|
Technology
Problems |
Underlying
Cause |
How a Support
Plan Helps |
|
1) |
Our Backup regularly fails, yet we
have the latest software and hardware |
Software and data is always changing
(stored data can increase dramatically
overnight). Files are left open,
documents get corrupted, the tapes
and heads get dirty, |
Regularly restoring data from the
backup will verify that data is being
correctly written to the tape and
not lost through incorrect storage
and transport offsite. Regularly
cleaning the drive will ensure longevity. |
|
2) |
We still get Viruses even though
we have the latest software |
Virus Definitions are not up to date.
Background scanning has been disabled,
or stopped. Security patches haven't
been applied on the server. |
By ensuring that you have the latest
virus definitions, that all computers
are scanning correctly, and all security
patches are applied to the servers
and workstations. |
|
3) |
We have a firewall but our systems
were hacked |
Hackers and viruses discover bugs
in common software and then exploit
these to gain access. |
Security patches and updates are
released weekly and need to be applied
in order to prevent unwanted access,
even if you have a firewall. |
|
4) |
Our systems keep crashing |
All software, including Windows will
become corrupt after a period of
time. This causes crashes, computers
to run slowly and other system instability,
which further exacerbates the problem. |
Regular de-fragmenting of the hard
disk, applying operating system updates
and patches, and also reformatting
and reinstalling all software from
scratch, will improve the speed of
computers and make them run much
more smoothly. |
|
5) |
We don't make full use of our computer
systems |
Computer software is improving all
the time and most people make use
of less than 20% of their systems’
capabilities. |
Having an engineer onsite at regular
intervals means that all staff are
able to ask questions and get answers
on the spot. Where possible, we can
also provide basic training. |
|
6) |
Our server Hard Disks crashed and
we lost all data, had a large bill
to rebuild the server, and we were
without it for 3 days. |
Hard disks are physical devices that
spin at over 7,200 RPM every minute
that the server is on. Over time
they wear out, and eventually fail. |
Each time the server encounters a
problem while attempting to store
data on the hard disk, it makes a
record in the systems logs. Checking
these logs enables us to predict
the likelihood of a hard disk failure
before it happens. |
|
7) |
We are downloading too much from
the internet and believe staff are
using it excessively for non work
related activities |
Lack of understanding by computers
users that every time they click
on a page they are downloading data.
Usually only a couple of people abuse
their Internet privileges. |
Regular reporting on Internet downloads
and Internet sites accessed identifies
excessive internet users, and allows
management to communicate an “acceptable
use” policy to key offenders. |
|
8) |
Our Hard Disks crashed and we lost
all our data even though we have
a RAID |
Most RAID arrays allow for one disk to
fail without any disruption or data
loss. If two disks fail, all data
is lost. Without maintenance, a disk
failure is likely to go unnoticed,
until whatever caused the first disk
to fail, causes a second disk to
fail. |
Monitoring the status and performance
of each individual hard disk that
comprise the RAID, will detect disks
that have failed and often ones that
are likely to fail. Replacing them
in time, will prevent an extremely
costly system failure. |
|
9) |
Our computers keep freezing |
Overheating due to worn-out and dirty
fans. |
Regularly cleaning or replacing all
CPU fans (provided free as part of
your Support Plan). |
|
10) |
Our Server is unreliable and unstable |
A server runs many programs at once
to provide mail, printing, security,
internet, file storage and other
services. Although these programs
are separate, they have to coexist
on the same server. Different versions,
updates, patches can all create issues
and cause the server to be unstable
or crash. |
There are many log files in the server
that provide detailed histories of
events that occur on the server.
When viewed by an experienced engineer,
these provide information to rectify
the cause of a problem and prevent
it from happening again. When all
major and minor issues in the log
files are resolved, the server becomes
much more reliable. |
