AKE PRIDE in your IT equipment, and it will serve you well! Keeping your network equipment clean, not only reduces maintenance costs, but it reduces “down time” and increases equipment longevity. Here are three basic tips to remember: keep it clean, cool, and secure. As a general rule, clean the outside of network equipment with a slightly damp cloth and followed by a soft dry cloth on a weekly basis. Most importantly, read the manual about cleaning instructions. However, cleaning the motherboard and chips are much different. Chips and motherboards must be free of ESD and static electricity and should not be touched unless proper procedures are followed. ESD and static electricity shorten the life expectancy of electronic parts of all computer equipment.

In general, computers and particularly larger network systems tend to generate tons of heat. Pay attention to the room's environment: the temperate, humidity, and air flow. Dust is the enemy. As you have probably already heard, “Computers don't wear out, they burn out.” Often times, dust is the culprit for causing your computer to overheat. Since dirt and dust are abrasive to moving parts such as printer gears and drive heads, professional maintenance is needed for the chips and motherboards.  

Physically secure your computer equipment in locked rooms when possible. Many businesses today put their network equipment in designated Telecom Rooms monitored by badge/access systems, specialized fire suppression systems, CCTV camera systems, enhanced air-conditioning, and alarm systems. For smaller businesses experiencing budget constraints and unable to afford in-house video surveillances of their network equipment, consider outsourcing your surveillance instead. Keep your network from data loss from UPS power surges and interruptions by using back-up generators. Unfortunately, electricity cannot be completely harnessed.

Putting your hardware on storage racks to allow air flow to equipment not only keeps the equipment cooler, but storage racks could protect equipment (in the unforeseen event of flooding). If you are not using racks as of yet, Genesis Global carries a variety of storage racks and network equipment accessories. The process of prolonging the life-cycle of network equipment doesn't end here, if you are experiencing problems with your hardware; ask about our 20-point testing process. Repairing network equipment or even trading equipment are other options to consider. Faulty equipment can break older networks. If you are looking to upgrade your network, ask about our used Cisco PIX-535-R-BUN firewall (PIX 535 Restricted Bundle—Chassis, license, restricted software, two 10/100 ports) and ASA-SSM-CSC-20-K9 Adaptive Security Appliance (a control services module 20 with 500 User Anti Virus/Spyware). At Genesis Global, network technicians can help you configure your equipment to your particular network. To get all the facts, call Genesis Global's Sales Accounts Managers at 1-800-908-9665 (or email sales@genesisglobalinc.com).

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Debbie Jensen, an expert writer for business and technology for Genesis Global, has a Bachelor's Degree in Visual Communication (Multimedia). With her twenty year history of creative expressions and formalized study of Information Technology of digital print/web design and development, she is now publishing articles about networking for Genesis Global.

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