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How you can maintain your network to prevent problems

Your PC network needs regular maintenance to keep it running at optimum performance. Imagine a car � a Formula One racing car, actually � not receiving regular oil changes, mechanical checks, adjustments, replacement parts, electrical rectification. If it is not maintained it will first under perform, then start developing noticeable faults and then finally seize-up.

Your network is the same. When it�s under performing � when programs start malfunctioning � when it crashes or �blue screens� � it�s simply starved of maintenance. PCs and networks are amazing, hugely complex pieces of technology. When we sit in front of our screens and everything seems to be working hunky dory, it�s too easy to forget that sitting on the desk or floor is some of the world�s most advanced, extraordinary, and complex equipment.

Every time you open a program, use it, send and receive files over the network, save your work, send and receive email, import graphics � basically everything you do � your system is becoming 'disorganized', your hard disk fills up inefficiently, a hidden virus can interfere with the proper running of your programs, 'fatal' faults develop, and so on.

Only by regular maintaining of your system are these usage consequences revealed � and fixed � to keep your network performing at peak.

Six checks you MUST perform to keep your network running at peak performance

#1

All servers write error information to a �log file�. With NT these are known as the �event logs.� This information assists with problem solving. Checking the server event logs weekly for regular errors will give early warnings of minor � AND major � problems accumulating on your system.

Recurring errors usually indicate an up and coming problem before it becomes an emergency. For instance, if your disk drive starts logging repeated error messages, this indicates a developing problem that can be dealt with before the disk fails. Similarly if errors are being logged regarding your MS Exchange server then the likelihood is that you will have email problems in the next couple of days.

In some cases there may only be one error during the week but by identifying it and using the various help/knowledge services available your engineer can identify the problem, fix it, and ensure your system never runs less efficiently than the day you bought it.

These services are made available for free by some of the software vendors via their websites, others will need to be subscribed to.

#2

Your server and desktop software require a specific amount of disk space each day in order to perform their functions. It is important that you keep an eye on your disk space as lack of disk space can shut down essential programs, cause crashes and corrupt files; for example MS Exchange server will stop dealing with mail messages when disk space drops below 100Mb.

Therefore, ask your engineer to regularly check the disk space requirements for your server software packages and other essential programs, which you use for your weekly work requirements.

And don�t assume that your computer or server will warn you about lack of disk space. Some badly written applications will not check for available disk space or advise you that they have been unable to save your document. The only way you will know about it is when you come to open it again it and the file you saved is empty or missing parts.

#3

Don�t assume your backups have been successful. Always double-check. Why? Backups are not always successful and you want to ensure that when it counts you DO have the most up to date copy of your company�s data available. I can�t stress the importance of backing up � and checking your backup has succeeded � enough.

Let�s face it; backing-up is one of those functions that�s a niggling chore. We think, �oh heck, it�s the end of the day, I�ll do it tomorrow�. But let me assure you, when your system goes down � and you�d be surprised how many do, for one reason or another � if you haven�t backed up, you have lost your data for good. All your work, your contacts, your records. Every last iota � gone for good.

Backup! � Backup!! � Backup!!! And CHECK your backups have been successful. How? Check the �log files� of your backup application

Also, run a test retrieval of your backed up data once a month. Just because your log file says your data has been backed up doesn�t always mean the data is retrievable. (It usually IS � but not always.) A test restore once a month of a small directory proves that having written the data to the tape you can also read it.

#4

Keep up to date with all the latest service patches for your software. Service patches contain updates to fix bugs and errors found after the release of software.

In addition to software updates, your system may have hardware updates. These are known as firmware updates, which the vendor releases, to fix known and recurring problems. Check regularly with your vendor, or ask them to keep you informed of updates.

#5

Install anti-virus updates as soon as they arrive. You can program some antivirus software to give you updates as and when you decide, but for most system environments a weekly update � plus the ability to push one through instantly whenever you want it � gives you better, daily protection.

One Final Point � Technology moves fast. It is prudent to upgrade and improve your hardware and software systematically to the best quality your budget will allow. Why? These improvements will not only provide you with a higher performing network. But, the benefits will flow through into your business with improved staff performance and moral.