6 surprising facts about HP’s Helpdesk for SMBs
HP's Helpdesk isn't just about providing security and support desk advice when you need it, nor is it restricted to HP kit

Everyone knows the name HP. It has been one of the world's most recognised technology brands for decades, a stamp of trust whether it's on a printer, a laptop or a server.
It's earned that trust not just through producing high-quality equipment, but by backing it up with amazing support and services. Traditionally, that's just been for the benefit of enterprises. Now, thanks to HP Helpdesk, even small companies can take advantage.
The idea is simple: to give all sizes and businesses the security and support of an in-house IT team, without the overhead. Instead of running your own team, HP Helpdesk will provide all the phone and online tech assistance you need.
So much, so obvious. Well, here are six facts you might not know about HP Helpdesk.
1. HP Helpdesk supports all your hardware, including iOS and non-HP PCs

HP Helpdesk isn't concerned about what kit you're using: it's concerned about the person who needs support. Each employee plan will cover one primary device a computer, laptop, tablet and it definitely doesn't need to have an HP badge on: thanks to its global network of expertise, practically any hardware is covered (see a full list of operating systems at the end of this article).
There's also a huge range of software supported, covering Microsoft Office, financial applications such as Quicken, email tools such as Outlook, all the major web browsers, plus a number of major applications (think Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Project, Carbonite, Flash, Silverlight, ACT!, Goldmine). Again, we publish a full list at the end of this article.
2. HP Helpdesk also includes peripherals so there's no need for additional third-party contracts

You may currently rely on an array of support services to cover printers, scanners, phones and backup devices. HP Helpdesk provides a simple way to bundle all that into one contract and one number to call if things do go wrong.
3. HP Helpdesk covers networking issues too

One recurring problem businesses face is getting their mix of technology working together. HP Helpdesk will help all your tech get "on the same page" to make setup, configuration, troubleshooting and connecting one phone call away.
4. Six days of support, not five, and extended hours

HP Helpdesk isn't there for 9-5, Monday to Friday. Its experts are available from 9.30am to 6pm during weekdays, and from 10am to 4pm on Saturdays.
5. HP Helpdesk can spot problems before they arise

This isn't a magical superpower: it's the benefit of installing the Business Ready Suite, which enables you to resolve potential issues for your users before those problems slow them down. Once you've registered for the Helpdesk service, you're one call away from a full check-up. HP's experts will diagnose your systems, tune up your PC, check security settings and even provide consultation on data migration from one PC to another.
6. HP isn't just remote support if you need in-person assistance, someone can be there the next business day

HP Helpdesk's experts will always try to solve problems over the phone or through remote control software, but there are times when you need in-person assistance. Assuming you aren't in a remote location, and that the relevant hardware is covered by an HP CarePack warranty, then someone from the HP Support team will be with you the next day.
To find out more about the Helpdesk service, head to HP's website (and see below for a full list of supported hardware and software).
HP Helpdesk is just one of the services HP provides to simply IT managers' lives. Download our free whitepaper here.

FULL LIST OF OPERATING SYSTEMS SUPPORTED:
Computers (laptops, desktop PCs)
Windows 7/Pro onwards
Windows XP/Pro onwards
Chrome OS [all versions]
MacOS X 10.4 onwards
Tablets/smartphones
Android OS 2.3+ (Gingerbread, Honeycomb, Ice Cream Sandwich, Jelly Bean and KitKat)
Apple iOS (version 3 through 6.x)
Apple iOS 7+ (newer versions supported as released)
Chrome OS
Windows 8+ (newer versions as supported as released)
Windows RT
FULL LIST OF SOFTWARE SUPPORTED:
Security software:
F-Secure Internet Security Suite
Microsoft Security Essentials
Computer Associates Security Suite
McAfee Antivirus and ToPs
Symantec/Norton Internet Security
Other major AV/AS products
Internet browsers:
Internet Explorer
Firefox
Safari
Chrome
Contact management:
ACT!
Goldmine
Office suites:
Microsoft Office Suite
OpenOffice
Google Business Apps
Google Web docs
Email clients:
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Outlook Express
Commonly-used email applications (Gmail, Yahoo, AOL, etc.)
Email browser configuration:
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Outlook Express
Entourage
Commonly-used email applications (Gmail, Yahoo, AOL, etc.)
Microsoft Office:
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Access
Microsoft Publisher
Microsoft Visio
Microsoft Front Page
Microsoft PowerPoint
Financial applications:
Microsoft Money
Quicken
QuickBooks
Turbo Tax
CD/DVD creation:
Adaptec Easy CD Creator
Roxio Easy CD Creator
Nero Multimedia Software
Other products:
Adobe Acrobat/Reader
Microsoft Project
Carbonite
Winfax Pro
Macromedia Shockwave
Macromedia Flash
Microsoft Silverlight
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