Preventative Maintenance

Computer Services provide preventive maintenance service programs to address the needs of businesses that do not have qualified computer technicians on staff.  Basic equipment maintenance such as data backup, internal and external component cleaning and software updates will be administered on a scheduled basis.  You can greatly reduce the risk of data loss or hardware failure by ensuring that your hardware is properly maintained.  The following information represents some of the procedures of a typical preventive maintenance program. 

Data Backup

There are two reasons for data loss; either a proper backup plan is not in place, or the media or hardware used failed to successfully capture the data.  To reduce the possibility of data loss we require clients to maintain backups on Tape, CDRW/DVD-RW, Jazz or Zip disk.  Floppy disks have a high rate of failure and should not be used to protect vital information.  Backups are verified during each service visit to ensure that critical data is being safely captured, the media is also rotated to a secure off-site location to ensure you can get back up and running quickly in the event of an office fire or other disaster.  In the event of a system failure data will be transferred to another working system while repairs are being made.

Anti Virus Protection

In today's world of internet worms and virus threats, it is imperative that you have the latest anti-virus software. Systems will be configured to automatically perform virus definition updates and perform full system virus scans weekly.  The anti-virus software will be instructed to scan in-coming and out-going emails, the most common method of virus transfer.  Anti-virus settings and definition files are verified during each service visit to ensure that data is protected from virus damage.  Our product of choice is Symantec's Norton Anti-Virus, however we provide support and installation for all major brands.

Component Cleaning

Dust is one of the leading causes of hardware failure. All moving components are thoroughly checked during service visits. If necessary they will be cleaned and lubricated. The case is opened and dust is removed from the motherboard and all system boards.  The CPU fan, power supply fan and any other board fans are cleaned, lubricated and tested. 

All data cables are checked to ensure they are securely seated on system boards. CD and floppy drives are cleaned and tested for data transfer.  External components such as keyboard, mouse, monitor and printers are cleaned of dust and debris and all cable connections are checked.  Connections to surge protectors or UPS are checked.

Software Updates/System Optimization

Operating system updates and patches are downloaded and installed to ensure that your system has the most current version of the OS software & patches.  Internet browser software updates or upgrades are preformed as software changes become available.

Updated component drivers are installed as soon as they have been verified as being functional, or are required by system changes.  Hardware configurations are checked to be sure that they are operating efficiently and without conflict with other components.

Defrag and scan disk maintenance programs are run to detect any problems that your hard drive may have.  Specialty error diagnostic software is run on other system components to verify that they are in good working order.  Hard drive file organization is checked and any misplaced files are moved to their correct data folders.  Any temporary or unneeded files are located and removed.