Seven Tips to Help Maintain Your Work Computer

I am not sure about you, but without my computer at work, I may as well go home until it is fixed, then plan to work all night to get caught up again. I try my best to keep the computer up-to-date to try and prevent a break down. I also do not want to be the one who downloaded the file and infected the entire network. (That would be embarrassing.) Here are a few tips that I have learned and will pass on to you:

1. Install all updates required by Kotori Technologies. Depending on the type of plan your company has with Kotori, we may install these updates for you, as long as the computer is turned on overnight. If your company is not on one these plans, you may be responsible for all updates. Not installing updates as suggested by Kotori Technologies can expose your company to viruses and other security risks. Some companies may prevent computers from accessing the network if patches aren’t installed after a set date. Also, find out whether Kotori wants you to install updates using Microsoft Update. If they do, make it a habit of checking Microsoft Update regularly.

2. Install only licensed programs. Make sure that you, or your company, has a license for any software you install on your work computer. Your company can get caught in a lawsuit for having software without a license installed on its computers. For example, installing a program your friend bought could present some problems. Software that you’ve bought a license for is probably fine, but double-check the license to make sure. Sometimes, software bought for home use cannot be installed at work.

3. Don’t install different versions of software. Even if you prefer the version of software you use at home rather than work, don’t install it on your work computer. You could have incompatibility problems with the software your co-workers are using and with your specific line of business applications. Kotori Technologies may also not be able to make any required updates or provide technical support.

4. Let Kotori Technologies know when hardware isn’t working. Fixing a broken computer yourself could just cause more problems. Your fixes, for example, could make the computer incompatible with the corporate network. We offer a helpdesk or technical assistance program designed for this type of work. Kotori may have already seen the same problem and have a known fix. Helping Kotori Technologies track common computer problems can also help them decide which brand and make of computer to order in the future.

5. Let Kotori know when you need something. Giving the Kotori reasonable requests and adequate time for planning can help Kotori respond to your needs. Otherwise, you may end up with computer software or hardware you didn’t want, which can hinder how effective you are at work.

6. Don’t download programs from Internet sites you don’t trust. By downloading programs that may not be secure, you put all the computers on the network at risk.

7. Be aware of suspicious e-mails. A virus introduced though e-mail may be disguised as a downloadable file. If an e-mail you receive is from someone you don’t know, contains strange text, or otherwise looks suspicious, contact Kotori Technologies. If you open it, you could potentially cause problems for you and your co-workers. If it does contain a virus, Kotori can ask other employees in the organization to look for similar e-mails.