Keeping Your Computer POS Systems In Tip Top Shape With A “New Year Computer Checklist”!
Start out the year right for your restaurant POS system. Let’s point out some of the most common and critical mistakes that retail business owners make in regard to some very simple and basic configuration aspects of the computer system. Some of these mistakes can cost restaurant owners hundreds and even thousands of dollars in wasted time and money. And even worse… it can frustrate your guests and staff.
Whether you already have a computer system or you’re going to configure a new one yourself — it’s important for you to make sure everything is done accordingly.
Don’t let me give you the wrong message. I don’t always recommend configuring your own computer system! I recommend letting a professional do it for you. But I know some of you will do it yourself no matter what I say. So this is for those that insist on doing your own computer installations and for everyone else to double check and make sure everything was done properly. This could help you avoid some major problems and save hours of precious time.
So here’s your retail POS system configuration checklist for a Windows network:
1) Install a UPS
One of the main causes of your electronic component failure is due to fluctuations in electricity (up and down). Having a proper UPS can solve this problem by regulating the power. I recommend that you at least put a good UPS on your server. And it’s a good idea to use them on each of your worstations too.
2) Plugging All Cables Into the UPS
Check if all cables that power your computer and network are plugged into your UPS. You also need to check if the cables that are plugged into a surge protector or UPS are carrying the right amount of power. For example, the phone line for your modem can easily fry your computer if you don’t plug it into a surge protector. So make sure your modem line, network cables, and power cords are all plugged in properly.
3) Passwords and Security
It is advisable that you lock your server with a hard-to-decode password on all Windows accounts so that no one will be able to access it especially hackers who will [intently damage your server].
4) Install Anti-virus and Anti-Spyware Software and Configure For Automatic Updates
Make sure that all your secirity tools are configured to automatically update every day, so you don’t forget.
5) Limit Internet Access
Employees that surf the internet can cause more problems than anything. You mave the lastest antivirus and antispyware software installed but if an employee unwittingly downloads the wrong program or accepts the wrong message, it can bring your system down. You can avoid this by disabling internet browsing on your computers. Or another option is to protect internet access with a password.
For a restaurant, this is very important! In order to protect secured files from evil hands, limiting employee internet access is a must. A retail business owner has to strickly implement rules to protect his business as well as his profit. Otherwise, what good will a restaurant POS system do if it’s run by a misbahaved or ignorant personnel.
6) Configure Your Back Up To Run Every Night
As well proven in many situations, it’s still best to configure your back up to run after hours automatically. Don’t forget you still need to remember to change your back up device (like tapes) every day.
7) Test Your Backup By Restoring Files Once A Month
I have talked to dozens people who think they have a good back up for restoring damaged files. But when they try to restore they find it hasn’t been working. That’s why you need to do a “real” test restore once a month to make sure it’s working. By the way, you should also remember o restore to an alternate file location so you don’t mess up your existing software.
So please check your computer system now. If you don’t, you might regret it later. Have a happy and successful 2009!
With over 20 years of restaruant experience, the author and Vice President of Customer Relations at POS-for-Restaurants.com, helps you use your technology to be more efficient and more profitable.
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