We can easily relate to the value of maintaining our vehicles. If not properly maintained they do not function effectively and sooner-or-later will not operate at all. If our vehicle is poorly maintained, we may notice a drop in the ability to accelerate, a loss in gas mileage, engine noises, steering problems, etc.

Our computers and associated equipment are no different. We "drive" our computer equipment every time we read an email, type a document, open a software application, or browse the internet. If our computer equipment is poorly maintained, we may notice a drop in operating speed, some application programs may not operate properly, more rebooting due to "freezing", and in some cases essential data will be compromised or even "lost" forever.

To avoid problems with our vehicles we periodically take them to the auto shop. To avoid problems with your computer you can either take it to the "computer shop" or call your IT technician to come to you. Both the automobile mechanic and the computer technician perform similar basic tasks. The automobile mechanic inspects tires, brakes, lights, alignments, fluid levels, etc. He will make necessary repairs and adjustments. Your IT technician checks the speed of the equipment, inspects error log files, applies software updates, listens for strange noises, looks for and removes viruses and malware, etc. He will make necessary repairs and adjustments.

Now what is "Regular"? Our vehicle maintenance is usually determined by a combination of time and miles driven. Our computer equipment does not have an odometer to measure mileage, so maintenance schedules are usually based on duration of time. While some equipment can get by with maintenance once a year, other equipment should be checked much more frequently. How frequent? How big is the risk you are taking by ignoring the maintenance of your equipment? If your server provides network security, file services, hosts your email, stores vital records and data, etc. are you in a position to withstand a major outage? Are you willing to stop operating your business while the IT technician locates and removes a destructive virus that infected your network? Can you easily rebuild the critical data that may be compromised? Or, is it worth having a small amount of regular monthly maintenance performed by your IT technician to avoid major work outages?

There is an expense involved in regular maintenance. But what is the expense of having your PC or network inoperable? Can your business afford to be without email for several days? Can you afford not billing your customers because your accounting software is not functioning properly?

Let GTS analyze your IT environment and make recommendations for regular maintenance for your computer equipment.