Further IT support team expansion

Link ICT has further expanded our IT support technical team following the appointment of Adam Walsh and Andy Barton.

Link ICT Trains with Clevertouch Technologies

Each Tuesday afternoon at 4 pm, the staff at Link ICT have an online Teams meeting to catch up with internal company news as well as provide an opportunity to share knowledge. As most of our staff are based onsite with our lovely customers, it is not very often we are all together in the…

Seasons greetings from Link ICT

We are very much looking forward to the festivities and would like to inform you of our office opening hours.

Connect the Classroom wins using Government funding

Link ICT has been appointed by numerous schools across the East Midlands as part of a government initiative called ‘Connect the Classroom.

Smoothwall in Education: Safeguarding Children Online Through Digital Monitoring and Real-time, Content-Aware Filtering

Educational institutions rely on tools such as Smoothwall Filter and Smoothwall Monitor to keep children safe online.

Happy 4th Anniversary to School Transition Limited!

School Transition Limited, a division of Link ICT which offers a range of unique GDPR-compliant data transition portals for the education sector celebrates 4th birthday.

Link ICT boost IT support team with new technician

Connor Staton joins as a IT support technician as a result of growth from the education sector.

Cyber Security Checklist

Link ICT provides its checklist of digital routines to stay vigilant and protected against cyber fraud.

Best iPad Apps for Educational Use

We asked the Link ICT technicians what the most popular iPad apps they are asked to deploy within their Primary and Secondary schools. 

Clevertouch IMPACT MAX

We all understand how the Clevertouch screens have changed the classroom for the better and how they have made lessons interactive and simplified. To continue the improvements Clevertouch Technologies is introducing its brand-new ultra-durable IMPACT Max. The IMPACT Max offers 65″, 75″ and 85″ 4K resolution screens and ultimate interactivity. With the stylish and sleek…

Microsoft Surface Laptop SE

Microsoft has developed the Surface device as an alternative to a bulky laptop but have a price tag of a Chromebook. Designed and created for the perfect device for an educational end user. 

Why you need to give yourself a break from IT

With technology being within most aspects of our lives, here are some useful tips as to how you can ensure you can take a break from IT.

Danger of Downloading Apps 

Downloading an app to your device is such an easy process in today’s society but the dangers of some can be well hidden with malicious software. Therefore it is important to be aware of the dangers in order to prevent this from happening.

Making Sense of the DfE Digital and Technology Standards in Schools – Network Cabling

Recently, the Department for Education published new guidance to schools and colleges on the standards they should meet in a range of key categories, including network cabling.   However, many schools feel perplexed by the guidance and are in need of support to understand why the standards matter and how to procure network cabling that meets…

Making Sense of the DfE Digital and Technology Standards in Schools – Network Switching

Recently, the Department for Education published new guidance to schools and colleges on the standards they should meet in a range of key categories, including network switching.   However, many schools feel perplexed by the guidance and are in need of support to understand why the standards matter and how to choose network switching that meets…

Making Sense of the DfE Digital and Technology Standards in Schools – Wireless Networks

Recently, the Department for Education published new guidance to schools and colleges on the digital and technology standards they should meet in a range of key categories, including wireless networks. However, many schools feel perplexed by the guidance and are in need of support to understand why the DfE digital and technology standards matter and…

Making Sense of the DfE Digital and Technology Standards in Schools – Broadband and Filtering

Recently, the Department for Education published new guidance to schools and colleges on the standards they should meet in a range of key categories, including broadband internet and filtering.   However, many schools feel perplexed by the guidance and in need of support to understand why the standards matter and how to choose broadband and filtering…

Welcome our latest Senior IT Technician

Nigel Sharpin from Tamworth has joined Link ICT Services as a senior IT technician to expand services and help the company grow.

Cost benefits of using 3CX instead of providing company mobile phones

With almost everyone in the world having access to a mobile phone, why is it that we sometimes have two, one for personal reasons and one for work-related reasons? Here is our blog on how having an app like 3CX can bring down costs for organisations.

Link ICT has been appointed as a reseller of LEGO® Education products.

Link ICT is an appointed reseller of LEGO® Education products and able train school teachers in the East Midlands so they can add The LEGO Learning System to their curriculum.

Careers in the Community Event

On Thursday 14th July, The Bemrose School is holding a careers event for year 10 and 11 students who attend The Bemrose School or City of Derby Academy.

How to use your 2022 summer break to plan IT maintenance

Link ICT offer ideas on how to make use of the summer break to complete IT maintenance, install AV equipment, or upgrade networks and systems

Two IT Technicians Join Link ICT Derby

Link ICT has appointed two new IT support technicians who will be providing services to businesses and education providers across the East Midlands.

How to Avoid Remote Access Scams 

A prominent fraud scam that has surfaced much more recently is called a “Remote Access Scam’.  

Link ICT technicians share their highlights from BETT 2022

Following an inspiring visit to BETT 2022 at Excel London, Link ICT technicians share their BETT 2022 highlights. After a two year absence, the team from Link ICT Services were thrilled to return to BETT in 2022 to experience the latest in EdTech advances and immerse themselves in everything the show had to offer. Attending…

Why is Learning at Work Week Important? 

Learning at Work Week 2022 takes place this week and discusses the theme of Learning Uncovered which wants to enhance lifelong learning in work communities.  

The benefits of high-speed networks and wireless connectivity

Why is the speed and efficiency of an IT wireless network, to which devices are connected to, so important?

Literacy Challenge: Win your school an iPad

Link ICT is offering schools the opportunity to win an iPad as part of a literacy challenge to mark National Limerick Day on 12th May 2022.

Fire disaster recovery IT support for Ravensdale Infant and Nursery School

Following a devastating fire at Ravensdale Infant and Nursery School Link ICT provided disaster recovery IT support and will help equip the newly built school with the latest IT technology and CCTV.

Keep track of the latest IT technology for schools – BETT 2022

BETT returns to London on 23rd – 25th March 2022 with exhibitions and presentations of the latest IT technology for Schools.

New IT Technician joins Link ICT

We are delighted to announce that Max Briggs has joined our team as an IT Technician in order to expand our team of experts that help to deliver IT advice, training and IT support for our clients. Max will be supporting our customers, both remotely and on-site, as part of our IT support packages. Since…

How Link ICT minimises its CO2 Impact

Link ICT outline the ways that they are implementing changes to help make a positive change in today’s climate change crisis.

Congratulation Danielle – Business Administration Apprenticeship!

Our technicians may be the most familiar faces on-site, but working away in the background are our Admin Team. Danielle Poulter joined the Link ICT Admin Team in August 2020 after finishing her degree in Criminology, with the aim to complete a Business Administration apprenticeship to further her career prospects. After lots of hard work,…

Link ICT Christmas Opening Hours

Please note that our office will be closed for the festive holidays from 5.30pm on Thursday 23rd December 2021 and will reopen on Tuesday 4th January 2021 at 8.30am. If you have a support query during this time, please raise a ticket via our portal and a technician will endeavor to contact you as soon…

Link ICT Reflects on 2021

Link ICT Reflects on 2021 As we move into 2022, Link ICT takes a look at the year gone by. As a team, we reflect on the challenges we’ve faced, our most enjoyable moments, and what we’re looking forward to in the year ahead. Link ICT Services Director – Mark Fryers This year certainly hasn’t…

Completion of Apprenticeship – Congratulations Harry!

Harry Barker, one of our IT technician apprentices has reached the end of his Level 3 Infrastructure Technician apprenticeship after 15 months of excellent hard work! We wanted to catch up with him to find out how he has found the last few months during his assessment period and the lessons he has learned and…

Benefits of Outsourcing IT Support

Link ICT is an IT solutions provider and here is why outsourcing IT support can benefit your organisation.

Introduction of Windows 11

The new evolutionary, Windows 11 operating system (OS) is being rolled out from 5 October 2021. Here is an overview of what users need to do next.

It’s EU Code Week 2021!

Link ICT share further information about EU Code Week 2021 to encourage schools and young people to learn more about coding.

Top Tips for Creating your IT Budget

An IT budget is like a roadmap of where you want your IT infrastructure to lead your organisation. Here are some top tips to help create an IT budget.

THIRD APPRENTICE JOINS LINK ICT

Link ICT is continuing to follow through on its pledge to offer young people long-term career opportunities by appointing its third new apprentice. Rachel Wood has joined the team as an IT infrastructure apprentice and has previously worked in customer-facing advisory roles involving product demonstrations and training for technology and electronic device retailers. In her…

Benefits of Cyber Essentials Certification

Cyber Essentials is a certification backed by the UK government that introduces different cyber security measures to help protect against cybercrime in organisations. 

5 Reasons why Clevertouch screens are the future of knowledge sharing

Link ICT explore the five reasons why Clevertouch interactive screens are the future of knowledge sharing within schools and businesses.

Top Tips for Password Management

With hackers becoming more agile, use these top tips to help with password management and protect your data.

How Outdated Devices Slow Business Growth

Link ICT help to explain how a strategic approach to upgrading outdated IT can minimise cost, improve operating efficiencies and ensure device reliability.

Choosing The Right Laptop, Tablet or Desktop Computer For Schools & Businesses

When looking to buy a new laptop, tablet, or computer it can be hard to understand technical specifications and make a decision on which devices will meet the need. We have researched the many different devices available to outline how each one would benefit certain roles.

How to Benefit from Bulk Buying Discount when Purchasing Laptops and Other IT Equipment

Laptop reseller Link ICT explains how schools and businesses can benefit from buying laptops and other equipment with bulk buying discount.

Microsoft Launch Discount Program to Help Schools Purchase Laptops and Devices

Link ICT explains how schools can benefit from buying laptops using the Microsoft Shape the Future Program.

What do I need to consider when writing a business continuity IT plan for my organisation?

Link ICT explain the difference in key terms and considerations when writing a business continuity IT plan for your organisation.

How to Keep your Education Setting Safe from Cyber Crime

A collection of articles from various reputable sources to help schools protect against cyber crime.

Derbyshire School Enhances IT Provision with New IT Support Contract

William Gilbert Endowed Primary School and Nursery in Duffield have taken further steps to enhance their IT provision having appointed Link ICT as their new provider of IT support.

Link ICT launch start up enterprise to remote groundbreaking software for School Transition

We are delighted to announce that our successful, new, start-up company, School Transition Limited, has developed and released a new software portal that enables schools to seamlessly transfer data for pupils transitioning from primary to secondary education.

How a VOIP Telephone System Improves Business Efficiency

In this article, one of our valued customers, Simon Oates from The Tax Partnership, explains how a VOIP telephone system has improved his productivity, enabled him to offer a better service to his customers, and gain a better work-life balance. 

Super Deduction Tax Benefit for Buying New IT Equipment

IT equipment qualifies for the new super tax deduction which means you are able to claim 130% of the spend against corporation tax.

The Importance of Internet Connectivity as a Basic Right

Coronavirus highlighted that internet connectivity needs to be a basic right because those without a reliable connection were disadvantaged.

Wishing you a Happy Easter – Office Hours

We are very much looking forward to an Easter Break. Our office closes at 5pm on Thursday 1st April 2021 and will re-open on Tuesday 6th April 2021. 

How to Spend Your School IT Budget in 2021 

With the start of the financial year and children returning to the classroom, schools are now considering how to spend their IT budget in 2021. Here is some advice from Link ICT.

Lessons we have learned from remote working

Link ICT reflect on lockdown to explain key lessons that should be learned to ensure IT and telecoms support meet future demands.

What are Unified Communications?

Explanation of the benefits of Unified Communications systems with advice on how to refine your business processes in order to integrate them into your IT infrastructure.

Five Ways to Improve your IT and Telecoms Systems 

Five ways that can help your organisation work to its full potential, using IT and telecoms systems that are fast, secure, and efficient. 

What does Digital Transformation mean for my IT Strategy?

As more and more organisations adopt and adjust to using digital formats, we thought it might be worthwhile explaining what digital transformation means, how it may impact your IT strategy and why it has become so fundamental to the smooth running of organisations. 

National Apprenticeship Week at Link ICT

National Apprenticeship Week celebrates how beneficial apprentices are to organisations. We interviewed our own apprentice Danielle Poulter for her views on starting her career as an apprentice.

What sets Link ICT services apart from other outsourced IT support companies?

What sets Link ICT services apart from other outsourced IT support companies is the level of support we offer to our customers, even when we’re not there! Our article outlines just how our technicians achieve this.

Best Software for Remote Working and Video Conferencing

In this article we explain the features and benefits of some of the most popular software used for remote working and video conferencing.

Link ICT Covid-19 Update

Following the Government’s recent announcement on Monday 4th January 2021 of a new national lockdown, we want to advise our customers that Link ICT Services will remain open for business.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas – Office Hours

We are very much looking forward to the festivities and would like to remind you that our office will close on 18 December 2020 until 4 January 2021, but we will still have engineers on call to assist you.

COMMON IT USER ISSUES AND HOW WE RESOLVE THEM

We highlight some of the most common issues that the Link ICT support team receives and how we help to resolve them.

KICK STARTER PROGRAMME USED TO EMPLOY TWO APPRENTICES

We are always eager to help nurture young talent, Link ICT has taken advantage of a Government scheme to create employment opportunities for 16-24 year olds by employing two new apprentices.

How to use ICT to adapt teaching for remote education

Derby based ICT installation, maintenance and support specialists Link ICT explain how we’ve helped schools adapt teaching for remote education.

UPDATE YOUR DIGITAL SCREENS – CLEVERTOUCH BUY BACK SCHEME

Throughout September and October Interactive display manufacturer Clevertouch is offering money back through its BUY BACK PROGRAMME.

What is Google Workspace?

Link ICT Senior Technician Mark Berridge explains the features of Google Workspace and how it compares to counterparts such as Microsoft 365.

Why subscribe to latest version of Microsoft 365?

Using older versions of Microsoft Office can create operational inefficiencies and security risks. Here are some important reasons why the software and licences should be regularly updated.

Best Ways to Backup Data

Data backup should be performed routinely by all businesses and organisations, but sadly we still hear nightmare stories of data that has been lost because this vital task has been overlooked or neglected.

Telephone systems that divert phone calls and support agile working

If there is anything that has been proven by the recent coronavirus pandemic lockdown, it’s that a reliable telephone system is the key to maintaining effective communication.

LINK ICT APPOINTS MARKETING CONSULTANCY

Link ICT has appointed a marketing agency to respond to demand from companies wanting to set up remote access facilities for employees working from home.

Watch out – Yet Another Fake Password Reset Request

Many of us might be working from home, but guess what – so are the criminals who are trying to trick us into sharing our passwords and other personal information.

I know Link ICT has issued many previous reminders, however, we’ve noticed that the scammers are getting even more sneaky and sophisticated so it could be easy to get caught unawares. Here is our advice on how to avoid being de-frauded.

Future trends for workplace IT & Telecoms. How will workplace technology change?

There is no doubt that how people want to work will change now that so many have experienced the convenience of working from home. But what implications will this have on workplace IT and business telephone systems and how will this impact security risk? Link ICT asked Managing Director, Mark Fryers for his views on the future trends.

MS ANNOUNCE CHANGES TO TEAMS VIEWING OPTIONS

On 9 May 2020, Microsoft 365 issued its latest service user update announcing that it will be enabling users to view meetings made using MS TEAMS in separate windows.

Enabling employees to connect to company IT & Phone systems using own mobile home phone

Reduce risk and ensure compliance by helping employees keep in contact with customers by connecting securely to company phone systems using their own mobile or home telephone.

Helping teachers connect remotely to school phone systems to contact pupils

Reduce risk and ensure compliance by helping teachers keep in contact with pupils by connecting securely to school phone systems using their own mobile or home telephone.

TIPS FOR USING COMPANY IT EQUIPMENT AT HOME

Schools and businesses invest heavily in this equipment and will want to ensure it remains a valuable asset on their balance sheet, so we thought we’d provide our top tips for using company IT equipment at home.

Top tips to maximise internet connection speed when working from home

If you’ve got employees or school teachers working from home these tips could help them speed up their home internet connection.

Setting up business IT networks so employees can work securely from home

How to reduce risk, improve security and avoid security breaches that can occur whilst employees are accessing company networks from home.

How to set your employees up to work from home

Following the outbreak of the coronavirus, the UK Government asked as many people as possible to work from home. Link ICT shares its top tips for how employers can set employees work from home successfully.

How to be environmentally conscious procuring business IT hardware

As an ethical IT supplier, we’re dedicated to helping companies procure and use business IT in an environmentally responsible manner.

ROSPA Family Safety Week – Guide to IT Safety for remote workers

During ROSPA’s family safety week, Link ICT provides advice to avoid A&E with useful tips related to using IT at home, particularly if working from home and using electronic devices to keep children entertained.

How can Google Classroom help students to learn remotely?

The Government has announced that schools will close on Friday 20 March. Link ICT explains how Google Classroom can help parents and teachers set and track remote working assignments.

A Message to all our Customers

Here at Link ICT we want to assure our customers that we will continue to support them onsite as per our normal agreements, unless you inform us otherwise, or circumstances change. For any of our customers who decide to close their sites, whether businesses or schools, we can discuss the possibility of providing remote support…

Ensuring your IT users can work from home during Coronavirus

Secure IT networks, reliable internet connectivity, the right telephone systems and access to remote conferencing faciities can enable employees to work from home and help prevent the spread of the Coronavirus.

Which business telephone system should I choose?

Unsure which business phone system to choose? This advice article outlines some of the choices that need to be made and the features and benefits of the latest technologies.

Safer Internet Day 2020: How to stay safe online

By supporting Safer Internet Day 2020, Link ICT in Derby are sharing advice to help schools and businesses stay safe online

Five ways outsourcing Business IT support saves money

We highlight the top five ways that outsourcing your business IT support to a specialist can help you to save money on your IT costs.

The benefits of Sedao Digital Signage for businesses

Sedao digital signage reseller, Link ICT in Derby, explain how this range of digital signage solutions may benefit businesses.

Link ICT Christmas Opening Hours

Link ICT in Derby outline their Christmas IT Support Opening Hours

How can outsourcing your IT support benefit your business?

Outsourced IT support has many benefits to businesses in Derby, including access to expert knowledge and improved purchasing power, which can reduce overheads and increase profits.

Why should you use Chromebooks in your classroom?

Link ICT are a Chromebooks for schools supplier. Chromebooks offer a simple, low cost solution for schools and offer many benefits in the classroom.

Can using Sedao Digital Signage benefit your school?

Link ICT are an authorised supplier of Sedao digital signage and have the relevant approvals to work in schools and educational facilities.

Derby IT Company launches new website

Derby IT company Link ICT has launched a new website to share knowledge with customers and promote the latest technologies and special offers.

Windows 7 end of life notice – what should you do?

Article by IT and telecoms specialist Link ICT based in Derby outlining what you need to do if you are still using windows 7