PCs carry out so many tasks and use a number of different pieces of hardware and software, so the potential for failure is high, but it can be prevented.
Even if there’s just a small failure in one of your PCs tasks, it can create a snowball effect which eventually leads to a total PC failure. And, when this occurs, you’re left with a PC which is unable to contribute to your productivity.
Therefore, it makes sense to pre-empt these major disasters by taking a number of preventative measures, so that’s why I’m going to share 5 ways to prevent and treat total PC failures.
- Use a Firewall
If an unauthorized user gains access to your network then they have the potential to bring your entire network to a halt. And, for modern businesses who rely on IT to operate, this is their nightmare scenario; that’s why it’s essential that you have a trusted firewall to operate as your first line of defense.
- Make Sure Your Backups Work
It’s a very rare and lucky business which doesn’t experience a total PC failure at some point, so backups are a crucial procedure to ensure that all your data remains safe. However, not all businesses make sure that their backups actually work and, if necessary, are capable of restoring operations. Therefore, by using a test system to regularly perform backups, you can increase your confidence that a total PC failure can be easily remedied.
- Install an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)
Businesses have very little control over failures with the power supply, so your put in a tricky position when the power suddenly goes. Thankfully, it’s possible to keep your PCs connected to a UPS which will provide emergency power in the case of a power cut. Although it won’t provide enough power for all your IT equipment to perform indefinitely, it will give you time to carry out essentials and save relevant data safely.
- Use Backup Rotation
You shouldn’t rely on just one set of backup materials as, if these become damaged, then it’s impossible to retrieve your data. For example, many businesses use a DVD+RW each day for backing up their data and nothing more. What you need to do, though, is create a backup at the end of the week as well which compiles all this data together. And, just to be extra safe, you should compile all these weekly backup into one monthly backup. This provides three generations of data which you can rely on in the case of a total PC failure.
- Carry Out Fresh Installs
PCs can build up junk and unnecessary files over time due to the number of installs and uninstalls which take place. Whilst you can use free applications to clear out some of these files, they’ll never conduct a thorough clean of you system and, in the long term, it can begin to slow down due to what’s known as ‘Windows Rot’. This is why it pays to carry out a fresh install of Windows once a year to prevent your PC from failing on you at the most inopportune moment.
For more ways to secure and optimize your business technology, contact your local IT professionals.
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