FAQ

My IT services include IT support, remote maintenance, data backup, backup solutions, cloud services, network and Wi-Fi support, secure communication, website hosting, and consulting on digital assets such as Bitcoin. I assist businesses and private customers with practical solutions — on-site in the Bedburg, Bergheim, and surrounding area, or remotely.

Yes, I work with both private customers and small to medium-sized businesses. Personal, clear communication without unnecessary technical jargon is very important to me. Depending on the situation, I can assist with one-time issues or provide ongoing support for maintenance, care, and improvement of existing IT infrastructure.

Yes. Not every need requires long-term support. I am happy to assist with individual projects, specific problems, or short-notice questions.

Yes, I offer individual IT consulting. I assess the existing situation and recommend solutions that match the actual needs. My focus is on secure, cost-effective, and as independent as possible IT solutions, often based on open-source software.

I primarily operate in the Bedburg, Bergheim, and Rhein-Erft-Kreis area. Many issues can additionally be resolved via remote maintenance, so support is also possible regardless of location.

Both. Many problems can be resolved quickly and easily via remote maintenance. If necessary, I can also come to you on-site. My service area includes in particular Bedburg, Bergheim, and the surrounding region.

Since all requests are handled directly by me, I cannot guarantee fixed response times like a large support center. However, I always get back to you as quickly as possible and take care of your concern. Smaller issues can often be resolved at short notice or via remote maintenance.

Yes, existing systems can in many cases be taken over, reviewed, and continue to be maintained. I first analyze the current state, document key points, and identify possible improvements. The goal is not always a complete replacement, but rather a sensible, secure, and cost-effective further development of the existing IT.

Yes. I analyze existing systems, networks, servers, data backups, and security concepts, and identify possible improvements and optimization potential.

Yes. I review existing systems for security risks and provide recommendations for improving data backup, access protection, network security, and general IT security.

I rely on open-source solutions because they are transparent, independent, and often very flexible to use. Many solutions can be self-hosted, giving more control over data, security, and costs. Especially for cloud, remote maintenance, communication, and network security, open-source solutions are often a strong alternative to large commercial providers.

Open source offers greater transparency, less dependency on individual vendors, and often lower licensing costs. The source code is openly viewable, solutions can be flexibly adapted, and many systems can be operated on your own infrastructure. This is particularly interesting for customers who value data privacy, control, and long-term independence.

With remote maintenance, I connect to your computer or server with your consent to analyze and resolve issues directly. You can follow the entire process and end the connection at any time. Many technical problems can be solved quickly and easily this way, without the need for an on-site appointment.

Yes. For remote maintenance I use RustDesk with a self-operated server. The connections are encrypted and are not routed through the infrastructure of large third-party providers. Every remote session takes place only with your consent and can be ended by you at any time.

Many IT problems can be conveniently resolved remotely. These include software errors, system configurations, network issues, printer problems, email setup, updates, data backup, security checks, and general support for Windows, Linux, and server systems.

I use RustDesk and operate my own remote maintenance server for it. This means the connection is independent of large providers and remains under my direct control. This enables secure, reliable, and privacy-friendly remote maintenance.

In most cases, a small RustDesk program that you start before the remote session is sufficient. A permanent installation is not required for many support requests. For regular maintenance, a permanent setup can be arranged on request.

Yes, upon request I take on regular maintenance tasks for computers, servers, and networks. These include updates, security checks, backup monitoring, system monitoring, and general care of the IT infrastructure. This way, many problems can be identified and resolved before they affect operations.

The NIS2 directive is a European regulation to improve the cybersecurity of companies and organizations. It requires certain businesses to implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect their IT systems and to report security incidents.

This depends on the industry, company size, and the significance of the services offered. Even companies not directly subject to NIS2 benefit from the security measures recommended there, as customers, insurers, and business partners are increasingly requiring corresponding evidence.

Yes. Together we can assess the industry, company size, and existing security measures. This makes it possible to determine whether specific requirements apply and which measures make sense.

The most important measures include regular data backups, secure passwords, multi-factor authentication, up-to-date software, network protection, access controls, emergency plans, and employee training.

Managing directors are obligated to implement appropriate organizational measures to protect the company. Depending on the situation, missing security measures, inadequate data backup, or serious breaches of duty can have liability consequences. For a legal assessment, additional legal advice should be sought.

Yes. If business-critical data is lost and no adequate backup measures were in place, this can cause significant financial damage. Regular and verified data backups are therefore among the most important organizational protective measures for a company.

Yes. An emergency plan helps to be prepared for IT outages, cyberattacks, data losses, or other disruptions. It defines responsibilities, recovery processes, and measures to maintain business operations.

Effective protection consists of several measures. These include up-to-date systems, secure user accounts, multi-factor authentication, network segmentation, employee training, and above all tested data backups.

Affected systems should ideally not be used further. Important steps include a quick analysis, securing evidence, assessing potential reporting obligations, and restoring from trusted backups. Depending on the incident, additional legal or data protection steps may be required.

Yes. I support the analysis of existing systems as well as the planning and implementation of practical security measures. The goal is an appropriate level of security that matches the actual requirements of the company.

No. Managing directors do not need to know every technical detail. However, they should ensure that appropriate organizational and technical measures are implemented and that risks are regularly assessed.

IT security measures should be reviewed regularly, especially after major changes to the infrastructure, in response to new threats, or at least once a year. Regular reviews help to identify security gaps early.

Liability depends on the specific incident and the security measures that were in place. Companies should implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to reduce risks. For a legal assessment of a specific case, professional legal advice should be obtained.

Cyber insurance can help reduce financial risks resulting from cyberattacks, business interruptions, or data loss. However, many insurers already require certain security measures to be in place, such as regular backups, multi-factor authentication, and up-to-date systems.

I am not a traditional hardware dealer. However, I am happy to advise you on the selection of suitable servers, computers, NAS systems, network devices, or other hardware. On request, I can also assist with procurement, setup, security, and ongoing maintenance.

I do not rent classic server packages like a hosting provider. However, I am happy to assist you in selecting suitable server or hosting solutions and can take on setup, maintenance, updates, security, and data backup upon request.

Yes, I administer servers remotely as well. This includes Linux servers, virtual servers, home servers, NAS systems, and various self-hosted services. Maintenance, updates, fault analysis, and security checks can often be carried out entirely remotely.

Yes. I work with Linux workstations, Linux servers, and Linux-based systems. This includes setup, fault analysis, updates, software installation, network access, data backup, and integration into existing environments. Linux is an excellent foundation for many open-source and server solutions.

Yes. I support the installation, maintenance, security hardening, and troubleshooting of Linux servers. Both classic servers and virtual systems and container solutions are used.

Yes. I support the installation, configuration, maintenance, and security hardening of Proxmox systems. This includes virtual machines, containers, storage, networking, data backup, and the optimization of existing environments.

Yes. I support the setup and management of Docker containers and self-hosted services. This includes installation, updates, backups, reverse proxy configurations, and the secure deployment of applications.

Yes. Synology NAS systems are among the solutions I particularly enjoy deploying and maintaining. They are suitable as a central file server for small and medium-sized businesses as well as for private individuals. I support setup, user management, data backup, remote access, updates, and maintenance.

Yes. I support the selection, setup, and maintenance of NAS systems for private individuals and businesses. This includes data backup, user management, remote access, file storage, synchronization, and security concepts.

Yes. I support the planning, setup, and monitoring of reliable data backups. This includes local backups, NAS systems, snapshots, encrypted offsite backups, and regular checks to ensure data can be restored in an emergency.

Reliable data backup consists of multiple layers. In addition to local storage, important data should be backed up at a second location. I rely on proven backup concepts with automated backups, encrypted transfer, and regular verification of the backups. This keeps your data protected even in the event of hardware failures, user errors, or malware.

For small and medium-sized businesses I often recommend Synology NAS systems as central file servers. These offer reliable data storage, flexible user management, and extensive backup options. This is supplemented by encrypted offsite backups in German data centers, so that data remains protected even in the event of a total on-site failure.

Yes. Modern backup solutions work fully automatically. Depending on the need, backups can be performed daily, multiple times a day, or on individual schedules. This ensures that current data is backed up regularly without the need for manual intervention.

The optimal frequency depends on how often your data changes. Daily backups are sufficient for many businesses. For particularly important or frequently changed data, backups can also be performed multiple times a day. Together we will determine which backup concept best suits your requirements.

Yes. The offsite backups I use are transferred and stored in encrypted form. This keeps your data protected from unauthorized access even outside your company. The backups are stored in German data centers and can only be restored with the appropriate keys.

Yes. Through the use of snapshots and backup versions, deleted or accidentally modified files can often be quickly restored. Depending on the situation, individual files, folders, or entire data sets can be rolled back to an earlier state.

No. A RAID primarily protects against the failure of a hard drive, but does not replace a data backup. If files are accidentally deleted, encrypted by malware, or corrupted, these changes are also present on the RAID. That is why I combine RAID systems with snapshots and additional encrypted backups in external data centers.

Yes. I review existing backup solutions for completeness, reliability, and restorability. This checks not only whether backups are being created, but also whether they actually work in an emergency. Regular integrity checks are an important part of a reliable backup concept.

The duration depends on the volume of data and the nature of the incident. Individual files can often be restored within minutes. For larger data sets or complete systems, recovery may take correspondingly longer. However, local snapshots and additional offsite backups provide several recovery options.

Yes. I set up private and company-owned cloud solutions where the data remains under your control. Depending on requirements, Synology DiskStations, Nextcloud environments, or dedicated Linux servers are used.

Yes. I support the planning, installation, maintenance, and security hardening of Nextcloud environments. Nextcloud is particularly suitable when files, calendars, contacts, and collaboration are to be operated on your own or controlled infrastructure.

I prefer private and company-owned cloud solutions where the data remains under the customer’s control. Synology DiskStations are frequently used as personal or business cloud storage. For larger requirements, Nextcloud environments can also be operated on dedicated Linux servers. The goal is a secure, reliable, and independent alternative to well-known cloud providers.

Yes. A private cloud offers the possibility to manage files, photos, documents, calendars, and contacts independently of large corporations. Depending on requirements, I use either a Synology DiskStation or a Nextcloud solution on a dedicated server. This way you retain control over your data and decide where it is stored.

The actual data is generally stored locally at the company or on your own hardware. In addition, encrypted offsite backups can be stored in German data centers, for example at Hetzner in Falkenstein or Nuremberg. This keeps data protected even in the event of a hardware failure or other emergencies.

The solutions I use can be operated in a GDPR-compliant manner, as data is stored on your own infrastructure or in German data centers. Unlike many international cloud services, you retain control over where your data is stored and who has access to it.

Yes. Access to the cloud is also possible while on the go. Secure connections and modern encryption methods are used so that data is not transmitted unprotected over the internet. This way you can access your files whether working from home, traveling, or at a client’s location.

Yes. Depending on the solution used, shared calendars, address books, and task lists can be set up. This allows appointments and contacts to be managed centrally and synchronized between different devices, without relying on the services of large providers.

Yes. Multiple users can access files and folders simultaneously. Individual permissions can be assigned so that each employee only sees the data that has been shared with them. This enables simple and secure team collaboration.

The biggest advantage is control over your own data. You decide where the data is stored and who is allowed to access it. In addition, private cloud solutions often offer greater data privacy, less dependency on individual providers, and better adaptability to individual requirements. For businesses in particular, this can mean greater security and independence in the long term.

For many small businesses and private users, a Synology DiskStation is the most cost-effective and at the same time very powerful solution. It offers file storage, synchronization, user management, calendar, contacts, and data backup in one system. Nextcloud on a dedicated Linux server offers additional flexibility, but usually entails higher acquisition and maintenance costs. Which solution makes more sense depends on individual requirements and will be evaluated together.

Yes. I help with planning, setup, optimization, and troubleshooting of networks, Wi-Fi, routers, switches, and internet connections — in both private and business environments.

Yes. I analyze existing networks and identify weaknesses, bottlenecks, and security risks. The goal is a stable, secure, and high-performance network environment that meets your requirements. Both home networks and corporate networks can be optimized and expanded.

Yes. I set up secure access for home office and mobile working. This includes VPN connections, secure file storage, user permissions, encrypted communication, and protection against unauthorized access.

Yes. I set up secure VPN connections for individuals, employees, and entire locations. This allows employees to securely access shared resources such as files, applications, or internal services from on the go or from a home office.

Yes. I prefer modern VPN technologies such as WireGuard. WireGuard is lean, fast, and very well suited for secure connections between individual devices, employees, locations, or servers.

Yes. Through the use of VLANs, different areas of a network can be cleanly separated from one another. For example, employees, servers, guest Wi-Fi, IoT devices, or surveillance systems can be operated in separate network segments. This increases security and simplifies management considerably.

The right firewall depends on the specific requirements. For small and medium-sized businesses, I often rely on powerful open-source solutions such as OPNsense. These offer extensive security features, VPN connections, network segmentation, and high flexibility at comparatively low cost.

Yes. I work with OPNsense and provide support for planning, setup, migration, maintenance, and troubleshooting. OPNsense is particularly suitable for firewalls, VPN connections, network segmentation, and professional security concepts on an open-source basis.

Yes. I work with OpenWrt and support setup, configuration, Wi-Fi optimization, VPN, firewall rules, and network segmentation. OpenWrt provides a flexible foundation for powerful router and network solutions.

Yes. Multiple locations can be connected via encrypted site-to-site connections. This allows employees at different locations to securely access shared data, applications, and systems as if they were on the same network.

Yes. I take over the support and maintenance of existing networks regardless of whether they were originally set up by me. This includes updates, security checks, fault analysis, optimizations, and the expansion of existing infrastructure.

Yes. Via secure VPN connections, employees can connect to the company network from on the go or from a home office. Depending on their permissions, files, network drives, internal applications, and other company resources are available without having to be publicly accessible on the internet.

For VPN connections I use modern encryption methods and secure authentication. In addition, I operate my own NetBird relay server, meaning connections do not have to run through the infrastructure of large third-party providers. VPN access is set up individually and separated from each other, so that each user can only access the resources approved for them.

Yes. I support the creation, maintenance, hosting, updates, and security of websites. This includes in particular WordPress websites for businesses, associations, and private individuals.

Yes. I support website hosting and manage suitable hosting environments. This includes setup, updates, security, backups, technical maintenance, and website migration upon request.

Yes. I support the hosting, maintenance, updates, security, and optimization of WordPress websites. Website migration is also available upon request.

Yes. I support the migration of existing websites to new hosting platforms or servers. Data, emails, domains, and security aspects are all taken into account.

Yes. I support the setup of professional email mailboxes, domains, forwarding, spam protection, and integration with email clients or mobile devices. Depending on the hosting solution, email addresses can be set up to match your own domain.

The chatbot setup process is straightforward and tailored to your business needs. First, we discuss the tasks the chatbot should handle and the information it needs to provide accurate answers. We then use your website content, documentation, FAQs, or other relevant materials as the chatbot’s knowledge base.

Next, the chatbot is integrated into your WordPress website and customized to match your branding and design. Before launch, all functions and responses are thoroughly tested and refined.

Depending on the project scope, a basic chatbot can often be up and running within just a few days. The chatbot can also be expanded and optimized over time as your business grows and new requirements arise.

No. The technical setup and initial configuration are handled for you. Existing content such as your website, product information, documentation, or FAQ pages can be used as the chatbot’s knowledge base.

This minimizes the effort required on your side and allows the chatbot to become productive quickly. Additional content and new information can be added at any time to keep the chatbot up to date and continuously improve its performance.

Yes. I support private individuals and businesses with questions about Bitcoin, wallets, self-custody, security, and practical use. The goal is a clear and secure introduction to the topic.

I support private individuals and businesses with the secure use of Bitcoin. This includes consulting on secure storage, wallet setup, backup concepts, protection against fraud, Bitcoin payments for businesses, and the technical implementation of individual requirements.

Yes. I provide support on questions about the Lightning Network, wallets, payments, and the technical integration of Bitcoin and Lightning solutions. This also includes advising on whether Lightning makes sense for the particular use case.

Yes. I support businesses in introducing Bitcoin and Lightning payments — from initial consulting to technical implementation. Together we examine which solution makes sense for the particular use case and how Bitcoin payments can be integrated securely and simply into existing workflows.

No. The consulting is aimed at both beginners and experienced users. Technical contexts are explained clearly and implementation is carried out step by step.

Yes. Together we will find a suitable wallet solution for your needs. I take into account security, ease of use, and the intended purpose. The setup is carried out together and in a comprehensible manner.

Yes. I explain how Bitcoin can be purchased through reputable channels and what to look out for regarding exchanges, fees, security, and identity verification. The decision to buy or sell is of course entirely yours.

Yes. I support the selection, setup, and backup of hardware wallets. The goal is secure storage of private keys and clear documentation of the backup processes.

Security depends largely on the storage of the private keys. With a suitable wallet, secure backups, and well-thought-out documentation, risks can be significantly reduced. A key component of my consulting is secure storage and protection against loss or fraud.

Succession planning is a frequently underestimated topic. Together we can develop strategies so that family members or authorized persons can access the assets in an emergency, without compromising everyday security.

Yes. Depending on the solution used, Bitcoin payments can be automatically converted to euros. This allows exchange rate fluctuations to be avoided and Bitcoin to be used as an additional payment method.

Yes. The ownership, purchase, and acceptance of Bitcoin as a payment method are generally legal in Germany. However, the tax treatment depends on the specific use case. For tax-related questions, a tax advisor should additionally be consulted.

For many beginners, a dedicated node is not initially required. However, those who value maximum independence, privacy, and direct use of the Bitcoin network can benefit from running their own node. I am happy to advise on whether a dedicated node makes sense for your use case.

Yes. Secure storage of Bitcoin is one of the most important components of my consulting. Together we select a suitable wallet solution and discuss sensible backup strategies so that your Bitcoin can be kept secure in the long term.

Yes. In addition to traditional IT services, I also help clients build and operate their own Bitcoin Full Node for greater privacy, independence, and control over their Bitcoin transactions. I primarily work with modern self-hosting platforms such as Umbrel and Start9 (StartOS), which provide an easy-to-manage environment for Bitcoin, Lightning Network, and various self-hosted services.

Depending on your requirements, the node can run on a dedicated mini PC, a powerful home server, or in a virtualized environment using Proxmox. For users with existing server infrastructure, virtualization offers a flexible and professional way to run Bitcoin Core, Lightning, Electrum Server, Mempool Explorer, and other services in isolated environments while maintaining efficient resource utilization.

Services may include:

• Hardware selection and infrastructure planning
• Installation and configuration of Umbrel or StartOS
• Bitcoin Full Node deployment
• Lightning Network (LND) setup
• Hardware wallet integration (e.g. BitBox, Coldcard, Trezor, Ledger)
• Electrum Server and Mempool Explorer configuration
• Proxmox-based virtualization and server integration
• Backup, security, and monitoring concepts
• Remote access and private wallet connectivity

The goal is to provide a sovereign, privacy-focused Bitcoin infrastructure where your wallets communicate directly with your own node instead of relying on third-party services.

Please note: Services are limited to the technical setup and operation of Bitcoin and self-hosting infrastructure. No financial, investment, or tax advice is provided.

You can reach me at any time by email at info@it-service-commander.de or by phone at +49 2272 9774010. You are also welcome to submit an inquiry directly through my website. Additional contact options are available via Signal and Matrix Messenger. Links to these services can be found in the menu at the top of my website.

The costs depend on the specific project or problem. After a brief description of your concern, I can usually estimate the effort and create an individual quote for you.

The costs depend on the scope and type of task. Smaller issues can often be resolved quickly via remote maintenance, while larger projects require more planning and implementation. After an initial analysis, you will receive a transparent estimate of the expected costs.

Both are possible. Smaller tasks and short-notice support requests are often billed on an hourly basis. For larger projects and recurring services, I prefer to work with individual flat rates. For many customers, flat rate offers are more economical, as they often already include planning, preparation, documentation, and other services.

Yes. I offer individual maintenance and service contracts for businesses. These can cover, for example, the regular support of servers, networks, data backups, cloud solutions, or security updates. The exact scope of services is tailored to the respective requirements.

Yes. Every quote is created individually and carefully. The existing infrastructure, desired goals, and technical requirements are all taken into account. This way you receive a solution that fits your company and your budget.

Yes. The initial consultation is free of charge. Depending on the scope of the project, this can take place by phone, video conference, or in person. We discuss your requirements, possible solutions, and the expected effort.

We begin with an analysis of your requirements and the existing IT infrastructure. You then receive a recommendation and an individual quote. After your approval, the agreed measures are implemented. I remain available for support, maintenance, and further development even after the project is completed.

Remote maintenance sessions are billed according to the type and scope of the work. Smaller support requests are generally billed on an hourly basis. Different arrangements may apply for customers with maintenance contracts or agreed service levels. Billing is transparent and comprehensible.

No. Many services can also be commissioned without an ongoing contract. Maintenance contracts are particularly suitable for businesses that require regular support, prompt assistance, and continuous monitoring of their IT infrastructure.