Get ready for growth and summer business
Steps for spring-cleaning your networks, desktops and Web site
Spring beckons and business increases loom, yet you still haven’t cleaned out all the mess left over from winter. After you beat the rugs and haul out the garbage, spring clean what really counts: your network, your computers and your Web site.
How long since you tested your data backups? You do make them every day, right? And you take the tapes home for offsite storage, which is great. Now rename a directory on your server (so it appears deleted to your restore software) and see how long it takes to find the right tape and restore all those files. If it’s less than half a day, you’re ahead of many of your peers, but that’s still too long. Time to upgrade your back-up plan.
While you’re at your server(s), do some other preventive maintenance. Disks should be defragmented, especially on Windows servers, every month. Verify your disks have at least one-third of their space open to handle daily fluctuations and temporary file creation. If they don’t, buy more storage.
Next, check the usernames and profiles of people who left the company in the past 12 months. I bet some are still in the user directory and still have current passwords. Now check the last time those usernames logged into the system. If a date is more recent than when the person left, you either have intrusion problems or current users have kept the logins active. Their motives might not be malicious, but they aren’t legit, so close those security loopholes.
Do you keep logs of where employees surf on the Internet? I’m not a big fan of blocking Web sites, but now would be a good time to check whether porn or gambling sites pepper your log files. Then check for job board sites. Employees looking to leave might hang you out to dry, so knowing who’s looking will give you time to protect yourself.
Speaking of logs, what about your Web logs? Your Web site in general? How long since you’ve given it an update? Your logs will tell you how many people visit, which you should compare to how many people bought products or took an action based on your Web site information. The dustier your Web site, the more that percentage drops.
Now go through all your recurring invoices — even if you trust your spouse, office manager, bookkeeper or accounting department. Still paying for disconnected phone lines? For service contracts on equipment you no longer have? Those invoices sometimes keep coming even after you tell them to stop.
Also check the amount of all ongoing service contracts and recurring invoices. A mistake that costs you a few dollars per invoice adds up.
Upgrade the firmware on all network devices such as routers and storage boxes, and check PC operating systems. Verify your router’s security software updates automatically — many times an upgrade changes your configuration and turns off automatic settings you want turned on.
Need new equipment this spring and summer? Are there things you would buy if you found a great deal? Check the auction Web sites and clearance centers. Automobiles change their model year in the fall, but most products change with the calendar. You’ll save buying last year’s computer equipment, too.
When you think you’re finished with your spring cleaning, delete another directory and see how long it takes you to restore it this time. Bet your backup still needs help if not a major upgrade, so add back-up improvements to your To Do list.
