Four Essential IT Tips for Your Business in 2019

Welcome to another edition of “When You Need Them, Ask Neadom.” This week, we’re answering a common client question: What should I focus on for my business in the new year? Here are four key areas to help you start 2019 strong.

1. Budgeting for IT Infrastructure

Most small businesses need to plan an IT budget. Computers typically last 5–6 years, so it’s important to assess the age of your current systems and budget for replacements. Ideally, you should allocate $1,200–$1,400 per computer.

Also, review your infrastructure—switches, routers, and firewalls should be replaced every 5–6 years. As firmware updates roll out, older devices may slow down and affect your internet performance. If you're still using a 100 Mbps switch, it's time to upgrade to gigabit.

If you're unsure what you have, reach out for help. And don’t forget to budget for any new cloud platforms or CRM tools you’re considering.

2. Disaster Recovery Planning

Even if you don’t have a formal disaster recovery plan, take just one hour to think through scenarios:

• What if you lost power for a month?
• What if your office was damaged or flooded?
• What if a hurricane hit?

Write down what you’d do, who you’d call, and how you’d access critical applications. Think about internet and power access, especially if you rely on platforms like Office 365 or Google Apps.

Make sure your backups are in place, and revisit your plan every 30–90 days to refine it over time.

3. Changing Your Passwords

Too many people still use weak passwords like “password123” or “changeme.” In today’s cybersecurity landscape, that’s risky.

Change your passwords at least once a year—ideally every 90 days. Update your wireless, server, and network passwords. Use tools like LastPass, RoboForm, or 1Password to manage them securely. Make sure each password is unique and complex.

4. Winter Cleaning for Your IT Setup

It’s time for some winter (or early spring) cleaning.

• Clean out your computers using air sprayers to remove dust.
• Tidy up your network closet get rid of the “rat’s nest” of tangled wires.

A clean setup helps IT professionals troubleshoot faster in emergencies. Just like a well-organized kitchen makes cooking easier, a neat IT environment improves efficiency.

Final Thoughts

We hope these tips help you prepare your business for a successful 2019. If you have questions, reach out, hit like, and click the bell icon. Let us know in the comments what you’d like us to cover next.

Thanks for joining us for another week of “When You Need Them, Ask Neadom.” See you next time!