12 ways we are like our computers, and why we should look after them like we do ourselves.

It's that time of year when we start reflecting on the months gone, and start thinking about the plan for 2021. The new year brings all sorts out of us, prompting self-improvement and change. Throughout this blog we're going to use these thoughts and break down 12 things to action in the next months to refresh your processes and give your office time a boost in productivity!

1. You are full of useful information

We all have our specialist areas and knowledge bases. If someone was to tap into our brains think of all the information they could download. We need to protect our brain and keep it healthy. And just like our brain, we need to protect the data our computer holds too and keep it safe and healthy. If this information gets into the wrong hands it could cause a lot of trouble.

2. We sometimes run out of memory

Ever got to the top of the stairs and forgot what you went up for? Our brains are full of so many other things – car, house, money, kids – sometimes we just can’t cope and forget. The same thing can happen to our computers. Making sure you look after your IT and keep it as efficient as possible by not clogging up your memory, is important. Clearing files that you no longer use is the best way to do this.

3. We all feel better after a good clean up – so does your computer!

Take regular breaks to clean up your computer. This not only helps protect your systems, but it can make them more productive and quicker. There are three ways of doing this: removing unnecessary files, deleting cookies and regularly checking for any malware.

4. Your body reacts to protect yourself

Our intuition guides us through our day to day lives. For example if we feel something hot, our brain pulls our hand away. Well, with a computer, Antivirus is that warning system. It will check if something is hot and if it is, it will stop you from touching it. So, make sure you have your this system installed and keep it up-to-date.

5. If we are a bit under the weather we don’t work as well as we could

If we are feeling unwell we don’t function properly. Knowing we are unwell is how our body tells us to take action - rest. If we ignore those warnings we might become vulnerable to other issues. A computer, in the same way, sends us update messages and if we ignore these, security updates will not be installed, leaving us more vulnerable to attacks. So, make sure the systems you are using are updated regularly.

6. We get ill when we are at our busiest

It's typical, we always get ill right in the middle of a big project. The last thing you want is to break down in the middle of a big project. Taking preventative measures can help keep you well. Getting the right support and making sure your systems are reviewed regularly help you to find issues before they start causing problems. This in turn makes things much easier to fix and helps to prevent downtime within the team.

7. We all need to shut down every now and then

Your computer, just like you, needs time to rest and recoup. Be sure to reboot the PC periodically and install updates so your PC is fit and ready to start another day. Just like a good night’s sleep.

8. We protect the things closest to us

You lock your car and house and may even put the alarm on, but what do you do for your computer? Cybercrime is rising and you need to take preventative measures. Encryption provides security for your devices, protecting what is inside, like a key and alarm.

9. We don’t always trust people straightaway

People have to earn your trust before you will spend time or work with them. So why do so many people click on bogus emails and links that they shouldn’t? Many threats now are caused by staff clicking on phishing scams or links in emails. Educate your staff to know what they can and shouldn't trust.

10. We all need a bit of support

We all need a bit of support when things get tough. Protecting the things closest to us is vitally important. Making sure your backup is working, is being fed the correct data, and is still functioning every day is just like looking after your loved ones.

11. Things can sometimes annoy us

Every now and then things come along and annoy us, preventing us from doing what we need to. Imagine that this is a virus that prevents your business from doing what it should be doing. Do you have a plan to avoid downtime and get things restored as quickly as possible?

12. Who hasn’t checked the door's locked more than once?

We make routine checks as part of our everyday life. Have I locked the door? Do I have enough petrol? Did I turn the straighteners off?

Computers should do the same. For example: your Antivirus should check for viruses frequently; your backup should report that it has been successful. You should check that staff are using complex passwords and storing them in a safe location. If you are struggling to get a process in place to ensure that this works for you, drop us a message.

Throughout this article, we've tried to signpost some thought processes for you to work through before the new year, to make sure all systems are a GO to start with a bang. If you're unsure about how to get things ticked off the list, drop me a message and we can have a chat.