Table of Contents
Computers are on the top of the most valuable equipment for any business. Professionals rely on their computer’s hard drive to stay productive, store important data, and communicate with customers. Computer problems disrupt workflow and interfere with employee productivity by closing their workday. Not only does this lead to a delay in work, but it also leads to a loss of profits or even a loss of leads.
There are definitely consequences if a Hard Disk fails. Companies have no choice but to implement some preventive measures to minimize the chances of it happening prematurely. The good news is that companies can maintain the health of their computers without involving too much time or resources.
1. Think twice before installing or downloading software
Computers can start to act strangely after installing a computer program downloaded from the Internet. Each software installation requires hard drive space or may contain a virus or malware.
The more programs you install, the less space your computer will have. Although your computer uses memory to run programs, it also uses the hard drive to help decrease load times. If your hard drive is full, it will definitely slow down the computer.
2. Install software that applies only to business operations
IT departments often prevent everyone from downloading software programs for a reason. Downloading software programs from the Internet without scanning them for viruses is a dangerous practice and can cripple a business in minutes. Whether you’re in the office or using your personal computer, be sure to use a reputable antivirus program and firewall to manage incoming traffic and PC access. It is a good rule of thumb to only install programs that you trust to aid business operations.
Everything else should go to a varied computer used to test programs. By isolating new programs on a computer off the main network, you will protect the business while allowing your employees to test programs that may benefit the business in the future.
3. Update the operating system
By updating your operating system, you ensure that you have critical updates to keep your system running better and eliminate problems that could ultimately cause hard drive failure. Most companies use Microsoft Windows as their primary operating system.
Microsoft Windows allows users to update the operating system on a regular basis by accessing the “Windows Update” on their computer, and in most cases, this can be updated automatically.
4. Remove unnecessary programs
Remove unwanted programs every few months, as unnecessary and unused programs waste valuable hard drive space. If the company does not plan to use them, remove them using the “Add / Remove” function in the Control Panel of the operating system. Removing unnecessary programs also makes desktop navigation easier.
5. Defragment your hard drive
The hard drive works hard to keep the computer running. In fact, it is the component that works the most. It is very difficult to access the stored files if the hard drive fails and usually impossible depending on the situation. Unfortunately, the hard drive doesn’t save files in any particular order. Uses the first available empty space, which includes the space created after deleting files. This disperses the data on the Hard Disk Drive, making it difficult to access stored data and slowing down the computer considerably. As a result, you need to defragment your hard drive regularly to keep your computer running as fast as possible. Businesses should defragment all computer hard drives weekly.
6. Cleaning in and around the physical machine
Computer hardware needs two things to ensure it lasts longer than expected: airflow to prevent overheating, and its components are free of dust and debris. It is important to ensure that your computer is cleaned regularly in order for it to function properly. Businesses that stack stacks of paper in front of their vents or place the computer under your desk will eventually cause the hard drive to overheat.
Make sure the computer is working properly by uncovering the vents. Also, if your computer is full of dust that clogs the fans or mechanisms, it will overheat and components will fail. Be sure to clean the computer and its surroundings, and use compressed air to prevent dust and other debris from causing problems.
7. Maintain IT security
When it comes to computers of any kind, you need to prepare for the worst , especially for a business. Use a solid backup plan to protect your important data. Many companies can back up and transfer important data to a central server or external hard drive or create backup copies using a cloud service. The sky is the limit when it comes to safety.
8. Keep static at bay
Static electricity will wreak havoc on computer components. For a computer, it is like lightning. This is especially true during the winter months or in geographic Review with drier air. If even the slightest contact with the metal around you produces a “shock”, it is best to avoid handling the computer components entirely. This also applies to other static-producing surfaces, including televisions, stereo speakers, and other appliances. Static electricity can be fatal to your computer. Make sure to touch something that is metal before touching your computer just in case.
9. Use sleep and power-saving modes
Businesses must configure their operating systems to shut down after a specified period of time or period of inactivity. The less time your hard drive is running, the longer it will last for the life of the drive. Adding a minute or two here or there will significantly extend the life of the hard drive. Using sleep mode makes it easy to get back to work without having to restart your computer. It also prolongs the life of the hard drive.
10. Don’t wait, implement a backup plan and use it!
Having a backup of your data is essential and we can help you through the process. We can also help with hard drive destruction and hard drive recovery. If you don’t have something for your business but are looking for a solution, we have professionals who can guide you to the service that might work best for you or your business.