PC & Server Repairs
 We use state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment combined with years of experience when repairing personal computers (PCs) and servers. We're A+ certified so you can be confident we can get to the heart of the problem quickly. You will be informed throughout the repair process so you won't be caught by surprise with a hefty repair bill. We will explain the problem and the solution as well as disclose all costs up front.

CONTRACT Support & Maintenance
 We offer service agreements and blocks of hours at tremendous discounts! When you make a financial commitment to Benton Technology, Inc., you will receive Priority Technical Assistance (same day service or in the next 4 hour block of the next workday!). Service agreements are designed for timely response as well as desktop support, long-term scheduled preventive maintenance, training, refresh, repairs and more. Give us a call to see how we can help reduce your overall costs in supporting your technology in-house.

PRINTER MAINTENANCE
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Network Analysis & Setup
BentonTech can help you design and deploy a network in your office or home, including wireless and hard-wired (or a combination of the two), in a small or large area. We have the experience and know-how to deliver high-performing networks that are secure. All of our services are provided by technicians with industry-proven experience, and we provide solutions that are tailored to your needs. Ask about our networked management services where we provide onsite backup, security, user admin issues, spam blocker, application upgrades, onsite technical support and repair. BentonTech offers these services on a monthly contract basis, bid and/or by the hour.

BentonTech views system design as crucial to an effective network system. The constantly changing and increasingly complex technology industry offers a multitude of solutions. Only precisely assembled networks can provide optimal performance while preventing costly down time. We focus on finding the most cost effective method to applying the correct technology toward solving your technology needs. Our staff has particular expertise in the areas of wireless networks and computer security. We are ready to assist you in a wide variety of IT related projects including network design, server configuration, desktop rollout, and security analysis.

Ergonomic WORKSPACE Design
 If you’ve spent hours hunched over your computer, you’ve probably started to feel the effects of your day through bleary eyes, an aching back and sore wrists. In particular, the repetitive use of the mouse in many software tasks can easily lead to wrist pain and eventually carpal tunnel syndrome if left untreated. Listed here are resources to help you create a more ergonomic work environment as well as exercise you can practice throughout the day to reduce eyestrain and body aches. BentonTech can help provide you with the resources for understanding and modifying your workstation environment to achieve an ergomic set-up.

Desktop Support
Our technicians have a wealth of experience with all current (and some not so current!) desktop applications. In addition, we are certified to configure, install, and support most desktop computing environments. We hold certifications from major software and hardware vendors, including: Microsoft, Dell, HP, Compaq, Symantec, Adobe, and others.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
This has been long-overlooked as one of the most inexpensive ways to increase your business! Benton Technology, Inc. can help you learn how to best utilize this powerful tool to grow your business, expand your constituent base, communicate to stakeholders, and more. Chances are, you already have what you need to get started! Common approaches include electronic newsletters, email campaigns, and database administration. For-profit companies, nonprofits, churches, schools, dentists, doctors, attorneys and others are ideal candidates for this service.

Custom-BUILT COMPUTERS
 Are you a gamer? Do you have a need for a system you just cannot find on the shelf or in a catalog? Better yet, do you want it faster than the big guys can deliver it? We can't build a low-end system for the typical residential user cheaper than the big guys can, but we can build custom systems that deliver reliable, high-powered PERFORMANCE at a lower price than they can!

Upgrades, Updates, & Patches
 There are many reasons to apply upgrades, updates, and patches...but which ones are safe? Appropriate? BentonTech can help you figure all of this out!

A patch can be an upgrade (adding increased features), a bug fix, a new hardware driver or update to address new issues such as security or stability problems. While most patches are free to download, ultimately the developer will determine which versions of their software will be updated for free (older releases of a program usually get fewer updates). In some cases, only "registered" users may get certain upgrades, and at other times the only way to upgrade is to purchase the newer version at a discounted upgrade price (and requiring a reinstallation of the program). Typically, a patch can be installed over the top of an existing program, but again this will depend on the supplier and the nature of the patch.

These are just examples of issues to consider relative to this topic. Give us a call for assistance in making upgrade, update, and patch decisions!

Software & Hardware Installation
 Benton Technology, Inc. is certified to install and support many hardware and software systems. From practice management applications (dental, medical, legal, and educational environments) to common network and desktops environments, BentonTech has the experience you need.

Computer PitStop™
We prepare our lawn equipment for the season, we change the oil and tune the engines in our cars...so why not our computers? By selecting this service, you're on your way to a faster PC!

Our technicians will check out your PC looking for common Operating System (OS) concerns, security risks, OS configuration issues, and performance problems. We use state-of-the-art ActiveX® utilities and hands-on analysis by skilled technicians to complete your test. Once the tests are complete, you will receive a detailed report of your system configuration - in addition, we will make recommendations for tweaking your system in order to maximize its performance - you'll be able to review our advice before making any changes are made to your system.

The full check-up does all this:

SECURITY AUDIT - NETWORK / DESKTOP
 As a part of our network security analysis (or security audit), security is tested from within and without your network, and you will have access to all the relevant information. Aspects of the Benton Technology security analysis:

We use both commercial software and software and processes developed by in-house technicians. Results are presented in a detailed report, including conclusions about the level of security and suggestions for improvement. Our service is designed to help you secure servers, firewalls, routers, and Windows 95/98/NT/2000 systems and services. We will test:

Suggested fixes are included with all discovered vulnerabilities to help quickly resolve insecure configurations on your system(s). We have on-demand access to the most recent security test files. The prioritization of security vulnerabilities assists in the creation of corporate security policies and task lists. Finally, our process utilizes a user-friendly interface for easy viewing of your reports in an Microsoft Word® document or web-based report.

Data Backup & rECOVERY
 It is still a fact that the majority of small businesses do not have a comprehensive backup or disaster recovery plan/procedure. If you do not plan for it now, you'll have nothing to work from in the event of a real disaster. Where would your business be if a fire, flood or electrical surge destroyed all of your computers and servers during the night? Remember that fires and floods also destroy paperwork so relying on hard copy backups isn't always foolproof. Burning your files to a CD-R is wholly inadequate as a backup strategy, and if you are still using floppy disks you're in serious trouble! Given that most of your crucial data is stored on a computer, it is probably time to consider implementing a rock solid backup strategy with clearly designed procedures and documentation. A backup strategy is the heart of a good disaster recovery plan.

Benton Technology, Inc. Provides Online backup, tape backup & disaster recovery! Don't worry about it all sounding complex, time consuming and jargonized. We'll do all the work for you, document it, explain what we have done and why, in plain English. We will define clear procedures to follow in the event of data loss or a disaster. Remember that it may cost you at least ten times as much (if not everything) to start a non-existent disaster recovery scenario after a disaster. How much time and money would it cost to reproduce all of your data?

Nothing is as good as a full backup of your documents, records, and databases. Backup routines use tape or other reliable media to record your data. Most tape drive software can be configured to automatically backup your data overnight. Having it performed automatically eliminates the chance of the user forgetting to start the backup at the end of the day. Be sure to rotate the tapes. Use one tape for each day of the week. Label the tapes Monday, Tuesday, etc. Change the tapes every day. Use the same set each week. Bad tapes are the # 1 problem when dealing with backups.

Check for Errors - Run an error checking program, such as scan disk, on a weekly basis. This will help clean the drive of data errors.

Defrag your Hard Drive - Run a defrag program on your hard drive monthly. This will organize your data and speed up the performance of your system.

Deploy a UPS - All computer systems should be connected to a high quality UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) and a high joules count surge protector. Power surges can cause undue data loss and hardware failure. Do not install a laser printer or a scanner on a UPS.

DISASTER RECOVERY
Disaster recovery is the process, policies and procedures related to preparing for recovery or continuation of technology infrastructure critical to an organization after a natural or user-induced disaster.

Disaster recovery planning is a subset of a larger process known as business continuity planning and should include planning for the resumption of applications, data, hardware, communications (such as networking), and other IT infrastructure. A business continuity plan (BCP) includes planning for non-IT related aspects such as key personnel, facilities, crisis communication and reputation protection, and should refer to the disaster recovery plan (DRP) for IT related infrastructure recovery / continuity. Other than the basics, there is not a "cookie-cutter" approach when designing a disaster recovery plan.

With the increasing importance of information technology for the continuation of business critical functions, combined with a transition to an around-the-clock economy, the importance of protecting an organization's data and IT infrastructure in the event of a disruptive situation has become an increasing and more visible business priority in recent years. It is estimated that most large companies spend between 2% and 4% of their IT budget on disaster recovery planning, with the aim of avoiding larger losses in the event that the business cannot continue to function due to loss of IT infrastructure and data. Of companies that had a major loss of business data, 43% never reopen, 51% close within two years, and only 6% will survive long-term.

Control measures are steps or mechanisms that can reduce or eliminate computer security threats. Different types of measures can be included in BCP/DRP. Types of measures include:

These controls should be always documented and tested regularly.

WebSite & Email Hosting
 We offer our service agreement customers FREE basic email and simple web site hosting services for the life of their contract! We offer top-notch service and unparalleled uptime performance (currently stands at 99.9997%!)! We also offer email and web hosting services to our other customers. As every web project is unique, we will need to sit down with you to determine costs and the best course of action.

WebSite Development
 We offer a single point of contact for highly customized web design, web development, and application development solutions, as well as professional consulting services and support. Our range and depth of services set us apart from other website developers; providing graphic design, databases, technology consulting, hosting, site maintenance, and more, we can empower you to do virtually anything with an online presence...now and in the future.

We take complex problems and create dynamic, scalable, online solutions that leave you unlimited room to grow. From simple informational sites to online commerce and complex database driven sites, we deliver all the possibilities.

Virus & Spyware Removal
 Benton Technology, Inc. can quickly remove viruses, spyware, and malware from your computer. Below is some helpful information regarding viruses, spyware, and malware.

Do you have a Virus? Are you infested with pop-up ads, new toolbars in your browser, is your home page changed or are you bombarded with irritating spam? Perhaps your computer is running very slow or worst, you can't get on the internet. If so, your PC is most likely infected with adware, spyware, spybots, Trojan horses, viruses or another internet parasite.

What Is a Trojan Horse? A Trojan horse is malware that performs unexpected or unauthorized, often malicious, actions. The main difference between a Trojan horse and a virus is the inability to replicate. Trojan horses cause damage, unexpected system behavior, and compromise the security of systems, but do not replicate. If it replicates, then it should be classified as a virus. A Trojan horse, coined from Greek mythology's Trojan horse, typically comes in good packaging but has some hidden malicious intent within its code. When a Trojan horse is executed users will likely experience unwanted system problems in operation, and sometimes loss of valuable data.

What is a Virus? A computer virus is a program of executable code that has the ability to replicate. Like biological viruses, computer viruses can spread quickly and are often difficult to eradicate. They can attach themselves to just about any type of file and are spread as files that are copied and sent from individual to individual. Some computer viruses can also destroy files, reformat your hard drive, or cause other damage. If the virus does not contain a damage routine, it can cause trouble by consuming storage space and memory, and degrading the overall performance and resources of your computer.

Several years ago most viruses spread primarily via floppy disk, but the Internet has introduced new virus distribution mechanisms. With email now used as an essential business communication tool, viruses are spreading faster than ever. Viruses attached to email messages can infect a network or your computer in minutes, costing companies millions of dollars annually in lost productivity and virus extraction expenses. Viruses won't go away anytime soon! More than 60,000 viruses have been identified, and new viruses are created every day, according to the International Computer Security Association.

What is Malware? Malware, short for malicious software, refers to any malicious or unexpected program or code such as viruses, and Trojan horses.

What is Spyware? Spyware is short for advertising supported software (adware, or software that sends information about your Internet habits back to the computer from which it's launched). Spyware is often built into free downloads and works in the background without a user's knowledge. Since it doesn't record an individual's personal information, it's often used to create marketing profiles based on surfing habits.

Why is it called "Spyware?" While this may be a great concept, the downside is that the advertising companies also install additional tracking software on your system, which is continuously sending your tracking information over the internet. While according to the privacy policies of the companies, there will be no sensitive or identifying data collected from your system and you shall remain anonymous, it still remains the fact, that you have a "live" server sitting on your PC that is sending information about you and your surfing habits to a remote location.

Is Spyware Illegal? Even though the name may indicate so, spyware is not an illegal type of software in any way. However there are certain issues that a privacy-oriented user may object to and therefore prefer not to use the product. This usually involves the tracking and sending of data and statistics via a server installed on the user's PC and the use of your Internet connection in the background. These tools are perfectly legal in most places, but, just like an ordinary tape recorder, if they are abused, they can seriously violate your privacy.

What's the concern all about? While legitimate adware companies will disclose the nature of data that is collected and transmitted in their privacy statement, there is almost no way for the user to actually control what data is being sent. The fact is that the technology is, in theory, capable of sending much more than just banner statistics - and this is why many people feel uncomfortable with the idea of spyware. When was the last time you read a privacy statement on a web site? Millions of people are using advertising supported "spyware" products and could not care less about the privacy hype; in fact some "spyware" programs are among the most popular downloads on the Internet.

There are also many PC surveillance tools that allow the user to monitor all kinds of activity on a computer, ranging from keystroke recorders, snapshots, email logging, chat logging and just about everything else. These tools are often designed for parents, businesses, and similar environments, but can be easily abused if they are installed on your computer without your knowledge.

Custom Development
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training
According to a survey by global career services company Lee Hecht Harrison, 76% of employees surveyed in 2009 listed "Ongoing Training Opportunities" as a high priority for them...not just one-day seminars or e-learning programs either.  "The common goal is skill development that enhances life-long employability," states Terri Hires, Lee Hecht Harrison VP.  I guess we should forget about company cars and health club membership as perks, huh?

BentonTech specializes in custom training solutions for companies and organizations of all kinds.  BentonTech has a team of trainers that offer a myriad of topics relevant to today's contemporary work environment.  We have team members that have been recognized as Certified Training Consultants (CTC) and we're certified AchieveGlobal / Zenger-Miller® facilitators.

VHS-to-DVD Conversion
 What began as a "personal" project has quickly become a service offered by BentonTech. You probably already know the VHS format is on the way out - not to mention, as time passes, the quality of VHS deteriorates. DO NOT LET THIS HAPPEN! PRESERVE YOUR MEMORIES!

We can convert your home movies on VHS to DVD - we can even add menus, titles, pictures, and more!  Ask us about this service...and yes, we can even convert your dull, boring home movies on DVD to something a little more lively and creative! (If you ask us nicely, we may even be able to remove the mustache from Aunt Sue's upper lip! But that'll cost you a little extra...)

Enterprise Deployment
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DEVICE INTEGRATION
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