Keeping Your Network Running Smoothly Is A Lot Easier Than You Think

Network & Server Repair doesn’t have to be scary, but it CAN be time consuming. For those do-it-yourself types out there, you may be making attempts to do your own computer, IT support, server repair and network maintenance. Kudos!  Especially in Small to Mid-Sized businesses, where budgets can be tight, the business case for in-house IT support may warrant the attempt. In that case, here are 4 relatively simple tasks you should be performing that can make your DIY IT support run smoothly:

1. Plan Equipment Replacement Ahead of Time:

Ideally you’ll do this when your customers don’t need to use your network. A single piece of network equipment going down, like a router or server, can knock you entirely out of business for a day or two (or longer). Rather than waiting for the worst to happen, proactively monitor the age and performance of your computer network equipment. Replace it before the triggering event occurs.

2. Ensure Your Bandwidth Requirements are Met & Exceeded:

What’s your network infrastructure currently look like? Do you know how your employees are actually using your computer network? This changes over time, and it should, even if you don’t significantly add or reduce the number of employees you have. Make sure you are constantly monitoring your network’s usage. Get about 10-20% more bandwidth than you actually use so that you never experience performance bottlenecks and a resulting loss in productivity. Running out of bandwidth is one surprise you DON’T want.

3. Regular Backups:

You probably are doing these. But how often are you doing them? And have you test them out monthly to make sure they work? Technology is great, but it’s anything but predictable. Let’s face it, there’s no crystal ball to predict a problem.  It’s smart to restore your backup often to make sure everything works as expected. There could always be an unanticipated glitch in the process. It’s great practice to test your backups out to make sure they work first and before you actually need them.

4. Listen & Address the Issue When Employees Complain:

If your employees start complaining that your network’s running way too slow, it’s time to take notice. It’s usually a sign there’s an issue going on somewhere within your network. There are many computer network products that continuously analyze network performance over time. They automatically let you know when something’s not quite right, and give you an idea of what to do about it. If your employees spot an issue, it’s definitely time for you to take action.

Network Maintenance Isn’t Always Easy!

We realize that to some of you, these computer and network maintenance tips are pretty basic. But if they sound too complicated for you, then maybe it’s time to consider outsourcing your IT support services to a vendor.  That way, you can leave your IT processes to the pros and focus on doing what you do the best: running and hopefully growing your business.  After all, this is what you enjoy doing most, isn't it?

Serving as President of Great Lakes Computer Corporation, Bob Martin holds his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Akron and has extensive experience in IT and Business Development.  He brings his expertise on the ever-changing world of IT to print bi-weekly on the GRLakes blog "Tips on Tech."