Providing both remote and onsite cover throughout Hampshire you should be able to operate independently and as part of a team.

Troubleshooting, resolving and implementing a variety of solutions for both business and private client’s, the successful candidate will possess demonstrable knowledge and experience of:

Client-Server Network Administration including Microsoft Exchange & Active Directory.

Microsoft Server / Windows Workstation and system hardware environments.

Internet Security Software Solutions, I.P / D.N.S / ADSL Router Management

Knowledge of Apple OS X systems and networks desirable.

Salary band 16k – 19k p.a – some weekend cover may be required on a rota basis.

Full valid driving licence required – apply with C.V. to recruitment@widenet.co.uk or contact the Office Manager on 01794 521100 – Previous applicants need not apply.

The problem here is that whilst on occasion what is termed a format/reload is necessary in order to resolve system problems, it does wipe everything off of the hard drive, including all the saved documents such as letters, photographs and programs.

The reason systems become slow are varied but more often than not it is simply the result of an accumulation of temporary/junk files, redundant registry items and memory sapping software etc.

As each item of software updates (especially some internet security applications) the amount of disk space or memory required to run it gets more demanding and can end up making the system work much harder than it is capable of.

There are good and bad utilities available on the internet that promise to ‘speed up your PC’ but some are in fact riddled with malware and end up causing more problems than they are worth.

In 90% of the cases that come into our workshop, we are able to carry out a cleanup of the system that the ordinary Windows tools fall short of and now with RAM memory being so much cheaper, install additional modules to make the computer run much faster and more efficiently.

By removing memory hungry software and replacing it with leaner alternatives (often free) it is possible to ease the burden on your system even further and there are other useful tips and measures that can make a real difference to how your computer runs.

So if you are frustrated with how your PC or laptop is performing, just remember that from time to time we all need a bit of looking after or an energy boost and it doesn’t always mean that it has to be replaced!

Today though things are very different and the majority of us have a great deal more to lose should the worst happen and our letters, photo’s, e-mails and music library were to dissappear.

Now it is often the case that our data is more valuable than the hardware it resides upon – we can purchase a new laptop or desktop computer for hundreds of pounds less than a few years ago but our data and memories are quite simply priceless when they are gone for good!

So what can we do about it because whilst we will probably never be ‘100% proof’ against data loss, we can certainly minimise the risk to a great extent by being disciplined enough to keep our files in well ordered and maintained folders and by making sure we back them up.

Many people get caught out though, especially when they see two hard disks appear within ‘My Computer’ - the problem is that even though two hard disks are listed, they are more often than not simply one drive partitioned into two segments – just because we have backed up our files to the second drive does not make them safe – as a client recently found out – if the hard disk suffers a mechanical failure then the whole disk is affected!

This client was actually quite fortunate if you can call it that because we were able to send the failed disk away to our specialist partners in London, who were able to retrieve a large proportion of the data by disassembling the drive in a ‘clean room’ (sterile environment). The process is however costly and time consuming – in this case the data came back but retrievals of this nature can cost anything between £750.00 and £4000.00 pounds!

Some people sign up for ultra low cost or ‘free with your broadband’ online data backup facilities – all well and good but did you know for example that many of these services offer limited recovery and no ability to roll back to previous file versions if corruption or deletion occurs. Think about that for a moment – you have been backing up your files online for months, your computer and files get corrupted and the backup simply backs up the corruption for you – thanks a lot!

Don’t get us wrong – online data backup is a good way to help protect yourself but you need to be web-wise and choose the right kind of package to ensure maximum protection. CD’s and DVD’s have a limited lifespan, USB sticks and external drives can fail so what can we do?

The answer is probably to spread the risk and maximise the chances of recovery by backing up and then backing up your backup – If you are worried about the implications of losing your data why not talk to one of the team – we, like anyone cannot give you a 100% guarantee that you will never lose another file again but we can give you impartial and practical advice to at least reduce the risk.

We can put procedures in place either at home or at work that will help guard against data loss, help you setup a secure online facility or simply put you in touch with one of our partners who specialise in this type of service.

With computer technology getting more and more complicated and our time and data getting more and more precious – the question is, can you really afford not to safeguard your information anymore?

Whilst the best way of installing does still appear to be from ‘scratch’, the upgrade version works quite well and the majority of device drivers are automatically installed by the new system.

What we are left with is a faster and more responsive operating system that is more enjoyable to use and makes you realize just how clunky and frustrating it’s pre-decessor could be. Enough has changed to make us appreciate the difference, but not so much that it stops us getting on with what we need to do because we don’t know where anything is.

One note of caution however is that Microsoft’s standard e-mail application no longer exists within Windows 7 and so you either need to download Windows Live (free) and import saved contacts & messages into it, or choose an alternative mail client.

Personally the editor of this post downloaded Mozilla’s tried and tested ‘Thunderbird’ mail program (also free) and whilst importing old messages requires a bit of work, found the move relatively painless.

All in all, making the move to Windows 7 is definitely worth it and if Vista got a 4/10 rating from this user, then Windows 7 gets at least a point more than it’s own name might suggest!

If you think the time has come to upgrade your system why not give us a call – we can provide you with a licensed copy of Windows 7, save your data and install the new version for you, ensuring a worry free and seamless transition to Microsoft’s new operating software.

The hotel stands in 176 acres of landscaped gardens and is surrounded by the rolling hills of the Hampshire countryside.

The 18 hole Championship golf course fulfils every requirement of the modern golfer and at 6,000 yards offers a superb balance of challenge and playability.

Winning Company 2005

In 2005 Widenet were nominated for entry into the Test Valley Business Awards and then short listed to the top three entrants in their category, The Waitrose Achieving Business Excellence Through People Award.

On September 26th 2005, the company directors, Nigel Powell, Peter Taylor and James Lai attended the Gala Award Ceremony at Chilworth Manor near Southampton.

Following the nominations, Widenet Computer Services Ltd were proud to be named as outright winners of the award, which was presented to them by David Gower OBE and Mr Crispin Ingham from the Waitrose group.