Preventive Maintenance for Computer Systems
Though not very popular and often neglected or underrated, computer system preventive maintenance is a very critical aspect of any successful IT operation and we always stress its importance!
No matter what efforts are taken computers will still malfunction, laptops will break down, servers will go offline, networks will become unavailable etc. at times you least expect. All of these problems can be turned away and kept to very minimum by keeping up with regularly scheduled preventive maintenance activities. Oftentimes even basic maintenance such as backup of critical data, critical software updates and hardware components cleaning can become very time-consuming or difficult for an average computer user. Therefore Crystal IT Solutions provides preventive maintenance service programs to address the needs of businesses that do not have qualified staff.
The risks of data loss or hardware failure can be significantly reduced just by following a couple of basic rules and performing certain procedures.
Computer Hardware
In order to keep computer hardware in good working order, specifically its internal components you have to deal with dust – one of the main source of computer hardware failures. It is imperative to clean and properly lubricate all moving components, such as fans, power supplies, the main board and the CPU. You want to make sure that you have the right equipment, especially when it comes to cleaning laser printers and only use vacuum for toner powder and metal shard/dust NOT any other vacuum. We want to inform you that if you do use a regular vacuum the static electricity will not only damage the printer, but it might damage the imager as well. This needs to be a very delicate process. We recommend to all our clients, that we perform the cleaning. Otherwise, you are welcome to do it your own and enjoy your day :)
Another important aspect of hardware up keeping is making sure that moisture and heat are kept away from the computer hardware, especially from CPU/processor and hard drives, as it dramatically affects their longevity.
All data and power source cable connectors (IDE, SATA) have to be checked to ensure they are securely seated on system board, hard disks, and CD/DVD drives.
Below we have outlined some of preventive maintenance activities we perform and the resulting outcomes/benefits:
| Preventive Maintenance Service | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Anti-virus software updates, regular virus scans: keep antivirus software updates current. | Minimize the risks associated with receiving infected files. Valuable files aren’t compromised/destroyed by virus infections. |
| Data Backups, protection and Disaster Recovery. Evaluating backup strategy, testing, monitoring and verification of functionality of data backups and restores | Increase system uptime and critical data availability in case of data loss. Backups are an essential part of data protection. |
| Spyware, adware, malware sweep system scan and removal of malicious software. | Prevents intruders from unauthorized data access/manipulation, entering and controlling you system. This activity is crucial especially when you shop online and/or do online banking, which involve secure transfers of confidential and personal information. |
| Regular Hard Disk Defragmentation : reorganization of data stored on hard drives | Allows to keep your PC running at peak performance. |
| Operating System security Updates and Patches installation. Automating software-related preventive maintenance activities whenever possible | Keeping Operating System up-to-date will provide fixes to security vulnerabilities and holes as well as resolutions to well-known and identified software bugs. |
| Temporary and unnecessary files clean-up. Old unused programs removal. The registry and Startup environment cleanup | Freeing up disk space. Overall system performance improvement. Faster system boot-ups. |
| Regular cooling system Inspections and cleanup: verify functionally of cooling fans, vents and heat sinks. | Increase longevity of CPU and other components by avoiding overheating. |
| Current hardware review/inventory and recommendations for upgrades if necessary for uninterrupted system functionality. | Proactively plan for hardware upgrades and replacements to prevent last minute, costly purchases. |