HiTech Connect, Inc.

Preventive PC maintenance Service Programs
Info@HiTechConnect.com

HiTech Connect provides preventive PC maintenance service programs to address the needs of businesses that do not have qualified computer technicians on staff.  We also provide similar service for residential clients. Basic equipment maintenance such as data backup, internal and external component cleaning and software updates is administered on a scheduled basis.  By following a few basic procedures our clients can greatly reduce the risk of data loss or hardware failure.  The following information represents some of the procedures of a typical preventive maintenance program.

Anti Virus Protection

 “Nearly 4500 worms and viruses which affect the Windows operating system have been documented between January and June this year by security services and anti-virus vendor Symantec in its six-monthly Internet Security Threat Report. This was nearly 450 percent higher than for the corresponding period in 2003, John Donovan, managing director for Symantec …” The Age - September 21, 2004

Central to preventative computer maintenance is anti-virus protection.  Clients are required to maintain a current version of high quality anti-virus software.  Systems will be configured to automatically perform virus definition updates and perform full system virus scans weekly.  The anti-virus software should be configured to scan in-coming and out-going emails, the most common method of virus transfer.  Anti-virus settings and definition files are verified during each service visit to ensure that data is protected from virus damage.  Our anti-virus product of choice is Mcafee Anti-Virus.

Spyware Protection

What is Spyware?  "Spyware" is the term coined for programs (often included in freeware, shareware or advertising-supported software) that allow advertisers or other interested parties to track your Internet surfing habits or collect personal information stored on your hard drive. Companies will typically use this information to target pop-up and banner ads to your specific interests. While this might not seem very harmful on the surface, spyware (or tracking software) uses your Internet connection to continuously contact the "home server" and report statistical data. Therefore, your computer is in effect turned into a server sending information about you and your Internet habits to a remote location without your consent. As a result, your computer will likely experience a degradation of system performance and sporadic Internet connectivity. The bottom line: Your computer has been hijacked!

Data Backup

Floppy disks have a very high rate of failure and should not be used to protect mission critical information. Two principal reasons for mechanical data loss; 1) either there was no backup or 2) the media used failed to successfully capture the data.  To reduce the possibility of data loss we require clients to maintain backups on either CD/RW, DVD/RW, external USB 2.0/Firewire hard disk, or Zip disk.   Backups are verified during each service visit to ensure that critical data is being safely captured.  In the event of a system failure data will be transferred to another working system while repairs are being made.  An advantage of DVD backups is that the media is so compact that DVD media may be easily be taken to an off-site location to safe guard critical data in the event disaster recovery is necessary.

Software Updates/System Optimization

Operating system updates and patches are downloaded and installed to ensure that your system has the most current version of the OS software.  Internet browser software updates or upgrades are preformed as software changes become available.  Mission critical software is tested after updates with client supplied test files to verify applications are performing correctly after updates.

Updated component drivers are installed as they become available or are required by system changes.  Hardware configurations are checked to be sure that they are operating efficiently and without conflict with other components.

Defrag and scan disk maintenance programs are run to detect any problems the computer hard drive may have.  Specialty error diagnostic software is run on other system components to verify that they are in good working order.  Hard drive file organization is checked and any misplaced files are moved to their correct data folders.  Any temporary or unneeded files are located and removed.  Hard drive S.M.A.R.T. logs are checked to verify proper hardware function.

Internal/External Component Cleaning

Dust is one of the leading causes of hardware failure.   All moving components are thoroughly cleaned and lubricated during service visits.  The case is opened and dust is removed from the motherboard and all system boards.  The CPU fan, power supply fan and any other board fans are cleaned, lubricated and tested.

All data cables are checked to be sure they are securely seated on system boards.  CD and floppy drives are opened, cleaned and tested for data transfer.  External components such as keyboard, mouse, monitor and printers are cleaned of dust and debris and all cable connections are checked.  Connections to surge protectors or the UPS are checked.

Friendly Computer Environment

Helpful suggestions to help promote trouble free performance:

v   Maintain a dust free environment

v   Purchase a UPS for both surge suppression and temporary blackout protection

v   Leave appropriate space for computer vents to circulate air

v   Turn off computer during electrical storm!

We perform a needs consultation to review your current setup and then provide you with a custom maintenance program. Choose from quarterly, bi-annual or annual service schedules at discounted service rates.  As a participant in one of our preventive maintenance service programs you can also receive discounts on prepaid service hours. Prepaid service hours can be used for such items as non-scheduled service calls, telephone support, general consulting etc. If you need more information, or would like a free phone consultation to discuss your computer service needs call 973-784-1595.