Helpful Hints
For most companies, their computers—and the data contained on their computers—are their most valuable asset. Their business would cease to exist if they lost access to their data. To keep your computers running smoothly, extending their life, and reducing the chances of risk, we offer the following helpful hints:
Hardware
Keep the computer off of the floor in a vibration-free location where air can easily circulate around it.
Keep dust from accumulating, particularly around the vent holes and fans. (Heat & dust are the most common causes of hardware failure.)
Protect the computer, monitor and related equipment from power fluctuations by plugging them into a surge suppressor or battery backup which is attached to a dedicated outlet providing the correct amperage. We are happy to install and configure this equipment for you.
Software
Remove games, instant messengers, music & photo editing software.
In a business, computers should only run software essential for work. Non-essential programs consume memory & operating resources. Their removal improves speed and computer performance.
Hackers and virus writers target non-essential programs. These programs open doors to your computer and hang a flashing neon sign out on the Internet saying: "Come in and help yourself".
Software Updates
Allow software updates of essential programs such as Java, Adobe Reader and Adobe Flash. Often the update is necessary to patch a security hole.
Most malicious software is still spread through emails.
A computer network’s security is only as good as its most vulnerable device or careless user. The best security available will not protect a network from a user that deliberately bypasses it.
Current versions of Microsoft Outlook have many nice features for presenting and classifying mail. Unfortunately, some of those features pose a significant security risk and should not be used in a business environment.
Turn off the preview pane and the reading pane. If mail containing malicious code is viewed in these panes it launches the code. The AntiVirus software may not have time to react and the network’s security has been breached.
Delete – without opening – jokes, funny forwarded stories, video or chain letter pleas. Call the sender—don’t email them—and ask them not to send you these anymore. They frequently contain malicious software Trojans or mail worms, consume limited network resources & impact employee productivity
Empty the “Deleted Items” Folder regularly. Archive or delete old, unnecessary emails. The more mail items you have, the slower your computer and the corporate mail server will run.