FIT03.05 Explain features of network maintenance

Network Maintenance  Keep virus definitions up-to-date (A new virus is created every couple of hours)  Defragment the hard drive (Helps create more space)  Check the case for dust and other debris once per month (Lengthens the life of Computer)  Ensure computers are plugged into a surge protector (Prevent lightening strike that could damage computer)  Servers and other essential systems should be connected to an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) device (In power lose you will have time to backup important data)

Network Monitoring  Basics of Network Monitoring  Logs—first source of diagnostic information  System audits  System optimization and improvement  Traffic issues  Fault tolerance and redundancy

Network Maintenance  System Upgrades  Software upgrades  Operating system upgrades  Hardware upgrades  Patches and up-to-date drives are best found on technical support websites  System backups  Typically stored in a storage rack in your network computer room  Restoring data

Network Security  Four major threats to the security of data on the network 1.Unauthorized access  don’t give anyone your passwords  log out if you leave your workstation 2.Electronic tampering 3.Theft 4.Intentional or unintentional damage

Computer Viruses  Boot-sector viruses  When the computer is booted, the virus executes  File infector viruses  Attaches itself to a file or program and activates any time the file is used  Anti-virus software  can be kept on the server so that it cannot be disabled by workstation users

Firewall  A system that implements and enforces an access control (or security) policy between two networks

Network Troubleshooting  Look for simple problems first, like whether cables are plugged in and devices are turned on.  Suspect things that are closely related to what errors say, like:  If you have a problem when you turn something else on suspect a problem caused by the item you just turned on  Software errors, like bad or missing.DLL files, are typically caused by software  If you can’t access the Intranet, troubleshoot the Intranet.  Use troubleshooting flowcharts to trace problems