Studies indicate that about 80% of all computer issues are due to spyware, viruses, and other malware. It is estimated that due to these, the total productivity loss worldwide is around $50 billion with additional costs amounting to another $198 billion.
Depending on the purpose for which the computer is being used, downtime can just be an annoyance or cost thousands of dollars in lost productivity and damages.
Here are some simple tips to keep your computer healthy and prevent downtime:
1) Upgrade your hardware: Studies reveal that older computers have more frequent problems. Considering that computers have become very cheap these days, upgrading your computers once every three years should not be a problem. However, if you like playing with older computers by installing other operating systems, etc. you can still keep your older hardware.
2) Use Power Protection: Power surges can cause data loss and damage your computer hardware. It is best to use a UPS all the time. For better protection, replace your UPS once in every two-three years.
3) Training: In business environments, proper training is very much essential. Proper training enables users to efficiently utilize the computer resources. The gain in productivity is worth the training costs.
4) Computer Security: It is essential to protect your data from hackers. Hacking attempts can be prevented by installing the latest software patches and firewall software. It is essential to apply all patches and service packs as and when they are released.
5) Data Backup: Important data should always be backed. Hard disks can crash anytime and cause data loss or data may get accidentally deleted. The only measure against these problems is to use a data back system.
6) Spam and Malware: Studies reveal that spam, spyware and malware cause 80% of computer downtimes worldwide. This can be prevented by installing a suitable security suite.
By using common sense and by following some maintenance procedures, it is possible to ensure smooth functioning of computers without any problem.