Upgrading your IT
The following article was published on the Microsoft website. The text has been edited for use on this website.
Step-by-step guidance
If you bought your computer system back in the days when mobile phones were as big as bricks, chances are you already know you need an upgrade.
But if you’re starting to question whether your current system is performing as well as it can to keep up with the demands of your growing business, then now is the time to consider moving up a gear.
Jonathan Hill, Birmingham based Icomm Technologies advises:
The time to make the decision to upgrade computer systems should be to keep ahead of the competition and on top of the game a company is in, but this is rarely the actual main factor in the upgrade decision. Usually the decision in due to necessity or a new requirement or issue which cannot be met or solved without improvements to IT infrastructure.
Jonathan’s step-by-step guidance for an easy IT upgrade makes sure all eventualities are covered:
- Ensure a complete backup is made of the operating system and applications. Then back up your data too, separately
- Check all software and licences are available as necessary
- Make sure software is compatible with your new system, and works
- Do the same for all drivers and hardware
- Consider potential “downtime” - how might this affect the business and what can you do to avoid disruption
- Ensure you have any support and maintenance contracts in place for during and after the upgrade - to guard against any unforeseen issues
How can businesses check for software compatibility?
The Windows Restore Point can also be useful during an upgrade, when other efforts have failed to bring a machine back into action after a failure. Set a Restore Point on your PC before installing any new software. If old or incompatible software causes a system crash, Windows Restore functions like a ball of yarn, allowing you to retrace your steps and return to the system settings you had before the installation.
If you require any more information on upgrading your systems please contact our Sales Team on 0121 248 7931.
2007.10.03 (AH)
