Your server wants care and attention!

It is important to understand that the server usually determines the operation of the entire business, and therefore it is vital to ensure its stable and uninterrupted operation. We want to tell you about some general rules that, if followed, will help significantly prolong the life of the "heart" of your computer network.

Rule 1: Restart.

At least once a week, the server PC should be restarted. The longer the system runs, the more load it places on the RAM, and the higher the likelihood of errors that can (in the worst case) lead to a complete loss of your data. Moreover, it is important to remember that most critical security updates also require a restart.

Rule 2: Install antivirus software.

And this applies not only to the server. It is advisable to install antivirus software and a firewall on all computers that are theoretically susceptible to infection. And not only install but also regularly update it to the latest version. Every day the internet is filled with hundreds of new types of malware, and only the most up-to-date antivirus definitions can protect you from trouble. It's better to think about security in advance than to unsuccessfully try to restore a hopelessly "infected" system.

Rule 3: Think about security.

Unfortunately, even the most advanced security software cannot protect the server from all threats. The main barrier between your server and the threats waiting on the network should be you. Do not use the server for internet surfing and email. If you must, visit only trusted sites, do not open suspicious emails, and do not click on dubious links. Don’t unnecessarily test the reliability of your antivirus.

Rule 4: Use a strong password.

With brute-force methods and special software, most simple passwords can be cracked. Hackers have lists of thousands of the most common passwords. If your password is "qwerty", "1234", "2009", or something similar, change it immediately. Just because no one has cracked your password yet doesn’t mean it won’t happen—it's just that no one has tried. A simple sixteen-character password that includes both letters and numbers can significantly reduce the likelihood of a breach. It’s also wise to set a system restriction on the lifespan of passwords and change them every two to three months.

Rule 5: Do not store passwords on your PC.

Even the most secure, randomly generated 128-bit password is meaningless if it is stored in a text file on your desktop. Avoid storing passwords on your computer or on paper nearby. This is the foundation of a secure system. If you really want to keep your passwords handy, use specialized software. There are several paid and free password managers. Among them: KeePass, eWallet, LastPass, 1Password, RoboForm.

Rule 6: Backup important data.

Any antivirus protection can fail. Even the most reliable computer can break down. Any password can be cracked. And to recover quickly after an emergency, copy all important information to an external storage device as often as possible. If you think about this today, you can make your life much easier tomorrow. Read the article on how to archive the Torgsoft database

Rule 7: Install UPS.

UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) is a system that protects your server from power surges and power outages. Ideally, a UPS should be connected to every device in your network, including the router. This is necessary so that sudden power loss does not cause all your equipment to fail. But the most important thing is that in such a situation, you can lose not only the computers (which can be replaced), but also all the information accumulated over long days, months, or years of work. If you don't want to find yourself in this situation, make sure to back up your data and take care of it so that you never need to.

Rule 8: Use RAID arrays.

Another reliable way to protect your data from mishaps is by installing a RAID array instead of regular hard drives. This technology allows multiple storage devices to be combined into one logical system. This structure has several advantages over traditional storage methods. First of all, the reading speed from the disk is significantly increased, which is important for the comfortable operation of the server. Additionally, RAID arrays offer failure protection, allowing data to be preserved for a while, even in the case of a sudden power outage.

Rule 9: Regularly maintain the server.

We recommend dedicating a few hours each week for server maintenance. During this time, you should check the system for viruses, install the latest updates for your software, back up files, and restart the system. If you don’t want to buy a new server every six months, take this procedure seriously. So, saving money in this case is definitely not an option.