Software installation

As most of us know, installation is the process of equiping a computers operating system with extra software that brings new functionality, or that updates security or internal processes in some way. The act of installation prepares the software for execution so that it may be 'run.'

Often software includes an 'installer' component (a self-sufficient software that can run independently) which will add the necessary resources required by the new software. The installer will also notify the operating system that the software has been installed (in Windows by modifying the registry) and add icons with which to activate the new software. Often this process adds an 'uninstaller' executable, which will remove the software, returning the system to as it was before the software or application was originally installed.

These installer softwares test for compatibility and available disk space prior to installation, and will also often customise the software to fit with the operating system, and allow for different installation locations on a disk or other media.

Depending on the operating system (whether it be Mac OS, Linux or Windows etc.) some software can be executed by simply copying the executable file onto a system and then simply executing the software, in these cases, no installation is required (this is often referred to as 'portable software which is particularly useful for USB sticks etc.)

MS Office Application Support

Sometimes you just can't work out how to do something with Microsoft Office, and you need a helping hand. This may require providing you with a link to a website or web page explaining how to complete the desired task, talking you through something over the phone, or visiting your office and showing you first-hand.

Microsoft Office applications include Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and Publisher, and Office versions vary too. Most of the common versions now support x64 or 64 bit technology (from Office 2010 on-wards) whilst previous versions (2007 and earlier) support only x86 or 32 bit architecture, which suffer a 4GB RAM limit of addressable memory.

Software Updates and Patches

We all know the feeling of being in a hurry to depart from a train (or perhaps catch one!) and when we ask the computer to shut down it suddenly decides to perform some sort of update task. Updates are an important part of security and reliability. They are 'patching' over vulnerabilities in software by releasing fixes to protect them. Security is an ongoing battle against exploiters trying to find ways to misuse software against it's owner. Updates are important to keep you safe, but of course everyone has days where they wish an update would happen at another time.

Software updates which address security and reliability, can also add functionality to applications such as Microsoft Office or Windows. Examples might be giving your support staff remote control or granting remote access to your offices whilst you are on the move.

Antivirus software persistently updates itself to stay one step ahead of attackers, and the newest versions of Windows have a built-in antivirus scanning system. The updates being performed are often the updates for virus recognition templates (signature files) which allow a system to recognise the 'pattern' of a virus signature and block it before it can damage your system.

Software Training and Trouble-shooting

If you are having problems with software, you can benefit from specialist training in that application, such a link to a website or YouTube video or other resource. Specialist training companies also offer courses on various applications and what you can get out of them. The more in tune you are with an application or device, the more advantage you can gain from use of it.

Problems can be related to mis-use or not being able to find what you need (especially following an update or upgrade.). Other problems stem from errors or bugs in the application or corruption on the installation of the software itself. We can reinstall software in these circumstances or update software with newer versions if a recognised bug has been identifies by the software developer and subsequently fixed.

MS Access / Excel application development

Microsoft Access and Excel can be used to simplify a great number of business problems. An example would be an Access database to store employee information, or invoice creation and management using Excel. We can help you to identify which software solution would best fit your needs, and design and develop the application with you.

Anti-virus software & Others

Computer viruses are small software> programs designed to spread from one computer to another and interfere with normal operation. A virus might encrypt, corrupt or delete data on your computer, or may use your email program to spread to other computers.

Computer viruses are often spread by links in email messages or websites. It is therefore essential that you never open email attachments without verifying the sender. Viruses can be disguised as attachments or links to familiar activities so always check the originator to be sure you recognise their email address.

Computer viruses also spread through downloads on the Internet. They can be hidden in illicit emails or other files or programs you might download. To help avoid computer viruses, it’s essential that you keep your computer current with the latest updates and anti-virus tools, stay informed about recent threats, run your computer as a standard user (not as administrator), and that you follow a few basic rules when you surf the Internet, download files, and open attachments.

Anti-virus or anti-virus software is used to detect, prevent and remove computer viruses (such as worms and Trojan horses.) Antivirus may also prevent and remove ad-ware, spy-ware, and other forms of malware, which may be corrupting browser search results, or tracking your activity on-line. Users should also be restricted to reasonable computer usage, they do not need full access to all resources in case a virus hijacks their user privileges.