• Workstations, hubs, routers, cabling – sometimes it seems they run forever with no attention.

• More critical systems like servers and data storage rarely get by on their own.

• Security is stressed now with the Internet, hackers (yes, there are many computers auto-scanning to find openings), and viruses, all making regular checks practical.

     Who is responsible to:

• Do a test restore regularly?

• Test your firewall?

• Checked the server event log?

Being proactive and dealing with computer virus and other disasters before they happen is easy compared to the alternative. While customization is needed for each site the following outline is a good start. We believe in it so much that we post the core list to be used accordingly. If you have questions or we can otherwise help, let’s talk.

        Single - Click on bolded words to expand and contract list.    

• Journal

  • Appropriately secure record of software setting, logins, passwords and other configuration information that is hard to come by for network and user applications including e-mail and Internet account info.

• Drives

  • Available space; drives that are more than 80% full can cause problems with Windows.

    • Empty recycle bin, (temporary fix)

    • Remove unused programs, (caution, can cause Windows problems)

    • Remove temporary Internet files

  • Integrity; bad spots are relatively rare with modern drives, however, the sooner bad areas are detected the better for data repair.

    • Run SpinRite or Scandisk (thorough mode)

    • Run Defrag to improve speed

  • Floppy, CD-Rom and other removable drives

• Power / Cooling

  • Power supply fan and output temperature.

  • If the cover is removed, CPU and other internal fans.

  • Power from UPS or surge suppressor and appropriate cable and runs.

• Clean

  • Check and clean mouse roller wheels.

  • Monitor with appropriate fluid and cloth

  • If computer cover is removed, vacuum inner area as needed.

• Windows

  • Device Manager to verify all hardware is recognized properly and drivers are loaded.  Update drivers appropriately.

  • Reboot the computer if it is always on to check boot process and Windows startup.

• Security

  • Verify that network security procedures and licensing requirements are implemented.

  • Verify that anti-virus definitions are current on all systems.

  • Test hacker vulnerability with ShieldsUp by www.GRC.com or other test tools.

• Backups

  • How valuable is the data?  What are the consequences of  dead drives and non-recoverable data and weeks of manpower to recreate? Drive recovery specialists charge $3,000 and up to attempt recovery.

  • Backup log

  • Do test restore from varied backup sets.

  • Verify backup procedures including tape drive cleaning, tape rotation, tape retention, off-site storage etc.

  • Are all directories and files included in the backup process?

• Server / Network

  • Server event-log (system and application errors and security hits)

  • Adequate licenses for all simultaneous users.

  • System partition space

  • Move applications to the data drive where appropriate.

  • Change size or move swap.

  • Data drive size

  • Update NT repair disk with [rdisk /s] command

  • UPS log and battery test

  • The sites network cable, connections and routing particularly at the server, hub, and workstations.

  • Remove all but necessary network protocols for performance and security.

• Integration Opportunities

  • Upgrade or replace systems with XML capability at  every natural opportunity.
  • Look for areas to automate, considering new technology and current pricing.