Many
people wait until that fateful day when their computer
crashes and then they suffer the consequences. However,
it is possible to reduce the likelihood of some common
problems occurring, or address minor errors before
they turn into major outages or data loss. Many
great options exist for ensuring that your computer
is maintained, protected and monitored. But why
would you pay for that? How reliant are you on
technology anyway?
The
real test would be to remove a computer or unplug your
internet connection for a few hours on a busy day,
and see the impact that this has. Not that we
are suggesting you actually do this, but most people
underestimate the impact of a technology outage. Then,
they need their computer guy to turn up immediately
and fix everything as soon as possible. Here
are a few questions to help you assess your need for
pro-active computer support and maintenance:
1.
A fire consumes your premises and your computer
too. How concerned are you about your important
files (e.g. customer information, financial records
or irreplaceable family digital photos)?
A.
Not concerned at all. They are regularly backed
up and sent offsite and the restoration process was
tested successfully last week. At the most you
will have a day or two’s worth of records to
re-enter.
B.
Slightly concerned. Someone in your business
is responsible for changing the tape, CD or USB key
for your backups and taking it home …
but you’re not sure if it is actually being done
or when it was last tested.
C.
Completely panicked. You either didn’t
have a backup process in place, or your tapes, CDs
or USB keys were stored next to your computer in a
drawer, which was also consumed by the fire.
2. A
hardware failure has
meant that you may be without one computer for up to 3
days while it is being repaired. This will mean: |
A.
Some lost productivity for one staff member, however
you have other computers and all of the files are on
your main, shared server. Or, your teenagers
will have to find alternative entertainment to the
internet.
B.
Reverting to a paper-based system for invoicing, ordering
etc, and relying on faxes. Data entry will be
needed when the computer is returned.
C.
A complete halt to your business. That computer
held your customer ordering system or other critical
program, or it was the only computer that your business
has. Or, you will need to find another computer
to finish your university thesis on, with your deadline
in two days (assuming you can get a copy of the Word
document to work on).
3.
Your internet access is down and there is no guarantee
when it will be restored. The impact is:
A.
Minimal. You don’t do a lot on the internet
anyway.
B.
Moderate. You will have to find alternatives
to the way you normally work (like now visiting the
bank in person and phoning your contacts).
Most tasks that you perform on the internet can be done
another way or can wait for a while (leaving you with
a backlog to catch up on).
C.
Severe. This means that your website is down
and your staff are without email. You face lost
orders and grumpy customers as your business cannot
function without the internet.
Mostly
As: You
may be able to cope with some technology problems,
but you could still benefit from preventing ‘downtime’.
Mostly
Bs: There are areas that can be addressed now
to lessen the impact of technology problems.
Mostly
Cs: Your business is too important to gamble
that your computers will work day after day.
Talk
to your local Computer Troubleshooter about the real
impact of computer problems. |