Preventative Maintenance
“The best way to curb costly computer repair is regular preventative maintenance.”
All computer systems and computer networks require regular maintenance to ensure trouble-free operation.
- Is your disk space running out?
- Is your wireless network dropping out at the most inopportune times?
- Are key applications continually crashing?
- Having trouble with websites loading properly using Internet Explorer?
- Do you avoid physically cleaning your computer – inside and out?
- Does Outlook crash every time you exit it?
- Have you checked to verify that your backups are working and found they are not?
If you’ve answered yes to even one or two of these questions, consider them red flags. If something isn’t done quickly, trouble is sure to be on the way. Most business computers and networks need service and maintenance regularly to limit the risk of reduced productivity, system downtime, or even substantial data loss.
Although taken for granted, computer networks are extremely complex. As is the case with most business systems, regular or prolonged network activity can cause numerous issues if system equipment is not well maintained. Like automobiles, computers and their systems require regular service and check-ups to ensure efficient operation and trouble-free performance.
Hardware Preventative Maintenance
There are several factors that can drastically shorten a computer's life including excessive heat (caused by poor ventilation or direct sunlight), dust, moisture, and power surges. Regularly scheduled Preventative maintenance ensures against system failures that could be caused by these and many other un-addressed issues.
Software Preventative Maintenance
Computer systems continually change. When software is updated or new applications are installed, the resulting system changes could cause problems. Additionally, computers connected to the Internet, wireless, or business networks are exposed to additional risks triggered by viruses, malware and spyware, and security gaps in the Windows Operating System software.
Computers That Byte can recommend a customized Preventative computer maintenance schedule geared to your system that will minimise the risk of lost data and productivity due to a system shutdown. Our in-depth system diagnostics will determine whether the latest versions of software and operating system patches are installed, and that the appropriate levels of security are maintained within your environment.
On Site Preventative Maintenance Tasks
These are some of the standard on site maintenance tasks carried out by Computers That Byte. These tasks form the basis for developing a customised maintenance procedure designed to meet the specific needs of your business.
Server(s)
o Check system, application and security event logs
o Check free hard disk space
o Empty recycle bin & delete temp files
o Check RAID array / hard drive management systems
o Apply relevant patches and service packs
o Check fan speed and server temperature
o Physically clean the server as required
Network
o Check hubs / switches for high utilisation & data collisions
o Check load balancing
o Check DNS server name resolution
o Check WINS server database consistency & name resolution
o Check DHCP database consistency
o Check router uptime
Backup Systems
o Test data restored from previous backup
o Check all backup event logs
o Truncate unnecessary catalogues
o Clean tape drive heads
o Update emergency restore disk as required
Virus Protection
o Check virus definitions & security alerts - update if required
o Check virus scan logs
o Check or delete quarantined files
o Check firewall log files
o Check for Internet browser and program security updates
Internet and Email
o Check email access
o Check remote access service and connection times
o Check internet connections and connected times
o Check internet data downloads (by user if applicable)
o Check and test internet access restrictions (if applicable)
o Check email policy, usage and quarantine settings (if applicable)
o Delete temporary internet files on server & workstations
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)
o Test UPS and check configuration (if applicable)
o Check battery life (if applicable)
Workstations
o Check free hard disk space
o Delete temporary files
o Visit all users and resolve any problems
o Assist users with peripherals, software & hardware issues
o Check virus protection status
o Run a full virus scan of hard drives
o Check for program updates / patches
o Check hard disk drive for errors
o De-fragment hard drive(s) (if required)
o Physically clean the workstation PC as required
Users
o Maintain user profiles and user permission groups
o Manage mail boxes, email aliases, and distribution groups (if applicable)
Computers That Byte can assist you by providing the exact information you need to make an informed decision about how to make your business run smoothly and economically. We will help you to manage your systems like your own virtual IT department.
Contact Computers That Byte today to see how we can make your computer system or network the best that it can be!