Desktop Support: A Complete Guide for Businesses and End Users

In today’s world, optimal IT performance is essential for any business operation. From data processing to project collaboration, workers depend on IT each and every moment. When tech issues arise, productivity grinds to a halt - that’s where desktop support comes in.

For businesses in the UK, partnering with a trusted MSP like AccrueTek, ensures you receive a dedicated IT service, designed to ensure that all end-user devices run efficiently, securely, and without disruption. With over 10+ years in the MSP space, AccrueTek is one of the most reliable desktop support providers in the UK.

What is Desktop Support?

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, Desktop Support refers to:
“the technical assistance that a company gives to customers using their computers or other IT products” typically within a business environment. It involves the troubleshooting and resolution of any hardware or software issues faced by end-users, to keep systems running smoothly.

Some common issues a desktop support specialist might work on can include:

Hardware Management: Diagnosis and reparation of physical hardware issues such as faulty RAM, hard drive replacement, or power supply issues.

Software Installation & Application Maintenance: Installation of new applications, patches of already downloaded software, and ensuring compatibility with existing business systems.

Network Connectivity: Resolve customer issues involving connection and problems related to Wi-Fi, VPNs, and local networks to ensure minimal downtime.

User Support/Onboarding involves the preparation of IT equipment and accounts for new employees, including device assignment, profile setup and granting necessary access permissions,.

In essence, desktop support is your businesses insurance policy, to ensure maximal uptime of your IT infrastructure, ensuring minimal disruption.

How to Choose the Right Desktop Support Provider For You!

‍

Selecting the right desktop support provider is a critical business decision and often is all the difference in maintaining a reliable, trusted IT environment. Here are some key factors we recommend you consider:

1. Service-Level Agreements (SLAs)

Any service provider is required to issue you with a Service Level Agreement (SLA). This is a legally binding document which should outline a business’s maximum response times, issue resolution targets, and network uptime guarantees - vital for accountability and maintaining a high level of service quality. A typical SLA will state suppliers have a 4 hour response window.

3. Response Time and Availability

Efficient response times can be business critical, dependent upon the situation. We recommend you choose an MSP that commits to prompt response times and offer both on-site and remote support options to handle any business critical emergencies efficiently, without sacrificing business productivity or connectivity.

4. Experience and Client References

The IT support space is very competitive field. We advise you look at support providers with a proven track record. Look at business reviews on Google, Trustpilot or similar platforms, look at client testimonials on the support providers website, as the information posted on the website is required by law to be accurate to some degree.

5. Local Presence

For any businesses in the UK, having a desktop support provider local to you is a major business advantage. Local providers like AccrueTek can dispatch on-site engineers rapidly, minimising downtime, and business impact, whilst ensuring compliance with local standards, laws and legislations