Just a quick post here. I was browsing around the SmallBizTechnology Blog and saw a link to a great article on PCWorld: Seven Lessons SMBs Can Learn From Big IT. In short, the lessons to learn are:
- Standardize on Computer Hardware & Cell Phones to reduce support differences.
- Perform Off-Site Backups (see my previous post on Online Data Backups).
- Use Hardware to Secure Your Internet Connection (see PCWorld’s Article on ways to Secure Your Network).
- Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) for remote users.
- Run Personal Firewalls (Firewalls on your Computers).
- Use a VOIP PBX for your Phone System.
- Test new technologies.
In my own experience, I’ve learned a few additional lessons that I think Small Businesses (and PC users at home) can take to heart:
- Be Proactive: Don’t wait until things break to call in your Computer Support person. Have your Computer Support person perform regular “Tune-ups” to ensure everything is working at its best. This will allow them to discover and resolve potential problems before they become critical. As the saying goes, “an ounce of prevention.”
- Lock down your computers: I found a fun article on the SmallBizTechnology Blog that summed it up perfectly – many computer problems are “self-inflicted.” Locking down your computers will help prevent downtime due to situations which can be easily avoided.
Encrypt Laptop, Netbook, and Portable Hard Drives: It should go without saying that Laptops, Netbooks, and Portable Data Storage Devices (hard drives, usb keys, etc) are easy to lose. Why run the risk that your proprietary data or your customers’ private data be leaked or sold to the “bad guys” or your competitors? Software such as TrueCrypt allow you to do this for FREE.- Know when to go “Free” and when to go “Retail”: I’ve seen examples of this firsthand in numerous situations! As a small business or home user, you may be inclined to always use free software (or perhaps prefer the trusted, expensive “name brand”). However, you may be crippling yourself by blindly using free or retails software when it makes sense to do something different. I have seen so many instances of this in my experience, that I’ve lost track of them all.
If you would like help creating a technology plan for your home or office, feel free to Contact Me!
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