Computer Network Maintenance and Health Check Tips

!: Computer Network Maintenance and Health Check Tips

For many businesses and organizations, computer networks have become an essential aspect of day to day operations. Keeping the network up and always available requires proactive monitoring and maintenance. The following tips and suggestions can help ensure reliable computer network based services and accessibility.

The heart of most computer networks is the server. This is where company data and other business critical applications and services usually reside. A good, reliable server should contain quality components and redundant parts to ensure maximum up time. Always install the latest critical and recommended updates if you are running a Microsoft Windows based operating system on your server. Establish security groups and strong password policies if utilizing Microsoft Active Directory to manage users and computers. Check, review server event logs regularly. Make sure antivirus applications are installed, running and up to date.

Implement regular on site and off site backup of critical server data. Secure on site backup media like tapes or removable hard drives in a fireproof safe or cabinet. Networking devices that are manageable should have their configurations backed up to a file regularly and especially before and after any changes. All aspects of the network should be well documented as part of your backup and disaster recovery strategy.

Servers and critical networking components like switches, routers and firewalls should all be connected to an Uninterruptible Power Supply or UPS for short. This will allow these devices to be powered down gracefully in case of an unexpected power outage. Consider attaching desktops to a UPS as well to prevent the risk of end user data loss.