Tech Updates

Disabling Windows 10 OS Upgrades

As you might have heard, Microsoft is pushing the Windows 10 operating system upgrade through Windows Update. At first this was offered to home users and small business users that do not have domains. Microsoft has since changed the offering to include domain-joined eligible systems that use regular Windows Update for their updates. The upgrade first appeared under the “Optional” section in Windows Update. Now Microsoft has moved the upgrade to the “Recommended” classification. This means that users with automatic updates enabled might see the Windows 10 upgrade automatically initiate on their devices. But users will not be fully moved to Windows 10 unless they proactively choose to do so.

For now, there are a couple of exceptions to the upgrade push. Companies who are using Windows 7 Enterprise and Windows 8.1 Enterprise editions, and all systems that receive updates from an administrator-managed patch platform, such as Microsoft’s own WSUS (Windows Server Update Services) and SCCM (System Center Configuration Manager), or third-party software like Kaseya which CTComp uses for its own systems as well as those of Patch Management customers.

For those who do not have the above exceptions and are not ready to upgrade to Windows 10, Microsoft provides a way to globally block the workstation from receiving the upgrade and initiating the installation of Windows 10 using Group Policy. The Group Policy Object (GPO) pushes out a new registry key which disables OS upgrades through Windows Update.

If you would like CTComp to work with you on creating such a GPO in your environment, please contact the Service Department at service@ctcomp.com for additional details.

Are your servers secure?

HP has developed to protect your hardware with HP Secure Encryption that provides security to your data at rest. It can be deployed on both local and remote deployments. There are two modes for HP Secure Encryption; Local Key Management Mode and Remote Key Management Mode. Local key management is for single server deployment and Remote Key Management mode allows for central management for enterprise-wide deployment. Let CTComp provide you with encryption technology to ensure that your organization’s information is safe and secure, especially with the continual growing rate of cybercrime.

Find more information @ HP Secure Encryption

Microsoft Official Virtual Classes

Now you can build Microsoft technical expertise while balancing the demands of your schedule. IT Professionals who need to build technical skills can’t always break away from the office to be in a classroom. They want high-quality training alternatives that are time-efficient and cost-effective. Introducing Microsoft Official Courses On-Demand (MOC On-Demand)—complete courses offered in a self-paced format, streamed directly to our customers.

Current classes being offered:

  • Introduction to Web Development with Microsoft Visual Studio 2010
  • Administering System Center 2012 Configuration Manager
  • Automating Administration with Windows PowerShell
  • Core Solutions of Microsoft SharePoint Server 2013
  • Core Solutions of Microsoft Exchange Server 2013
  • Installing and Configuring Windows Server 2012
  • Administering Windows Server 2012
  • Configuring Advanced Windows Server 2012 Services

For more information contact Ryan Carbone.

Customer Solutions

Let CTComp facilitate your Windows 10 upgrade. We will be able to move over applications, provide hardware upgrades, also provide a custom company configuration and provide a 3-hour intro to Windows 10 class to help make the transition over to Windows 10 as painless as possible. We will help ensure that your business does not miss a beat during this change. Training for Windows 10 can be provided on-site or at our facility. Our past customers who have used us to orchestrate their upgrade have had us host the affected employees at our facility for training while their workstations are being upgraded. So as soon as they get back to the office they will have some basic level knowledge of how the new OS works. Contact Us to discuss a tailored upgrade plan.

CTComp is now able to offer our customers the world’s #1 CRM solution with Salesforce. This platform will allow you to streamline your sales, service and marketing within one cloud-based application where you can monitor your business from lead generation through delivery. Like all of our solutions we offer Salesforce as a custom tailored solution specifically configured with our customer in mind.

“We had a very tight deadline to migrate a very complex (lots of customization and high volume) set of data, and we were able to deliver on time and within budget. They are very professional, learn and adapt very fast and will be happy to share their knowledge with you. The team working with us was amazing, and each one of them brought specific value to the project, and also knew how to leverage the resources within our company, and that was key to success. Communication was straight forward, and the project management was very efficient. Meetings were short and effective and issues were addressed and resolved quickly. I am looking forward to working with them in the future (they will be our first option for any new projects), and I would recommend them to anyone who is looking for a nimble, smart partner that will be honest and professional.”

– Orbcomm