Geek Check - Preventive Maintenance!
What is the cost of computer downtime and ongoing computer problems? Besides the telephone, your computers and the network they are a part of, are undoubtedly the most important business tools in your office. You rely on them every day to communicate, analyze, manage, strategize and perform billable services.
So what happens when your computer or network goes down? Communication is hindered, growing your business stops and billable time is lost. Whether you have limped along with computer problems (that you now "live with") or had major network meltdowns, these problems cost you money and create headaches.
What is Computer and Network Maintenance and Why is it Necessary?
It is easy to think computers are so advanced that they don't have the same problems as other machines. They should work perfectly all the time, shouldn't they? The truth is that your computer network is a collection of complex machines and software, communicating simultaneously, performing trillions of calculations, using hundreds of parts and wires, and under constant assault by viruses and spyware and their own users.
Because of these and other factors (mostly human), your computers require regular computer service maintenance to keep the big problems away and maintain optimal performance. This program is often referred to as a computer maintenance contract, service level agreement, or computer network maintenance plan.
Ten Reasons Every Small Business Needs Regular and Proactive Server and Workstation Maintenance:
- Microsoft critical security updates need to be applied at least once a month
- Firewall, virus and spyware protection needs regular review and management
- Daily use of servers and workstations by office staff can create random network issues
- Management of backup status, data selected and data testing is critical to data recovery
- Proactive server and workstation standardization minimizes problems
- Management of hard drive resources prevents storage issues & server crashes
- Analysis of server event logs can identify issues before they create network problems
- Regular optimization of server(s) and workstations to increase speed and efficiency
- Proactive maintenance provides real peace of mind that someone is regularly caring for your network
- Predictable monthly budget and support minimizes financial and technical surprises
- Regular and systematic network support in the past has not been the norm among small companies because they typically didn't know it was necessary. Because of this, small businesses believe that all they need is for someone to help them "fix" what isn't working right. They assume that the "break-fix" computer support model is how support for computers and networks is supposed to be, when in fact it is not. This in turn leads to doubt, confusion, and frustration with computer service technicians.
Though most "computer service" companies or individual technicians offer only a "break-fix," reactionary style service, Corporate Computer Services offers a proactive and predictable computer network maintenance plan to maintain your computer systems, called CorporateMaintenance.
Maintenance - Geek Check-list!
Data Backup
There are two reasons for data loss; either there was no backup or the media used failed to successfully capture the data. To reduce the possibility of data loss we require clients to maintain backups on Tape, CDRW, Jazz or Zip disk. Floppy disks have a high rate of failure and should not be used to protect vital information. Backups are verified during each service visit to ensure that critical data is being safely captured. In the event of a system failure data will be transferred to another working system while repairs are being made.
Anti Virus Protection
Clients are required to maintain a current version of an anti-virus software. Systems will be configured to automatically perform virus definition updates and perform full system virus scans weekly. The anti-virus software is configured to scan in-coming and out-going emails, the most common method of virus transfer. Anti-virus settings and definition files are verified during each service visit to ensure that data is protected from virus damage. Our product of choice is Symantec's Norton Anti-Virus.
Firewall Protection
Symantec?s Norton Personal Firewall keeps personal data in and hackers out. Right out of the box, it makes your PC invisible on the Internet so that hackers can?t find it. The program?s intelligent intrusion prevention technology blocks suspicious Internet traffic. And easy-to-use privacy controls prevent personal information from being sent out without your knowledge.
Internal/External Component Cleaning
Dust is one of the leading causes of hardware failure. All moving components are thoroughly cleaned and lubricated during service visits. The case is opened and dust is removed from the motherboard and all system boards. The CPU fan, power supply fan and any other board fans are cleaned, lubricated and tested.
All data cables are checked to be sure they are securely seated on system boards. CD and floppy drives are opened, cleaned and tested for data transfer. External components such as keyboard, mouse, monitor and printers are cleaned of dust and debris and all cable connections are checked. Connections to surge protectors or UPS are checked.
Software Updates/System Optimization
Operating system updates and patches are downloaded and installed to ensure that your system has the most current version of the OS software. Internet browser software updates or upgrades are preformed as software changes become available.
Updated component drivers are installed as they become available or are required by system changes. Hardware configurations are checked to be sure that they are operating efficiently and without conflict with other components.
Defrag and scan disk maintenance programs are run to detect any problems that your hard drive may have. Specialty error diagnostic software is run on other system components to verify that they are in good working order. Hard drive file organization is checked and any misplaced files are moved to their correct data folders. Any temporary or unneeded files are located and removed.
We perform a needs consultation to review your current setup and then provide you with a custom maintenance program. Choose from quarterly, bi-annual or annual service schedules at discounted service rates. As a participant in one of our preventive maintenance service programs you can also receive discounts on prepaid service hours. Prepaid service hours can be used for such items as non-scheduled service calls, telephone support, general consulting etc. If you need more information, or would like a free phone consultation to discuss your computer service needs call 877-PCGEEKS (724-3357).
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