Brisbane IT Support Gold Coast Computer Networking

Programmed Maintenance

Programmed maintenance covers all aspects of IT management for both your systems and networks. The maintenance check includes a long list of services that covers servers, server software, network monitoring, system processor queue length, backup systems, virus protection, Internet and email, users, battery backup and workstations.

For server/s
- perform windows updates
- apply required service packs and patches
- check event logos for errors
- check free hard disk space for each drive and estimate when hard drive will be close to 5% free
- delete temp files
- empty recycle bin
- check RAID array and hard drive management
- check fan operation
- check CPU usage
- check for the latest BIOS revision
- check for the latest firmware revision/BMC revision
- change administrator and network password (every 6months)
- check windows update services (WSU) and approve any updates necessary
- check free resources
- check RAM usage
- check swap file sizes and locations
- check registry settings
- check all temp directories
- check printer drivers for more recent versions
- check setup directory structure including shadow directory, image files, old HDD, directories, etc
- check IP address settings including subnet, gateway and DNS settings
- check availability to restore server in the event of catastrophic failure
- This is only applicable for clients who have implemented TS Electronics Discovery disaster plan (DRP). This is performed every 6 months.

Server software:
- check exchange server service package
- check exchange server data folder size and alert when close to virtual limit
- check exchange file log file location and size and ensure back up is removing log files
- remove temp files and bad mail files
- check ISA cache size and location

Network monitoring:
- average disc queue length
- memory page reads/sec
- total % processor time

Systems processor Queue length network:
- check DNS server name resolution
- check WINS serve database consistency & name resolution
- check DHCP database consistency
- check load balancing (if configured)
- check switches for high utilisations and data collisions
- check routers and firewall

Backup systems:
- check all tape backup event logs
- test data restoration of a small amount of data from previous backup
- remove unnecessary catalogue
- clean heads on tape drive
- update emergency restore disc
- check VSS operation
- check backup jobs
- check tape backup virus definitions
- check availability space per tape
- check backup scripts / jobs
- check tapes are clearly labelled

Virus protection:
- check virus definitions and update if necessary
- check virus logs
- check scheduled virus scans
- check virus quarantine
- check for virus programme updates and patches

Internet and email:
- check email access
- check faxing software for normal operation
- check queues in SMTP mail service
- check remote access availability and security
- check Internet connections
- check internet data downloads
- check Internet access restrictions
- check email policy and usage
- delete temporary Internet files
- check the Internet usage plan is appropriate

Users:
- check user profiles
- check permission groups
- check distribution groups
- check mailboxes
- disable or removal of redundant users

Battery backup:
Due to required server downtime, this is only tested every 6 months
- test UPS
- check battery life

Workstations:
- check all free hard disk space
- delete temporary files
- talk to users and resolve problems within scope of support contract
- assist users with peripherals, software & hardware issues
- check virus protection status
- check scheduled virus scans
- check for programmed updates and patches
- check for Windows updates
- check hard drive for errors
- perform systems maintenance on hardware (such as defragmentation).