Would you know if your Microsoft Exchange Server had security issues and others had access to your network?

Would you know if your server was contributing to the SPAM rampant on the Internet?

Would you know if someone was logging all your user names and passwords in transit? (far easier than you might think).

At Techville all of our experts have been working with Exchange since its introduction with Windows NT over 10 years ago.

Whether your network has 5 users or 500, it is important to apply the monthly security patches and monitor the logs on your Exchange Server.

Most important, is that your Exchange Server is properly configured and not one of the thousands of servers on the Internet sending out SPAM, often without the owners knowledge.

Since Exchange is a mail server, it is prone to attack by hackers and “would be” spammers on a daily basis. This is the importance of monitoring the logs and taking the appropriate security measures.

If you just need some new users added to the network or an answer as to why your machines seem to have “slowed down”, Techville Ottawa has the experience and integrity to provide the answer.

We can assist with setting up secure mail solutions in Exchange, using certificates and secure mail ports such as IMAP and Pop3s.

We offer both on-site and secure remote support for Exchange, saving you costly down time and troubleshooting.

One way to check the overall “health” of your server:

Login to the Desktop on the server.

Right click on “My Computer”

Left click on “manage”

Click on Event log.

Take a look at the Application log and System log. If you see lots of red and yellow, we would recommend a check-up by a professional.

Techville.ca

(613) 276-9066

(613) 822-2234

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Ottawa

(613) 276-9066

(613) 822-2234

Lower IT Costs Reduce Down Time

Client Services:

Desktop:

• Apple Mac – New installs & Integration with existing networks
• Data Recovery, Digital Forensics and Backup Solutions
• E Mail and Internet Connection Fixes
• Linux/ Windows dual boot installs
• Preventive Maintenance – Avoid The Internet SlowDowns
• Printing and Imaging Support
• Remote & On-Site Repair
• Setup – Camera’s. Internet (Bell, Rogers Xplornet) Printers etc
• Windows Repair – Blue-screens, Slow Downs, Spyware & Virus
• Windows 3.1  to Windows 7 Software and Configurations
• Windows Desktop & Server Preventive Monthly Maintenance
• Wireless Security

Hardware:

• Dell Workstation Products – Optiplex Desktops, Monitors & Printers
• Dell Power Edge Products – Servers, Switches, Tape Backup
• Hardware upgrades (including disk space issues, memory)
• Tape Backup – Monitor, Troubleshooting & Replacement Tape
• Windows XP & Vista laptops or workstations New & Used .
  

Network Management:

• Active Directory | Exchange Networks | Terminal Server 2003/2008
• Data Back Up Solutions
• Desktop workstations – Remote or On-Site Maintenance & Support
• E-Commerce Servers – Apache & SSL certs
• Exchange 2003 – 2010: installation, upgrade maintenance, security
• Fail over Internet Connections – IE: Rogers & Bell to increase speed/reliability
• MAC integration to existing PC networks
• Network Documentation and Mapping
• Network – Design & Security/ Hardware & Software / Isolating Departments /
• Open Source & Commercial Software Support
• Redhat, CentOS, Fedora, Ubuntu, Windows 3.1 to Server 2008
• Remote Network Monitoring & Security- Linux & Microsoft Servers, Sonic Wall & Untangle
• Secure Mail Solutions using SSL Certificates & RedHat Solutions
• Secure Remote Desktop using VPN with 2048 or higher encryption
• Servers: Windows 2003 & 2008 – Redhat & CentOS
• Segmentation and Subnets - Interdepartmental Limits & Security
• Troubleshooting – DNS issues, e-mail, hackers, network speed, slow downs and analysis.
• Untangle Servers – Stop bad traffic before it reaches your desktops
• Windows Re-installs - Data Backup & Recovery
• Wireless Security – visitors use Internet, but not access your network

We Repair:

• Computers & Servers – Compaq, Dell, HP & IBM, Toshiba
• HP Design Jet
• HP & Lexmark Laser Printers
• Laptops & Notebooks – Compaq, Dell, HP, Toshiba
• Network Issues – Connection issues, E-Mail, Slowdowns
• Windows PC – Blue-screens, Hardware, Malware, Spyware & Virus

Techville.ca (613) 276-9066

Ottawa

(613) 276-9066

(613) 822-2234

Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
 Albert Einstein  

Tired of crashing, reboots, security updates, spy-ware and the constant pay pay pay every time you want software?

Maybe it is time you tried something different.

Linux really is the ultimate solution for home users.

Linux Advantages

1. Install once and forget about it.
Assuming you choose a stable release of your selected Linux distribution, you can, in all reality, install it and forget it. While I am not suggesting that you forget critical security updates by any means, the fact that Linux is just not on the radar for those with a malicious intent means that you can lock down a system for much longer with a lot more safety. You can go without running security updates as long as the PC in question is not connected to the Internet. For those PCs installed on the Internet, you will find that you will want to make sure that you keep those patches coming. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Windows users on the other hand, need to run those updates regardless of their Internet connection status simply because malware can indeed be installed through means other than an Internet connection.

2. Save a fortune in software costs.
While there is no question that most of the open source software used on Linux is also readily available for Windows as well, it is nice not needing to install it as it comes by default. Immediate access to free office suites, graphics editors, and other software means those are funds that can be put elsewhere for your business. Marketing for your business, for example.

It has long since been my opinion that most companies are spending entirely too much for software these days. Not to say that developers should not be compensated mind you, rather pointing out that there is an inherent flaw in paying so much for absurd renewals that the cost alone quickly becomes too much to bear for the growing business.

3. Install and manage software with one action, thanks to the package manager provided by various distributions.
To some, this is both a curse and a blessing. While it makes software updates a breeze, there is also the headache of trying to ensure that you are still able to update software that might not yet be compatible with the existing Linux libraries on your system, while still enjoying that ability to install, remove, and update software with only a couple of actions.

On Windows, the end user is either needing to use a third-party application to ensure they are alerted to the latest software updates, or simply rely on their ability to remember that checking periodically is generally the best practice. Overall, I find this to be obnoxious and a total waste of time. For my home business, this soon became counter-productive once I understood that today’s modern Linux distributions all but eliminated this hassle. I elected to eliminate the Windows issue early on.

4. Browsers without limits.
For many businesses, having access to browsers such as Firefox and Internet Explorer is a must. This is especially true for Web designers. Thankfully, on the Linux platform, there are a few great options that exist that allow the end user to run any browser they might happen to need. Here is a list of which and how.

 
• Firefox: With desktop Linux, I am able to run two different versions natively (which is helpful as FF3 is still in beta) and even toss in the Windows version of the Mozilla browser with the help of WINE.
• Opera: Again, I can run a single Linux native version with ease while at the same time, use WINE to run a Windows version if I so desired.
• Internet Explorer: Because this is a browser that was clearly designed for Windows, there are a few challenges here, but over all, it gets the job done. For accessing IE-only Web sites (ActiveX) I am able to use WINE to run my IE6 browser fairly easily. Should the need for IE7 come up, however, I would want to use the IE4Linux beta that provides the IE7 back-end.On Windows, the user is stuck with native browsing only, which is fine I suppose, but good luck running IE 5 to 7, along with non-Windows browsers for KDE or GNOME. Certainly not saying it is impossible, but it is a real pain in the backside from the user’s standpoint.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Multiple Desktops.
In addition to running with two monitors should I want to, the desktop Linux user has the option of multiple desktop screens in a virtual sense. With KDE and GNOME you have the option of using a simple desktop switching applet that can be loaded next to the clock if the user so desires.

Taking this even further is to use Compiz Fusion on compatible hardware. For instance in my case I am running Compiz Fusion on my built-for Linux notebook. Using the cube functionality, I am able to switch back and forth between desktop spaces with a simple key combination of my choosing. It’s very helpful when you are trying to balance the books or multi-task on a project with a single monitor.

On the Windows desktop, you may be able to switch windows on Vista, but that is about it. A simple, 3-D window switcher – wow, now that is a real breakthrough.

6. Backup settings and preferences easily.
There are a variety of methods your business can use to backup your Linux desktops. These methods range from something as easy as using a simple GUI to backup the /home/ folder, where the bulk of your user-specific settings are kept, all the way down to bare-metal backups to be moved over a network connection for long-term archiving.

What’s fantastic is the freedom of selection you have. Rather than being bound to using what is provided by default or needing to pay through the nose for an expensive alternative, desktop Linux has ready access to plenty of back-up choices depending what level of backup you are seeking.

Windows by contrast, is as described as above: take what you get by default or locate something elsewhere that either costs a small fortune or potentially is created by an unsavory development firm.

7. Backup software to another machine easily.
Another clear winning feature, especially when migrating or duplicating desktops, is the ability to easily take pre-installed software with you easily to another similar Linux desktop elsewhere. For Debian based distributions, the user has a simple ability to simply take the apt-get cache, bundle that with a script to install the software from the CD (which is fairly easy to do) and you can install every single piece of software you had on the other PC with a few mouse clicks.

Back on the Windows desktop, short of mirroring the drive, you are going to be installing everything from scratch. This especially true considering most desktop Linux distros come with most of the applications you want already installed after toss up the OS install. Windows, on the other hand, gives you a browser, a weak security suite, and some games.

8. Lock down actual users.
The gift of sudo is a fantastic gift for Linux installations set to use it by default. Whether it means being able to run a software application that really needs administrator privileges to work right or being able to make system updates while still running safely as a limited user.

From the business owner’s perspective, desktop Linux also allows the administrator to lock down users for specific tasks, but still provide the ability to run as a “super user” when required by authenticated applications.

On the Windows front, super user ability is certainly available, while not made as clearly available to those who are unaware of how to best enjoy those privileges. Even to this day, Windows is setting users up a administrators with a weak layer of protection called the UAC. Because in the end, UAC and other security enhancements considered, you are still running as an unsecure administrator. And that is dangerous on any operating system. You could run as a limited user I suppose, but this is often times not viable for most businesses.

9. Upgrade hardware only when you want to, not because you have to.
Something else that struck me as awesome early on was the fact that Linux provides existing hardware with a lot more life than other operating systems. And thankfully, there are distributions for really old hardware and there are robust distributions that will run on slightly newer to brand new hardware. With so many distributions out there to choose from, your business can find the best Linux distribution to meet the needs of their existing infrastructure. Hardware failure, however, is another issue entirely.

Windows on the other hand, provides two very limiting options – use the older Windows release with the older hardware or upgrade like mad as to better meet recommended Windows requirements with each release.

10. Never install drivers.
Unless you opt to use unsupported hardware, there is no need to compile driver modules whatsoever. This means that you are not waiting on your system update feature to download 10 to 15 different drivers just to get things working.

To be fair, this is not as much an issue with other OSes as it used to be, but there are still plenty of peripherals out there that not only encourage you to use their driver CDs loaded with ample “crapware” to get things running, in some cases they require it to run as advertised.

Computer-Laptop-Laser Printer-Network-Server-Repair-Ottawa

CompTIA Industry Standard

At Techville CA we recognize that today’s business’ rely on their office technology more than ever.

It is understood that “downtime” for business laser printers, network problems and even Windows Computer problems can cost your organization valuable production time.

Experience tempered by integrity are the key products we provide, when acting as your IT Department.

Experience makes us a leader at quickly determining and resolving your hardware and software issues, and integrity dictates that we analyse and suggest solutions to help you avoid future occurrences.

Whether you are an Accountant using a PC in your home office or a large corporation in need of extra Technicians on call, Techville.CA Ottawa is here to assist.

You will find our reasonable rates provide excellent value and keep your employees working.

On-site and Remote network-workstation and server maintenance or technical services are available:

Weekdays 6:00 am – 6:00 pm

Saturday 10:00 am-4:00 pm

We offer a choice of service contracts for those who require 4 & 8 hour on site response or emergency after hours or weekend services.

For further information or to book an appointment, please feel free to contact us.

Techville.CA

Ottawa

(613) 276-9066

(613) 822-2234

Lower Costs & Reduce Down Time

We can help you tie the technologies together.

Our seasoned professionals are network and Workstation experts and have a wide gamut of services available that you may not even be aware of:

- Access to work computers and resources remotely (use 2048 bit encryption) *

- Access to work and network resources from portables such as Android Galaxy or Apple iPad.

- Automated Off-site backups to make sure your data is always secure remotely. (data-Stays in Canada)

- Encrypted mail using openPGP so that e-mail can not be read by others in transit.

- Google Calendar-Address Book available in almost real time synchronization with your smart phone (Apple iPhone, Android, Blackberry), Outlook, Thunderbird, Apple Mail, Entourage. **

- Domain Name Registration and Website-Mail hosting Solutions

- Repair Slow Windows computers

- Secure network settings – especially wifi on laptops. Is yours sharing with the world?

- Separate your kids PCs in the house from your own, so that if/when they are virused they don’t spread it to your machines.

- Wireless Security Specialists – Share wifi in office with no worry of those users having access to your network shares and resources.

- Untangle your network- which will allow you to block certain types of websites such as MSN or Porn material and let you know where the users on your network are spending company time!

Techville CA – Ottawa

(613) 822-2234

 Network Slow-Computer-Repair-Ottawa-PC-Laptop-Apple-Blackberry-iPad-Galaxy

* We use OpenVPN solutions with 2048 bit encryption. Your bank probably uses 256 bit for logins, and if you use Microsoft VPN it may be only 64 bit and half the speed.

** This is a free service from Google.

Cisco’s reputation for high quality equipment and network security is renowned.

We provide installation, troubleshooting and security design topologies using the current line of Cisco front end network and wireless devices.

We offer configuration and monitoring, utilizing either on site or secure remote services.

When it comes to VPN and front end firewall security, Cisco is an excellent choice.

For further information feel free to contact us.

Techville.ca

(613) 276-9066

(613) 822-2234

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

While we believe having good equipment and cabling in place is always a smart move for any business who relies on their network, it may not necessarily be the prudent first approach to resolving network speed and reliability issues.

Techville.ca has the expertise to analyze your current network infrastructure from the hardware down to the packet level which provides us with a more accurate analysis.

We test your network for speed and security problems using protocol analyzers. This makes finding network bottlenecks, slow downs, equipment failures and security breaches extremely accurate, efficient and fast. This procedure is done without interfering, interrupting or even slowing down your network users regular daily activities.

The result is that your organization is able to make decisions about new upgrades, new purchases and security measures with better perspective.

Our background in network hardware and topologies has and continues to grow with the current industry.

We present you with a summary of analysis which will assist you in making your network design and hardware decisions cost effective.

Contact us for further information.

OPENVPN-Secure-Remote Access

VPN or virtual private network has become a business necessity for remote users.

Techville.ca

(613) 276-9066

(613) 822-2234

Whether you are logging in remotely from home to check on your server or you require access to all of the Windows computers in your office from a hotel in Europe using your laptop, VPN is the only safe way to connect to your network remotely.

Some are leaving their networks open for the convenience of using RDP (remote desktop protocol) and this is a very unsafe practice.

If you are not using VPN to connect remotely, then you should be aware that any and all data transferred between your remote PC and your office can be read very easily, in transit. This can include any passwords, e-mail and other sensitive data that you may be working on.

Microsoft servers can be set up to create a VPN, but this has proven to be extremely slow and and not very secure.

We configure OPENVPN Solutions.

A small piece of software must be installed to each of the Windows machines desiring the ability to connect to the VPN and once done, the user simply clicks a button to enable the connection. At that point they are on the local area network at the office using 2048 bit or higher encryption. Virtually impossible to decrypt.

These VPN solutions are extremely fast, but of course the users are limited to the maximum speed of the Service Provider.

For more information on securing remote access to your network please feel free to contact us.

Techville.ca

(613) 276-9066

HP Design Jet

Maintenance & Repair

Wide format printers or “plotters” are a very special breed. Whether you are using a 700 series or the the 5500PS; downtime and poor print quality can cost you production time and money.

Now you can utilize the experience and integrity of someone who not only repairs them, but has spent years teaching service classes as well.

4 & 8 Hour response times are available for production environments with a Service Level Agreement.

Support for the following:

• 500/800 + CC800 & 815MFP

• 700 Series (All)

• 1000 Series 1055C,CM & Plus Series)

• 5000 & 5500 PS & RTL

• And others not listed here

Techville.ca

(613) 276-9066

(613) 822-2234

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Disclaimer: Techville.ca name was registered in 1998 by David Smith (Network Engineer Ottawa). Techville.ca has been providing on-site and remote service to clients since 1998. We are not affiliated with any company outside of Ottawa, including Pawnshops, Dry Cleaners or Poodle clip shops. Our speciality for 26 years has been and remains Network Repair and Security. Experience and Knowledge are our product and we deliver with maximum integrity. Techville.ca is Canadian owned and operated. We do provide discounts for seniors