Purchasing new computers for your business can be a significant expense, so it is essential you configure and set-up your computers in the correct way to ensure you make the most of your investment. Here are four important steps you should follow before using your new business computers.

Install software

Unlike personal computers, business computers often need more extensive software. Before your employees start using them, install all software your business requires, for example, accounting tools, invoice generators, word processing software, backup software, hiring software, team communication software and more. Check the security features and install up-to-date anti-virus and security software.

Investing in reliable security software is key. Also, make sure you install employee productivity software before decommissioning the old devices and distributing the new ones. If this is too complex or time-consuming for your business, trust a professional business IT service to install all essential software for you.

Upload files

Once your new computers are set for use, transfer important existing files to them using either a cloud-based solution or an external hard drive. Ensure that all the information, both sensitive and non-sensitive gets properly erased from the old machines before it is either recycled or repurposed.

Set up regular data backups

With backup software installed, schedule regular automated backups. This will save important files in case there’s a system crash or hard drive failure. Also ensure to back-up your data on an external hard drive so that if the original backup gets corrupted, your data won’t be lost. Daily back-ups to the cloud or an external hard drive are great practice.

Check the firewall before connecting to the internet

Once you set your backup to ensure that you can’t lose any data, double-check to confirm if the firewall is enabled before connecting to the internet. If you’re connecting via a router, you may be able to skip this step as routers are often built to provide a perfectly adequate firewall that protects your computer system from internet-based attacks. However, if you don’t have a router, you should not forget to enable Windows Firewall.

No matter what your business IT needs are, contact us today for advice, sales and fixed-fee managed IT services Cairns based.