Mark182 Posted October 30, 2014 Posted October 30, 2014 (edited) I have taken over IT support for a very small company. The owner doesn’t know anything about IT. He tells me he’s had a load of work done but doesn’t know what from the previous IT support…There isn’t any paperwork regarding the network. I will list what he’s got that I took notes of from our quick meeting:- • TP-link wireless-n usb ADSL+ router td-w8968 • 4 computers (all windows 7) • 2 printers (shared) • 1 laptop • Own website (lots of uploading, will get onto that) • Mcfree LifeSafe – internet Security installed on all desktops • Zen Internet as service provider – download speed 6.73Mbps upload 0.91Mbps He runs a 30M cable from his router downstairs to his desktop with windows 7 with these add ons installed, Microsoft SQL server 2008, Microsoft SQL server 2008 R2 Microsoft visual Studio 2008 and SQL backupandFTP. The spec of that computer is 2.8 duo CPU and 3 GB RAM. He also has a 1 TB NAS connected. All test of the devices are connected via wireless. He has a cheap mini unbranded £10 5 port switch from his 30M cable from the router to his “server” and printers. His IP range has been configured to start from 192.168.1.37.. He main issue is slowness and when uploading to his website. Things will freeze and they “network” is in a pretty bad way. Just wanted some advice on how to start on the minefield. I was thinking increasing his internet package as they do loads of uploading, virus scan all devices and give them an MOT, sorting out his doddgy wiring and compiling some network documentation, creating them a working back up solution, any one any more advise? Thanks. Edited October 30, 2014 by Dos_Box
Edu-IT Posted October 30, 2014 Posted October 30, 2014 I'd look at what speed the switch is running at and also investigate whether you can hard wire back the computers to the switch, if there's no need for them to be wireless. Then perhaps look at the spec of the server machine. 1
jtoland Posted October 30, 2014 Posted October 30, 2014 Hi I would start from his computer I would update his ram to about 6 gig and then update his Internet connection I would also recommend getting another computer and shoving server 2012 or 2008 on it and then manage every thing from there 1
Mark182 Posted October 30, 2014 Author Posted October 30, 2014 Ah yes, I forgot to say, looking at upgrading the RAM on the "server" as a quick starting point.
jamesb Posted October 30, 2014 Posted October 30, 2014 Has he given you a budget to work with as that'll be the main restriction on what you can do? The first thing I'd be looking at is documentation - get a network diagram together and keep it up to date as you work. Check that the switch is actually a switch and not a hub, as that may be the biggest bottleneck you've got. A server's a good idea - but the licensing will cost money (hence why you need a budget before you can identify the key points to change). With wireless-N speed shouldn't be too much of an issue - but try to identify the wifi cards in each device. It may be that they're running on legacy modes and so losing most of the speed N could otherwise provide. Either wiring them or upgrading the cards would help on that one. Upgrading the internet package should be the last step, as without a solid network they may not see any benefit of it. 1
Mark182 Posted October 30, 2014 Author Posted October 30, 2014 No budget as of yet, I just want to give him a list of things that can be carried out and the benefit of what each will do, no one’s ever explained anything to him in the past. I know the desktops have very cheap wireless adaptors. It says it’s a “switch” but I would not trust it. I did not take down the model or anything.
Abaddon Posted October 30, 2014 Posted October 30, 2014 Hi I would start from his computer I would update his ram to about 6 gig and then update his Internet connection I would also recommend getting another computer and shoving server 2012 or 2008 on it and then manage every thing from there It doesn't state anywhere if this machine is 64 or 32-bit. If it's got 3Gb, then it's probably 32-bit, so no point in adding RAM there. If he's having trouble uploading, then the given upload speed of less than 1Mb is the most likely culprit I would suggest. 1
ICTDirect_Dave Posted October 30, 2014 Posted October 30, 2014 Definitely look and see if you can get Fibre in there. That'll help with their uploading. Next I'd suggest a dedicated machine for the server. Something like a Z-series workstation (Z800 FTW!) or even something as basic as a Microserver if they're not doing much with it? After that look at the network kit and see what can be retained and what needs introducing to the bin. 1
Mark182 Posted October 30, 2014 Author Posted October 30, 2014 It doesn't state anywhere if this machine is 64 or 32-bit. If it's got 3Gb, then it's probably 32-bit, so no point in adding RAM there. If he's having trouble uploading, then the given upload speed of less than 1Mb is the most likely culprit I would suggest. Ah yes, just remoted in and its 32bit so RAM upgrades a no go…
ICTDirect_Dave Posted October 30, 2014 Posted October 30, 2014 Ah yes, just remoted in and its 32bit so RAM upgrades a no go… Could you not reinstall? If these are OEM machines with a 7 Pro COA then it should take 32 or 64 bit with no activation problems 1
Mark182 Posted October 30, 2014 Author Posted October 30, 2014 Could you not reinstall? If these are OEM machines with a 7 Pro COA then it should take 32 or 64 bit with no activation problems In the long term yes, probably look at getting him a better spec machine but for now no, don’t want to stop his business running, I will probably build a new server side by side the machine he is running now and then it’ll be a simple cross over.
ICTDirect_Dave Posted October 30, 2014 Posted October 30, 2014 In the long term yes, probably look at getting him a better spec machine but for now no, don’t want to stop his business running, I will probably build a new server side by side the machine he is running now and then it’ll be a simple cross over. Fair point If you want a budget workstation let me know. I'll sort out a decent spec for next to nothing.
strawberry Posted October 30, 2014 Posted October 30, 2014 Bin off any wireless and use homeplugs or cabling where possible. Look at what sort of backups are being done. Check the spec of PC's and do a software audit to remove any rubbish Check the AV and replace if needed Check the hardware to see if any of it is junk. Replace screens with something larger replace keyboards and mice. Give them training sessions on how to use windows 7 dock, shake etc etc. 1
hallb15 Posted November 3, 2014 Posted November 3, 2014 Definitely look at upgrading their internet connection. For a business that uploads website updates regularly, their current 1mb upload is woefully inadequate. I've looked at the Zen Internet website and they do offer FTTC connections, and they advertise up to 9.5mb upload speeds on their cheaper packages which should be a vast improvement. Fibre and Phone Packages | Fibre Broadband | Business | Zen Internet Get this (or similar) installed and working properly on the one wired PC. Then tackle the desktops. The netgear wireless adaptors you linked to will do the job pretty well but in an office environment there's really no excuse for not having wired connections. What does the business do? You mention two printers, but what are they printing? Photos can be huge and printing just 1 photo wirelessly could bring the whole network crashing down, especially as the printers are shared via the one hard-wired desktop PC. 1
Mark182 Posted November 3, 2014 Author Posted November 3, 2014 Definitely look at upgrading their internet connection. For a business that uploads website updates regularly, their current 1mb upload is woefully inadequate. I've looked at the Zen Internet website and they do offer FTTC connections, and they advertise up to 9.5mb upload speeds on their cheaper packages which should be a vast improvement. Fibre and Phone Packages | Fibre Broadband | Business | Zen Internet Get this (or similar) installed and working properly on the one wired PC. Then tackle the desktops. The netgear wireless adaptors you linked to will do the job pretty well but in an office environment there's really no excuse for not having wired connections. What does the business do? You mention two printers, but what are they printing? Photos can be huge and printing just 1 photo wirelessly could bring the whole network crashing down, especially as the printers are shared via the one hard-wired desktop PC. Thanks for that. The printers are wired into a mini £10 unbranded switch/could be a hub then a 30M cable back to the router. They mainly print invoices.
cullingsh Posted November 3, 2014 Posted November 3, 2014 I would start by checking out the switch in the middle, and if possible ditching the wireless where possible in favour of a wired connection. Also, depends what's slow. by the sounds of it, uploading large amounts to websites probably will be, given the specs of the external connection. If internal transfers are slow, and the switch is definitely a switch running at least 10/100, and between two wired connections, then I would be looking at the main computer being used for storage et al - checking the consumed resources and also the speed of the drive can make a big difference 1
hallb15 Posted November 3, 2014 Posted November 3, 2014 (edited) For £25, its worth putting a decent basic, Gbit switch in like this: Netgear ProSafe GS108 8-port Gigabit Metal Desktop Switch - Ebuyer Look to wiring the other desktop computers into this switch. 8 ports will be enough for now unless the company is likely to expand in the near future. Updating the antivirus definitions and running scans to rule out viruses or malware is always a good idea. CCleaning (or your preferred software) the desktops wouldn't do any harm either. Depending on the age of the desktops and the physical environment they are in, a good dusting inside with a soft paintbrush and can of compressed air is also a good idea. Depending on budget, getting a reasonable server may be the best way forward as it gives you central management of everything, and takes the strain off the one currently hardwired desktop. Lenovo have some cashback offers on at the moment e.g. Lenovo ThinkServer TS140 4GB Xeon E3-1225 v3 3.2GHz Tower Server - Ebuyer Comes with free server 2012. Would be a good starting point - without knowing more about the business and its plans... If you have a clear idea of what they are trying to achieve, where the business is heading, and what budget you might have, you can plan an upgrade strategically. If your client is happy with refurbs, @ICTDirect_Dave will sort you out. If you want a new, bespoke server try Ed at @VeryPC via @VeryPC_Colin_M There's lots of Edugeekers who will be willing to help you determine the right spec. Keep posting on here and we'll do what we can. Edited November 3, 2014 by hallb15 wrong link 3
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