Struggling with reoccuring issues and your technology support costs are too high? 

Whether you have one computer shared by multiple persons or many computers being used in your small business, creating usage rules will help keep your tech support costs down.  These do's and don'ts can be applied to the home computer shared by a family or to the workplace.

1. Logoff the computer when you are finished or are leaving for an extended period of time. 
   This will keep your computer from being used by unauthorized persons.
    
2. Always report any popups or virus infections to a senior staff member (or person in charge). 
   This will ensure that all viruses are verified and removed before it spreads.  Keep a log if no one is around when these issues arise
   
   
3. Report any unusual messages or computer activity promptly. 
   This will ensure that serious issues are identified and corrected promptly.
   
4. Make frequent backups of your important files. 
   This prevents the loss of important information in the case of broken hardware or theft.
    
5. Shutdown and power off the computer over night or before weekends. 
   This conserves on power.
   
   
6. Always power off all equipment before shifting or moving. 
   Computers have moving parts that are easily damaged if bumped.

1. Don’t download or install ANY software without prior approval. 
   This is the primary cause of computer malfunction.
   
   
2. Don’t search for or download “free” / illegal software. 
   This is the source of many viruses.
   
   
3. Don’t search for or download “free” / copyrighted music or movies. 
   This is illegal as well as it causes virus infections.
   
   
4. Don’t visit any pornographic or gambling sites. 
   These sites are a nest for virus and spyware infections.
   
   
5. Never click on any popups or banners asking you to install software (even if it says you have a virus or spyware). 
   There are many popups that look like “official” system messages but are usually a trick to get you to install a virus or spyware.
   
   
6. Don’t power off the computer without first shutting down [using the Start / Shutdown function of Windows]. 
   The proper shutdown of your computer will ensure that there is no data loss and that the computer functions correctly.
   
   
7. Don’t install File Sharing software like Kazaa / Morpheus / Limewire, etc. 
   These are the source of many viruses not to mention the fact that music and movies are copyrighted.  They also compromise the security of the computer.
   
   
8. Don’t open emails or email attachments from senders you do not recognize. 
   This is important as “junk email” often contains viruses.
   
   
9. Don’t download and install games. 
   Download games may contain hidden viruses.
   
   
10. Don’t leave important documents open when you are not at your computer. 
    This will prevent unauthorized use or prevent data loss.
    
    
11. Keep personal use of the computers to a minimal, they are primarily for business purposes. 
    The computers are company property purchased to do business; extensive personal use will compromise the computer.
    
    
12. Don’t copy or take any company software for personal or home use. 
    It is illegal to copy most software.