System 22 I.T. Solutions

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Solutions for Business & Personal Computing

With 25 years experience in computing – the last 5 here in TN.Our goal at System 22 is to keep you and your computers up and running! We are happy to help any businesses or individuals that use windows or mac based systems.We work on Laptops, netbooks, desktops and servers. We offer virus, spyware/adware removal, tune ups, software and hardware upgrades and installations, data backup and data retrieval. Networking - both wired and wireless. Troubleshooting (hardware and software), Web design. Presentations and Windows tuition peripherals ). Web design and publishing.

	Keeping your computers in tip-top shape is a chore most small business owners dread. For those of who are not tech-savvy, it can even be frustrating. Luckily keeping your technology up to par can be an easy task by following these 10 tips.
1. Computer Security (Passwords and more) Change your passwords frequently and always follow the best practices for creating passwords. Keeping your passwords up to date and secure will protect your data as well as your customer's. Only share passwords with those who need them to perform their everyday activities and remember to never write passwords down on a sheet of paper. You can use a password manager such as LastPass to store your passwords if you find it hard to remember them.	2. Scheduled Maintanence Have someone check your computer and servers monthly to perform a scheduled maintenance. The maintenance should include updating all anti-virus programs and critical updates, verifying backups are working properly, and all components of the systems is functioning properly (i.e. - the hard drive is not failing). Ignoring problems that could be caught and corrected could cost you thousands of dollars in both hardware and lost data. Quarterly, all systems should be physically cleaned of all dust. An easy and affordable way to insure having someone preform a scheduled maintenance is to take advantage of a managed service contract.	3. Backup Your Data This is critical for all businesses, no matter how small or large. Backup your data at least once a week, daily if you are able, and always store at least one backup copy off-site. Imagine how costly it will be to lose your data if you have not preformed routine backups. Can your company afford to lose 1 month, 6 months, or even a years’ worth of data? How can you replace the lost data and re-enter it into your systems? Can you afford to pay your employees during the downtime? These questions are what make backup essential for all companies and why most who do not follow this basic principal are out of business within a year after of the failure.
4. Protect Your Computers Keep your computers protected by having anti-virus installed at all times with updates and scans set to perform automatically every day. You can set the times for the scans around when you are not normally using the computer, such as in the middle of the night or early morning. I recommended Microsoft Security Essentials as a free, effective anti-virus. As well, invest in a good surge protector for all your computers and a battery backup for your server. You do not want a bolt of lightning to take out your entire network which is a common occurrence for any unprotected computer or server.	5. Keep Business and Personal Separate Don't mix your business computer with your personal computer. Sometimes reading emails from your friends who have forward you a funny joke can be more dangerous than you think. Often times, these types of emails contain viruses. Also, we tend to download games and fun applications more often on our personal computers which may contain malware or viruses. Only ever use your business computer for business needs to protect your sensitive data; keep a separate computer at home (or a laptop) for all social and personal use.	6. Hire a Computer Guy Have an IT person on staff, either as a permanent staff member or through an outsource company. Don't expect your family member who knows a little about computers or another person in your staff to be your computer person. Most often their knowledge is lacking and will cost you more in the long run. Most small businesses prefer outsourced IT as it is lower than paying salary to a full-time employee. A managed service contract works like a full-time IT staff without the cost.
7. Internet Policy Set a policy with your employees of what is appropriate use of the internet at work and what is not to protect your data as well as your customers. Have this policy clearly defined and train each employee about the policy. Both of these steps will make it easier to deal with violators of the policy.	8. Always Test Always test various computer systems periodically to make sure everything is working properly and performing in the manner that you require. For example, be sure to check the contact forms on your website and make sure it is working and the information is being sent to the correct person.	9. Purchase Business Grade Always purchase with the future in mind. Most business owners purchase the least expensive equipment they can find. However, this will cost you in the long run as technology changes quickly. Your low-end PC will be unable to handle basic tasks within a year. Always purchase business grade systems and consult a knowledgeable IT professional before purchasing a system. They will be able to recommend a system based on your business needs and one which will last upwards of 5 years therefore saving you service expenses down the road.
	10. Research Computer Help Having a knowledgeable computer technician will be your most valuable resource. However, do not just pick one randomly out of the phonebook or hire a family member because they are cheap. Do your research when choosing an outsourced IT company. Check to see if they are knowledgeable and understand your business. You want to be confident in who you hire and know they are trustworthy with your privacy and data