Business Guide to Computer Server Maintenance

Servers have many of the same components as a desktop computer, including a motherboard and processing and memory chips. They typically are sturdier than PCs and have more memory capacity and supporting parts that support larger storage.

Servers process data requests and deliver information to users via the internet or a local computer network.

Server maintenance ensures that the servers are working properly. Server maintenance ensures that data and systems stored are protected at all times and that equipment is operating at peak efficiency. Maintenance is also preemptive, ensuring that they’re protected and updated before something goes haywire.

Server maintenance includes both physical and virtual maintenance. Virtual maintenance includes things like data back-ups and software updates. 

Physical maintenance ensures checks of the hardware to ensure dust and dirt are not blocking vents, server rooms are cool enough and that air circulation prevents servers from overheating.

Why is Server Maintenance Important?

Server maintenance is a crucial component of managing your business. Keeping your servers in an optimal, reliable state 24 hours a day, 7 days a week allows your business to continue to operate.

Demands on servers are nearly constant and can affect everyone at your business. Servers allow employees to access data and applications they need for everyday tasks. Servers ensure that your website is online and that customers can contact you and purchase items.

By maintaining servers, you extend their lifespan, saving you time and money from expensive replacement costs. It also boosts the productivity of your servers, allowing them, and your business, to operate at top speeds.

Types of Servers

There are many different types of servers and your business likely has many of the following in use.

• File Server. Holds data files for your network users
• Print Server. Manages printers connected to your network and the printing of documents
• Communications Server. Handles common communications functions, such as e-mail, internet access, remote access, firewalls, and faxing
• Database Server. Manages data storage and data requests
• Domain Controller. Authenticates computers and users within your domain
• Application Server. Controls applications that are shared across your network, eliminating the need for locally installed versions on each workstation

Types of Server Maintenance Strategies

Preventive Maintenance: Implementing a proactive approach to server maintenance involves regular inspections of hardware to identify potential issues and ensure the timely updating of firmware and software. This strategy aims to address potential problems before they escalate, enhancing both security measures and overall performance.

Predictive Maintenance: This involves the strategic use of monitoring tools and analytics to anticipate potential issues, allowing for proactive intervention before critical failures occur. This approach aims to maximize system reliability and minimize the impact of potential disruptions.

Corrective Maintenance: This is a reactive strategy that involves addressing and promptly resolving issues as they arise. This approach includes thorough troubleshooting and quick fixes to minimize downtime and prevent further disruptions. The goal is to swiftly identify and rectify problems to ensure the continuous and reliable operation of the server infrastructure.

What is a Server Maintenance Plan?

A server maintenance plan with a qualified managed services provider includes multiple processes designed to keep servers operating at peak efficiency. The components included in a server maintenance plan may vary but typically include:

• Reviewing server log files to check for hacking attempts
• Verifying backups
• Checking disk usage
• Evaluating hard-disk space
• Monitoring Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID) alarms
• Installing new operating systems and software patches, especially antivirus software
• Installing service packs
• Completing comprehensive data back-ups
• Checking folder permissions, server usage, and remote management tools
• Auditing security tools
• Comprehensive process and file monitoring by our 24/7 cybersecurity detection and response team
• Ransomware detection and monitoring
• Monitoring server uptime
• Temperature monitoring
• Unexpected reboot monitoring
• Power outage monitoring
• Active directory monitoring
• Custom monitoring options based on your special business or industry needs
• Warranty monitoring

ConsultNet provides comprehensive server maintenance solutions to keep your business running smoothly. To learn more about our server maintenance and other IT services, contact us today.