At PlugTogether, we go beyond simple Los Angeles computer repair. In fact, there’s almost nothing computer related that we can’t do.

Besides helping to fix any technological catastrophes that your company may experience, we’re also there to help keep your day-to-day operations running smoothly. Because an ounce of protection is worth a pound of cure, we offer maintenance plans like backups, updates and virus protection packages that can save you a ton of money.

Computers are supposed to make your company run smoother and more efficiently, saving you from spending more money on employees. So why spend tens of thousands of dollars each year on a full time IT staff when you can outsource it to us?

Below are some of the areas that we have focused expertise in:

Computer repair
Plugtogether works with a broad range of systems including Dell, HP, Compaq, Acer, Gateway, and Sony. Our services include replacement of hard drives, processors and motherboards. When making a repair, we first evaluate the existing hardware to determine if a repair would be cost efficient. Generally, we do not recommend repairing or upgrading systems that are more than four years old. Instead, we would advise you to purchase a new system. Our technicians will provide an honest appraisal of your computer, which gives you the best system for the lowest price.

Firewall and security

Our qualified engineers are experienced with a broad range of firewall brands including: Sonicwall, Cisco PIX, and Watchguard products. We work hard to keep your business data safe and reduce the chance drastically your company data will fall in hands of unauthorized users. During the years our method of high level security auditing, tight anti-virus and anti spam management has proven its value.


Cisco routing
Only CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) certified engineers will work on your Cisco equipment. We are very knowledgeable about routing protocols, access-lists, telnet access restriction and overall security precaution implementations. WAN topologies configurations, including T-1, Frame-relay and ATM.

TCP/IP configuration



Here's a scenario for you: What subnet mask should we use for Net ID 100.12.1.0/24 if we need at least 6 subnets while utilizing the maximum amount of hosts? I heard you thinking 255.255.255.224.  Ok, I guess you won’t need our help in this instance, but for many other mathematics we might come in handy.

Active Directory
You are wringing your hands in frustration over how to configure a GPO and you don't understand why your GPO does not take effect on certain users. We eliminate your frustrations while providing solutions for your GPO problems. Our technicians are experienced with configuring domain trusts, objects, organizational units, domain trees, domain forests, physical domain structure, and site replication.

Broadband implementation
Who cares about upload speed? You should, when you host a web server. When ordering broadband, customers often do not pay attention to crucial details like the upload speed. When clients view your web page, your upload speed will become their download speed.. Your web server replies with only a few KB using your download speed, which explains why the upload might be more important then your download.

VPN Configuration
VPN, virtual private network; a way to transfer data securely over the public network. Should you use group or site VPN? With Group VPN, individual users connect to the central office. In site VPN, two sites are connected to each other over a private network. Site VPN allows two DTE devices, for instance routers, in two different locations to communicate. One of the latest technologies is SSL VPN, where users connect to the central office using a web browser. Plugtogether will find a sophisticated VPN solution to meet your needs.

Anti virus maintenance

Trojan horses and spyware pose a huge threat to your network. Customers falsely assume that a virus scan will completely protect their system. Unfortunately, not even the best anti-virus software will eliminate all threats. Plugtogether takes a multi-layered approach to eliminate viruses from a network by using access lists on the distribution layer, and by putting firewalls and proxy servers in place on the access layer. Using this strategy, we were successful to keep corporate networks out of reach from intruders.

Hardware/software
Upgrades CPU replacement or new system? The answer depends on several factors. As mentioned previously, generally speaking, we don’t recommend upgrading systems older then 4 years old. The cost of replacing motherboards, CPU’s and OS adjustments usually don’t wait against purchasing a new system. The other factor is the hardware used on the system which needs to be upgraded. Some motherboards do support higher end processors, while other brands don’t.

Hardware/software install and configuration
Hardware and software installations sound simple. However, users often run into glitches or driver conflicts while installing new devices. One time we were called in to fix the computer of a customer who tried to install a video card. The entire system crashed, the operating system became corrupted, and the motherboard had died! Such installations are best left to professionals.

Overall system maintenance
This is a common quote from our customers: “Our system worked great for the first month, but now it's slow and error messages are popping up.” When you first purchase a computer, the files are virus-free and tightly organized on the hard drive. However, if you do not perform regular maintenance, viruses and other malware can sneak onto your system. Furthermore, unless you defrag your volume, your files will spread out on the hard drive, causing poor system performance. We at Plugtogether work hard on issues like this, by making sure systems will be defragmented on time along with a tight security anti virus management. Furthermore, we maintain system performance using advanced monitoring tools.

Data backup
We believe data backup should be automatic, requiring little effort on your part. To protect your valuable data, your files need to be stored in at least two places; One secondary hard drive, this can be an internal or external drive, and additionally offsite backup service.

T1/Frame-Relay/DSL/Cable Install
What would be the reason for purchasing a T-1 while DSL performs much faster? T1 lines are point-to-point connections. This ensures that the quality of service can easily be monitored and maintained. T1 providers can easily resolve line problems. In fact, when you purchase T1 lines, your contract usually guarantees you a high level of service. Frame-Relay however, shares the network with many users, which is the reason carriers can offer lower monthly rates.

NAT/PAT configuration
NAT and PAT are terminologies which are often misused. When you purchase a basic DSL router, it will say "NAT-enabled" on the package. In fact, this router is using PAT. PAT stands for port address translation. This means that many IP addresses within the network can reach the internet using one IP address. This IP address is the public, often dynamically assigned address. The PAT client will use different TCP ports to connect to the network, while accessing only one single public IP, which is the router's outside IP address.

Wireless Networks
Wireless networks eliminate cables running from the wall, which usually end in a jumbled mess under your desk. Although, a wireless network can be a great solution for home networks, we don’t recommend this topology for office environments. Wireless connections and access points are sensitive for interference by metal and other materials. Furthermore, WEP or WPA encryption technologies can easily be hacked from the outside.


Cabling
We configure T-1 or other cabling systems to maximize network performance. Our technicians adhere to industry standards, which ensure the security and functionality of your network. We eliminate the frustration of poor network performance with a well-designed cabling solution. Currently, we are in the process of upgrading office environments networks to CAT6 ethernet, along with Gigabit layer 2 devices.


User support
Onsite, phone, and remote support are provided during regular office hours. Many issues are resolved by us using remote access technologies, saving you time and money. Additional charges will apply to after hour support; please see the rates on the bottom of the page. 

As far as our rates go, they’re some of the best when it comes to computer services. Company support, CCNA, network setup and Cisco routing is $60 per hour. Los Angeles computer services for the home are $45 per hour.