Content Filtering

Filtering "on the line"

You may have heard this term from your Internet Service Provider, but what does this mean?

In simple terms, some piece of equipment is scanning all your traffic, and doing it's best to filter out known virus, spyware, malware, spam, and all those other bad things we don't need in our lives.

That sounds great!

It is great, it is an amazing technology. Sadly when used by a service provider, the controls are so loose, and the detections are so rare, due to trying to please all the people all the time.

Just do it yourself. 

By using a filtering gateway, it can be configured to block all those bad things with much tighter control.  Not only that, specific sites can be blocked, sites pertaining to certain topics can be blocked. Access can be limited only to business hours, control between networks and offices, and so much more. Detailed logs of every single site visited on your network, including by who, when, and for how long.

It can even be set to block ads and pop ups before they even reach your computer.

So how is this done?

It is as simple as installing a filtering gateway device between your Cable or DSL Modem, and your main router or switch.  That way, every byte that comes out of your network will have to pass through the filter before it reaches out to the internet and every byte will have to pass through the gateway to come back into your network.

A easy to use interface allows configuration of filtering and logging settings.

As an added bonus, a state of the art firewall will keep your network safe from outside attackers, as well as log any type of attempt.

Truly one of the best additions you can make to your business network.

Contact us today to learn more.

IT Elite Computer Service

info@itelite.org

Video Conferencing

Video Conferencing

Remember when old movies, and tv shows would show the "Future"? How did everyone communicate? Usually it was by video conferencing. 

Not that long ago, it was considered almost impossible to have a live video conversation with someone across town or across the world.  The equipment and bandwidth were simply not available, and maybe more so, not affordable.  

These days though, everything has changed. With services such as Skype, and FaceTime, making a video call is almost as easy as making a phone call. 

Of course, as with anything, you sacrifice quality and security for convenience. Skype is far less than private, and FaceTime has serious issues making successful calls between iOS versions. With all commercial services, you are also sharing use with everyone else that decides to use it. Network congestion, DDOS, and many other potential disruptions can lead to extended downtimes with little recourse.

Well, did you know, you can easily run your own video conferencing network? 

Several different software packages exist to deploy your own network for your company. A simple directory will keep you in touch with employees and team members at multiple locations. Just click on their name, and be connected in moments.  

The advantages of a private network are limitless. Your calls may never leave your network, and if they must go through and internet service provider, they will be encrypted.  Your system is entirely under your control. No unneeded downtime, if there is an issue, you fix it, no support calls.  Because your calls aren't bounced around servers all over the world, the quality is incredible.  

So how is this done?

Well, there are two minimum elements to the system. A server, and a client.  On the server, all configurations are made, it is the main system that routes and connects calls. The client simply logs into the server, and connects with other clients.  Clients can be anything, PC, Mac, iPhone,Android, and many others.  

There are absolutely no limits placed on these connections, you can run a video call all day of you like, you are in control.

Hardware requirements are surprisingly minimal. Any reasonably modern PC can be a server, and just about any device can be a client.

How can i get this?

There is nothing stopping you from implementing such a system yourself.

TrueConf is an exceptional system. It is well documented, and reasonably easy to install and run.

Of course, if you don't care for the learning curve, we are always here to help. Having implemented many of these systems, we will have you up and running sooner than you thought possible, and available for and questions and concerns you may have.

IT Elite Computer Service