Best Practices – Where do I start?

Your computer system, whether you have just one computer or you have a network with 5, 10, 50 or more workstations, is a conglomeration of hardware, software, peripherals, and online services that all have to work together on a regular basis. If any one part of the systems has a problem, the entire system can be shut down.

Where do I start when I help a client learn the Best Practices? I start by learning about the business. What does the business do, and how does the computer system help the business. OR, hinder the business for that matter.

I try to get a feel for the comfort level that the owner or managers have with their computer system. I ask questions about the software that they use and if they feel like it is doing what they think it should do. This lets me understand how the management perceives the value of their computer system.

I try to learn a bit about the infrastructure of the system. How many computers do they have, how old are they, who maintains them? I also try to learn where the pain is. What types of problems are they having and how much pain does that cause them.

I used to ask people if the had a Technology Plan? After about 20 blank stares, I stopped asking. I used to as people if they had a Backup Plan, same results!

Let’s take a look at your “Best Practices”.

Answer these questions:

What do I use my computer for?
What could I not do if I didn’t have my computer?
What could I not do if I didn’t have my data?
Could my business survive with my data?


This will give us a great place to start.

Let me know what you think,

Marc