> The plain truth is, many system instabilities are preventable. While
> operating system bugs do exist, there is a lot that administrators can
> do to improve the overall availability of their servers and
> workstations.

>    1. Always use a clean install of Windows. Upgrading from a previous
> version of Windows is technically easier and faster, but sooner or
> later you'll pay for this shortcut in terms of unexplained system
> instabilities and a host of compatibility issues that begin to creep
> up over time. Just bite the bullet and do it right the first time.
> You'll save yourself many future headaches.

>    2. Don't skimp on the quality of your hardware. Your system is only
> as good as the components in it and attached to it. Spending a few
> extra dollars on name brand components can really make a difference in
> the overall stability of your system, Avoid generic memory chips,
> power supplies, hard drives, CD-ROM drives, video cards and network
> cards. The same rules apply to peripherals such as printers, scanners,
> mice, joysticks and other devices. Poorly written drivers and bundled
> software can wreak havoc on your system. Make sure your hardware is on
> Microsoft's Hardware Compatibility List.

>    3. Don't mix hardware drivers. It's tempting to want to keep old
> printers or scanners when you buy new systems. However, if the
> hardware manufacturer hasn't updated the driver for your current
> operating system, don't give in to the temptation of installing the
> previous driver to see if it will work. Do some research and find out
> if other users have discovered a stable workaround, or if a default
> Windows driver will work. It has been my experience that manufacturers
> will write updated drivers for medium- to high-end products, but not
> low-end or entry-level products.

>    4. Evaluate your software before installing it. Whenever possible,
> only run software written for your operating system version. I would
> recommend upgrading the software whenever you can. Never load legacy
> software that interacts with hardware such as disk and system
> utilities or old scanner software. Also, use caution when downloading
> software from the Internet, including shareware, screensavers, various
> utilities, games, etc. I happen to be a big fan of shareware and
> freeware, but some of it is just poorly written. Download only from
> reputable sites, and look for user ratings or software reviews and
> awards. Poorly written software can cause problems, doesn't always
> uninstall properly and may leave fragments in the system registry and
> configuration files that will slow the performance of your machine. If
> you love to test beta software, consider using an emulator such as
> VMWare.

>    5. Don't over-tweak your system. As your users become more adept
> with their systems, the more adventurous among them will be tempted to
> start meddling with settings, including the system registry. Don't let
> them. There are a small handful of settings that may yield a small
> performance boost, but it's rarely worth the bother. Tell them that
> there is no "killer" registry hack that will miraculously speed up
> their PC to any significant degree. They'll get a bigger boost in
> performance by properly maintaining their system.

>    6. Always use a UPS. Most people think nothing of plugging a $2,000
> workstation directly into an outlet until a lighting strike turns it
> into a paperweight. Don't skimp on surge protection for your PCs.
> Instead of just buying a power strip with a wimpy surge protector, I
> recommend an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), which typically
> offers better surge protection and also provides short-term battery
> power in the event of a blackout or intermittent power failure. APC
> and Belkin both offer a number of affordable models that will provide
> excellent protection against surges as well as brownouts and
> intermittent spikes. In buildings with older wiring, constant subtle
> fluctuations in power may affect the life of your workstation. A UPS
> can help regulate an even flow of electricity to your PC and prevent a
> number of problems.

>    7. Keep your system up to date. Windows Update is an easy way to
> keep up on the latest security and stability patches from Microsoft.
> While I always install critical security patches, I usually wait a
> week or two before I install any other updates in the event that the
> patch will cause more problems than it solves. Patches are not tested
> as rigorously as service packs, and have occasionally been pulled
> after a few weeks. Evaluate bug fixes as they come out, and wait for a
> service pack release if the issue isn't critical or doesn't affect
> you.

>    8. Clean the registry. I use a utility called RegVac, which I run
> about once a month on each of my systems. Happiness is a clean
> registry.

>    9. Fight spyware. Spyware and Adware are programs that monitor your
> PC use, in many cases without your knowledge. Users are often tricked
> into installing these programs as part of installing something else,
> or by visiting unscrupulous Web sites. Some versions change a homepage
> repeatedly or display pop-up ads and other garbage while users are
> trying to work. AdAware is a free program that scans systems for these
> malicious programs and deletes them in the same manner as antivirus
> software. The program is also updated regularly to keep up with new
> threats.

>   10. Secure your system. Security has become a big issue over the
> last few years, but there are still thousands of unprotected systems.
> Antivirus software needs to be kept up to date. Broadband users should
> always use a firewall. Wireless networks should be secured. Increase
> your users' browser security settings, and constantly remind them not
> to open unsolicited e-mail attachments.

>   11. Don't use the administrator account for routine tasks. It seems
> unnatural for people to give up power when they don't have to.
> However, using administrator-level accounts for everyday computing can
> come back to haunt you. Log into the system using a user-level
> account, and use the "RUN AS" command when you need to perform
> functions requiring administrator-level access.

>   12. Provide a healthy environment. In the early days of IT we
> pampered computer systems with industrial air conditioning, clean
> rooms, anti-static mats and dust covers. Today, we do just the
> opposite. Workstations and servers are often stored under desks,
> cramped closets or other areas where heat and dust conspire to shorten
> the life of components. Power supplies usually fail first, followed by
> hard drives. Some systems will initiate a shutdown if CPU temperatures
> get too high, but persistent overheating can warp or burn out
> components. Strong magnetic fields from two-way radios and electric
> motors can corrupt data stored on hard drives. The goal isn't to try
> to make these systems last 10 years, but to minimize the chance of
> hardware failure.

>    Bonus. Run Windows using Boot Camp on a MacBook Pro and enjoy the
> best of both worlds. But don't be surprised if you start using Windows
> less and less often.

> On Nov 6, 5:35 pm, Ima Ufo <thetruthaboutm...@gmail.com> wrote:

> > By Bernie Klinder of TechTarget.com.

> > The plain truth is, many system instabilities are preventable. While
> > operating system bugs do exist, there is a lot that administrators can
> > do to improve the overall availability of their servers and
> > workstations.

> >    1. Always use a clean install of Windows. Upgrading from a previous
> > version of Windows is technically easier and faster, but sooner or
> > later you'll pay for this shortcut in terms of unexplained system
> > instabilities and a host of compatibility issues that begin to creep
> > up over time. Just bite the bullet and do it right the first time.
> > You'll save yourself many future headaches.

> >    2. Don't skimp on the quality of your hardware. Your system is only
> > as good as the components in it and attached to it. Spending a few
> > extra dollars on name brand components can really make a difference in
> > the overall stability of your system, Avoid generic memory chips,
> > power supplies, hard drives, CD-ROM drives, video cards and network
> > cards. The same rules apply to peripherals such as printers, scanners,
> > mice, joysticks and other devices. Poorly written drivers and bundled
> > software can wreak havoc on your system. Make sure your hardware is on
> > Microsoft's Hardware Compatibility List.

> >    3. Don't mix hardware drivers. It's tempting to want to keep old
> > printers or scanners when you buy new systems. However, if the
> > hardware manufacturer hasn't updated the driver for your current
> > operating system, don't give in to the temptation of installing the
> > previous driver to see if it will work. Do some research and find out
> > if other users have discovered a stable workaround, or if a default
> > Windows driver will work. It has been my experience that manufacturers
> > will write updated drivers for medium- to high-end products, but not
> > low-end or entry-level products.

> >    4. Evaluate your software before installing it. Whenever possible,
> > only run software written for your operating system version. I would
> > recommend upgrading the software whenever you can. Never load legacy
> > software that interacts with hardware such as disk and system
> > utilities or old scanner software. Also, use caution when downloading
> > software from the Internet, including shareware, screensavers, various
> > utilities, games, etc. I happen to be a big fan of shareware and
> > freeware, but some of it is just poorly written. Download only from
> > reputable sites, and look for user ratings or software reviews and
> > awards. Poorly written software can cause problems, doesn't always
> > uninstall properly and may leave fragments in the system registry and
> > configuration files that will slow the performance of your machine. If
> > you love to test beta software, consider using an emulator such as
> > VMWare.

> >    5. Don't over-tweak your system. As your users become more adept
> > with their systems, the more adventurous among them will be tempted to
> > start meddling with settings, including the system registry. Don't let
> > them. There are a small handful of settings that may yield a small
> > performance boost, but it's rarely worth the bother. Tell them that
> > there is no "killer" registry hack that will miraculously speed up
> > their PC to any significant degree. They'll get a bigger boost in
> > performance by properly maintaining their system.

> >    6. Always use a UPS. Most people think nothing of plugging a $2,000
> > workstation directly into an outlet until a lighting strike turns it
> > into a paperweight. Don't skimp on surge protection for your PCs.
> > Instead of just buying a power strip with a wimpy surge protector, I
> > recommend an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), which typically
> > offers better surge protection and also provides short-term battery
> > power in the event of a blackout or intermittent power failure. APC
> > and Belkin both offer a number of affordable models that will provide
> > excellent protection against surges as well as brownouts and
> > intermittent spikes. In buildings with older wiring, constant subtle
> > fluctuations in power may affect the life of your workstation. A UPS
> > can help regulate an even flow of electricity to your PC and prevent a
> > number of problems.

> >    7. Keep your system up to date. Windows Update is an easy way to
> > keep up on the latest security and stability patches from Microsoft.
> > While I always install critical security patches, I usually wait a
> > week or two before I install any other updates in the event that the
> > patch will cause more problems than it solves. Patches are not tested
> > as rigorously as service packs, and have occasionally been pulled
> > after a few weeks. Evaluate bug fixes as they come out, and wait for a
> > service pack release if the issue isn't critical or doesn't affect
> > you.

> >    8. Clean the registry. I use a utility called RegVac, which I run
> > about once a month on each of my systems. Happiness is a clean
> > registry.

> >    9. Fight spyware. Spyware and Adware are programs that monitor your
> > PC use, in many cases without your knowledge. Users are often tricked
> > into installing these programs as part of installing something else,
> > or by visiting unscrupulous Web sites. Some versions change a homepage
> > repeatedly or display pop-up ads and other garbage while users are
> > trying to work. AdAware is a free program that scans systems for these
> > malicious programs and deletes them in the same manner as antivirus
> > software. The program is also updated regularly to keep up with new
> > threats.

> >   10. Secure your system. Security has become a big issue over the
> > last few years, but there are still thousands of unprotected systems.
> > Antivirus software needs to be kept up to date. Broadband users should
> > always use a firewall. Wireless networks should be secured. Increase
> > your users' browser security settings, and constantly remind them not
> > to open unsolicited e-mail attachments.

> >   11. Don't use the administrator account for routine tasks. It seems
> > unnatural for people to give up power when they don't have to.
> > However, using administrator-level accounts for everyday computing can
> > come back to haunt you. Log into the system using a user-level
> > account, and use the "RUN AS" command when you need to perform
> > functions requiring administrator-level access.

> >   12. Provide a healthy environment. In the early days of IT we
> > pampered computer systems with industrial air conditioning, clean
> > rooms, anti-static mats and dust covers. Today, we do just the
> > opposite. Workstations and servers are often stored under desks,
> > cramped closets or other areas where heat and dust conspire to shorten
> > the life of components. Power supplies usually fail first, followed by
> > hard drives. Some systems will initiate a shutdown if CPU temperatures
> > get too high, but persistent overheating can warp or burn out
> > components. Strong magnetic fields from two-way radios and electric
> > motors can corrupt data stored on hard drives. The goal isn't to try
> > to make these systems last 10 years, but to minimize the chance of
> > hardware failure.

> >    Bonus. Run Windows using Boot Camp on a MacBook Pro and enjoy the
> > best of both worlds. But don't be surprised if you start using Windows
> > less and less often.- Hide quoted text -

> - Show quoted text -