Terms and Conditions
Revised: 15/05/2024 | Revision Number: 4.0
Thanet Computer Solutions Ltd may use the terms “us”, “we”, “our” or “Thanet Computer Solutions” throughout this document. This represents Thanet Computer Solutions Ltd registered as a limited company. We may use the terms “customer”, “client”, “you”, “your” or “user/s”. these terms relate to you the recipient of this document and service from us.
1. DISCLAIMER
1.1. You agree to let Thanet Computer Solutions Ltd support your IT systems. We will only perform and provide IT services, repairs, and upgrades as discussed with you the customer. Thanet Computer Solutions Ltd will conduct honest, reasonable, and considerate services. Our goal is to provide the highest quality of service and support, but specific results cannot always be guaranteed.
1.2. The length of time required to service/repair your computer cannot always be predicted.
1.3. You understand that in the process of working on equipment, there is always a potential for data loss. Although we put in place safeguards to prevent the loss of data it is recommended you take a copy of any data you deem to be important before any servicing/repairs start. Thanet Computer Solutions ltd will not be responsible for any data loss nor will be responsible for restoring lost data.
1.4. You authorize the technician(s) providing the service or repair to install anti-virus and any other necessary software on your computer to perform required services.
1.5. All remote repair services are subject to the same terms in this agreement.
2. LIABILITY
2.1. Services are provided to maintain, upgrade, or otherwise repair the computer system(s) for which you request such service(s). Your system (s) will not be intentionally harmed. The primary goal is to improve/repair your systems; not damage or degrade it.
2.2. With any service that involves opening the equipment there is a potential for damage to occur. Although we treat all parts very carefully there is always a chance that removing it could cause damage (especially with old parts). Thanet Computer Solutions Ltd will not be responsible for any damage or loss in this instance.
2.3. Thanet Computer Solutions Ltd is not responsible for any data loss caused by already existing problems in your system(s) such as viruses, poorly configured software, hardware problems or hardware failures.
2.4. Thanet Computer Solutions Ltd will not be responsible for data breaches due to weak unsecure passwords.
2.5. We are not responsible for any problems relating to third party software. We will however do out upmost to help liaise with software support to rectify any problems where required.
3. OFFICE 365 (APPLIES IF YOU USE OFFICE 365 THAT WE PROVIDE)
3.1. Office 365 is provided to you by Microsoft via distributers.
3.2. Customers must agree and sign the Microsoft Cloud Agreement document provided before setup.
3.3. When Microsoft updates this document the new version must be signed before yearly renewal of service.
3.4. Thanet Computer Solutions Ltd, our cloud distributers and Microsoft have full access to the backend admin portal. This enables us to configure your service and troubleshoot problems.
3.5. We technically can view all mailboxes as we are global administrators however we wont unless specifically required for troubleshooting and testing purposes only.
3.6. After a user account is created and temporary password given, it is the users responsibility to change the default password to something of their choice.
3.7. Where email address has been setup it is the user’s responsibility to ensure their mailbox is secure. This includes changing the password regularly, not using the same password for multiple accounts and ensuring the password strength is adequate. We are not responsible for data breaches due to poorly configured software and weak passwords.
3.8. We are not responsible for the content of emails in your mailbox. This is private to the mailbox owner.
3.9. Microsoft 365 is one of the most reliable however 100% uptime is not guaranteed.
3.10. Although email and other data is stored in the cloud at Microsoft’s end it does not protect it against ransomware attacks that can encrypt data then demand payment to unlock. It is the end user’s responsibility to ensure relevant backups are taken of both data and email services to avoid loss. We are not responsible for any financial loss or loss of data due to malware/scams.
4. SECURITY & SECURITY SOFTWARE
4.1. We may use Webroot to provide security software and solutions to your systems. Terms can be found at https://www.webroot.com/us/en/legal/service-terms-and-conditions
4.2. If we do not provide a security solution it is the customers responsibility to ensure their systems are secure and notify us of their chosen security solution. We are not responsible for any claims against us due to the lack of adequate security.
4.3. We will always advise where security should be implemented and offer our own Webroot protection if current protection is not deemed adequate. It is the customers responsibility to take adequate measures to ensure their systems are protected if out security solution is declined.
5. REMOTE SUPPORT
5.1. We use a variety of remote support applications for both ad-hoc and unattended remote connections.
5.2. Remote support is ad-hoc/attended by default unless otherwise agreed. We can never access your systems remotely unattended without your prior consent and will not be liable for any damages/claims caused by unauthorized remote access.
5.3. Unattended remote support may be setup (where agreed). We tend to use Splashtop for this service. This enables us to enter your system remotely anytime it is switched on and has internet connection. We will always ask for permission before viewing your screen so to give you enough time to close confidential data.
6. PRIVACY & DATA (further to our main privacy policy document on our website)
6.1. Personal/sensitive information may be gathered during our work. These details are stored securely and are deleted when no longer needed in line with GDPR.
6.2. Thanet Computer Solutions Ltd may need to take backups of data where necessary to carry out the agreed services. Any data that is no longer required is deleted. No backup data is ever stored in the cloud or transferred outside of the business address without prior consent.
6.3. Thanet Computer Solutions Ltd will not intentionally browse through data; however, we may inadvertently see data during our work. It is the end user's responsibility to properly secure all confidential or otherwise sensitive documents prior to work begins. We are not liable for any claim of fraudulent charges associated with credentials stored on your systems, nor are we liable for charges associated with the viewing/leaking of confidential documents.
6.4. We may store login credentials such as usernames and passwords to help aid our IT services. These are stored encrypted and under a multifactor authentication protocol.
6.5. More information on how we process your data can be found on our privacy policy documents published on our website www.thanetcomputersolutions.co.uk.
7. Confidentiality
7.1. We take information and data security very seriously and try to where possible adhere to the ISO27001 standards.
7.2. During the term of any contractual relationship, we shall provide a separate Non-Disclosure Agreement which will outline our commitment to you, your company and its information & data.
8. SUPPORT
8.1. Customer satisfaction is our utmost importance. All services will be conducted in a professional, reasonable, and timely manner. Also, taking into consideration the circumstances and nature of the technical problems.
8.2. Support may first be looked at remotely or via phone before visiting onsite unless it is not feasible to do so.
8.3. Our response times are best endeavour’s unless otherwise agreed. No SLAs agreed as standard.
8.4. Support hours are 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday unless otherwise agreed.
8.5. All services and repairs are guaranteed for 14 days from the invoice date.
8.6. We cannot guarantee any hardware upgrades will increase the life span of equipment. We guarantee the upgraded parts and service only.
8.7. Equipment left with us for more than 3 months will be disposed of or sold.
8.8. If in the event I (Sam) am on annual leave or otherwise engaged I usually have cover in place during normal business hours however this cannot be guaranteed.
9. PAYMENT TERMS (SERVICE AGREEMENT CONTRACT)
9.1. Full payment is due within 14 days of the invoice date. If payment is not received in a timely manner any service agreements will stop along with products and services.
9.2. If we provide a subscription service to you, we will either bill a year in advance or by monthly standing order/direct debit.
9.3. Thanet Computer Solutions Ltd accepts direct bank transfer or Direct Debit as payment only.
9.4. Ad-hoc work will be added on to the next monthly invoice unless otherwise agreed.
9.5. Remote support/monitoring is charged at the start of each month (1st) and will support all covered devices for that month.
10. Hardware Supply
10.1. Any hardware supplied is non-returnable unless faulty from the point of ordering with our suppliers.
10.2. New hardware purchases come with at least a 1-year warranty from the date we make the purchase from our suppliers. This does not apply to refurb or used equipment unless stated otherwise.
10.3. Payment is required up front for large orders of more than 1 device to assist us with cash flow.
11. PAYMENT TERMS (AD-HOC SUPPORT)
11.1. Payment is due within 14 days of invoice unless otherwise notified and agreed.
11.2. Payment can be made by debit/credit card or bank transfer.
12. PRICE CHANGES
12.1. We will inform you of any price changes in advance via email and changes will be applied to your next invoice.
12.2. We reserve the right to change prices and what is and isn’t included in support agreements with 1 months’ notice.
13. TERMINATION OF CONTRACT
13.1. If no contract period has been agreed both parties reserve the right to terminate service. Notice must be given 1 month in advanced in writing. Any outstanding invoices must be paid before the contract period ends.
14. CHANGES OF TERMS AND CONDITIONS
14.1. Thanet Computer Solutions Ltd terms and conditions are subject to change. The client will be informed of any revision changes as soon as they are published via email. Providing no objection is made by the client within 7 days the new terms and conditions will take force.