David D. Scribner: System Administration

You've recently installed a new computer, or had one installed for you. Did you know that there are many things that can be done to a "stock" computer configuration to optimize its performance, thereby increasing your productivity even more?

Perhaps you've been using your computer for quite a while. You've noticed that operations seemed to have "slowed down" and it's not quite the workhorse it used to be.

Or, maybe you've got a good network of computer systems already working for you and your business, but you know it could be doing much, much more as you realize that you're only utilizing a fraction of its capabilities.

These scenarios are not new, but to many, they are new, and they don't know quite what to do about them. That's where a system administration comes in. Unfortunately, in dealing with personal computers, although they have become increasingly easier to operate since appearing on the market in the early eighties, there are still plenty of things that not everyone understands or knows how to do that will increase the effectiveness of that equipment in serving their business needs. After all, you know and understand your business, but unless your business is in IT, your equipment should be as transparent to your businesses operation as possible. Right?

My business is IT, and as such I would like to take care of your computer and network systems for you, allowing you to take care of your business the way it should be. Some of the system administration services I offer are:

Optimizing systems and network hardware and software components so they are operating at peak performance, eliminating bottlenecks and increasing productivity. Whether it be a new system that came "loaded" with needless software that is robbing the system of valuable resources, changing application default settings to better suite you, or your business's style of operation, or tweaking network protocols or server settings to accommodate your needs, increased efficiency can be brought forward and utilized.

Routine maintenance and tuning of system and network resources. For the most part, once a system or network is properly configured and optimized, it should run by itself (at least until a component failure occurs). However, just like routine physicals, doctor visits or automobile tune-ups, regular checkups will keep your systems and network running at peak performance. As well, it is during these regular checks that many times a failing hardware component can be detected and arrangements made for replacement before it brings the system or network down at a most inconvenient time.

Troubleshooting system and network problems. If you've ever been aggravated by a software or hardware component failure, which always seems to occur when you're trying to meet that important deadline, you already know that computer systems and networks are not perfect works in themselves. Hardware or software components are sometimes installed that can conflict with established settings, files can become inadvertently corrupted over time, or components that are on the verge of failing can often cause intermittent problems. If tracking down, diagnosing and resolving these problems is not your "forte", why not let a professional do it for you? If you value your time, you'll find it will more than likely cost less, too!

Data backup services. You may already be backing up your data, but are you sure you're backing up everything you need? If you're not doing a full-system backup, you may be missing valuable pieces of data that could result in longer restoration times to get your system or network functional again. And, if you are doing a full-system backup, you may not realize that you are also very likely backing up needless data. Data resulting in longer backups and extra, unneeded backup media, both adding unnecessary expense to your backup operation. I can inspect your backup routines and practices, test your backups to ensure their viability, and even complete scheduled backups if desired. Proper backups are an important facet of system administration, and are often overlooked until disaster strikes and it's too late to correct. Don't let this happen to you!

Hardware and software installation. If you've have hardware or software components that need to be installed, either as a component replacement or addition to your system or network, knowing how to do it, and having the right tools to do it with can ensure that it is done right the first time. There are shops that will do it for you, either by having you bring the hardware in to the store, or by charging extravagant prices to have a technician come to you. I've been working with computer hardware and software since 1981, am a certified PC repair and service technician, work on-site and beat their prices every time!

Remote system administration is also available for many tasks. Using various applications ranging from Symantec's pcAnywhere, AT&T's VNC (Virtual Network Computing), establishing and operating over a VPN (Virtual Private Network) or using SSH (Secure Shell), often times routine tasks for file and user management, as well as many software automation, optimization and configuration can be handled quickly and conveniently without the expense of an onsite visit.

Installation, setup and configuration of intranet email servers such as Exchange or Sendmail, proxy servers such as MS Proxy or Squid, web servers such as IIS or Apache, or database servers such as SQL or MySQL is also available. Even if your business does not need, or is not quite ready for the services of such server software, if you're wanting something more than a simple peer-to-peer network offers and desire the increased functionality and security of a centralized network server, there are options available to you.

For a network domain controller those options vary from using server software such as Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 or 2000 Server to the very economical Linux server software. Linux, being open-source and freely available, is a perfect alternative for small to mid-size businesses. There are no exorbitant licensing fees for each user (client) that connect to the server, and in combination with Samba, also open-source and freely available, provide for a very stable and secure network server for your Microsoft Windows workstations in need of file and print sharing services with authentication control. More information on how Linux, and the open-source alternatives (and advantages) available to you as a small or mid-size business is available by visiting my page on Linux.

Other system administration duties are available as well, whether they be auditing or creating user policies and accounts, validating data integrity, inspecting security policies and implementing firewall rules to keep hackers out of your network, scanning for and removing viruses, or even repair of corrupted data if possible, they are all what I do best... providing and maintaining access to system and network resources so that you can continue to do what you do best.

The cost for these services vary depending on number of systems, size of network, or individual needs. Some clients, after getting their systems and/or network up to speed, only utilize my services as routine checkups or when needed. Others may contract my work for anywhere from days, weeks or even several months, and yet still others only call when their business expands and new hardware is to be installed, configured and tailored to their needs.

Any or all of these tasks often add value to your bottom line, and that's one of the things making your business a success. Why not capitalize on that success!