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Century IT Services

IT Services in Southampton, Hampshire

I.T Support Dorset

Windows 7 Small Business Server 2011 end of life

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Windows 7 End Of Life | Small Business Server 2011 End Of Life | Server 2008 End of Life | Microsoft Exchange 2010 End of Life | Microsoft Office 2010 End of Life
Windows 7 End Of Life | Small Business Server 2011 End Of Life | Server 2008 End of Life | Microsoft Exchange 2010 End of Life | Microsoft Office 2010 End of Life
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Windows 7 Small Business Server 2011 end of life

The Operating Systems that run on your Servers and other devices are a key part of your businesses IT Systems

 

Windows 7 & End Of Life and Small Business Server 2011 End of Life

 

Microsoft Life Cycle

Keeping Microsoft Operating Systems upto date with patches and updates from Microsoft, helps to keep your system free from Cyber Attack and any other issues.

All Microsoft products have a product life cycle, the end of this life cycle is called “Extended support”

When the Microsoft “Extended Support” phase ends the following are no longer available

  • Paid support (via Microsoft)
  • Security update and patches
  • The ability to request a non-security hotfix (aka Extended Hotfix Support)

We want to make it clear that the software will not stop working after this date.

You need to be aware that without these key services that are available to you, the IT Security and Stability of your IT Systems is under threat.

Our final back stop is Support from Microsoft (including paid). Without this, there may be a time when we may not be able to assist with fixing issues potentially causing prolonged downtime.

 

Windows 7 & End Of Life and Small Business Server 2011 End of Life

Windows 7 End Of Life

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Century IT Services believe in highlighting this information for your attention, so you are more informed and better prepared.

By us providing you those dates, that some key operating systems that your company runs, and when the extended support expires these are noted below.

The options available with a Desktop operating system is to upgrade the existing system operating system to the latest windows operating system.

This may mean updating the memory and installing a larger hard drive. Depending on the age of the machine you may want to look at replacing it for a newer one.

 

IT Cyber Security and Stability of your IT Systems is under threat

 

Microsoft Server Operating Systems

With regards to Server operating systems. Again, you could purchase an upgraded operating system.

Unlike PC’s or Laptops, upgrading 'Live' servers will cause downtime and disruption and often the age of the Server Hardware means it should be changed or replaced.

Windows 7 & End Of Life and Small Business Server 2011 End of Life

We will provide IT Support Services and IT Support Contracts for End Of Life Products on a best endeavours basis once the Manufacturer has ended support for these products.

Our advice for all SME businesses that has Servers/ PCs and Laptops, these should be changed at least every 5 years. Most business have a 3 - 5 year IT Replacement life Cycle. This will allow for better reliability and a chance to purchase replacement parts if and when required.

I.T equipment older than 5 years in a business environment, should be considered beyond its useful, reliable life

We can provide you with an I.T Asset Audit and also provide asset utilisation and disk space projections. This will help identify problem areas and plan an I.T upgrade or replacement program

 

Extended Support End Dates

Microsoft Desktop Operating systems

Microsoft Small Business Server 2011 End Of Life
Microsoft Small Business Server 2011 End Of Life

 

Microsoft Server Operating systems

 

Microsoft Exchange Server

  • Microsoft Exchange Server 2010 -  14/01/2020
  • Microsoft Exchange Server 2013 - 11/04/2023
  • Microsoft Exchange Server 2016 - 14/10/2025

 

Microsoft Office Software

  • Microsoft Office 2007 -  13/01/2009
  • Microsoft Office 2010 - 13/10/2020
  • Microsoft Office 2013 SP1 - 10/14/2018  (11/04/2023 Extended Support)
  • Microsoft Office 2016 - 14/10/2020  (14/10/2025 Extended Support)

 

To clarify, our advice is as follows,

If you are still running any of the operating systems that are already are End of Life, replace them immediately.

We would not recommend using obsolete, unsupported or insecure Microsoft Windows operating Systems that are longer supported by Microsoft. And critically, Microsoft are no longer providing Windows Updates

If you are running any of the operating systems that will go End of Life at the end of 2019. Plan to replace them before the end of the year!

If for any reason you plan to still use an obsolete operating system, please do so at your own risk and in isolation, away from the business computer network.

 

IT Security will only be as good as the weakest link!

If you require further clarification about:-

Microsoft Windows 7 Computers, Laptops and Tablets

Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2011

Microsoft Exchange Server 2010

 

If you require further clarification about Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2011 within your organisation, please give us call and discuss this matter further.

 

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Windows 7 & End Of Life and Small Business Server 2011 End of Life

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Give your IT a sense of direction

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IT Installation Services and IT Maintenance Contracts

Give your IT a Sense of Direction
Give your IT a Sense of Direction

Our Expert I.T Services are unique!

We have a tailored I.T service that will fit your business, requirements and budget.

We offer each business we provide I.T Services to, a Personal IT service, working as a natural extension to our Customers Businesses where we know each of our customers by name and what their business does.

Our IT Support Desk Service will be an natural extension to your business.

Check out what our Customers say about us on our Testimonials Page

Wouldn’t you like your business to have its own I.T. department?

If you are looking to replace or upgrade your I.T Systems for your business and want an informed and experienced I.T company that specialises in the requirements of small and medium sized business give us a call.

We can offer you a confidential, no obligation discussion on your I.T requirements.

We are an IT Specialist and cover businesses in Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire and Sussex. Specifically in Southampton, Totton, Romsey, Eastleigh, Winchester, Salisbury, Portsmouth, Bournemouth, Poole, Blandford, Basingstoke

If you have concerns with your I.T Security or have any questions about your network give us a call.

 

Do you have an ever growing list of I.T niggles?

 

We are experts in just about anything I.T

IT Proactive Monitoring
IT Proactive Monitoring

 

Century IT Services are based in Totton, Southampton. Hampshire and can help you with the installation or on going I.T support of your computer, server and network.

IT Installation Services and IT Maintenance Contracts

We offer a broad range of I.T services covering, internet, email, anti-spam, anti-virus solutions

We are experts in virtually anything Microsoft Server based and have extensive troubleshooting skills.

 

Do you have an ever growing list of I.T niggles?

 

If you have an ever growing list of I.T niggles or need a server, or network installed, you have come to the right place.

You can Contact Us for a confidential, no obligation discussion of your requirements

Broadband Running Slow or Dropping Out Troubleshooting

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Broadband Running Slow or Dropping Out Troubleshooting?

 

Symptoms

Broadband Running Slow - Broadband Troubleshooting
Broadband Troubleshooting – Broadband Running Slow

If you are struggling with your broadband performance or reliability you may be noticing that some or all of the following anomalies:

  • Broadband drops connection and reconnects
  • Broadband Slow and Dropping Out Troubleshooting
  • Broadband download speed terribly slow
  • Download speed is slower than upload speed
  • Broadband connection drops when you make a telephone call

 

Steps to Carry Out

If you are suffering from a combination of the symptoms above, we would advise you work through the following recommendations to troubleshoot your issue. Basically your broadband provider will get you to do these tests anyway before they investigate your issues. Broadband Running Slow or Dropping Out Troubleshooting

1) Replace the Micro filter(s)

2) Test broadband with Router is plugged into BT Master Socket

3) If you have added any internal BT wiring in your office disconnect this to rule out any internal wiring fau

Microsoft Small Business Specialist
Microsoft Small Business Specialist

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4) When you have a suspected broadband issue you can usually access the router from your computer/laptop to check to see how long the router has been online and whether the broadband is connected

5) Run the BT broadband diagnostics http://speedtest.btwholesale.com (you will need java on your computer) Alternatively try a different Broadband Speedchecker for example https://www.speedtest.net

6) Plug in a normal analogue phone and listen to the dial tone – is it crackly / noisy line?

7) Try a replacement Router or Modem

Broadband Running Slow - Broadband Troubleshooting
Broadband Running Slow – Broadband Troubleshooting

 

Broadband Running Slow or Dropping Out Troubleshooting

Online Diagnostics

Broadband Running Slow or Dropping Out Troubleshooting

The BT speedtester website diagnostics will need to be run at least 3 times although you can only use the website once every three hours.

Once you have completed the above speak to your ISP and report the fault. They can have a look at the diagnostics report and decide if there is a fault with either the ISP, BT Exchange, External wiring or internet to your building.

Please try all of the above before getting a BT engineer out, our experience is a BT engineer’s visit will cost you around £130 even if they do nothing and find a problem with your internal BT wiring or even a ‘no fault found’

If you prefer an IT Person do the troubleshooting for you, give us a call and arrange a site visit

Android settings for Microsoft Exchange Server

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What is the benefit of Connecting my Android Phone

You are likely want to connect your Android phone to your company’s Exchange Email Server so you can access your work email, Contacts and Calendar on your Mobile Device. Android settings for Microsoft Exchange Server

 

Preparation

Setting up a Microsoft Exchange email account on an Android device is a very easy task.

As long as you have a couple of details to hand, can be done in a about a minute. Android settings for Microsoft Exchange Server

To set up the Exchange account, you firstly need to go into the Android’s main settings menu.

This should look something along the lines of what is shown below. You need to find the “Accounts” section of the settings list.

Android settings for Microsoft Exchange Server - Step1
Android settings for Microsoft Exchange Server – Step1

 

When you’ve found this, you need to tap on “Add account” and choose “Microsoft Exchange Activesync” from the following list that is shown.

Choose settings for Microsoft Exchange Server - Step2
Choose settings for Microsoft Exchange Server – Step2

 

The following screen of the Microsoft Exchange email setup will ask you for your Exchange email address and password that you would normally use with your computer.

Enter these, and then tap on the button down the bottom that says “Manual setup”

Android settings for Microsoft Exchange Server - Step3
Android settings for Microsoft Exchange Server – Step3

 

User Login Credentials

This will provide you with the following screen asking for a few more details for the Microsoft Exchange email account.

“Domain\User name” is the field in which you need to enter your exactly what it asks, the domain you are trying to log into, and your user name. This is followed by your normal password in the next box down.

The “Exchange Server” box is the server that your Android device will try and log into to collect you emails. This for example could be along the lines of “remote.test.co.uk”

After the details are all filled in, tap on “Next” to proceed with the setup of the Microsoft Exchange account.

 

Android settings for Microsoft Exchange Server - Step4
Android settings for Microsoft Exchange Server – Step4

 

Final Steps

The Android device should then proceed to connect to the server and test the connection to the Microsoft Exchange email account and the server.

If it is successful, then the following options should be presented to you. These fields are filled in with the defaults, but can be changed by simply tapping on one and modifying the selection.

Review Android Account Settings - Step5
Review Android Account Settings – Step5

 

This should conclude the setup of the Microsoft Exchange email account. Your emails should automatically be synced with the Android device. To access your emails, simply go into your main applications menu and click on the “Email” app.

 

Century IT Services are based in Totton, Southampton. Hampshire and can help you with the installation or on going I.T support of your computer, server and network. We offer a broad range of I.T services covering, internet, email, anti-spam, anti-virus solutions, we are experts in virtually anything Microsoft Server based and have extensive troubleshooting skills.

 

If you have an ever growing list of I.T niggles or need a server, or network installed, you have come to the right place. You can contact us on Tel. 023 80 070101 or email us at sales@century-it.co.uk for a confidential, no obligation discussion of your requirements.

USB1.0 vs USB2.0 Performance

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Overview

USB1.0 vs. USB2.0 Performance
USB1.0 vs. USB2.0 Performance

Most computers or laptops nowadays usually have a selection of USB ports. USB1.0 vs USB2.0 Performance

You can plug external devices into to extend the functionality of your computer system or laptop.

i.e. external hard disks, external tape drives, digital cameras, memory card readers, USB memory sticks etc.

Modern computers and laptops usually come with USB 2.0 ports as standard

Whilst much older computers only have the older technology USB 1.0

USB1.0 vs USB2.0 Performance

 

USB1.0 vs. USB2.0 Performance

As with all technology, advances have been made over the years to improve speed and performance of USB Ports on Computers and Laptops.

To maintain backward compatibility, newer types of USB Ports come with the same type of connector as the older USB Ports, so older USB devices can still connect and operate.

The main difference between USB 1.0 and USB 2.0 is the performance or throughput;

The USB 2.0 ports are much faster than the earlier USB 1.0. Ports. USB 2.0 has an maximum throughput of around 480 mps (megabits per second)

Whilst USB 1.0 only has an average throughput of 12 mbps. That makes USB 2.0 as much as 40 times as quick as the older USB 1.0 standard

This means that if it takes around 40 minutes to transfer some files to a USB 1.0 device, using USB 2.0 it could potentially take only 1 minute. USB1.0 vs USB2.0 Performance

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Server Disk RAID Levels Explained

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This article will explain what Server Disk RAID Levels are and why they are important

What is RAID

To answer it shortly, RAID stands for Redundant Array of Inexpensive/Independent Disks.

This doesn’t really answer the question though, because if you look into it a bit more, it’s easy to see that there is more to RAID than first meets the eye.

RAID comes in different levels, ranging from RAID 0 all the way to RAID 10. Although RAID levels 8 and 9 do not exist.

Each of these RAID levels work in a different way to each other.

I will go over how RAID levels 0, 1, 5 and 10. (RAID 10 also known as RAID 1+0 or 0+1).

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RAID 0 Explained

Is largely used to increase the performance and speed from a collection of hard disks.

It works by striping data across the disks, sharing the data as if the two disks were just one.

The major downside to this particular level of RAID, is that if one disk goes down, then you have lost all of the data even though one or more disks may still be perfectly healthy

This is no different however, to just having a single hard disk in your computer failing, causing you to lose whatever data was stored on it should you not have backed it up.

 

RAID 1 - Disk RAID Levels Explained
RAID 1 – Disk RAID Levels Explained

 

RAID 1 Explained

The next level of RAID, is RAID 1. This works differently as it mirrors the data across however many disks are in the RAID, creating an exact copy on each disk.

This is of course very useful should you store important data across this RAID setup, as if one of the disks were to fail, then you would have lost no data at all.

As one of the other disks in the array will still have an exact copy of the data.

This array is only as large as the smallest disk in the array. This means that if you have two 500GB drives and a 250GB drive in the array, the RAID storage capacity will only be 250GB, disregarding the remaining space left on the two 500GB drives.

 

RAID 5 Explained

The next level of RAID to look at is RAID 5. This type of array is one of the most popular as it provides good performance, good fault tolerance and allows for high storage amounts as well as having an exceptional read speed.

Writing speed to the Array however does suffer a fair amount so is not the best choice for a Wite Intensive application, though if the Array was used to host a database, RAID 5 would be an almost perfect choice.

 

RAID5 - Disk RAID Levels Explained
RAID5 – Disk RAID Levels Explained

RAID 10 Explained

Finally, there is RAID 10. Also known as RAID 1+0 or 0+1,

This particular level of RAID array is generally regarded as the best.

On the downside, it is also the most expensive form of RAID Array to set up due to the fact that a minimum of 4 disks must be used.

The reason behind RAID 10 being called either RAID 1+0 or 0+1, is because it’s simply a combination of RAID 1’s best features and RAID 0’s best features.

This means that the data is both mirrored across drives as well as being striped leading to both very quick Read speeds as well as fast Write speeds.

If you can afford to set up a RAID 10 array, then it is definitely the one to go for as it also allows for disk failures without loss of data.

 

RAID 10 - Disk RAID Levels Explained
RAID 10 – Disk RAID Levels Explained

Hot Spare

In the unfortunate event that a disk should fail in the array, you can also include “Hot Spare” drives.

These drives sit idle and unused until the failure of one of the disks in the array occurs. When one does fail, the Hot Spare drive then becomes active. The Disk ARRAY can rebuild itself without disruption in place of the disk that was lost.

Summary

The above explanations clarify what RAID is and identify the benefits of each level of RAID.

Different RAID Levels are likely to be suited to different I.T environments and differennt applications

The subject of computer hardware specifications and the specifics of the types of disks and RAID Levels available can be confusing.

We would encourage you take advice from an I.T Expert before deciding upon the hardware specfication of a replacement server.

Changing the structure of a RAID Array once a Server is live is likely to be very costly and disruptive. RAID Levels ought to really be agreed upon at the Server Hardware build stage of a IT Project.

We offer Server specification design and I.T Installation work.

 

We offer FREE, confidential,  no obligation advice, so why not give us a call.

 

 

Century IT Services – IT Services for Businesses

Providing Computer Support & IT Support to businesses in Hampshire, Dorset, Surrey, Wiltshire, Sussex