support info

[trevorcork]

hi just quick question i started out in IT over 3 yrs ago as level 1 support, then i moved to a position which was field based with some level 1 & 2, and then last yr i joined this company where i look after level 1 & level 2 support, but this company are moving operations to dubai, it does not suit me to relocate so i have been looking for and got offered two different postions



1 in a pharma company level 1 support working direct under manager starting on 30,000

2 position in financial company level 2 support starting on 38,000 but no manager on site my support will be based in another country,



just wondering will it be harder not working directly under someone as could be issues i have not seen / come across etc, im in limbo

 

[mrjimphelps]

I did desktop support for many years. I have found that it is better if the manager is on site, so that he can be aware of what is going on, that is, so he can manage properly.

But I don't think this should be a deal breaker if you feel that this would be the best job for you. You have done IT support for many years, so you know what you are looking for in this type of job. Research both jobs as thoroughly as possible; if both are basically equal in all respects, I suggest you go with the one where they pay you more money, especially if the benefits are equal in both jobs.

Also, consider how far you would have to commute, the amount of traffic you will have to deal with, etc.

 

[trevorcork]

hi thanks
the commute for this particular job where no manager on site is very close to home only 5 min drive, i think il try this i should be settled in after couple weeks, my only worry was if issues arise which i havent done etc but i will be fine

 

[samuria]

We get lots of support staff on here if they have a problem is a good start as people on here are very diverse

 

[trevorcork]

ok thanks

 

[mrjimphelps]

hi thanks
the commute for this particular job where no manager on site is very close to home only 5 min drive, i think il try this i should be settled in after couple weeks, my only worry was if issues arise which i havent done etc but i will be fine

The short commute is worth some money, in the time you will save every day, using less gasoline, less wear and tear on the car, and added quality of life. Also, if you ever get called into the office after hours, it won't be such a hassle to go there. Also, you don't have to pay any taxes on the money you will gain by the short commute.

If you take the other job, a year from now you will be worn out from the long commute, thinking of how it would have been had you taken the job with the 5 minute commute.

 

[trevorcork]

ya i was thinking the same
my biggest issue tho is what if issues arise im not sure of which is bound to happen, its just new place new systems they use office 365 im use to exchange, they use some macs, i have not used much mans its mainly windows,
and obviously they use programs i have not used before im just nervous as everyone is in new job

 

[trevorcork]

there is no IT up there at present so i will be onsite supporting 362 staff on site and another IT guy will be joining me in the next week so

 

[mrjimphelps]

As far as Office 365, it's a lot easier than Exchange. Microsoft does most of the work for you -- they host Exchange rather than you having to host it. If you are familiar with Exchange, you will have absolutely no trouble learning to administer Office 365 - it will take you about five minutes total to learn it.

One thing I discovered early on about Office 365 - when you install it on a user's computer, it will need to be activated before it can be used. The easiest way to do this is to ask the user to log into Outlook. Not only will this activate the entire Office 365 package on that computer, but also it will set up their Outlook account. (If YOU log into Outlook on their computer, it will activate YOUR Outlook account on their computer. YOUR email and THEIR email will then show up whenever they log into Outlook.)

I had trouble figuring out the MAC until I started getting into Linux. There are a lot of MAC similarities in some of the Linux Distros. Download and install Elementary OS on a spare computer, or simply run it as Linux Live on your regular computer. The Elementary OS interface is a lot like the MAC interface. Somehow, when I started delving into Linux, my mind opened up to doing things differently than the Windows way; I then starting fiddling around with Elementary OS. Now the MAC is a lot easier for me. The main thing I would suggest with the MAC is that you carry a standard USB mouse with you when you are going to work on a MAC; if the MAC has a one-button mouse, plug in your mouse. You'll then have a two-button mouse, and it will be a lot easier to work on the MAC in that case.

Also, see if you can install the latest MAC OS in a virtual machine on your computer. This will give you an opportunity to play around with the real thing, without having to purchase a MAC computer.

I always prefer working on an IT support team, rather than going solo. But if you are reasonably proficient, and if you know how to find answers when you don't know the answer yourself, you should be fine.

 

[trevorcork]

ya i heard that office 365 is alot easier alrite, as for outlook i know when setting up a user email you just click email account put in there username emaill password and thats it, i assume setting up on a monile phone is simple like exchange,
well in my current role and past role i do level 1 and 2 support if i dont know something i will google it i suppose or have you any other ideas? the usual things like windows is slow opening or crashing or reset passwords etc all the normal stuff is grand but i suppose they use programs i have not used so i will betrained up on them,and they use lexmark printers i never used them but a printer is a prinbter i assume changing toner, drums etc is more or less similar

 

[mrjimphelps]

You can get a lot of help right here at Seven Forums. There is also Eight Forums and Ten Forums. And there are lots of other places to go on the web for help.

There's probably good information on the Lexmark website for servicing printers. I know there is on the HP website. Keep the printer drivers handy, such as on a flash drive, on DVDs, or on the network. That will make your life easier.

Here's a very handy device -- an Ethernet cable tester for $29.97, available at Home Depot:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/DataSha...r-with-Case-and-Patch-Cords-PA70025/205972192

Here's a toner for $39.97:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Sperry-...PIPHorizontal1_rr-_-100598687-_-202520187-_-N

I have both of these devices, and they are very handy.

 

[trevorcork]

ok thanks ill give it a lash ill get into it after awhile

 

[chefduane]

Is there a particular reason why you do not wish to take a position overseas? I understand if you have a valid reason, but an overseas assignment can really be a resume booster in the long run. Not to mention the general overall experience of working and living overseas. It sounds as though you have decided to leave your existing position rather than go to overseas. The company thought enough of you to offer you the position (I assume it included relocation expenses?) and that can also be a resume enhancer. If you turn down that position with the company they probably won't ask you again when another position comes up in an overseas location that is more to your liking.

Just a few things to consider but obviously you will make the choice that is best for you. Good Luck in whatever you do!!

 

[mrjimphelps]

An interesting perspective on things, Chef Duane.

 

[chefduane]

Certainly trevorcork will make the decision that he thinks is best for him but having varied perspectives from different points of view is a good thing, eh?

 

[trevorcork]

ya thanks lads it will be alot busier than my current role and it deskside support too so dunno how that works but it should be good