Category Archives: Backup

Windows Server 2012 launches Sept 4th, almost 2 months prior to Windows 8

Posted on by
Reply

Micrososft personal users are made to wait until October 26th for the new Windows 8 operating system to launch, but business users will get earlier access to the new Windows Server, Micrososft server-based OS, as it is scheduled to launch on September 4th.

Check out our detailed review of the new Windows Server 2012 here.

Windows Server 2012 launch date

Windows Server 2012 launch date

Microsoft states:

“On that day we will also host an online launch event where our executives, engineers, customers and partners will share more about how Windows Server 2012 can help organizations of all sizes realize the benefits of what we call the Cloud OS.  You will be able to learn more about the features and capabilities and connect with experts and peers.  You’ll also be able to collect points along the way for the chance to win some amazing prizes. You don’t want to miss it.”

You can sign up to check out the official launch event on September 4th at the Windows Server web site. Microsoft has already announced the different versions of Windows Server 2012, along with US pricing, but no signs of UK prices as yet. It has also confirmed that it will not make a new version of its Windows Home Server product.

Microsoft Windows Server 2012: The benefits, downfalls, and why it’s aimed at larger businesses

Posted on by
Reply

Microsoft are due to launch their new updated server operating system, Windows Server 2012, on September 4th, and there is much hype surrounding the new anticipated product, which is marketed as a building block for private and hybrid clouds, as well as having the same controversial interface as the new Windows 8. But will it live up to expectations? Dove has put together an unbiased review of the new server to help you make up your mind.

windows server 2012

The Metro interface of Windows Server 2012

The Desktop and Beyond

The Metro interface featured on Windows 8 has not been welcomed in the way Microsoft might have hoped. However, as the interface for Windows Server 2012 it should be much more favourable, largely due to the move away from graphical to command line management on servers.

Windows Server 2012 will be 64-bit only and installed without graphical user interface (GUI), and with a minimal set of server roles. PowerShell is the preferred command management interface with the number of ready-made cmdlets increased and the ability to do a lot more from the PowerShell command line than through the various graphical tools.

The GUI is not lost forever though, as Microsoft haven’t forgotten that some smaller enterprises nd people not in favour of command line management will prefer a graphical interface, which can still be addedas can a “minimal” interface configured without a desktop or start screen to give a happy medium ground between the two extremes.

If you choose to use the local GUI you will be met with the Metro front end and will not be offered the option of by-passing it. But the new Server Manager tool means doesn’t pose any major problems.

The new and updated Server Manager also boasts all round capabilities, unlike previous versions, with the added ability to handle most day to day management tasks, either directly or by invoking other utilities. It also has the ability to manage remote and group servers, and perform the same task on all members of a group at once.

Windows Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT) are enhanced to handle the new OS, but the downside comes for those who want to create their own private clouds, as they will need System Centre 2012 with a service pack to handle Server 2012 due ahead of the OS launch.

Improved Hypervisor

One of the big enhancements that has everyone’s attention is the new and improved Hyper-V hypervisor, aiming to take on VMware head to head for the top spot in the virtualisation space. Scalability gets a major boost in Hyper-V 3.0. Starting at the virtual machine level with support for up to 64 virtual processors and 1TB of virtual memory per VM. There’s also a new virtual disk format (VHDX) to give VMs access to 64TB of storage.

At the host level Hyper-V 3.0 can handle up to 160 processors/cores and 2TB of RAM, sharing these resources across 1,024 VMs. There are also big improvements when it comes to clustering with support for up to 64 nodes per cluster, up from just 16 in Windows Server 2008 R2, and up to 4,000 VMs, to meet the scalability demands of private cloud deployments.

Another big enhancement is the ability to store virtual machine files on file shares rather than iSCSI or SAN storage. Live can now be performed between standalone hosts and can even be done without any shared storage at all. There is also the addition of support for multiple live migrations, bringing Hyper-V up to a similar level of functionality as vSphere.

Enhanced storage

The storage side has had a makeover, with the new Resilient File System (ReFS), and many more enhancements have been made with the aim of improving availability. This, however, can’t be used for boot volumes.

There’s also a new implementation of the SMB file sharing protocol (SMB 3) and an all new option called Storage Spaces. Storage Spaces, also a feature of the new Windows 8 OS, allows for the creation of storage pools from both internal and external sources, and allows for virtual disks to be created. It doesn’t matter what type of hardware is involved (SATA, SAS, iSCSI etc are all supported) or how much capacity is on offer, virtual disks can be created that are much larger than the amount of actual space would normally allow.

It is possible to expand the storage pools by adding more disks and you get simple access to a variety of redundancy options including mirroring, hot sparing and the automatic re-claiming of lost space when data is deleted. Data de-duplication is also available as part of the File Services role in Windows Server 2012 and can be applied on both NTFS and ReFS volumes.

Windows Server 2012 editions

Windows Server 2012 editions

New licenses for old

An advantage of Windows Server 2012 licensing is the streamlined and simple choice Standard and DataCentre editions, with payment based on a per-socket basis.

The UK pricing for Windows Server 2012 is not yet available, but the US price for the Standard license is $882, and the US Datacenter licence is $4,809, both for deployment on servers with two processor sockets. Little extra is gained in terms of features with the Datacenter license, the main difference being support for an unlimited number of VMs whereas the Standard licence supports just two.

With the launch of Server 2012 will come the end of the Small Business Server. It will be replaced with the release of an Essentials version of Server 2012 (US price: $425) limited to just 25 users which won’t support virtualisation, and unlike the Small Business Server, won’t come with Exchange or any other applications. Small businesses who oft for the Essentials package are advised to pair it with Office 365. A 15-user Foundation implementation for OEM server vendors, again, without virtualisation rights, is also expected.

And then some…

There’s a lot more in Windows Server 2012 such as enhancements to Active Directory to fit it to large scale private cloud deployments, plus closer integration with Microsoft Azure. Built-in tools for NIC teaming have been added along with IP address management and new controls when it comes to network access including the ability to manage what users are allowed to do on different devices.

Windows Server 2012 is clearly more beneficial to larger businesses and those with requirements regarding private cloud deployment, and it doesn’t offer much to entice smaller business to upgrade. Moreover, although compatible with earlier implementations, to get the full benefit of what the new platform has to offer enterprises will need to deploy Windows Server 2012 extensively throughout their organisations.

Dove’s Back To Uni Essential Tech Kit

Posted on by
Reply

Whether you are just starting or going back to university this September, it is important to be prepared, from essential reading to IT equipment. As many universities expect people to have computer technology and internet these days, they will often set tasks that involve using home IT equipment, so it is essential to be prepared for this. Dove has put together a guide to making sure you are prepared for the back-to-uni rush this September.

back to school back to college back to university

The Essentials Checklist

  • Laptop or PC – Beat the mad dash for the use of the slow and clunky old university library computers by being prepared and having your own PC or laptop in your student accommodation. You can use it anytime, and it makes completing assignments a doddle.
  • All-In-One Printer – Printing off at in the university library can be a stressful experience, especially close to deadline dates. But having your own all in one printer back at your accomodation would allow you to leisurely print, scan and photocopy anytime you need to.
  • Microsoft Office University Suite – To be able to complete assignments on your PC or laptop, you will need a Microsoft Office Suite, allowing you to create Word documents, PowerPoint presentations, and more. Dove are currently running a student offer on the software, for more details click here.
  •  Internet Security – The internet is one of the greatest technological advances, but unfortunately it allows hackers and virus threats to freely enter your computer and cause no end of issues. Protect against this with  Kaspersky Internet Security 2012 3PC 1 year subscription, which offer pop up and virus protection so you can enjoy a worry-free browsing experience.
  • Back-up – Backing up your hard work is essential if you plan to use your PC or laptop for assignments and long running projects. All manner of things can easily go wrong with technology, for example if you simply spills a drink on the keyboard or accidently drop the laptop. These things happen, and although you can repair or replace broken technology, you can’t get back the data that was saved on there. We recommend an offsite back up program such as Mozy, which is ideal for home use, and Dove can install and set up the software for you, no hassle needed.
  • Tablet/iPad – A tablet is not an essential, but more people are investing in this unique and useful tool. With a multitude of apps and games available for you to enjoy, it is a great extra to consider when building your back-to-uni kit.

Dove Computer Solutions are offering an exclusive 6 months remote support on every laptop purchased between 16th July and 31 August, to help make the back-to-uni time as stress free as possible for you! 

How to protect your IT equipment from flooding and storm damage

Posted on by
Reply

Storms and flooding are becoming an increasing issue, especially as across the UK we have had record amounts of rain fall and an unseasonably wet and stormy summer so far. With no signs of the rain and storm letting up any time soon, it is best to take precautions against the lasting damage it could cause.

IT software

Storms and flooding can seriously damage your IT hardware and servers

Take powerful precautions

At the very least, a surge protector should be installed, to protect your computer and other equipment from being fried if lightening strikes. Be sure to not only plug in equipment to the surge protector, but also your phone connection, as lightening is more likely to strike the phone lines causing a surge that could knock out your connection and any equipment in its path.

uninterruptible power supply (UPS)

A UPS unit and how/what it protects

Along the same lines, an uninterrupted power supply (UPS) would aid you if the power was cut, and would mean nothing would be lost or damaged as the UPS would kick in an protect the server as soon as the main power went out.

Alternatively you could install a redundant power supply, which would mean if the main PSU for the server dies, it would automatically switch to the spare PSU.

Back up is best

When it comes to protecting data from flooding and storm damage, the safest place for it is offsite, where the water and lightening can’t reach it. That is what offsite back up such as cloud back up is becoming increasingly popular and is first choice for many business and home users.

cloud computing back up

Cloud back up is one of the safety back up options

An onsite back up option is to use RAID 1 or RAID 5. RAID 1 means one hard drive mirrors the other, so essentially one can go down while the other still keeps the server running. RAID 5 is a similar concept, only with 3 – 5 hard drives, so essentially 1 can go down (or up to 2 if you opt for 5 hard drives) and the server will continue to run.

If you are a larger company with an equally large budget to boot, you could even opt for a redundant server. This is basically another server with the same spec, so that like with the redundant power supply, the spare server would kick in if the main one went down.

Another alternative to this is to split the roles of the server between several smaller servers, so one server would be the domain controller, another would be the email server, another would be the database server, and so on. This would mean if one went down, you would only loose one function rather than all at once.

When bad weather strikes

If you know a storm or torrential rain is coming, or even when a storm or downpour begins, the first thing you should do is unplug the computer and other IT equipment from the socket and raise it off the floor where possible.

If lightning strikes the power or phone line it will cause lasting damage your equipment, and obviously water damage is also an issue where floods are concerned, so having all equipment raised off floor level where possible can save you a lot of time and money.

For more information on any of the methods mentioned above, or for more protection options, call Dove Computer Solutions on 0845 22 605 22 or visit our website.

Cloud backup: Ultra safe, value for money and accessible anywhere

Posted on by
Reply

Backing up your data is becoming increasingly more important, with viruses and hacks causing people to lose valuable business documents and information, as well as irreplaceable photographs, etc. of sentimental value.

cloud computing cloud backup

Cloud online backup

But the recent innovation in backup services have brought about off-site backup, and with it comes Cloud online backup. Cloud backup involves sending your data via a secure internet connection, at which point it is encrypted and sent to the ‘cloud’, a safe password protected place which can be accessed by login and password from anywhere with an internet connection.

It is fast and easy to use, and can also be utilised for sharing files with family and friends, clients and co-workers all over the world remotely and safely.

Mozy online backup

Mozy provide top cloud backup services

Dove Computer Solutions has teamed up with Mozy online back up providers to offer you the safest and most cost effective backup solution for your personal and professional needs.

We chose to partner up with Mozy because we know they are one of the top cloud online backup service providers. Below are just a few reasons why:

  • They know data. Mozy’s service provider manages more than 90 petabytes of data for millions of customers.
  • Your data is safe. Mozy’s service provider’s world-class data centers use military-grade encryption and are SSAE 16-audited and ISO 27001-certified.
  • They make backing up easy for you: Mozy set the backup schedule and help you set policies on bandwidth and back up speeds.
  •  Flexibility. Mozy support Windows and Macs with the added benefit of on-site and off-site backup solutions with 2xProtect for Windows users.
  • Mobile. Access your data with iOS mobile devices (iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch) running version 4.0 or newer and Android devices running version 2.0 or newer. Never be without your data!

Visit DoveCloud or ring us on 0845 22 605 22 to find out more about the wide range of cloud online backup services Dove and Mozy can offer you.

Tried and tested: Office 365 could benefit start-ups/small businesses more than Google Apps

Posted on by
Reply

Microsoft Office 365 should be on the software shortlist for any small business or start-up. Launched in June 2011, the cloud-based suite has revolutionised the way we do business.

Microsoft office 365

Microsoft Office 365 FREE TRIAL!

Cloud software solutions are the way forward for any business, and Microsoft Office 365 is the stepping stone for small and new businesses to help them have the benefits of the cloud without forking out for the top priced cloud services. It is simple, and Microsoft makes sure it is offered in a familiar and user friendly way, to help businesses adjust to the cloud concept. Microsoft has high hopes that their cloud software could begin to break into the gap filled by Google Apps for several years now.

It has been tried and tested by small business users, and they have come back without a bad word to say about the product. It offers 99.9% uptime, a reasonable and varying price plans, plentiful features, and cross-application compatibility; many new and small businesses are switching to Office 365, and some have even declared it better for small and new companies than Google App, due to its familiarity and more features.

The great thing about the varying price plans is not just that they are all reasonable for what they offer, but also that a small or new business with few employees is not expected to pay the same as a larger company with over 25 employees. Price plans start from just £4 per user per month for small businesses (under 25 people). For medium+ size businesses you can choose from a range of plans with different features to suit your business’s needs, ranging from £2.60 per user per month up to £14.50.

When your business begins to grow and Office 365 isn’t enough anymore, you can pay more per month to upgrade to Office Professional Plus, which offers more powerful features than the Office Web Apps available in the cloud.

If you have used or looked into Microsoft’s Business Productivity Online Suite, you will find that much of what is available in Office 365 was previously available in BPOS, however you will find that the tools have been updated and improved somewhat, including the features of 2010 desktop versions of the software as opposed to the 2007 version features available on BPOS.

The online services offered in Office 365 are Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, Lync Online, and Office Web Apps, as well as Web App versions Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote which are accessible through a web browser.

For a free trial on Office 365 P1 plan, click here.

How To: Save money on business software when starting out

Posted on by
Reply

Every business, even the big shots like Apple and Microsoft, all had to start somewhere. Dove Computer Solutions are a small company, and we understand how stressful and costly it can be when starting out, so any saving is a big saving. That’s why we have compiled a guide to help you save money without sacrificing quality where it matters, on your business software.

new business save money

Every penny counts for a new business

When it comes to starting up your own business, one of the first and most vital tasks is to set up your business’s IT systems, meaning you need all the necessary software to run your business. But the cost of even the most basic software needed for any business, before you have even considered any specialist software that may be key to your field, the cost can shoot sky high.

Typically a standard business would need at least Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Microsoft Outlook (email, contact manager, calendar). Then there is the accounting software and a customer relationship management (CRM) system that can keep track of your customers, prospects and sales pipeline. This software alone would amount to over £2,000, then add on the cost of the PCs you already had to purchase to run the software on, and any installations, maintenance and upgrade costs you may incur. Looking pretty steep isn’t it?

The good news is there are plenty of cheap and in some cases free alternatives to the conventional and expensive software, ideal for avoiding some of the major costs of a business start up.

office 365

Office 365 cloud services can be a cheap alternative to Microsoft Office Software

There are various web apps, sometimes refereed to as cloud services, that are a cheap and hassle free alternative to the usual purchase of software on a CD. Rather than having to buy the CD, and run it on your PCs, Macs or business severs, etc to install it you can use applications that are delivered over the web. The product vender hosts all the applications and data on their servers meaning there is no need for software installation and maintenance, you simply access the system via your web browser, and the product’s vendor handles all the updates and backups. These systems are ideal for new start ups as they allow you to pay a monthly fee for their use, which can be cancelled at any given moment, and saves paying a large lump sum up front for software. Some of the recommended web apps are Office 365 to replace Microsoft Office (email, word processing, and spreadsheets) and KashFlow Accounting for bookkeeping.

Mozilla Firefox

Mozilla Firefox Web Browser is a popular open source alternative

Open source software products are those developed by a community of programmers and then offered free to the world, with the option to donate to them to aid the cause and help with the creation of updates and more open source software. There are many of these types of products that are very technical and require a high level of competence to use and get the most out of, such as Linux operating system designed as an alternative to Windows, and MySQL database application that’s a free alternative to Oracle or Microsoft SQL Server. There is also plenty of less technical free software available out there, Open Office, an alternative to Microsoft Office, which is easy to download and use, as well as the FireFox alternative web browser and Thunderbird alternative email client, which are popular offerings from the Mozilla foundation.

Dropbox

Dropbox is a popular 'freemium' product

Freemium products can be very useful for business start ups as they offer free basic version software with a choice to upgrade to the premium version at any time. They are worthwhile as they have no time limits, unlike free trials, and mean if you do decide to purchase the premium version if your needs grow and alter, you have already sampled the software before you buy. In many cases there is no need to ever upgrade to the premium, as the basic software covers all the needs of the business. Recommended freemium products to consider include DropBox for file back-up, access and sharing, Really Simple Systems for CRM and Skype for video calling and instant messaging.

sonic wall

Dove Computer Solutions offer business security from people they trust, such as Sonic Wall and MessageLabs

As your business grows and your needs start to exceed those available to you through free and cheap software, you can then look into creating a tailored made business software package at Dove Computer Solutions. If you find you need a business server, Dove Computer Solutions offer honest prices for small businesses, and can also help you find the right level security to protect your data and your client’s data at a reasonable cost that will fit easily into your new start up budget.

Why UPS And Backup Hard Drives Are A MUST For Businesses

Posted on by
Reply

When you are running a business, you have a million and one things going throguh your mind, and an even longer daily to do list. So its easy to push the worry of arranging back up hard drives and or setting up an interruptible power supply (UPS) to the back of your mind. How often do emergencies like that arise anyway?

hard drive back up

Backup hard drive and UPS

One Dove client thought exactly the same thing. Lets call him John. John was bogged under with the stress of having to have a whole new server installed, he didn’t have time or budget to be worrying about backups and UPS. So he cut a few corners nd decided not to install a UPS device or external hard drive to back up all the data on the server.

And just a few years later, it came back to bite him when a weekend thunderstorm caused a power cut, and the server to shut down unexpectedly. There were no full backups so all his client and business records were completely lost, and it took far more time, effort and money to get everything back to normal again. Had he not chosen to cut corners in the first place, and installed a UPS and backup hard drive, UPS would have kicked in when the power went out, and everything would have stayed as it was.

John learnt his lesson the hard way. Don’t make the same mistake.