Support
These activities are carried out in support of bookkeeping and payroll services provided by Lotwillow Ltd, and only for current clients.
Sage software
Whilst using Sage software is not normally problematic, sometimes clients find issues for which a solution isn't quickly apparent. Examples of instances where help has been given have included:
- Installing, activating and upgrading Sage software.
- Setting up printers, adjusting margins and printing position.
- Customising reports and layouts, including invoice templates.
- Investigating other problems and liaising with Sage Support as required.
Remote working
Where clients require a combination of on-site and off-site working, it can sometimes be useful for Lotwillow personnel to be allowed remote access to the client's computers. This can be set up using whichever of the methods outlined below is most appropriate, both of which would normally have better performance than commercial browser-based services.
Both methods use Microsoft's Remote Desktop Connection software, supplied with Microsoft Windows or downloaded from Microsoft's website. The computer to be accessed at the client's site must be running a Professional or better version of Microsoft Windows.
Some versions of Microsoft's remote desktop software have given rise to security concerns. This is addressed in both methods by running the remote desktop session over an encrypted link. The software required and how to configure it is described in more detail in an implementation note.
Client's server
This option is more complex to set up. It requires a computer to act as a server at the client's premises, in addition to any that are to be accessed from off-site. The client's firewall system must be modified slightly as well.
The advantage is that security is entirely in the hands of the client. The off-site user starts an encrypted link to the server and logs in with a username and password. This link carries the remote desktop connection, which the server forwards to a specified computer. The off-site user is then able to log in and work as if they were sitting at that computer.
Lotwillow's server
This option has the advantage of simplicity at the client end. An encrypted link is started from the client's computer to Lotwillow's server. When the link is established, it can be used to carry a remote desktop connection back to the client's computer.
The encrypted link can be set up so that it must be started by someone at the client's premises each time it is to be used, or it can be configured so that it is always available. The off-site user still needs to enter a username and password to access the client's computer.
Other help
Although outside the main area of business Lotwillow has been able to help clients obtain older computers that are suitable for bookkeeping tasks, and resolve various computer virus and email problems.