ThrottleNet performs dozens of network assessments each month. These assessments have helped us identify the 5 best practices for IT support that are utilized to help businesses identify problems areas and make changes. Networks can perform at optimum levels with these practices. Interestingly, nearly all of these assessments have the same 5 best practices for IT.
Todd Budde, a Virtual Chief Information Officer (vCIO) with ThrottleNet, appeared on TNtv, to address these concerns and detail solutions to fix them.

 

 

5 Things we Watch for in Network Assessments

1. No file or folder redirection

Many businesses allow employees to store key files and folders locally on their workstations or laptops. In many cases they are not backed-up properly. If the devices crash those files could be damaged or lost. Technicians would have to reinstall each file individually on each computer. Instead files and folders should be redirected to the company’s server. Servers are usually backed-up on a regular basis. If the system does crash the files can be restored to the server and then easily restored to the workstation.

2. Utilization of a file and folder backup instead of one that is image based

File and folder backups do exactly that, backup the designated files only. Should an entire system fail, all pertinent systems, applications, patches etc. would have to be reloaded. A better solution is to utilize an image based backup. The image based system not only backs up files and folders but also the operating system and all lines of business applications. It is essentially a shot in time of your server when

operations halted. The image based backup enables you to restore your server and get up and running quickly.

 

3. Lack of centralized management for updates and patches

 

Centralized management enables you to approve such items as Windows updates from a central server location and then push them down to the workstations. This is preferred to individual devices basically running and approving these updates on an ad hoc basis. A corrupt application or update could impact each and every individual device. Each would need to be reprogrammed and rebooted. Instead utilizing  a central point for update management can remedy a corrupt file at the source and save time to correct it.

4. Non-centralized anti-virus protection

In many businesses only a few workstations may be equipped with anti-virus protection. Some have one type of protection while others have an entirely different solution. A number of business applications can be comprised or broken if they are consistently scanned. Maintaining central management of an anti-virus solution for the entire network helps exclude threats to key areas and eliminates over scanning of workstations.

5. Lack of a domain controller

The domain controller is the main part of the entire network. It is a Windows server that has Active Directory installed. The Active Directory is a data base with all network objects, user security groups, email distributions groups and facilitates group policies which can be selectively pushed out to servers and workstations. It enables a business to control file and folder permissions, and prevents access by anyone with a directory log in. Lack of domain control opens the door for an employee to change or even delete a file either willingly or accidentally.

For additional information about the 5 best practices of IT contact ThrottleNet at 314-501-9171.

Watch the full episode below!