated issues like networking, software applications as well as virus/spyware problems.

For a low rate, they are known for providing the best services 24/7. They offer a free diagnostic and provide secure data as well as your online identity. They can provide the necessary tools to speed up your PC and they feature comprehensive support for printers, PCs, digital cameras, MP3 players and more than 100 software applications.

Source:-http://www.apakistannews.com/online-remote-computer-support-and-repair-provide-convenience-to-numerous-offices-and-households-190958