How Some Companies Do Support.

IE9 Meet Your New Browser Welcome Page Tab Opens When IE9 Starts

2012-01-02T16:45:00.001-05:00

IE9 Meet Your New Browser Welcome Page Tab Opens When IE9 Starts

This is a very interesting post. It involved IE9 and the Meet your new browser welcome page. It has been written with a solution by the author for windows 2008 R2 server but the same solution can be applied to windows 7.
IE9, although it looks very similar to IE8, is a different browser in many respects and in particular in regards to security. One of the differences hat can catch a terminal server admin (RDS windows 2008) a surprise is that cookies are disabled by default with IE9. Admins will now, one way to circumvent this problem would be to setup the default user profile before the suers begin logging in for the first time. One hey login, their local or roaming profile is created and used after that. Once the user profiles have been created, the solution for solving the cookie problem can be solved using a logon script.
The meet your new browser welcome tab can also be very annoying and for less savvy computers users, cause them to call in for tech support.
One of the ways to solve the meet your new browser welcome page and also make the IE( setup question asking the user to select express setting or customer settings is to use local group policy editor on the server.

HP NC373i: The network link is down

2010-12-02T10:20:00.006-05:00

This error would appear in the system log of the server almost everyday in the morning - HP NC373i: The network link is down . Never during the day such as late afternoon or evening. The error would occur early in the am hours juts before and at times when employees juts start reporting to work. Event id4, source l2nd.

The driver version was not updated yet. The possible solution is checking and disabling power save mode for the NIC. The server was running windows 2003 server standard edition on an HP Proliant series server hardware platform. The next step will be to update the driver version. There have been TCP offload problems with some drivers. The version installed on this server was fairy new but an update was available.

Supporting Technology with Technology.: Enable 24 bit color in RDP for XP or 2003 Server

2009-12-31T17:42:00.003-05:00

Supporting Technology with Technology.: Enable 24 bit color in RDP for XP or 2003 Server

The option to connect to XP systems or windows 2003 servers with a color depth higher than 16 bits is available to be selected as an option before connecting to the remote computer. However, the RDP connection is never made at a color depth higher that 16 bits to neither a windows 2003 server or an XP desktop. There is a way to connect with true color 24 bit using rdp to XP or windows 2003 server.

A pre-defined default limit on the remote XP or windows 2003 server limits the color depth of RDP connections to 16 bit maximum on XP or windows 2003 server but can be changed to 24 bit true color by using group policy o nthe rmote computer or for all computers in a windows domain by linking a GPO to an OU or domain. How to configure the "server side" of remote desktop to accept connections at 24-bit true color.

Windows 7, Vista, and server 2008 already allow higher that 24 bit color by default.

Adding dsa.msc on Windows 2008 Server

2009-11-24T23:02:00.002-05:00

How to add dsa.msc to windows 2008 server

If you wanted to access active directory users and computers from a member 2003 server it was as easy as clicking start run then entering dsa.msc in the box and click open. That little useful feature is not added into a default 2008 server installation it needs to be added during the initial installation of the server or afterwards by adding a feature. The image in this post shows what options to select to add the dsa.msc command back into your member server. For people who use this a lot it's quite worth the several minutes to install. Adding the feature does not require a reboot.

Dell SAS 6iR Plug-in card, PCI Express x8, 2 CH, PC, Unix

2009-10-23T20:22:00.005-04:00

Dell SAS6/iR Integrated SAS Controller Card Storage controller (RAID)- Serial ATA-300 / SAS- 300 MBps - Plug-in card, PCI Express x8, 2 CH, PC, Unix .

This RAID controller card from Dell only supports RAID 0 and RAID 1. It support 2 hot swap drives and has a combined 12Gbps throughput from 4 channels at 3Gbps. It's not a bad controller card for entry level servers and workstations but one of it's limitations is that it does not support RAID 5 or RAID 10 (RAID 0 + 1). I discovered this unfortunately when trying to configured RAID 10 (RAID 0 +1) in a PowerEdge r610 server.

Dell Storage Controllers

Desktop and server remote access support software

Configure RDP Port Forwarding on a Cisco ASA 5505

2008-10-13T18:46:00.013-04:00

Cisco ASA5505

For those of you searching the Internet to try and find a good or simple example of how port forwarding is done on a Cisco ASA 5500 series firewall (in this example, it is a Cisco ASA 5505 version 7.2) This post contains a working example of a port forwarding configuration on a Cisco ASA 5505 that's allowing RDP, TCP port 3389, through the firewall to from the Internet to the LAN side to a server. For new users to the ASA, how to configure a port forwarding rule on a Cisco ASA 5505 can be a more easily accomplished if the working configuration of a working ASA5505 is viewed. For many of the more seasoned users of the Cisco security appliance, port forwarding is very easy and need not be searching for answers.

Since the RDP protocol and the services running on windows XP and Vista client machines are derivatives of Microsoft's Terminal Server, the proceedure for setting up a port forward configuration for Microsoft terminal server is the same. The Cisco ASA5505 is not concerned what you are connecting to behind it, it's just concerned that its own configuration allows the right data and connection to go through.

Below is a GUI shot of a working RDP (Terminal Server) port forward configuration running on a Cisco ASA 5500 series firewall. The TCP port number 3398 is forwarded from the outside interface that's part of VLAN2 to the inside interface that's part of the VLAN1.

!
interface Vlan1 nameif
inside security-level 100
ip address 192.168.1.1 255.255.255.0
!
interface Vlan2 nameif
outside security-level 0
ip address dhcp setroute

Using the example below, just swap out the ip addresses shown in the static NAT translation for port forwarding RDP (terminal Server) with your own and you have a connection from the Internet to the LAN.

If you prefer command line, it's three lines of code at the command line that will do a simple port forwarding for RDP on the Cisco ASA.

Here they are:

access-list outside_access_in extended permit tcp any interface outside eq 3389
static (inside,outside) tcp interface 3389 192.168.1.10 3389 netmask 255.255.255.255
access-group outside_access_in in interface outside

Obviously, if you are looking to use the lines of code shown in the example above, change the 192.168.1.10 ip address shown above to be the address of the computer or server your forwarding RDP (terminal server) port to connect to. You can essentially use this example for terminal server RDP or for any other forwarding requirement you may have like ftp, http,smtp, etc.

Link to this post:

http://remotesupportsoftware.blogspot.com/2008/10/configure-rdp-port-forwarding-on-cisco.html

Link to this blog:

http://remotesupportsoftware.blogspot.com

Service Pack 3 Doesn't Install IE7

2008-05-15T09:24:00.003-04:00

The fact that SP3 for XP doesn't install IE7 was a very good decision made by Microsoft. There are still too many applications that rely on IE7 and would break if installed with an update.

XPSP3 is just over 300 MB. This is a nice sized download and contains all previous hotfixes after SP2.

List of fixes:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/946480/

Catastrophic Failure Message Display During Installation

2008-05-13T16:31:00.007-04:00

Catastrophic failure for feature mini driver when installing, re-installing or removing the Fujitsu Windows scanning software.

If you get this message, while trying to install or remove the software from a desktop then open registry editor and do a search for the string windows scanning. Rename or remove the keys for these entries and especially the ones that have to do with the list of installed applications. The goal is to make Windows XP believe that this software is not already installed. Once this is complete then try installing the software again.

I had experienced this message while working with a fujitsu 5120 scanner. In windows, the scanner comes up as a fi-5120Cdj scanner and is popular with many medical manager applications.

HP Online Diagnostic - Memory

2008-05-13T16:00:00.001-04:00

Information Technology Support - Adventure (Rated PG): Computer Desktop and Server Management

2008-05-06T18:18:00.001-04:00

Information Technology Support - Adventure (Rated PG): Computer Desktop and Server Management

Are you considering offering your customers a NOC type service for their desktops and servers. Want to monitor your customer's networ kand data infrustructure to provide more support and generate more revenue by knowing about problems before your customers do. Managed service can be provided by a software package known as Kaseya.

Supporting Technology with Technology.

2008-02-16T10:33:00.000-05:00

Supporting Technology with Technology

Microsoft LiveMeeting has a new version and some great new features to go with it.

Sign-up for a demo:

LiveMeeting Demo

Read White Paper:

Conferencing and Collaboration White Paper

Computer Support - Adventure (Rated PG): Computer Remote Support Software

2008-02-11T14:10:00.000-05:00

Computer Support - Adventure (Rated PG): Computer Remote Support Software

2008-02-11T14:09:00.008-05:00

Microsoft LiveMeeting

Prior Post:

Computer Support - Adventure (Rated PG): Computer Remote Support Software

LiveMeeting Demo:

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/livemeeting/HA102035491033.aspx

LiveMeeting Trial Download (registration form) :
https://trials.messaging.microsoft.com/site/

LiveMeeting is more than a conferencing and collaboration application. Hidden inside is online software application is computer remote support software for computer remote support.

Desktop remote support can be accomplished with Microsoft's LiveMeeting. The attendees are in a session with the presenter can optionally allow access to their applications (1 or more) for viewing or for remote control. This is useful feature and built-in tool of LiveMeeting as for demoing feature of a program of for online training and guidance. Tech support can use this feature too as they can access the desktops of the remote computers to show users how to perform specific task within an application, correct configuration errors or even install/upgrade new software.

The benefits are far reaching and the benefits out-way any of the negatives which there was only one that I saw. Microsoft LiveMeeting needs to install using the windows installer which in itself is not that bad. Where is can be come complicated, especially in regards to presentations. is that if a remote computer has a problem with the windows installer service on their computer desktop then Livemeeting will not start. This problem is present for many online apps. One of the ways to circumvent it or to overcome the possibility of this occurring is to have another method for the software, in this case computer remote support software that is imperative that it downloads and connects, is to download and install. Many applications use activex to add features to the browser or to give online access to more features for the desktop to utilize for the duration for the duration of the time the connection persists.

Remote Support Software

For fast access to clients' remote desktops, computers and servers there no better choice than remote support software. Remote support software helps technical supprot departments, support greoups and conpanies get to the problems faster by useing the web rather than traditional means for access computers for support.

Remote support on the web

Remote support on the web for remote computer access and desktop remote control support.

Hewlett Packard StorageWorks U320e (AH627A) Storage Controller and a Dell 2950 PowerEdge Server.

2008-01-09T18:07:00.000-05:00

Hewlett Packard StorageWorks U320e (AH627A) Storage Controller and a Dell 2950 PowerEdge Server.

The Hewlett Packard StorageWorks U320e (AH627A) Storage Controller is not compatible with the Dell 2950 PowerEdge Server.

In a previous port I review software how software tools that give techs the ability to remotely access and remote control computers both on the LAN and the Internet, benefit both the organization the tech works for and the customer, client or user who is receiving the desktop support.
http://remotesupportsoftware.blogspot.com/2006/12/remote-support-softwarethere-are-many.html

This was an onsite customer support call:

In this post I want to tell the world (tech world) about a little problem with a Hewlett Packard StorageWorks U320e (AH627A) Storage Controller intended to be used with a tape autoloader In a Dell 2950. I hope everyone bookmarks this page and lets the world know about the compatibility problems of this card with the Dell 2950 Server.

The card simply does not work in the PowerEdge. It will work in a PowerEdge 2900 but not in the 2950 model (who knows why). HP finally confirmed the problem and they will be shipping me a new storage controller that will work with the 2950. The symptoms are the fans just operate at high speeds and do not reduce their speed and their is no video. There's no much you can do at this point. I updated the BIOS and every other thing that had an update for it from Dell's website for this service tag. It just would not work.

Now HP OEMs these cards and places their name on them. The manufacturer was unable to confirm that the Hewlett Packard StorageWorks U320e (AH627A) Storage Controller card would not work and Dell's support simply said the card is compatible and there's nothing wrong with the server. After speaking with HP support for several hours, it was determined that the Hewlett Packard StorageWorks U320e (AH627A) Storage Controller is not compatible with the Dell 2950 PowerEdge.

Link to this post:

http://remotesupportsoftware.blogspot.com/2008/01/hewlett-packard-storageworks-u320e.html

2007-06-17T09:08:00.000-04:00

Symantec Norton Security group has been in my experience the worst in providing even just basic informational support. I had a question that was fairly easy for a customer and it's been a week and I've not received a response from them. Not even an automated response was sent back as a notification that the email was received - nothing. One week now and they've not replied. That is pathetic.

A previous post http://remotesupportsoftware.blogspot.com/2005/12/november-19th-2005-at-454-am-this-new.html highlighed reports how their software at the time had difficulty removing the W32/Sdbot-ADD worm.

Symantec products, in my opinion, aren't that good either, too pricey, often add to a problem, and in most cases I find them slow. For example, the Norton Antivirus software is a computer CPU and memory hog! While working on a system to resolve another issue, I'll turn off that program just to allow the computer to work faster so I could complete the original problem.

In the case of Norton security, it IS THE PROBLEM. What a piece of junk that program is. It's worse than Microsoft Vista's UAC (User Access Control). I had to work out a bunch of issues for a customer that was unable to send email because Norton security was blocking Outlook, yes Outlook, from sending email . Norton Security is a horrible joke to play on people.

Tags: symantec security,software, symantec,security

2007-04-05T15:36:00.003-04:00

I wanted to add this little piece of knowledge to the online community and hope it's found useful for someone. While working with some Sonicwall firewalls, I needed to create a VPN tunnel between two units. It was a basic and simple VPN that was mostly comprised of default settings.
The VPN tunnel wasn't coming up for me and in the log there was the message:

Received notify: INVALID_ID_INFO

This was an interesting message and it really had nothing to do with the identification of the tunnel or addresses or, SA name or description, or even with the remote firewall's names or descriptions. It was caused by having both of the Sonicwalls in Aggressive mode for Phase 1 of the tunnel establishment. Switching both to Main mode solved the problem. The setting can be found in the VPN policy Proposals Tab.

Once this change was done, the VPN came right up and the two sites were communicating with each other. This is a setting that can catch some one off-guard and the message that inserted into the log can be deceiving. It can make one think the the name of something is incorrect. Sonicwall's support can have you running in circles too.

As a reminder:

Remote Support On The Web

For PC remote support software try a fast growing and affordable remote support solution. Support somputers over the web almost instantly and do it without creeating a crunch in your budget. Deliver remote tech support software to your users from the office and then from home or another office. If your Internet access provider changes, that's ok, this system is dynamic and can adapt to the changes so your not stuck and unable to continue supporting your users remotely. Some support systems provide you with a static program then if your ISP changes or you want to support your clients, customers or company end-users from another location you have to buy another program. This isn't the way it should be. This system is created in such a manner that you can change ISPs or locations and the programs provided to you for remote support on the web still work. Instantlay they are aware of the changes and the very next time your users connect for remote support from you the software already are using the new settings.

2006-12-22T09:20:00.003-05:00

Remote Support Software

There are many products on the market today that give computer technicians a tool for providing Internet based remote support software. The tools are generally of two flavors. One is the well known brand names of remote support that have a very technologically advanced and robust system for desktop remote support and communication like webex or gotoassist. These are the extremes on one end of the scale. They are well known brands and do a very nice job of giving techs the tool to remotely assist users on the web.

On the other end of the sclae is the least most technologicaly advanced systems that are merely a program sold to you that have network configuration information compiled into them so that when they are downloaded and executed, they are programmed to connect to your "burned in" address. These are cheap and found from a variety of software vendors. There are even site s that let you build you own program that will do exactly as described.

This type of program for remote control access of computers over the web to provide web-based remote support works well. Their inherent problem is that when your location from which you are providing remote support from changes, the program is obsolete. Not only can they not adjust if the location your providing internet based remote support software from changes, but they will also fail if you change Internet providers. So let's say for example, you switch from cable to dsl or a dedicated circuit like a T1 or fractional T1, the PC remote support software program that has you network information burned into it for your to provide remote tech support to your users or customer s to has just been rendered useless because it's programmed to connect to your old network address.

A better aproach is to use a system that maybe is in the middle of these two extremes sicne at these two extremes come a price difference as well.

2006-07-26T12:01:00.000-04:00

Tone Software Corporation Tonesoft

ToneSoft's ReliaTel application sounds like an incredible product for monitoring and managing telecommunication devices. The devices could be from multiple vendors too. This is an app that I would love to see in action. Enabling Technologies Corporation has selected TONE’s ReliaTel Remote Management solution to expand the Enabling Managed Services Monitoring business.

Powerful Telecommunications Management Tool Monitors and Controls Multi-Vendor Devices From one Location

"A single convenient application, ReliaTel gives authorized staff complete control of multi-vendor voice systems. The system enables authorized staff to control local and remote devices, enabling global monitoring from one location with a common interface. With no need to buy multiple management packages or depend on outside monitoring centers, maintenance and staff training costs drop dramatically."

Read the rest of the news article on Tone Software's site

2006-07-26T11:42:00.000-04:00

This is something new to add to the list of experiences.

I'm kind of baby sitting a computer network for a brokerage firm. They have their main offices in Manhattan but a bunch of the brokers have houses out east on Long Island - the Hamptons. This company has purchased a house and referbished the inside to make it look nice, new and comfortable. They equippedthe office with some state of the art computers, each with dual screens, and a high speed connection to the internet and their main office for trading. The computers ahve some financial broker type software on them from which the traders/brokers work from.
I'm spending the day out here waiting for something to fail I guess if they paid their IT staff more money, one of them would have a house out here too and be able to do this instead. I guess they don't and of course it's cheaper for them to hire my company to do it for them for the duration of the summer.
They've go a pretty good setup and it works out great for the employees. They finnish up work and with no commute home, they're in the pool by 4:30 in the afternoon. wow.

The dell desktops they have are quick and this is the fastest internet access I've experienced. The dual screens are pertty cool too but I'm not used to having them so it takes a little adjusting to look at both of them. I catch myself looking for a window I openned often on the same screen just to realize the window is o nthe other. Oh well...

2006-05-26T23:21:00.000-04:00

Source:ITWorld
May 26, 2006

Enterprise software developer Hummingbird Ltd. said on Friday that it agreed to be purchased by holding company Symphony Technology Group in a deal valued at US$465 million.

The company reported a $4.9 million profit in its second quarter, driven by winning new customers and expanding deals with existing customers. Hummingbird competes with other ECM developers including Interwoven Inc., IBM Corp., EMC Corp. and FileNet Corp.
Provided the transaction is approved by shareholders and regulators, the acquisition is expected to close in July.
Symphony Technology Group owns several companies including Information Resources Inc. and Gers Inc.

2006-05-12T19:37:00.000-04:00

Blog

Gates looking trying to get cheap computers to the masses leaving no one out of the technology era.

Sun Microsystems with initiative to have Java preloaded on millions of new pc systems - even second and third tier manufacturers.

2006-04-23T15:27:00.000-04:00

Source:ECM Connection

Digital Insight Expands Strategic Partnership With BankServ To Bring Remote Deposit Image Capture To Business Banking Clients
4/17/2006

Digital Insight Corp. (www.digitalinsight.com), the leading online banking provider, announced today it has entered into an agreement with BankServ (www.bankserv.com), a major supplier of bank branded Check 21 and Accounts Receivable Conversion ("ARC") services for the banking industry, to offer Remote Deposit Image Capture to Digital Insight Business Banking clients. Today's agreement expands upon an existing strategic partnership between the two companies established in 2003. The agreement demonstrates Digital Insight's continued success in establishing and enhancing strategic partnerships with leading technology companies to provide products and services that help its clients achieve business growth through the online channel and compete for share of the business market.

2006-04-20T13:36:00.000-04:00

How Some Companies Do Support.

Microsoft delays release of Vista...

2006-04-09T18:17:00.000-04:00

Instant Virtual Extranet v2

Plug-in Network Appliances Enable Secure Remote Access By Browser.

The Instant Virtual Extranet (IVE) appliances, the flagship product line from Neoteris, Inc., are plug-in devices for network administrators that enable secure remote access to corporate network resources for employees or business partners. The appliances themselves are installed onsite, on the organization's LAN, and serve as somewhat of an access proxy; enabling remote users to access corporate servers and applications using only their Web browser as an interface. The remote users connect to the devices using their public Internet connection and existing Web browsers (no additional client software is required); and the device then communicates with the host servers or applications via its built-in support for multiple communication protocols.

more...

2006-04-08T14:28:00.002-04:00

Windows Vista Release Delayed

It's so common that Microsoft delays their releases. I could remember going as far back as the first windows 95 realease date. It was postponed several times. At this point, whatever I hear or read as the release date, I tack on 6 months to a year. it may just be a well used and repeated marketing mechanism. For each delay there's an announcment and the buzz kicks about around all circles not just tech support rings. these delays resonate up the ranks to individuals who are making business and budget decisions (that's not to say tech-heads don't do those sort of things). Businesses make decisions on the deployment of computers depending on release dates of windows OSes. I am certainly sure of this as one of my company's custoemrs is waiting for the release of Vista before making a substantial purchase of new desktops.

Online pc remote support software

Remote Support Software

If I'm not mistaken, I believe the next Microsoft Server OS is called longhorn. One of the key changes in the networking subsystem is the totall integration or "built-in-ness" of IPV6 for both vista nad longhorn (server and desktop). Vista is, as I last heard and looked it up, due to be released in January of '07. As far as the next server release, those release delays are even more previlanet with the Server OSes so untill the due day is just a month or two a way, actually a week or two, it's hard to belive it will be released when expected.

2006-04-08T14:28:00.000-04:00

Microsoft delays Vista Release
It's so common that misrcrosoft delays their releases. I could remember going as far back as the first windows 95 realease date. It was postponed several times. At this point, whatever I hear or read as the release date, I tack on 6 months to a year. it may just be a well used and repeated marketing mechanism. For each delay there's an announcment and the buzz kicks about around all circles not just tech support rings. these delays resonate up the ranks to individuals who are making business and budget decisions (that's not to say tech-heads don't do those sort of things). Businesses make decisions on the deployment of computers depending on release dates of windows OSes. I am certainly sure of this as one of my company's custoemrs is waiting for the release of Vista before making a substantial purchase of new desktops.

If I'm not mistaken, I believe the next Microsoft Server OS is called longhorn. One of the key changes in the networking subsystem is the totall integration or "built-in-ness" of IPV6 for both vista nad longhorn (server and desktop). Vista is, as I last heard and looked it up, due to be released in January of '07. As far as the next server release, those release delays are even more previlanet with the Server OSes so untill the due day is just a month or two a way, actually a week or two, it's hard to belive it will be released when expected.Thank you, Remote Support

2006-03-20T23:51:00.000-05:00

Remote Support Software - How it Works. Desktop remote control software for remote PC support over the Internet.

We've made it simple, easy and fast to provide on-demand remote desktop control of computer systems online over the web for remote support. With on demand PC remote control you could remotely support end-users, weather they're customers, fellow employees or friends and family quickly saving time & money.

Get remote control of virtually any PC quickly over the LAN, WAN, and the Internet without having to worry about getting through firewalls or routers. Your end user connects to you through the web. Best of all, there's no elaborate installation programs, hardware to buy, or web site URLs to maintain.

Learn more...

2006-03-20T22:48:00.000-05:00

I have always like Lotus Notes. Although I have not used it personally in several years, I have associates that use it daily in their workplace. It's really one of the most reliable large software packages around. It known for its stability and reliability. It's unfortunate that there isn't a good markeing strategy behind it however. Lotus now has a colaboration component to it. True to Lotus notes history, it's feature rich and reliable as the Notes and the Domino server itself.

SGA Systems is an developer Integrator specializing in Lotus Notes Domino Collaboration software. They could be found at - www.sga.com

Below is a snippet from one of their pdfs. A link to the pdf and the rest of the article could be found on the following page on SGA's web site - Read more...

" Imagine using one database to create, manage, and share all project information, tasks and activities. Imagine securely using that information on your laptop to work anytime and anyplace, regardless of whether you are connected to a server. Imagine if your team and management could collaborate with you inside the same database. SGA’s Project Collabartion provides all of these features and functions and much more. With our single-entry technology, you can handle multiple tasks at once. For example, when you schedule a meeting a calendar entry is automatically created on the integrated shared calendar and written to your personal calendar. If you have a PDA the information will be written to calendar next time you sync (or automatically with devices such as a Blackberry). You and your team build up the project activity history together. All project information is at your fingertips, including all activities in reverse-chronological order. Store all relevant files (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) within the database for complete document management. Since the database is Lotus Notes based, you’ll have automatic replication to other servers and the ability to replicate... "

2006-02-18T23:07:00.000-05:00

How Some Companies Do Support.

2006-02-18T22:43:00.002-05:00

www.sosonline.co.uk created the SOSTEK system and provides remote support and uses a pay per incident system. The customer pays first then get supported remotely after payment is received.

Below is an excerpt right from their web page:

SOSTEK Remote Support

What it's all about

SOSTEK remote support system provide a easy to use solution that allows you to get your computer fixed without having to leave your home. Our fully qualified technicians can remotely connect to your pc with minimal fuss or effort. It only takes a few easy step to get started!

The range of items we can fix using SOSTEK:

- Virus and spyware removal
- Fix email errors
- Full application set-up and configuration software problems*
- Application diagnosis and repair*
- Troubleshoot driver issues
- Operating system diagnosis and repair*
- General hardware diagnosis+

SOSTEK remote support system does not install any permanent software on your computer but rather just a "plug in" that is completely uninstalled and removed from your computer after the on demand remote support session is completed or ended. You can also disconnect at any time during the remote support session.

This software is very safe and secure as it connects using 128bit encryption so data can't be seen by other sources.

Read More...

2006-02-06T18:35:00.000-05:00

VPNet Introduces Powerful New Remote Client

VPNremote 3.0 offers service providers and enterprises a unique remote access solution that provides IPSec security and digital certificate authentication without compromising ease-of-use

Release: 27-Mar-2000

"VPNet Technologies, Inc., a leader in Virtual Private Network (VPN) solutions for service providers and enterprises, today introduced VPNremote(TM) Client 3.0, the latest version of its Windows® compatible remote computer access software for VPNs. As a key component of the VPNware(TM) family of integrated VPN solutions, VPNremote Client 3.0 offers a unique array of features that greatly reduce the complexity faced by remote users, and dramatically eases the burden faced by security administrators when distributing, configuring, and managing a remote access VPN solution for remote pc control. [For more information on the complete VPNware 3.0 software release, see the accompanying press release, "VPNet Technologies Introduces Innovative Centralized Policy-based Management System for Large-Scale VPNs" also dated March 27, 2000.]

"The need to provide secure remote pc access over public networks has produced a succession of network access and security technologies that have typically proved to be overly costly to deploy, scale, and manage, as well as being overly complex for the typical end user," said R. Michael Allen, chairman and CEO of VPNet. "The resulting strain on already taxed information technology and end user technical support staffs has had the net effect of slowing down the rate of adoption and deployment of the advanced secure remote access solutions that have come of age."

Key features of this new client software release include support for the ISAKMP/OAKLEY (IKE) key management protocol for IPSec; feature rich and easy-to-use GUI-based Certificate Manager, User Profile, and Connection Management utilities; a dynamic client configuration process that simplifies VPN policy distribution; standards-based support for all major PKI vendors and smartcards; and enhanced event and error logging for easy troubleshooting. Together, these features provide a client software environment that overcomes the difficulties commonly encountered in deploying and supporting IPSec VPN remote access clients.

"The principle challenges faced by organizations when deploying a remote desktop access VPN is first, the ease with which a security administrator can deploy and manage the client software, and second, the ease with which the average end user can install, configure, and use the client software solution," Allen continued. "This overarching perspective was used to guide the development of our first release of the IKE VPNremote Client."

Remote Support Software

PC Remote Control

Easy Administration of Thousands of Users
Client software pre-configuration and distribution has been dramatically enhanced in this latest version of VPNremote. Using a unique two-phase configuration management process, VPNremote 3.0 addresses one of the most challenging areas of deploying an IPSec VPN remote access solution — the process of setting up and managing the VPN configuration and security policy information on the end user's PC. At time of install, an initialization file is used to construct a user profile containing all parameters required for the user to contact a VPNet VSU(TM) gateway, get authenticated, and have VPN policy information dynamically set up and installed. The security administrator pre-configures these parameters as a part of the VPN setup and software distribution processes — with no end-user intervention required.

Once users have been authenticated at the VSU gateway, their VPN policy information is automatically downloaded and installed on the PC. User configuration information is maintained and updated using VPNmanager(TM), VPNet's VPN management software, and is stored on the system LDAP directory server. Remote user policy information is dynamically updated each time they log on to their VPN using VPNremote's flexible, high-performance Dyna-Policy configuration protocol. The hands-off configuration process is repeated at every logon with no unwanted delays or performance degradation. This dramatically enhances the end-user out-of-box experience, and places VPN policy management responsibility where it belongs — with the security administrator. It also enables a powerful distribution model that makes feasible large-scale remote access VPN deployments and makes VPNremote 3.0 the most easily distributed IPSec VPN client in the industry.

"In deploying VPN client software, our experience has clearly shown that ease-of-use is the paramount issue," said Kamy Kavianian, director of VPN marketing for Concentric Network. "While there are alternatives when considering an IPSec VPN client, VPNet's VPNremote 3.0 offers the advanced features required to provide the robust security demanded by our managed services customers without sacrificing usability and burdening end users and support staff with unnecessary and unwelcome complexity."

Enhanced End-User Experience
VPNremote 3.0 has dramatically enhanced the end-user experience across the board — from installation, to configuration, to actual usage. Installation has been simplified by integrating all files needed for WIN 95/98/NT/ 2000 platforms within a single, small self-extracting executable. This install package contains the initialization file that has been pre-configured by the security administrator. VPNremote 3.0 users enjoy a simple "single-click" installation without being required to interpret or understand the broad range of configuration parameters. Once the software has been installed, the user is responsible only to enter a username, e-mail address, and password using the intuitive and easy-to-use Connection Manager to get authenticated and begin using VPNremote.

VPNremote 3.0 provides an advanced Certificate Manager that enables end users to easily and intuitively request, import, and use digital certificates. Features such as standard protocol support for on-line certificate enrollment, and standards-based support for smartcards to store and protect RSA keys and digital certificates make VPNremote a powerful but easy-to-use certificate management tool. VPNremote 3.0 supports leading certificate authorities including VeriSign, RSA Security, Entrust, and Baltimore, among others. User's keys and certificates are also exportable as a part of a user's profile to enable them to access their VPNs without having to carry a laptop. A user can store their profile on either a smartcard or disk and access their VPN from any PC or kiosk hosting the VPNremote 3.0 software.

To ease the burden of end-user technical support faced by both service providers and enterprises, VPNremote 3.0 has been designed to be simple to install, configure, and use. VPNremote also provides a number of levels of on-board help and technical support designed to minimize the frequency — and maximize the effectiveness — of technical support calls. The first level is a comprehensive on-demand and online help utility that presents detailed user help and technical descriptions for product features and functions performed. Additionally, detailed error messaging and an on-board event logging and viewing utility have been provided to define in simple terms the cause of problems that may be interfering with or preventing client operation, and to assist with problems requiring help desk support. This allows network administrators to track down problems easily and resolve them quickly.

Comprehensive and Interoperable IPSec Implementation
VPNremote 3.0 offers standards based support for IPSec VPN security. This provides a remote access solution that is robust and secure, and one that offers an enhanced level of interoperability with IPSec-based network security solutions from other VPN and security applications vendors. The VPNet implementation of the IKE key management protocol allows the use of either pre-shared secrets or X.509 digital certificates for authentication and key management. VPNremote 3.0 has been designed to be fully compliant with ICSA 1.1 IPSec certification criteria, including the extended Cryptography, Certificate Authority Interaction, and Enhanced Functionality requirements.

VPNremote Client 3.0 is available in 3DES and DES versions and is compatible with Windows 95/98, Windows NT 4.0, and Windows 2000.

About VPNet Technologies
VPNet Technologies, Inc. (www.vpn.com) is the first company formed with a singular focus on VPNs and is the leading provider of VPN solutions to service providers and enterprises. Founded in October 1995 and based in Milpitas, Calif., the company develops and markets cost-effective products and services for implementing high-performance virtual private networks. VPNet's scalable VPNware System delivers the highest levels of security, performance, and manageability across a wide range of VPN applications. VPNet's innovative VPNsure Services enable service providers and enterprises to outsource the design, implementation, and management of their VPNs."

I believe this would be very usefull for support companies, groups, or individuals looking to deliver or provide online pc remote support software or remote support software in general for remote pc control and computer access on the web.

You could rest of the page and find more links about VPNRemote at the link below.
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2006-01-23T20:17:00.001-05:00

Dell is innovative and always looking to stay ahead...

Windows 2000 Datacenter Software Support Service

Windows 2000 Datacenter Software Support Service provides enhanced support with full 7x24 coverage and a response time of one hour for critical issues and two hours for non-critical issues.

Software products (factory-installed or customer-installed) designated as "covered software" are those products that have been certified as part of the "qualified configuration" for the Windows 2000 Datacenter environment.

Dell will help you to resolve your problems by providing electronic and telephone assistance to your designated representatives. For each PowerEdge server with Windows 2000 Datacenter factory-installed, you may purchase Windows 2000 Datacenter Software Support only as an annual contract with unlimited resolutions.

Combines Dell's comprehensive phone support services with our reliable servers to help minimize system downtime.
Features the Dell Technical Support team with outstanding service performance metrics. Leverages Dell's strengths in remote and online support services to quickly resolve your problems. Acts as the single point of contact for your complete support requirements.

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2006-01-23T20:17:00.000-05:00

2006-01-12T23:05:00.000-05:00

Intel Announces On-Demand PC Inventory Service And Remote Support Software

SANTA CLARA, Calif., March 18, 2002 - Designed to increase performance and reduce security concerns for IT and help desk managers, two new PC management products from Intel Corporation provide a simple, low-cost deployment solution for asset management and remote support of client systems. Intel® Instant Support Suite enables on-demand remote control of PCs to provide increased efficiency for the help desk. Intel LANDesk Asset Service provides comprehensive inventory and asset auditing through a hosted service.

"Customers want to simplify IT and help desk processes and need tools that are affordable and easy to install and use," said Robert Naeglee, director of marketing development for Intel's software products and services division. "Intel is using the power of hosted services with LANDesk Asset Service and on-demand remote agents with Instant Support Suite to give customers increased management and support capabilities, while reducing deployment time so customers can purchase and begin using these tools within minutes."

Immediate Remote Support
Intel Instant Support Suite provides remote problem resolution for PCs without the need to physically visit the client. In seconds, a help desk agent can utilize tools and features such as computer remote control, file transfer, reboot, chat and delivery of real-time system information to improve overall efficiency. To maintain system security, at the end of the session, the client software is automatically removed. Additionally, Intel Instant Support Suite clients are less than 300 kilobytes in size, enabling rapid, on-demand downloads by PC users, even those with dial-up network connections.

On-Demand PC Inventory
Intel LANDesk Asset Service allows IT managers to cost-effectively inventory the hardware, software and configuration of desktop PCs, laptops and servers in a company's network on demand. After ordering the service from Intel, IT managers can run unlimited inventories of their networks for 30 days and receive data as an XML file. Data is transmitted through Secure Socket Layer technology and no footprint is left on the client systems at the completion of the auditing process, thus maintaining system security. Audit data is viewable in a variety of report formats, providing easy-to-use network asset documentation. LANDesk Asset Service allows IT managers to track and analyze what software is installed on each network node, simplifying the audit and documentation of licensing compliance, without having to reconfigure the existing IT infrastructure for remote computer control.

Pricing and Availability

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2005-12-26T09:53:00.000-05:00

Support Services Example

http://www.alternateit.com/

The Customer has a dozen or so users using laptops and PCs. They have two servers, email is via an ISP, and their website is hosted by the same. They use a router and firewall for protection and backup both servers to tape. Working from home and remote access is permitted for some users.

A customer visit and subsequent discussion yields a commitment to support the network and provide technical support as and when the need arises. A retainer type contract is setup to provide telephone, remote maintenace and configuration, and remote user support. Any on-site work for improvements, upgrades, installations or configurations involving new software or equipment would be outside the retainer crtieria and incur a cost.

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2005-12-26T09:29:00.002-05:00

PC Remote Maintenance: Tele-Fix Corporation's New PC Remote Maintenance (PCRM) Product that Enable Next-Generation Remote Service (by Phone or Net) and User Support

ST. LOUIS, MO -- June 7, 2002 -- In a move designed to lead the Remote Service and Support of computer users, Tele-Fix Corporation announced a new hardware and software for taking control of remote computers today. This is completed by using the PCRM Internal PC Card or External device for Remote Installation and Maintenance of BIOS, Operating-Systems and User Applications.

Whether you support Servers or PCs, for customers, or for friends, this PCRM will lead the support in remote control solutions with new features for greater security, easier use, and increased customizability.

Remote Support On The Web

Full remote support capabilities

Bios level support, Communications definitions and failures support, Hard disc formatting, Windows, Linux or any other Operating System installation, support and maintenance, Web access definitions and more.

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2005-12-24T15:57:00.000-05:00

Newest Release of Siebel CRM Professional Edition Builds on Siebel's Momentum in SMB Market; Siebel CRM Professional Edition 7.8 Available Now

SAN MATEO, Calif.-October 3, 2005 - Siebel Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: SEBL), a leading provider of customer-facing solutions, today announced the availability of Siebel CRM Professional Edition 7.8. The newest release of Siebel's on premise offerings for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) delivers customer relationship management (CRM) capabilities specifically designed to support the unique business requirements of SMBs. This new release helps improve end user adoption through seamless integration with familiar desktop and Web applications. Siebel CRM Professional Edition 7.8 also provides cost-effective access to advanced call center functionality through integration with Siebel's hosted contact center and delivers built-in best practices to increase sales, service, and marketing effectiveness.

"The release of Siebel CRM Professional Edition 7.8 underscores Siebel's continued leadership in providing CRM solutions for small and medium-sized businesses," said Mark Engebretson, Director of IT Applications at Plumtree Software. "It expands the frontiers of what is possible for an SMB-specific CRM solution to deliver and does so in a manner that is affordable and appropriate for our IT capabilities. We are particularly excited about the new Siebel integration to Microsoft Outlook as it will allow us to increase the speed with which our employees can access important customer data and improve the quality of their decisions and interactions with customers."

Siebel CRM Professional Edition 7.8 is the latest release of Siebel Systems' leading on premise CRM solution for SMBs. New features include:

Siebel Connectors to Microsoft Exchange and Outlook-Siebel users are able to directly access and manage Siebel contacts, appointments, and tasks from Microsoft Outlook. Additionally, changes that are made to shared customer data in one application will be automatically synchronized with the other application. This high degree of integration increases the end user benefits of both Siebel and Outlook and ensures that employees have consistent information regardless of the system they use.

Integration with Microsoft SharePoint-Siebel users can use Microsoft's portal technology to develop personalized microsites that include key sales and service information from Siebel. These sites can be used to improve employee productivity through more effective project management and team collaboration.

Integration with Siebel Contact OnDemand-Siebel CRM Professional Edition 7.8 integrates with Siebel Contact OnDemand, a hosted contact center that provides telephone infrastructure and automated call routing. Now SMBs can access industry-leading contact center functionality without deploying additional hardware or software.

Leading Help Desk Capabilities-Siebel CRM Professional Edition delivers a full solution for managing and administering internal IT support that adheres to IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) standards.

"Siebel CRM Professional Edition 7.8 is designed for rapid end user adoption and can be deployed by SMBs that face budgetary and resource constraints," said Rob Reid, Group Vice President, SMB, Siebel Systems. "However, we've also been able to provide the deeper functionality that midsized businesses need to address more sophisticated sales, service, and marketing challenges. With Siebel CRM Professional Edition 7.8 we're combining the best that Siebel has to offer with other leading productivity tools such as Microsoft Outlook, Exchange, and SharePoint."

Siebel CRM Professional Edition continues to gain momentum in the marketplace-growing by 178 percent annually and gaining industry awards and recognition. Most recently, Siebel Systems was awarded a Midsize Enterprise Innovation Award by attendees at this year's Midsize Enterprise Summit, an event produced by Vision EventsÂ®, a Gartner, Inc. (NYSE: IT and ITB) company. Siebel Systems also recently won CRM Magazine's 2005 Market Leaders Award for the Midmarket Suite CRM category.

Siebel CRM Professional Edition 7.8 is available now. For additional information, please visit www.siebel.com

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VMWare - Virtualization Support

2005-12-24T15:27:00.002-05:00

vmware.com

Virtualization Support

The VMware Support team provides a range of support offerings backed by industry-leading expertise in virtualization and virtual infrastructure. Our cumulative years of experience installing, integrating and supporting virtualization technologies in production environments results in timely and accurate support.

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Desktop Support via Remote Support

Netopia NBBS Remote Management Software

2005-12-24T08:18:00.005-05:00

Pfizer Selects Netopia NBBS Remote Management Software to Support Broadband-Enabled Workforce
Netopia, Inc. (OTCBB:NTPA), a market leader in broadband equipment and service delivery software, today announced that Pfizer, Inc. (NYSE:PFE), has selected Netopia's Broadband Server (NBBS) platform to centrally manage, support, and administer Pfizer's broadband equipment deployed to over 10,000 remote sales representatives in Pfizer's North America field organization.
Pfizer's use of Netopia's TR-069 NBBS management system will enable Pfizer IT staff and help desk agents to remotely manage Pfizer's deployment of cable/DSL Wi-Fi gateways delivering secure broadband access to Pfizer's network and the Internet. With Netopia's NBBS platform, Pfizer will set up and configure its customer premises equipment (CPE), remotely update firmware, and apply security policies for firewalls and VPN access, all through a custom Web-based portal. Netopia is hosting the NBBS software for Pfizer's use at Netopia's hosting centers, allowing Pfizer personnel to securely access NBBS services on a subscription basis.
"We selected Netopia's NBBS remote management platform because it gives us the tools we need to reduce support calls and truck rolls to our remote sales representatives," said Jay Stallard, Senior Manager at Pfizer. "In addition to support cost savings, Netopia's software platform provides us a centralized management system for application of corporate security polices to ensure the integrity of Pfizer's network assets."

Desktop Support via Remote Support

2005-12-22T06:57:00.001-05:00

Found the following site below while searching the web. I don't even remember what I was originally looking for but came across this site and company. They have their act together and sound like they would be an asset for any organization looking to outsource projects.

PSTS' expert team focuses on resolving issues, scheduling requests and allowing you to concentrate on your business.

Utilizing Frontrange Solutions' Heat® (IT service management software) to track your support calls from first contact through resolution, we provide a mix of pc remote control for remote support and on-site services.
Support solutions are tailored to meet the specific challenges of your organization. The solution can be a mix of your staff and PSTS personnel.

PSTS Approach

- First-Level Support - Skilled technicians available to resolve a wide variety of issues and fulfill various requests.
- Specialists in troubleshooting a wide range of issues.
- Skilled phone and remote support technicians.
- Priority and call type assignment.
- Dispatch of PSTS field technicians.
- Call escalation to second level support.
- Second-Level Support- Skilled technicians capable of getting to the root cause of issues.
- Specialists in Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Active Directory, Cisco, Dell, and other leading networking products.
- Resolution action plan development and implementation.
- Skilled support technicians.
- Field Support Technicians - PSTS' hands-on network support team.
- Specialists in installations, troubleshooting, and on-site client interaction.
- Dispatched by PSTS first level or by your staff.
PSTS Deliverables
- Professional, timely, expert problem resolution managed by our experienced management team.
- Scheduled moves, adds and changes.
- Automated email reporting of ticket creation, re-assignments and resolution descriptions.
- Scheduled call trend reporting to allow you to make appropriate decisions regarding your IT environment.

About PSTS

PSTS is a premier Information Technology consulting firm located in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. PSTS is a proud member of the Penn Millers Group, a financially stable and growth-oriented group of companies whose founding member dates back to 1887.
It is PSTS' philosophy to help you make comprehensive, informed and cost-effective IT decisions. PSTS differentiates itself from other IT consulting firms by not only designing and implementing the right solution, but also ensuring that your organization is prepared to maintain those remote computer support solutions. We'll be there at your side providing the service that has built PSTS' rock-solid reputation with our customers. Whether your organization is looking for a partner to handle a project from start to finish or to merely assist your internal IT department in a particular analysis or deployment, PSTS has the flexibility to accommodate your unique business needs.
One size does not fit all in the technology world and our consulting methodology ensures that PSTS understands your organization and its unique requirements before recommending a solution. PSTS acts in a consultative fashion because we believe technology solutions should facilitate business processes, not restrict them. We understand today's competitive remote pc access on the web marketplace and the role of technology as an enabler of your business strategy.
Let PSTS Empower Your Business Through Technology.

Read/Learn More : http://www.pennsoftware.com/

Dell OpenManage™ Remote Install

2005-12-22T06:45:00.007-05:00

Introduction to Remote Install: Dell OpenManage™ Remote Install User's Guide

Overview
Remote Install is a solution for remotely provisioning and configuring Dell™ PowerEdge™ 1655MC systems. Remote Install performs unattended, simultaneous provisioning and configuration of systems over the network by leveraging image-based technology.
The imaging process involves capturing an image from a source system, creating an image file in a storage location, and then remotely deploying the image to multiple target systems. Images are managed by an image server, which is the system running Remote Install. You can manage the imaging process remotely from an admin console, which is a system running a Web browser and displaying content served by the image server. See "Terminology" for definitions of essential Remote Install terms.

Features
Provides Dell OpenManage Web-based user interface for remote access.
Automatically detects supported systems as they are added to the network.
Performs large-scale provisioning from a central site.
Automatically deploys an operating system image and configuration to new systems.
Remotely installs an operating system onto bare-metal systems across the network.
Recovers a system, including the operating system and software, across the network.
Remotely configures systems or operating system components.
Expands provisioning capability using image and RAID package import and export.
Remotely configures RAID settings of target systems before deployment of the operating system.
Provides export log and report for ease of support.
Uses Dell Service Tags as unique system IDs.

Read more at http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/software/smnetsrt/1.2/ug/introri.html

PC Remote Support

For computer remote support software see http://www.4remotesupport.com/ , Provide PC remote support at an affordable rate with web based pc remote support software.

Desktop Remote Support

The are many ways to support a remote user or a customer. A technical support specialist can talk them through steps to install of configure software, and even in some cased to trouble shoot the problem the remote computer desktop user may be having. there is also HTML chat that has been growing in use over the years and has gained quite a lot of ground in being one of the most useful tools for pre-sales support and for the starting point of post sales support. The use of online web html chat scripts is that they enable direct communication from the company that is providing a service to the remote desktop user that is need of support.
There is nearly instant access to help and promotes good customer relationships. I have to admin that one of the companies I use for digital security cert, like SSL certs, I selected because they have html on line chat support.
Desktop remote support can;t exactly be done through a text chat window but initial contact can be made with the remote desktop user which can lead to desktop remote support with remote control software. In the lease, a link can be sent through the window to the remote user who upon receiving the link can click on it then run a program for desktop remote support.

2005-12-06T11:38:00.008-05:00

November 19th, 2005 at 4:54 am
This new article is from:
www dot xatrix dot org/article.php?s=4166

W32/Sdbot-ADD is a worm with a troubling and innovative twist – it installs a root-kit backdoor on any machine it manages to infect.

The attack starts with an AOL IM user being asked to open a link. Clicking on this starts the infection sequence, dropping of a number of adware files, and the rootkit software itself, lockx.exe.

Remote Support Software

PC Remote Control

Once on the PC, the malware attempts to shut down anti-virus software, install software that allows the PC to be remotely controlled by IRC, and open a backdoor for future attack. It also contains an SMTP engine with which to collect email addresses.

According to Chris Boyd of Facetime, the researcher who first discovered the malware, it has strange properties that mark it out. Several of the adware components it installs have been seen before, but what was innovative was the mixture of many different components, the installation of such a potentially dangerous executable, and the fact it attacks via the generally unprotected channel of instant messaging.