Tips for Keeping Your Office Computer System Up and Running Without A Hitch - 01/07/09

Small businesses across the country know that even the briefest computer downtime means lost money and reduced productivity. That's why ensuring that your office computer system-from networks and email to software and hardware-is healthy and fully functioning isn't just smart tech: its smart business.

Unfortunately, many business owners don't pay attention to the health of their IT until something goes wrong-a mistake, notes NYC area IT consulting firm UPTIME, that could cost valuable resources and cause unnecessary stress.

"You really need to regularly maintain your computer systems," says UPTIME President Einat Sibony, "in the same way that you take your car in to be inspected, get the oil changed and the tired rotated."

Here are some tips that UPTIME recommends for keeping your office computers running hassle-free:

1) Always upgrade virus protection software when prompted. Make sure all employees understand how important it is not to ignore upgrade prompts. Given how much of today's business life is conducted through email and the Internet, you simply can't allow even one terminal to remain vulnerable.

2) Install a firewall. 
Even small businesses that think they don't need such a sophisticated security protocol should consider installing a firewall if they maintain sensitive client information such as credit card numbers and medical records, or if your financial or accounting functions are handled in-house. Proper security protects you from viruses and hackers and, ultimately, from liability.

3) Review your network's performance. Even if nothing seems to be wrong, make a point of reviewing all elements of your network on a regular basis to pinpoint problems that may have gone unnoticed or areas of potential concern.

4) Back-up data. This is a no-brainer but its still stunning how many of us-from individual home-based workers to entire offices-fail to properly back-up data. Consider establishing an automatic back-up system; if that's beyond the scope of what your business can handle either financially or logistically, make a point of regularly storing data on specific days at specific times. Don't forget to include data wherever it's stored: your external hard drive, CDs; laptops, and desktop hard drives are all equally vulnerable to damage or corruption.

5) Invest in a monthly maintenance plan from a local IT services provider. You may think you're saving money by foregoing a monthly maintenance plan, but qualified technicians can identify potential problems the average business owner would overlook and address them before they mushroom into disasters. Most maintenance plans go over your network, server, firewall, or virus protection programs and suggest software and hardware upgrades on a monthly basis-far more regularly than you'd probably make the same checks yourself.

About UPTIME:

UPTIME is a NYC Metro area Information Technology company dedicated to providing fresh and customized IT solutions to today's leading brands. UPTIME works with both established and start up companies to create viable system infrastructures that improve business workflow, freeing up clients to focus on what they do best. Known for providing a fresh professional perspective that is all geek without the attitude, UPTIME networks outperform their competitors citywide.