What is an Igaware Box?
The IT industry call it a 'Network Appliance'. A network appliance is a single hardware device that has been specifically designed to perform a single function or number of functions. Basically it's a computer with software pre-loaded on it, only there's no need for a screen and keyboard. And there's no CD drive as software is updated automatically via the Internet.

Igaware Boxes can be configured to undertake a single function e.g. email filtering or several functions. Some small businesses use a single Igaware box to deliver all of their IT needs. Click here for more information.

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What Operating System does it run?
Igaware Boxes uses a Linux operating system (OS) that has been hardened against Internet threats. We chose Linux because it is one of the most versatile operating systems available and provides excellent stability, security, and manageability. Linux is found in all environments from mobile phones to super computers, and is a truly multi-user OS, which makes it ideal for the business environment. Because Linux adheres to open standards it is compatible with the widest possible range of desktop computers.

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How many users can the Igaware Box handle?
Our entry level box supports up to 50 users. Our top of the range box can support 10,000 users. If you have between 1 and 10,000 staff we have a box to meet your needs.

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How much is an Igaware Box?
An Igaware appliance for a small business starts from just £595. Monthly service fees are dependent on the services you need, the number of users you have and the level of support you require. Contact us and we'll give you a price right away.

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Can we just buy a box?
What makes Igaware different is that the whole software bundle, including the
operating system and all applications, are updated constantly for new features and
security threats. An unsupported security product will soon become vulnerable to
security threats and out of date. Not only should Spam, AV and web filtering
databases be updated, for example, but you should also update the software engines
and add new techniques that become available. Because of this we don't sell the
box as an outright purchase - it just wouldn't make any sense. So, no.

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What do I get for my monthly fees?

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Is Igaware compatible with Windows?
Yes. It is probably more compatible with Windows than Windows itself. It will work with any version of the Windows desktop operating system (95, 98, NT, 2000, XP) so you won't need to update all of your desktop computers for the new server to work.

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Will I need to update my Windows computers to use an Igaware Box?
No. You can use any Windows desktop operating system including a mixture.

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Will Igaware work with Apple Macs?
Yes. An Igaware Box will work with pretty much any desktop operating system.

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How do I configure an Igaware Box?
A box is configured through a set of web pages held on the box, accessed via a web browser. Your Igaware dealer would normally do this for you, though you can do day-to-day tasks such as adding users. It's very easy to use. Why not contact us for a demonstration.

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How do I connect an Igaware Box to my network?
It can either be connected as a standalone device on your network, using a single network cable or installed as a gateway device, with it connected to the Internet as well

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How does an Igaware Box connect to the Internet?
An Igaware Box connects to the Internet via an existing router or using an ADSL Speedtouch Modem.

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How easy is an Igaware Box to use?
Very. In fact you never need touch it. Your dealer can undertake day-to-day configuration for you by accessing it remotely via the Internet. If you do want to be able to configure it then there is a user manual built into the web admin interface. The admin interface has been designed with users in mind, so it is very easy to use.

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Is Training provided?
Your Igaware dealer can provide training.

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What are plans for future development?
We are continuously developing our software to deliver new functionality and improvements. These are released almost daily. Most of our developments are driven by customer feedback. If you have a suggestion for a new feature please contact us.

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Can I upgrade the hardware (Memory, Hard Disk etc.)?
Yes, but this work should be undertaken by your Igaware dealer. This will ensure that any new components are installed correctly without invalidating any warranty.

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What kind of email server is used?
The Igaware Box is a POP3 and IMAP server. It can also act as an SMTP server for outgoing email.

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Can I pick up my email when I'm out the office?
Yes. There are 2 ways you can do this. Firstly, you can create a VPN connection and then use your email software e.g. Outlook, to send and receive your email in the normal way. Secondly, you can log onto the web based Groupware on your Igaware Box.

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Can I access files on the file server when I'm out the office?

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Can we manage email for multiple domains?
Yes. The Igaware Box can either collect email from any number of external POP3 and IMAP servers or it can receive email delivered directly by SMTP for any number of domains. Email can either be handled by the email server on the Igaware box or passed onto an existing mail server, if you have one.

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Which email client can I use with the Igaware Mail Server?
Any email client that supports POP3 or IMAP, which is pretty much all of them. This includes Outlook, Outlook Express and Mozilla Thunderbird You can also use the web mail interface found in the Igaware Groupware or the Open-Xchange server.

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Can we still use outlook for email?
Yes. You can also share calendars and contacts using outlook using the Open-Xchange server that can be enabled on the Igaware box.

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Can I share contacts and diaries with other users?
Yes. You can do this using the web based Groupware or by using the Open-Xchange server. You can access Open-Xchange via a web interface or by using Outlook.

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What is Groupware?
Groupware is accessed through a web browser. It provides the following key features:

Can an Igaware Box replace my exchange server?
Yes. The Igaware Box includes an Open-Xchange server that provides a replacement for MS Exchange. You can continue to use Outlook or you can use a web interface to access your emails, contacts, diaries, folders etc.

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Can we set-up email aliases?
Yes. You can set-up an alias e.g. sales@ and choose who receives emails addressed to sales@.

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How many emails can an Igaware Box handle each day?
Our enterprise box will filter 500,000 emails in 24 hours.

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Is internal email checked for viruses?
Yes. All email is checked locally. This provides a greater level of security than ISP hosted Anti-Virus filtering.

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Can an Igaware Box replace my Small Business Server?
Yes. An Igaware Box delivers the same functionality but includes essential security features which would need to be bought and managed separately if you had an SBS server. An Igaware Box continually updates itself automatically, whereas an SBS server needs manual updating and rebooting at least once a week.

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Are there limitations on file sizes or mailboxes?
None, other than the physical size of the hard disk itself.

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What kind of VPN does an Igaware Box use?
Igaware Boxes support IPSec, PPTP and SSL VPNs.

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How do I connect to my office network via VPN from home?
You can use the PPTP VPN client that is built into Windows. For details on how to configure this. Click here.

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We have a remote office with a VPN device that isn't Igaware. Will the Igaware Box be able to create a VPN with it?
Providing the third party appliance supports IPSec VPN there shouldn't be any problems. If you need to know for sure, please contact us.

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How many VPN tunnels can the Igaware Box support at the same time?
Using PPTP VPN connections there's no physical limit. However, it depends upon how many free IP addresses that you have on your network (LAN), as each connection takes 1 IP
address. Also, the size of the Internet pipe is a restriction. If you have 50 people all fitting down a 512K pipe, then, they'll all be sharing the 512K bandwidth. Also, if they are using an ADSL connection at the site, then the real size of the pipe is 256K, as even an 8 MBit connection still has a maximum speed of 256K in one direction.

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We normally give users their own user name and password to do a VPN login. If two or more people use a common user name and password, will that work?
Yes, it will work. They could all use the same user name& password.

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Does the Igaware VPN support voice over IP (VOIP)?
Yes. But we recommend using a separate broadband connection for VOIP to ensure good quality of service. Sharing a connection with your Internet and network traffic cannot guarantee necessary bandwidth being available for both data and voice traffic.

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Where on the Igaware admin can the administrator see which PPTP VPN tunnels are currently 'up' and who is using them?
Go to Activity Reports=> PPP connect time. This shows who's logged in via PPTP.

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Can the Igaware Box back-up my data?
Yes. You will need to attach an external backup device for your data to be copied to. To find out which backup devices are supported click here.

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Can I back-up my data off-site using the Igaware Box?
Yes. You will need an Rsynch Server set-up remotely to back-up your data to. You can use another Igaware Box as your Rsynch server.

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How is file server access managed?
The Igaware Box a provides a Windows Net Logon Service so users logging onto their desktop computers are authenticated to access the file server.

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Can I control what users can access on the file server?
Yes. Users can either be given full access or read-only access to a share.

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What if I have more than 250GB of data?
Igaware Boxes have 250G disks installed as standard. We can put bigger disks in if you need them. Just ask.

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Does the Igaware Box use RAID (mirrored disks)?
Yes. We use 2 mirrored disks or RAID 1. This is software RAID. It is more reliable than hardware RAID where the failure of a RAID controller could result in complete loss of data on all disks. If a hard disk should go 'pop' we are automatically alerted and a new disk is sent to your dealer for immediate installation. Your data should remain safe and you shouldn't suffer any downtime.

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Can I monitor and control which web sites my staff visit?
Yes. You can access reports showing which sites have been accessed, how often and when. You can also block access to web sites by category e.g. pornography, gambling etc.

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How does the Igaware Box update itself and how often?
Igaware Boxes check-in every 5 minutes to one of our update servers. If an update is available, this is download and installed automatically. You don't need to do a thing.

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How can just one box do the job of several servers?
The only person that gains from you buying several servers is the person you are buying them off. The Igaware Box has been specifically designed to deliver multiple services. If you have any doubts just read the testimonials on this site, or use a Box free for 30 days and see for yourself.

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What do I do if my Igaware Box stops working?
Contact your dealer and they will diagnose and solve the problem. If necerssary they will supply a replacement box with your system configuration already loaded. You'll be backup and running in just a few minutes.

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Can we add external disk arrays?
The rackmount units that we do come equiped with a SCSI3 external socket, so external storage could be added via that interface.

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