Blog

Pondering thoughts and random ramblings from Hightrees Organisation Limited

Rural Broadband in Wiltshire – a success story – hopefully
Rural Broadband in Wiltshire – a success story – hopefully 150 150 Small Business IT Solutions

For once, not a rant about the poor state of communications in a rural Wiltshire location !

Thanks to great efforts by the Everleigh Parish Council, BT recently installed new ducting, removed a concentrator (one of the very few left in operation in the UK) and ran sufficient cables to allow the residents of Everleigh to be able to get access ADSL broadband without the previous problems of shared lines & no capacity.  This has been a great improvement meaning that those without a broadband service can now get online, which is especially important for local businesses, the young people needed to do school and university projects as well as the myriad of other tasks that can only be performed online, on a decent connection.

It has recently been announced on the Superfast Broadband for Wiltshire website, that Cabinet 3, serving Everleigh residents from the Collingbourne Ducis  Exchange is going live and that Fibre broadband (Fibre to the Cabinet or FTTC) will be available.

Needless to say, we placed out order with our current ISP (PlusNet) and are hoping for installation on 31st March!

We’d like to thank Everleigh Parish Council, Paul Coles from BT and the countless others who have made this happen.

Some useful Wiltshire Superfast Broadband links

Find out the Superfast Broadband in Wiltshire via WiltshireOnline

(Tip: You can check the latest news on your local BT Exchange at the Wiltshire Online Exchange Area Updates Page )

You can find out which BT Cabinet your telephone line is connected to via this BT Broadband Checker

Shameless plug for PlusNet – our ISP, who have provided excellent service and support over the last 11 years !

 

Great value Unlimited Broadband from an award winning provider

 

New projects underway over Christmas
New projects underway over Christmas 150 150 Small Business IT Solutions

For a change, I will be doing some geeky stuff over the Christmas period which is something a little bit different !

I’ve been running a Raspberry Pi for sometime now, mainly acting as a multimedia machine running OpenElec, however as there are a few little building projects going on, hooking up some Home Automation seemed like a great use for the Pi.

The Razberry platform adds all the components needed to turn a Raspberry PI board into a fully operational and inexpensive ZWave gateway and seems an idea (and cheaper) method of getting things up and running.

There will be some blog updates as the project progresses

Razberry Board image

Support Small Business Saturday on 6th December 2014
Support Small Business Saturday on 6th December 2014 150 150 Small Business IT Solutions

Small Business Saturda 6th December 2014 LogoSmall Business Saturday - 6th December 2014

The idea behind the Small Business Saturday campaign is to encourages businesses to promote both themselves and work with other small businesses, and customers to shop locally and support small businesses in their local communities.

 [prezi id="0vzvvupzyvdq" lock_to_path=0 autoplay=1 html5=1 width=550 height=400]

We think this is a great idea as it helps to remind people what they have on the doorstep (either online or physically),  so over the next few days Hightrees will be doing a shout out and mention to our wonderful customers (most of which are small businesses) who use Hightrees VoIP, Web and IT support services.

Due to our location, we are lucky to have clients in both the Wiltshire and Hampshire areas plus some further afield so we’ll try and make sure everyone gets a mention as to us you are all “local”.

You can find out more on Small Business Saturday via their website or by checking out their social media streams on Facebook or Twitter

Find out who else is getting involved with Small Business Saturday UK by checking out the Twitter hashtag #SmallBizSatUk

and remember, supporting a local small business is not only for one day or just for  Christmas but it all helps!

Solved it – RPC:S-7:AEC-0 Google Play error
Solved it – RPC:S-7:AEC-0 Google Play error 150 150 Small Business IT Solutions

I’ve had an irritating problem with one of my Google Accounts (using a Google Free Apps with a personal domain associated with it) on a Samsung S5 where any interaction with the Google Play Store would result in a really helpful error ”

“Error while retrieving information from server. [RPC:S-7:AEC-0]”

Trying to use the Play Store in a web browser (Firefox, Chrome, IE etc) would result in an equally helpful message “An unexpected error has occurred”

I never had this problem on my previous phone (an S3) and had no problems when I upgraded – it just stopped working !

A web search shows that lots of people are getting this error (There is a nice article here on Android Police) and there is a wide variety of “solutions” that appear to work for some people but not others, me included.

I’ve been in email contact with Google Support and the advice to date has been :

This issue can sometimes be resolved by clearing the cache and data of both the Google Play Store app and the Download Manager.

Here's how:
1. On your phone/tablet, open Settings.
2. Scroll down to Device and touch Apps.
3. Swipe left to see the All tab.
4. Scroll down and touch "Google Play Store" or "Download Manager."
5. Touch "Clear data," then touch "OK."
6. Touch "Clear cache."

You'll need to complete these steps separately for each application giving the error notification "Error while retrieving information from server. [RPC:S-7:AEC-0]". 
Also note that after clearing the Google Play Store app data, if you've changed your password protection or content filter settings from the defaults, you'll need to reapply
these settings.

This didn’t work for me, nor did any of the other “solutions” we tried.

After doing some further investigation of problems relating to payment issues on another account (not Google Apps),  it led me to delve into the payment options on the account – which seemed to have disappeared !

Logging into the Admin Console section of my Google Apps account showed that Wallet was not on the list of usable applications, so after some trawling around (to save you time, it is under the More Controls screen, hiding at the bottom of the screen, and then choose More Google Apps), I managed to get Google Wallet enabled for my account.

I then did the following :

  • Deleted the Google account from the mobile phone,
  • Cleared  all cache and data for Google Play Store, Google Play Services, Google Services Framework
  • Turned off the phone
  • Logged in via PC to the Play Store and voila, a working account where I was prompted to add payment methods !
  • Restarted the phone
  • Added the Google account back to the phone and left it to sync

 

This may work for you, it may not, it does seem to be a lucky dip on why you get the problem and the solution you need to solve it.

(Normal disclaimer, YYMV and we assume no responsibility if you break your device/account by using any of the information here!)

 

 

 

System Restore or System Recovery – choose the right option !
System Restore or System Recovery – choose the right option ! 150 150 Small Business IT Solutions

Failed System Restore

We had a laptop dropped off by a user who said that they had used the System Restore in Windows and had rolled back 2 years, rather than months but had also forgotten the password for getting back into the machine.

Using one of our linux based tools, we reset the password on the machine and duly booted it up to discover the machine had actually been restored to its factory default state ! No documents, no logins, and a huge amount of updates to install.

We removed the hard drive and ran it through some data recovery tools, and managed to find a good chunk of data that had not been overwritten when the system was restored to its factory state which was duly copied off to a memory stick.

Leaving the machine for 24 hours to do a deep scan of the hard disk,we managed to recover a few more missing files, however some of these had been partial overwritten when the system restored.

Another 24 hours for letting the machine re-install all the Windows and Office updates since 2009 and the machine was returned to its owner.

Luckily the files that were essential and involved many years research, seemed to have recovered okay, however there were many photos and documents that whilst having restored okay, were actually unusable.

We think that in this case, the user had mistakenly used the option to recover the system that was displayed before Windows had loaded.  In this case, this option restored the system back to its factory default state, overwriting the system already installed, which included all of the user data.

 

 

 

Ransomware infection on New Years Eve
Ransomware infection on New Years Eve 150 150 Small Business IT Solutions

It’s not often we get calls over the festive period, however this year started with some clients with big problems.

“Your Machine has been locked by the Police”

A call came in at 20:50 on New Years Eve from a distressed user saying that her computer had been “locked” by the Police and a payment needed to be made to allow use.

We advised her to turn the machine off and not to use it until we had had a chance to see whether it was a fake ransomware infection or whether it had actually encrypted and locked her data.

Our advice on keeping it turned off was unfortunately ignored, and the client was quite alarmed by the fact that every browser and user login on the machine was now infected.

Running the machine through some anti-virus tools, in this case our handy  AVG Rescue CD, we managed to identify  the infection and luckily it was not as malicious as we first thought.

A few hours later, the machine was clean, updated, defragged and returned to a very grateful and relieved owner.

 

 

Potential web hosting woes avoided
Potential web hosting woes avoided 150 150 Small Business IT Solutions
Received a phone call yesterday with regard to web hosting problems (via another supplier).  It appears that the client’s previous hosting company is no longer answering calls or emails or even taking money and the client feared that they would lose their website and email facilities. We’ve taken a copy of the existing site before it potentially disappears and are re-creating it so at least there is a base point to start from and will be taking some time later today to try and identify anyone else who may be not be aware of the potential loss of their website and email facilities.
We’d highly recommend that anybody with a website ensures that they keep a record of any domain names, web site login/ftp details and email account information so that if this should happen to them, there is a good chance of being able to backup your web data before it disappears.
A big thank you to Nominet for helping out yesterday, their advice and recommendations in trying to recover the domain were extremely helpful.

IT Case Study : Ayrmer Software
IT Case Study : Ayrmer Software 150 150 Small Business IT Solutions

Ayrmer Software Logo

Ayrmer Software is a leading bespoke software development studio, based in Devon, who specialise in  providing bespoke and turn-key business software solutions, professional b2b website design and web application development.  Hightrees have been providing IT support and VoIP services to Ayrmer Software for over 7 years, after a chance meeting through a mutual client.

Hightrees have helped Ayrmer build upon their internal IT infrastructure to improve their business and the services they can provide to their clients, here are some examples of the IT work we have carried out with Ayrmer :

Installation of in-house web development servers :

Linux based servers provide a centralised development platform for both new and existing client web applications as well as in-house development work.Using Linux as the platform base, means that Ayrmer can utilise the same technologies as their hosting platforms as well as testing upcoming software releases, trialling new programming libraries etc.
The servers (based on two different sites) are running in a typical LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL and PHP) environment, which is ideal for building high-availability heavy-duty dynamic web sites and web based applications.

Backup and Data replication:

Core company data to two remote offsite facilities is performed by both in-house scripts and a third party backup service to ensure the safety of both internal and external data.  One set of backup data is purely for offsite backup/recovery purposes, the other backup set set goes to Ayrmer’s other development server kept a different site (any vice versa), meaning that in case of any hardware issues, development work can still continue at the alternative site.

VoIP Telephony :

Ayrmer software host their own internal VoIP (Voice over IP server) based on Asterisk.  The VoIP system provides telephone access to all members of staff by extension as well as pre-defined ring groups, i.e Technical Support, Sales etc.  As well as handling VoIP calls, the server also deals with the traditional calls over BT and provides 2 backup routes in case of VoIP failure.

Network balancing :

In order to get the best performance out of their VoIP technologies, an additional ADSL line was installed purely for VoIP traffic.  There is a mixture of physical VoIP Handsets and VoIP softphones. The internal network has been defined in such a way that VoIP data and general “internet” traffic goes via two separate connections to ensure quality of service.  Whilst this could be seen as overkill, it also provides a backup route in the event of any issue with either ADSL line.

Remote Working Facilities :

As well as being able to redirect calls to remote workers, there are VPN and secure access facilities available to all Ayrmer Staff to enable them to work away from the office – whether this is due to client meetings at the other end of the country or as in recent years, bad weather.  Server access, email and VoIP telephone services can all be accessed securely, creating the perfect remote office setup.

UPS Protection :

The core IT infrastructure is protected by small yet efficient UPS units to minimise disruption in case of power failure.

Summary

Whilst this sounds quite an expensive shopping list of IT requirements and services, in “cash” terms, the actual costs for the IT solutions implemented have been kept low thanks to utilising Open Source software solutions.

Software licensing costs have been kept to a minimum, (these are mainly incurred for the Windows environment), server hardware has been purchased without the “Microsoft” tax as Linux has been used as the operating system which has allowed more RAM and storage to be purchased, and by using compliant standards for the VoIP server (SIP/IAX2), hardware could be selected from a wider range of suppliers rather than propriety equipment.

As with any IT project, considerably time was spent discussing the “IT Wants vs IT Needs” which allowed Hightrees to get a better understanding of the core requirements of Ayrmer as a business, but also allowed Ayrmer to gain a better understanding of what was actually needed to be implemented as opposed to “I want a backup service”.

“We owe a huge part of our success, over the last seven years, to the systems we rely on day in, day out. Hightrees  have been invaluable in the implementation of most of our internal systems, thinking outside the box and finding solutions to the myriad of issues a business like our has. Put simply, Hightrees have given us an edge on our competitors time and time again!”
Charles Collins (Managing Director) Ayrmer Software Limited

 

To find out more on how Hightrees can help your business with practical and cost effective IT solutiosn and services, please contact us

IT Case Study : Goff Associates
IT Case Study : Goff Associates 150 150 Small Business IT Solutions

Goff Associates Logo

Goff Associates are specialists in Hotel & Spa design, eminent in their field for over 20 years.

When they moved premises, they contacted Hightrees to see if VoIP would be a suitable option for their new office.  With 5 staff members, a degree of flexibility was required to enable the staff to work from home as well as in the office.

VoIP Telephony

Basic speedtests showed that the internet connection at their new office seemed suitable for running VoIP and based on their existing BT phone usage and features, we were able to offer a comparable VoIP PBX system which would pay for itself in savings within 2 years.  The existing office number was ported to the VoIP PBX meaning that there was no loss of service on the main contact number or costly reprinting of business cards and stationary.

5 new Aastra VoIP handsets were installed, along with a VoIP PBX and an hour training session on how to use the PBX interface to divert calls, how to use the handsets to transfer calls etc.
To save duplicating the amount of users needed, i.e one user for the office and one for working remotely, the simplest option was for staff to physically take their handsets home with them, and plug directly into their internet connection.

Remote Control

Remote Control software has been installed on the Office PC’s allowing internal staff and Hightrees to remotely access the PC’s to help with any IT issues that occur.

Summary

After one year, monthly PBX rental and call charges have been greatly reduced to the point that the cost of the handsets has already been recouped and the average monthly phone bill is 50% less than their previous telephone system provider.

IT Case Study : Volunteering IT Services at Castledown Radio
IT Case Study : Volunteering IT Services at Castledown Radio 150 150 Small Business IT Solutions

Castledown Radio Logo

Castledown Radio, based in Wiltshire, provides a community radio service on both FM 104.7 and the Internet to the Tidworth Community Area.

Hightrees have been involved with the Castledown Station since its inception back in 2005 and have donated IT support, IT equipment and IT advice as an “in kind” benefit.

Being a volunteer based organisation means that the funds available have to be strictly controlled, so wherever possible Hightrees has tried to implement cost effective IT solutions and services which keep the running costs of the IT side of the community station to a minimum.  This means more funds are available for essential broadcast licences, audio equipment etc.

Here are some examples of the IT solutions we have installed at Castledown Radio :

IT Infrastructure :

Each Studio has multiple network points and is CAT5 wired back to a centralised IT/Engineering Area where the core IT equipment (donated and re-purposed) was being installed.
Centralising the IT and some of the core Audio equipment in racks in one location, means that it is easier to protect with UPS equipment & there is less chance of any essential equipment being turned off by mistake as well as helping keep the IT “clutter” in each Studio area to a minimum.

When the Station moved location, the entire IT and Audio infrastructure was rebuilt, from scratch and switched over with no loss of broadcast service to the listeners.

Repurposed IT Equipment

Two rackmount servers (end of life) were kindly donated to the Station and Hightrees setup these up using Fedora Linux as the operating system.  One server acts as a Samba server, offering Windows style facilities to the client machines i.e centralised login control, login scripts based on user roles, as well as Windows Profile storage and Home areas, i.e storage facilities specific to each user.
The additional server was fitted out with additional hard drives and controller cards to provide extra storage space for the audio library, again running Fedora Linux as the Operating system.

As the core purpose of the servers is to provide a centralised storage and network facility, the overhead of running a Microsoft based operating system, both in terms of equipment costs and licensing costs would add additional running costs to the Station which could be used elsewhere.

VoIP Telephony

Castledown Radio has been using a VoIP service since it was granted its FM licence by Ofcom back in 2006.  The VoIP system Asterisk is being used, which is again, open source based software meanign no licensing costs.
As well as being used as a normal telephone system, Hightrees have donated an ATA adapter which allows the use of normal BT type equipment so that telephone interviews can be conducted from the Station and either recorded, or played straight to air.
Hightrees donates VoIP Credit to meet the cost of telephone calls, which using VoIP work out cheaper than a dedicated BT style telephone line and the associated line rental costs on top of call costs.

Website & Email Hosting

Hightrees currently donates the domain name, web and email hosting facilities to the Station.  The website is built using Joomla, a popular Content Management System, along with some additional components and modules which give some of the radio specific elements of the website.  As well as providing web users with a chance to listen to previously broadcast interviews and events, it also acts as a backup mechanism for important audio and photo images, currently around the 5Gb mark but constantly growing.

Remote Working

Remote access to the Studio is available via the community edition of OpenVPN.  Keys are generated on a per user basis, and allows the volunteers to upload audio/images from their home computers to the servers at the Station.  Using TightVNC over the VPN means that the PC’s in the Studio’s can be controlled remotely, allowing changes to the audio software to be performed without a trip to the Station.  This has proved particularly useful where access to the Station has not been possible due to bad winter weather, but where essential local news information, like School Closures, needed to be broadcast at short notice.
Volunteers can download, free of charge, the necessary software to their machine and can quite quickly be up and running and working remotely.

IT Support and Services

As well as the specific projects listed above, Hightrees currently donates as a minimum, 1 day per month for IT support and 1 day per month for web site updates.

Social Media

We initially setup social media accounts for Castledown Radio on both Twitter and Facebook which are used by the volunteer presenter during live shows and “off air” to help promote local news, upcoming shows and guests from the local community.  It has proved to be a popular engagement mechanism with listeners of all ages.

Summary

By utilising an open source Linux based approach to a large majority of the “backend” IT, extra life can be gained from otherwise redundant equipment, but with no loss of performance or functionality.  Identifying the IT needs of Station and taking an alternative approach has helped keep IT running costs down, as well as, hopefully, making life simpler.

Whilst the immediate thought of giving away in excess of £54,000 may seem strange (the figure to date that Hightrees has donated in time & goods over the last 8 years), we hope that we have helped in a small way, to keep a valuable local community volunteer based organisation up and running.

If you are interested in volunteering for Castledown Radio, either on air as a presenter or for any of the many off-air behind the scenes roles that are available, please contact them on 01264 841047 or visit the website http://www.castledownradio.info

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