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Regular checks and maintenance are essential to ensure that computer systems continue to function at their most effective level. The more frequent the better but, of course, each task does consume precious resource. Therefore a compromise must be struck. We believe that our scheme of monthly checks is a very good balance between function and cost.
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TASK 1
| Every computer writes out all the relevant events that happen to its events log. By examining this log it is possible to maintain an optimum configuration. Any error conditions that require urgent action are also highlighted. | WE CAN'T ALWAYS SEE WHAT'S AROUND THE NEXT CORNER |
TASK 2 | The mail of the system administrator and post master are checked for any reported faults or abnormal events. In the normal day to day working these mail boxes would not be looked at. Three issues are checked when looking at how the backup regime is operating. The logs are examined to ensure that it is working properly. The files that are being backed up are checked to ensure that no data is being missed and finally a random selections of files are restored to a test area to ensure that data can actually be recovered and that it is valid and useful. The log file the anti-virus scanner writes are checked to ensure that the scanning is functioning correctly. It also shows if any action is required, for instance to deal with quarantined items that could not be handled automatically. The updating process is also examined, although set to be automatic it must be checked periodically to be certain that it is actually working. If the available storage space on the hard disks becomes too low the system will experience severe difficulties. By monitoring the situation this problem can be pre-empted in a controlled and timely fashion. |
Most businesses appreciate the need to take a copy or backup of their data. This data is unique and quite literally irreplaceable. However how many actually check that this data is recoverable and that it is valid? |
TASK 6 | All server systems use (or should use) a RAID system for their main storage. RAID uses several individual hard disks combined to make one single storage array. If any one member disk of this array fails the array continues to support the system as though nothing has happened. So by its very nature there should be no outward sign that a problem has occurred. Therefore it is necessary to check that the array is healthy regularly. Microsoft frequently issue updates and patches to their operating systems in response to faults that are discovered and to security loopholes that hackers and viruses are constantly seeking. Response to security vulnerability is usually very rapid and most serious threats can be protected against by ensuring that these Windows updates are indeed up to date. All systems should be set to receive these updates automatically but a check is still needed to confirm that they are being received properly. There is a tendency for temporary files to build up within the system. These are files that the system uses on a temporary basis and should be deleted by the system when they are no longer needed. For various reasons this does not always happen and they need to be deleted manually. The Recycle bin must also be emptied regularly. The System State Backup is a snapshot of the system configuration. This backup is used to restore a basic system re-install to the current configuration. As the system configuration changes this backup must be kept up to date. The operation of the virus protection and the Windows update process is checked on all the client workstations. A check is made with the end users for any problems that they may have experienced or comments that they may on the system's operation. A check is also made with the management about any upcoming charges that may affect the I.T. requirements in any way. |
