New Systems from Digital Services Ltd

All new systems from Digital Services are supplied with the latest
Microsoft Windows XP operating system, unless you instruct us otherwise. For tower and desktop systems that we build we put Windows XP Home on as standard with the option to have Windows XP Professional instead at extra cost. New laptops are supplied with either XP Home or XP Professional depending upon the model. In all cases these are OEM Windows licences.

In every case the Windows XP Service Packs 1 & 2 are included to maximise security and functionality.

We will install the Windows operating system for you, but you will still have the original CD and official licence for future use. We also install driver software and DVD and CD writing software as appropriate for your computer.

Anti-virus software is put on all new systems with an option to upgrade to full security packages.

Note that although Windows XP software includes a some application software (eg: Internet Explorer, Outlook Express, Media Player, Wordpad and others) it does not include the main Office applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc. Various versions of Office are available from us if you require them at extra cost.

Warranty, Support and Repairs

All new systems built by Digital Services come with a full parts and labour RTB (return to base) warranty for 1 year from date of purchase. Some components carry a longer manufacturer's warranty and customers will benefit from this as appropriate. Any faults caused by defects in the original hardware or by our workmanship will be rectified by our engineers in our workshop free of charge and as rapidly as possible during the warranty period. Software faults, infections and data corruption is not covered by warranty but we will still try our best to help you.

Laptops and other equipment that we don't build will be returned under our control to the manufacturer under warranty for repair or
replacement.

All work not covered by warranty is charged at our standard hourly rate, minimum of half hour. Call outs in the local area can also be arranged where appropriate.

For business customers we are able to provide contract maintenance for a fixed monthly or annual fee.

Security

All PC systems are vulnerable to virus and spyware attack, especially modern systems using Windows XP. If the PC is connected to the internet, directly or indirectly, then it should be protected in three ways:

Firewall to prevent other users and software from communicating with your PC without your permission - often known as 'hacking' into your computer. Windows XP has a firewall built into it, but alternative firewall software is available.

AntiVirus software to prevent viruses coming in via email, the internet or from a disk. Digital Services will supply you with this, but there are several good brands if you want an alternative.

Anti Spyware software to prevent spyware (and adware) coming into your computer, mostly via websites. There is an increasing amount of anti-spyware software on the market, some is free but the more advanced has to be purchased. Digital Services can advise you.

Installing your computer:

It is really quite straightforward to install your new Digital Services
computer, and if you're not sure we can give you some guidance. However, if you prefer us to do it for you then we will come to you, unpack the computer and set it up on your desk or table, connect any compatible printers and other peripherals, connect it to the internet (as appropriate) and show you the system working. This delivery & installation service is charged at our standard hourly rate.

Internet - Dial up or Broadband?

There are many internet service providers (ISPs) competing with each other to get your business. Prices, services and technical details are changing all the time.

If you wish to use emails and the internet then you have the choice of a dial-up service or a broadband service (which is much faster and doesn't block the use of the phone). Either way you will use the BT or cable phone line to your house for the connection. Connection via the mobile phone networks is also possible, but is generally slower and more expensive.

Dial up connections run at a maximum of 56k bits per second (bps), whereas broadband is 512k bps, 1m bps, 2m bps or even faster. Some services give you a monthly data allowance (eg: 2Gb) and charge you extra if you exceed this allowance, others are unlimited, and some other are purely pay-as-you-go charging you for what you do. The choice is large and confusing. Digital Services are happy to advise our customers about choosing a suitable internet connection.

Home and Business Networks

A network is simply a link between 2 or more computers so that files, printers and even a broadband internet connection can be shared amongst the computers on the network. Adding wireless to avoid some of the cabling enables computers to be easily located and moved, especially useful for laptop users who can work from anywhere within the range of the wireless network. Digital Services has installed a large number of networks for home and business customers and can assist you as well.

Data Backup, Transfer & Recovery

Data can be valuable. Especially those digital photos of special events, your business accounts or that course work that you are preparing. Keeping just one copy on your computer is not recommended as you may inadvertently delete it or the computer may miss-function, be infected, be accidentally damaged, or even be stolen (laptops at University are at risk of this). Valuable data should be regularly backed up onto CD or DVD or other external media (floppy disks are not recommended) and stored safely.

If you do suffer data loss then Digital Services may be able to help you. We can often recover 'lost' data from a computer, disk or memory card (but, sadly, no guarantees other than we will do our best). We can also transfer data from one computer to another so that your valuable data can be put on your new computer.

If you have a data need then talk to Digital Services and we will try to advise you and help wherever possible.