User Maintenance Tips to Assist the It Department

In “8 simple ways to help IT maintain your computer and devices at work,” an article posted on Microsoft.com, several best practices are plainly explained so end users can help IT departments successfully maintain computer systems on the job.

It is important that users realize that the computers they use regularly and may even take home are actually owned by their company or organization. To protect information systems, employers must ensure that patches and updates are installed and may prevent changing settings or altering software. Users can work with IT departments to keep their systems running at optimal, secure conditions.

Microsoft recommends the following “best practices to help protect and maintain the computer you use at work” (“8 simple ways,” n.d., para. 6): 1) install all updates, 2) install licensed programs only, 3) install only one version of software, 4) inform IT when hardware is not working, 5) inform IT when something is needed, 6) do not download untrusted software, 7) look out for suspicious email, and 8) use online support resources. Each of these tips is explained in detail, but written simply for all users to understand.

The article continues with recommendations to use work-compatible pocket PCs and smartphones, and to first check with the IT department for recommendations.

Additionally, the article provides more maintenance and security tips with links to more articles and tutorials for those workers without an IT department.

These best practices are a great step towards to keeping information systems running smoothly, efficiently, and securely. As an aspiring cybersecurity professional, I understand the helpfulness of following these simple steps and will encourage those I work with to incorporate best practices into their work routines.

References

8 simple ways to help IT maintain your computer and devices at work. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.microsoft.com