If you own a company, you know that the last thing in the world you want is for your servers to go down. It can result in lost productivity and revenue. If left unchecked, server failures can also have serious implications for data integrity and security. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid these problems with a monthly server maintenance checklist.
The first step is to make sure that you have a qualified technician perform the checkup. They will need to be familiar with your specific server and its configuration. The following 12 points should be checked every month:
1. Verify That All Hardware Is Functioning Correctly
Make sure that all of your hardware is functioning correctly. This includes verifying that all the fans are running, that all the hard drives are attached, and that all the cables are properly connected. You should also check that the server is receiving power and that all the lights are working. Also, make sure the server room UPS system is tested and that batteries are replaced as needed.
2. Check the Temperature
One of the most important things to check is the server room temperature. It’s important to make sure that it is not too hot or too cold. The ideal temperature is between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. If it is outside of this range, you should take steps to adjust the temperature.
3. Verify That the Backup System Is Working Properly
It’s important to have a reliable backup system in place in case of a server failure. You should check that the backup system is working properly on a monthly basis. This includes verifying that all the files are being backed up and that the backups are stored off-site.
4. Update the Operating System and Applications
One of the most important things to do during a monthly checkup is to update the operating system and applications. This will ensure that your server has all the latest security patches and fixes. It’s also important to update the firmware on your server.
5. Check the Disk Space
One of the most important things to check during a monthly server maintenance checklist is the amount of disk space being used. If you’re running out of space, you can quickly run into problems. You may need to delete some files or add more storage capacity.
6. Check for Viruses and Malware
One of the biggest threats to your server is viruses and malware. You should scan your system for viruses and malware on a monthly basis. This includes using up-to-date antivirus software and scanning all of your files for infection.
7. Check the Hard Drive Status
One of the most important things to check during a monthly server maintenance checklist is the hard drive status. You should run tests to make sure that there are no impending problems with your data and also verify backups are in place in case anything does happen.
8. Check the Network Status
It’s important to check the network status on a monthly basis. This includes verifying that all of your connections are working properly and that there is enough bandwidth for all of your applications.
9. Clean Up Old Files and Clutter
Another important task during a monthly server maintenance checklist is to clean up old files and clutter. This can help improve performance and free up disk space.
10. Verify the Backup Strategy
As part of your monthly server maintenance checklist, you should verify your backup strategy. This includes making sure that all of your data is being backed up properly and that the backups are stored in a safe location.
11. Check the Log Files
One of the most important things to do during a monthly server maintenance checklist is to check the log files. This can help you identify any potential problems with your server. If you see any errors, take steps to fix them immediately.
12. Test the Disaster Recovery Plan
As part of your monthly server maintenance checklist, you should test your disaster recovery plan. This includes verifying that all of your data can be recovered in the event of a disaster. This is an important step to take to ensure that your business can continue to operate in the event of a server failure.
The 12-point server maintenance checklist is designed to ensure that your business’s servers are running smoothly and efficiently. It can help you identify any potential problems before they become a disaster. The monthly process should be done by a qualified technician to ensure that everything is in check. By following this checklist, you can help avoid any potential downtime and keep your business up and running.
