From computer systems operating with vacuums contained in valves though to the creation of artifically intelligent computer systems analysing everything connected to the internet.

What is a Computer System?

Computer systems by design are programmed to take a set of inputs and process them arithmetically or logically to generate an output. The term itself computer systems has multiple definitions. Computer systems can refer to a single computer and its components, a network of computers all linked together in an office or an operating system such as the Microsoft windows server that allows for simple interactivity with the computer’s hardware.

The Worlds First Computer System

The Colossus was the world’s first electronic computer system. It was developed by code breakers during World War 2 to decrypt German transmissions. However the development of this computer system has always been top secret. The development of ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer) computer system in America at the same time to create firing tables for the military led to the creation of IBM and the world’s first operating system FORTRAN.

Modern Computer Systems

Computer systems such as Colossus and ENIAC were capable of single tasks. Modern computer systems can perform multiple tasks in multiple locations simultaneously. It is considered that modern computer systems have evolved from the SAGE computer system developed by the USA during the cold war with Russia. Unlike these giants modern computer systems are compact light weight and extremely fast.

The Internet is a Collosal Computer System

The internet itself can be considered a computer system. From its beginnings as ARPANET in the late nineteen sixties until its first real commercial use in the early nineties this computer system can now be found in nearly every household. The human race is now at the brink of creating artificially intelligent computer systems. It is estimated that by 2020 50 billion devices will be connected to the internet, creating the biggest computer system on the planet. Objects, animals and eventually even people will be connected to this computer system. It is theorised that one it could be used by an AI to compute the best course of action. Many computer specialists such as Bill Gates and scientists such as Stephen Hawking have reservations about these intelligent computer systems.

A web ideas relating to the phrase IT Expert.

Business Computer Support

Whether you’re just beginning, or you have been running for some time, ensuring you have the right business computer support for your business is essential for the smooth running of your organisation. A good IT company will ensure your technical support requirements are resolved in a timely manner with the least interruption to your organisation.

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A modern VOIP enabled telephone on a desk.

What is VoIP and how does it work?

Voice over IP (VoIP), or IP telephony, is a technology that enables voice calls to be made using your existing internet connection rather than the traditional method of using a dedicated phone line. One of the biggest benefits is that you don’t have to be confined to the building, property, or even city where you may have originally had a dedicated phone line installed. VoIP allows you to access your phone number from almost anywhere in the world with an internet connection. 

VoIP specifically refers to voice communication services over the internet as opposed to the more traditional dedicated phone line, also known as the public switched telephone network (PSTN) or Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS).

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A keyboard and a users hand poised to type. Motifs in the foreground suggesting security

8 Ways to Protect your Business from a Cyber Attack

Now more than ever, businesses need to be more aware of the dangers of cyber-attacks. Attackers are doing it for profit and are organised! Criminals are now more likely to be sitting in a plush office behind a powerful computer than physically breaking into your business premises.

The damages of a cyber-attack to businesses can be huge! From loss of crucial, confidential or sensitive data, to reputational damage and even GDPR fines if your client’s data is compromised. Ensuring you are vigilant is essential!

Sadly, there is no silver bullet to make your business secure from attack, however, here are some techniques to prevent a cyber-attack: 

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A magnifying glass hovering over some Microsoft 365 office icons.

5 of the biggest Advantages of Office 365

Research shows that when it comes to productivity suites in the cloud, Office 365 is at least twice as popular as Google’s G Suite.

Implementing Office 365 can bring many benefits to any organisation. In this article, Bean IT looks into the biggest benefits of using Office 365.

Enjoy!

1. SECURITY

A very common misconception is that the cloud isn’t safe but with Office 365, Microsoft takes responsibility for security and reliability of hardware and storage.

Office 365 eliminates the cost of purchasing and maintaining expensive servers by offering:

  • Encrypted Email – Cloud based end-to-end encrypted email, accessible from anywhere in the world with an internet connection.
  • Data Loss Prevention – Your data is stored in the cloud meaning you aren’t storing data on devices such as memory sticks and USB drives which are liable to get lost, corrupt or damaged.
  • Mobile Device Management – Remotely monitor and access your Microsoft devices. If you lose a device, you can remotely log in and erase data to ensure your sensitive information doesn’t get into the wrong hands.
  • Advanced Threat Analytics – Live monitoring software that follows suspicious activity and makes you aware of ransomware, phishing and spam etc.

These are just a few security benefits.

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A composite image depicting a users face surrounded by computer related algorithms above a keyboard

How Backups Can Save your Business in a Ransomware Attack

To prevent ransomware infecting your system you need a multilayered security approach.  From comprehensive and regular staff training, to machine learning antivirus software, to cloud storage/backups with version control, you need all of this to prevent viruses such as WannaCry taking hold.

What happens, however, when the virus finds a way through?  This is when the trusty offline backup can save your business. Read more

Sharepoint or Server

SharePoint or Server? Which one is Right for your Business?

For a long time businesses only had the option of a server to underpin their IT.  Well maintained servers perform well and provide the support businesses need.  That said they are often physically bulky, needing a dedicated space, and they come with infrastructure and support costs.

This no longer has to be the case, as hosted SharePoint from Microsoft may provide a cheaper alternative to servers.  The question is which one is right for your business. Read more

CryptoLocker

The True Business Cost of CryptoLocker and other Malware

CryptoLocker has cost Business an Estimated $3M USD

CryptoLocker and other viruses often hit the headlines for the disaster they bring both to businesses and the individuals.  Although it is clear that being locked out of your computer is distressing and unpleasant it is only when you realise the far-reaching implications of Cryptolocker that you realise the extent of the damage and the problem. Read more

A hard drive ejected from the back of a server rack.

Manic Monday: Failed hard drive

It’s Monday morning, you have an important meeting in the next few hours which was booked last minute therefore haven’t had time to plan.

You sit at your desk, poised to start your preparations. You start your computer and you hear a loud beeping sound as your computer crashes. All the data you require for your meeting is on the hard drive and there is no back up of these files. Your biggest concern is a failed hard drive which contains your crucial data. Read more

A technician working on the inside of a computer. The side has been stripped off and the motherboard place on a work unit.

Keep your Business Thriving with an IT Maintenance Contract

An IT maintenance contract is an agreement between your business and a supplier to perform necessary maintenance on your IT systems for a fixed monthly cost.  This has been proven to be more cost effective than fixing issues when they occur. Read more

A modern VOIP enabled telephone on a desk.

Get Agile. Get Clients. Get VoIP!

VoIP or Voice over Internet Protocol facilitates voice communications similar to an ordinary phone.  Skype is arguably the most famous VoIP system in the world.  Hosted systems, however, offer a range of features that allow you to take calls, providing you have an internet connection.  This includes taking calls on smartphones and mobile devices.  Providing you have a mobile network you can take VoIP calls while on the move. Read more