Tips for IT network maintenance

Network maintenance is important to ensure the smooth running of IT systems, as well as business itself. Managing your network improves business performance, increases efficiency and maintains security, so key network management tasks should be carried out regularly to prevent unnecessary issues.

The experts at Syntax IT Support London here give details of some crucial tasks which should always be performed for good network maintenance.

1. Software management

Software management involves important procedures such as downloading and installing updates and ensuring that you have access to the latest productivity tools. If you are a Windows and PC user, you must make sure that security updates for Windows are regularly installed and that your PC is well protected. You must also update third-party apps to fix any security flaws and avoid malicious attacks. Keeping your security software up to date is another vital aspect of software management when it comes to maintaining strong security, so anti-virus apps should be checked regularly.

2. Hardware management

Software may be important for security reasons, but this doesn’t mean you should ignore hardware when performing your IT network maintenance. Physical equipment is what ultimately makes up your network and this too must be looked after. Dust should be cleaned from vents annually to prevent overheating and increase the lifespan of computers. Clearing up cables is also a good idea to avoid putting unnecessary stress on ports and to make workspaces tidier. Perform hardware tests on a semi-regular basis just to make sure everything is working as it should.

3. File management

Keeping files organised makes finding data and getting work done that bit easier, as employees know exactly where to find the information they need without sifting through an endless slew of old documents. It can also free up storage space to make room for new files, whether on hard drives or the cloud.

Delete temporary files and data that is no longer needed to make your file storage system efficient. You must also have a good file naming system in place which can be easily understood by all staff. Choose one place to store your files and always use meaningful file names rather than the default ones provided by Word or Excel.

4.  User management

Companies would face fewer security risks if they focused more on reducing administration and access rights among employees. The highest admin privileges should only be assigned to the few users who need them and access to sensitive data should only be given to employees who require this information to do their jobs. Access rights should be removed with immediate effect when a staff member leaves the company. By undertaking user management in this way, business security can see a significant improvement.

5. Device management

All devices should be managed and maintained, whether company or employee-owned. A range of laptops, smartphones and tablets will request access to your network to enable employees to work efficiently. Businesses should ensure that all devices are secure and will not pose a security threat by controlling and protecting their data and configuration settings. Mobile device management also allows you to ensure that employees are staying productive and are not in breach of privacy or internet use policies.

Businesses should be performing maintenance in all areas listed above and must not become complacent by prioritising one or two aspects while forgetting others. A secure and efficient network requires care and upkeep to stay effective and effort must be put into ensuring that this is provided.