According to our Support Technicians, many of the difficulties faced by our customers in 2018 weren’t caused by their backup skills or lack thereof. The majority were unable to put the best backup strategy in place due to compromised hardware performance or outdated software systems.
Aging and unmaintained hardware can compromise your critical data. If you are the one responsible for the company’s IT infrastructure, you know that the downtime of losing files impacts productivity and revenue. A regular computer maintenance routine can help you avoid data loss nightmares, remind you about the expected lifespan of your devices, and keep your operating systems up to date.
Here are some important tips to keep your computer and server in tip-top condition:
Adopt a regularly scheduled checkup of your workstations or server by a professional to ensure you attain maximum hardware life and a reduced risk of data loss. It’s a small investment to prevent future disasters and ensure data integrity.
Antivirus scanning
It’s not practical to install antivirus software and expect to be 100% secure from malicious threats. Start running a full malware scanning routine to benefit from all the features of your software. This will ensure that every application and file of your hardware is scanned, cleaned, and protected from viruses.
Software updates
While challenging at times, software updates are extremely important to keep your systems in the best shape. Many of the applications you use are constantly being improved to ensure their features are compatible with the latest releases of your operating system. Update your software for improved performance and increased reliability and uptime.
Ditch your aging hardware
Small business owners are renowned for tightening their belts when they need to, but cutting some corners can cost a lot more down the road. Think of your aging hardware like an old fridge that is spiking your electricity bills. According to a recent study from Techaisle, more than a third of small businesses are giving their employees a four-year-old or older PC, resulting in lower productivity and higher maintenance costs.
So, when should you upgrade or replace your hardware? Here are some estimates to consider if you want to work within your hardware’s typical lifespan before failure.
| Hardware | Life-span |
| Laptop and PCs | 3 years |
| Server | 3-5 years |
| Hard disk drives | 3-5 years |
| Flash Storage | 5-10 years |
| Magnetic data (tapes) | Up to 10 years |
In conclusion, our Technicians advise you to maintain your hardware and software like you would take care of your car. It needs a periodic checkup, sometimes replacing or upgrading various components and paying attention to its basic needs. And while much can be done to extend the life of your classic vehicle, there may also come a time when it’s better to just get a new car.