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What is ITIL®? A Simple Overview

by | Dec 18, 2019 | Help Desk

Windows 11 upgrade

If you only want to know what ITIL® is all about without reading a doctoral thesis, then this article is for you. It is a simplified, buzzword-free, explanation of the main components of ITIL. Firstly, what is the acronym? ITIL stands for the Information Technology Infrastructure Library.

ITIL defined

In keeping with the spirit of simplicity, we will define IITL as “an integrated set of best business practices and processes designed to deliver IT services to business”. The primary focus of ITIL is to maximise value for the business by aligning IT resources with business needs.” At the core of ITIL, is the core idea that value is provided in the form of business-aligned IT Services.

Where does ITIL come from

A question that our customers often ask us is ” Where does ITIL come from?” Well, it is was published in 1989 by Her Majesty’s Stationery Office (HMSO) in the UK for the Central Communications and Telecommunications Agency (CCTA). The goal was to standardise and document a set of operating practices for IT operations. To achieve this goal, a wide variety of public and private sector IT experts were engaged in assembling a collective set of best practices.

What is ITIL

ITIL is a set of approaches and best practices. It is a model for IT service delivery. It does contain some processes and templates, but it is not a methodology and does not contain all the required implementation details. An organisation can implement ITIL by following the overall guidelines and then develop more detailed processes in line with their culture and business requirements.

Why is ITIL Required?

ITIL assists the business to deliver an efficient and effective service to their customers, hence gaining their customer’s confidence and satisfaction. Some of the most notable areas where ITIL assists business are as follows:

  • Strategic planning for both business and IT.
  • Integrating and aligning IT and business goals
  • Implementing continuous improvement
  • Acquiring and retaining the right resources and skillsets
  • Reducing costs and the Total Cost of Ownership
  • Demonstrating the business value to IT
  • Achieving and demonstrating Value for Money and Return on Investment.
  • Measuring IT organisation effectiveness and efficiency
  • Developing business and IT partnerships and relationships
  • Improving project delivery success
  • Managing regular business and IT change

Major Components of ITIL

ITIL is published in five volumes, each of which covers an IT Service Management Stage. The five books are:

  • ITIL Service Strategy
    A view of ITIL that aligns business and IT so that each brings out the best in the other. It ensures that every element of the Service Lifecycle is focused on customer outcomes and relates to all the companion process elements that follow.

  • ITIL Service Design
    To meet the current and future business requirements, Service Design provides guidance on the design of IT services, processes, and other aspects of the service management effort.

  • ITIL Service Transition
    Consists of the delivery of services required by a business, and often encompasses the “project” side of IT.  It covers the broader, long-term change management and release and deployment practices.

  • ITIL Service Operations
    Best practice for achieving the delivery of agreed levels of services both to end-users and the customers

  • ITIL Continual Service Improvement
    Align and realign IT services to changing business needs by identifying and implementing improvements to the IT services that support the business processes

A final word

So, What is ITIL? Well, ITIL is a set of approaches and best practices. It is a model for IT service delivery. It does contain some processes and templates, but it is not a methodology and does not contain all the required implementation details. ITIL can be implemented in stages according to the business requirements of the organisation.

If you would like to know more about the ITIL processes, leave a message on our website and we will contact you.

Author: Ryan Danvers

ABACON IT

Windows 11 Upgrade - Will it work on your lapop?

So, you’re wondering about Windows 11, the latest version of Microsoft’s operating system. It looks snazzy and has some neat features. But can your current laptop actually run it? Don’t worry, you don’t need a degree in IT to figure this out! We at abacon IT in Cape Town are here to help you understand the basics.

Upgrading your laptop to Windows 11 can give it a new lease on life. However, Windows 11 has certain system requirements. These are the minimum specifications your laptop needs to have to run the software smoothly. Think of it like needing the right ingredients for a recipe – without them, it just won’t work properly.

One of the most important parts is your laptop’s processor, often called the CPU (Central Processing Unit). This is the “brain” of your computer. Windows 11 needs a fairly recent and capable CPU to function well.

Which Processors Work with Windows 11?

Here’s a simplified look at the processors that are generally compatible:

Intel Processors:

  • Generally, Windows 11 requires an 8th-generation Intel Core processor or newer. You might see names like “Intel Core i5-8xxx” or “Intel Core i7-11xxx.” The first number after the “i” (or “i3”) usually indicates the generation. So, an “i5-8250u” is an 8th-generation processor.
  • Intel also has its Pentium and Celeron processors. For Windows 11, only certain newer models are compatible.

AMD Processors:

  • For AMD, Windows 11 requires Ryzen 2000 Series and newer. You’ll see names like “AMD Ryzen 5 2xxx” or “AMD Ryzen 7 5xxx”. Again, the first number after “Ryzen” indicates the series.
  • AMD also has Athlon processors. Similar to Intel’s Pentium and Celeron, only specific newer Athlon models will work with Windows 11.

Important Note: This is a general guideline. There can be exceptions, so it’s always best to double-check your specific processor.

How to Find Out Which Processor Your Laptop Has

Don’t fret, Windows makes it pretty easy to see what CPU is inside your laptop:

  1. Right-click the Start Button: This is the Windows logo (usually in the bottom-left corner of your screen).
  2. Select “System”: A new window will pop up with information about your computer.
  3. Look for “Processor”: You’ll find this listed under the “Device specifications” section. It will tell you the name of your processor, including the manufacturer (Intel or AMD) and the model number, which usually indicates the generation or series.

Once you have this information, you can compare it to the general lists above.

Other Important Bits for Windows 11

Besides the processor, there are a few other things Windows 11 needs:

  • RAM (Random Access Memory): Consider this your laptop’s short-term memory. Windows 11 requires at least 4 gigabytes (GB) of RAM. More is always better for smoother performance. Instead, consider 16 gigabytes (GB).

  • Storage: To install Windows 11, you’ll need at least 64 GB of free space on your hard drive or SSD (Solid-State Drive). An SSD generally makes your computer much faster.
  • TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module): This is a security feature. Most modern laptops have this, but it’s worth checking. You can usually find information on how to check for TPM 2.0 in your laptop’s BIOS settings (you might need to consult your laptop manufacturer’s website for instructions on accessing this).
  • Graphics Card: Your graphics card needs to be compatible with DirectX 12 or later with a WDDM 2.0 driver. Most reasonably recent graphics cards will meet this requirement.
  • Display: You’ll need a screen with a resolution of at least 720p (HD).

Still Not Sure? We Can Help!

Figuring out all these technical details can be daunting. If you’re still unsure whether your laptop is ready for Windows 11, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at abacon IT in Cape Town.

Our friendly team can quickly assess your system and give you straightforward advice. We’re here to help your SME thrive with reliable IT solutions! Contact us at 072-601-2858 or email info@abacon.co.za, and we will call you back.

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