Need recommendations for small office resources IT managment


  1. Posts : 6
    Windows 10
       #1

    Need recommendations for small office resources IT managment


    Hi there.

    First of all, thank you to everyone who posts here to offer there advice and help. You folks are amazing!

    I am the "technology manager" (among the several hats I wear) for a 4-person office. I am looking for recommendations for a good information source geared towards our needs. Everything I find is either geared for the single home-user, or for a "small business" meaning like 50 people.

    We have 4 desktops, a laptop, a surface, an android phone and a NAS used a file server for everyone. Our LAN operates fine.

    I am somewhat "old school" in that I like to understand what I am doing. I am good at searching. But I like to read articles because I always learn something that I did not even know to ask. Does that make sense?

    All recommendations are appreciated. Thank you
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 4,224
    Windows 10
       #2

    Check out Spiceworks: it's free for small business use, supported through advertising (small amount, not too objectionable) and sponsorships. Find these links at Free IT & Networking Software from Spiceworks
    Need recommendations for small office resources IT managment-image.png

    HTH,
    --Ed--
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 6
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Thank you, Ed. I will check it out.

    Barbara

    - - - Updated - - -

    Hi Ed -

    The Spiceworks has really useful tools.

    But what I am looking for is more of an instruction source. There are so many questions that I don't even know how to ask, if that makes sense. I am looking for somewhere that can tell me more about the things I need to know for managing my network.

    Thank you,
    Barbara
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 6,788
    22H2 64 Bit Pro
       #4

    Maybe have a look here:

    https://gegeek.com

    Use drop down lists to dig deeper
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 392
    W10
       #5

    I learned how to manage several small networks by trial and error.
    I've managed my wife's business network for about 15 years now - and can only tell you that it's really confusing.

    Backups are essential - yet they aren't easy to manage while the system is in use.
    As such, are you willing to devote time "off the clock" to make these backups?
    Is the owner willing to purchase the backup devices/cloud storage/programs to use them?

    Spare parts. The more you have, the more likely you are to have them on hand when needed.
    I keep a spare hard drive and several keyboards/mice on hand. We have enough computers that I can cannibalize one as needed to keep the others running.

    Updates are essential - BUT - if there are 3rd party applications on your system that aren't conforming, then it's going to be a problem. For example, my wife has a labratory program and an Xray program on her systems that use Windows XP. This makes updating things a balancing act to protect their data - yet keep the systems up and running. Also, we're stuck with Windows 8 as the primary program that they use is an all-in-one scheduling/record keeping program for medical treatments/appointments (and there's no easy way to upgrade to W10 without paying a bundle to them (and that might break the Windows XP stuff also))

    Security - make sure you have security apps and that they are continuously updated.
    Reliable personnel help also. They need to know not to click on unknown stuff - that's where most of the problems seem to come from.

    Finally, the best thing is to ask questions constantly. If you don't know, seek out advice - but don't just accept the first answer that you get. Check it out and see how it applies to your situation.

    Good luck!
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 6
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #6

    Oh my gosh!

    Thank you all replying.

    JDC - I totally empathize with you.

    I found the links to the Spiceworks educational materials hiding way down at the very, very bottom of the home page. This should keep me busy for a while.

    Barbara
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 4,224
    Windows 10
       #7

    Glad you found that before I had a chance to point you in that direction. Best of luck in your efforts, and keep those questions coming. Spiceworks is about the only other online community I would put in the same league as TenForums.
    --Ed--
      My Computers


  8. Posts : 9,765
    Mac OS Catalina
       #8

    Only four people in an office, it depends on what specifics that you are looking for when it comes to having those in the office use alternative to email for problems. You could create a post office mailbox for email that they use for tickets, voicemail box that is setup just for tickets when they cannot access email. It is really how simple that you want to make it to using Cloud based apps like Spiceowkrs offers. 15 Essential IT & SysAdmin Tools - Free from Spiceworks

    I would look at the Spiceworks offerings and keep a copy of inventory in a spreadsheet and hardcopy in a safe place.
      My Computer


 

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