I know you are excited to make Next Year’s resolutions all about your IT. Ok maybe not, but you should. Instead of the same routine of another year and another set of resolutions, you are looking to break, try instead making a plan to accomplish some IT objectives in the upcoming year.
New Year’s Resolutions to make your IT more resilient:
- Back up your data – I’ve written several blogs about the need to back up your data (here and here). I’m not just referring to the business side, but also the home side. Every year I run into people who did not back up their smartphones or home computers and are panicked because they are about to lose years’ worth of digital photos. This issue is really simple and cheap to solve. Back up your data over the internet super easy using Google or Apple. Once you set it up, the backups can run automatically.
- Software Update – Make sure your computer is current with Microsoft and other updates. For the most part, an updated computer will run more smoothly and have fewer problems. Just set it and forget it for the most part.
- Uninstall programs you don’t need – Often they are installed, not used, yet a part of them is constantly running in the background taking up resources. Get rid of them. Especially things like Bing and Google Chrome toolbars.
- Get a good antivirus/spyware app – If you don’t have a good one, then get one. A lot of new computers come with programs like McAfee and Symantec. The problem is that they are “free” for 6 months and then you need to pay for them. The bigger issue is that they are bloatware-type programs that try to do too much, get in the way of the user with useless pop-ups, and just don’t work well. For home machines, you can use the free versions of systems like AVG, Microsoft Defender, Malwarebytes, and Avira. Uninstall the junk that comes with your new computer and get one of these instead.
- Is it time for a new computer? – I tell people to only upgrade when it makes sense to upgrade and not to spend too much money. Computers are much more powerful than most people need these days so they should last longer. Older computers will of course have slower processors, but they also have slower hard drives and slower memory. Combined they all add up to a slower machine compared to newer technology. I’ve found that after about 3 years, the technology has changed a bit, but should not be enough to be a huge speed change compared to a new machine. After 5 years, it might be time to get a new machine not only because of speed but also because older hardware has a higher failure possibility.
Happy Coming New Year! Be Security Smart!
