IT plays an increasingly important role in the functioning of a company. This is even more the case in a company developing or using digital technologies. It is therefore essential to take special care of the maintenance of IT equipment to ensure a smooth activity and good productivity of employees.
Regularly scheduled routine IT maintenance will help certify that your equipment is running properly and efficiently. Good maintenance strategies will expand the lifespan of your equipment while decreasing downtime. Streamlining operations will ultimately save time and money as your office technology is kept in optimal condition.
If you lack the internal resources or time to do your IT maintenance, or if you prefer to stay focused on your business growth, you can use local specialized providers. In North America you can ensure IT efficiency and get the best IT support in Chicago. You can also use remote managed services companies like IT company Attentus.
Otherwise, if you prefer to have this activity run and managed internally, this simple and practical checklist can be performed on a monthly basis to help ensure the health and security of your office technology.
Schedule Backups
Backups can be scheduled automatically on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis, depending on the size of your files and the criticality of your documents. It is important to schedule backups in both local and remote locations. The local backups should be connected to Uninterruptible Power Supply, or UPS. A cloud-based server should be used for storing large files and offsite backups. Archiving old content will free up space and keep your devices running smoothly.
Check the Security
Make sure that the firewall is updated. Pay attention to blocked traffic and resolve the issues in a timely manner. Update the antivirus and/or anti-malware and run a full scan to keep your devices protected. It is also important that all passwords be changed regularly, especially when there are multiple people using the programs and devices. When setting passwords, make sure to use strong passwords that combine multiple letters, numbers and symbols and be sure to avoid any personal information. You can use a password manager to centralize and facilitate password management for your teams.
Manage Updates and Device Alerts
In order for your devices to run properly, it is important to regularly check for software and plug-ins updates. For most programs and plug-ins, you can enable an auto update in your settings. Stay as current as possible with your updates to keep your software running smoothly. Check all devices for alerts and resolve any issues as they arise instead of waiting for them to become bigger problems.
Digital Declutter
Digital clutter can slow down the efficiency of your equipment as well as make it hard to locate files. It is important to consistently remove excess or outdated files. Run Disk Cleanup to help get rid of unwanted files. You should also clear your browser’s cache and temporary files regularly. Make sure to defragment the hard drives to help consolidate files. Remember to uninstall any unused or outmoded programs. Finally, remember to empty the recycle bin and trash in order to free up additional space. Apply these simple routines to your entire fleet of computers. These digital housekeeping steps will help your devices run optimally and avoid lag time.
Server Care
Keeping your server in the best condition is essential. Before beginning any checks or updates, reboot the computer system. Check the startup configuration on your computer. Also check to make sure you are running the most updated version of the Operating System. Keep your server clean and dust free. Don’t forget to check your UPS battery and replace as needed. While a UPS can last a long time, it is a good idea to test them annually to make sure they can sustain your server.
Physical Checks
Performing a few practical, simple tasks can also be important for the wellbeing of your devices. Keep all of your equipment, including the keyboard and mouse, clean and free from dust by using compressed air. You can also use a microfiber cloth to clean screens and wipe surfaces. To help you avoid any electrical issues, inspect all cables and extensions to make sure that they are in good working order. If there is too much wear and tear on any cables, plugs or cords, replace them in a timely manner.
Conclusion
In summary, there are numerous benefits of routine IT maintenance. You will be doing preventative care by keeping your equipment updated, clean, and safe. Your devices will last longer when they are properly cared for. Potential problems can be detected and addressed before they decrease the safety and efficiency of your equipment. Routine maintenance will keep your technologies safe, up to date and in optimal condition which will in turn lead to increased productivity and, ultimately, higher profitability.
