03/ 28/ 2002
10 Steps to Coping with (the Inevitable) Crisis
- Save and read the manual.
- Make a wiring diagram of how all of your system's parts connect to one another, including telephones, fax machines, modems, printers and backup drives. Label each wire or cable with a tag that tells you what goes with what—for example, "PC to Display."
- Keep good records, including all manuals, licenses, "key codes" and ID numbers. Keep all CDs and diskettes that come with your equipment and software, including "utilities" and "drivers." Label and date as needed.
- Create a logbook for tracking your computer-related problems, sectioned into relevant areas such as operating system, printer, Internet, and so on. When you have a problem, note the date, nature of the problem, and steps for resolving the problem.
- Computer Inventory: Keep an updated list of everything, including manufacturer/brand name, model/version/release numbers, serial numbers and any others such as customer number and key code, purchase date, price and location.
- Personal Helpdesk: Rolodex or index card listing the main support numbers you need to call, such as PC maker, company IT support/helpdesk, colleagues/friends/relatives who are good with this stuff. Jot down the best times to reach them and who's good at what. Remember to thank them—say it with food, flowers, gift certificate, etc.
- Make a spec sheet on an index card that has the following information: Your computer make, model, purchase date and location; serial/customer number; processor type/speed; RAM (working memory); size of hard disk drive; size of graphics memory (VRAM); tape drive type and capacity; display type and size; modem type and speed.
- Make your backups faithfully. Be paranoid. Also, scan your files for viruses routinely. Update your virus detection files regularly. Ask your manufacturer or IT support for help. Purchase and install the correct protection against power surges and outages.
- Learn to defrag and scan your hard disk regularly. Ask your manufacturer or IT support about how to do this. You may be able to schedule this to happen automatically.
- Play nice with the other kids. Be polite to helpdesk personnel—they take a lot of abuse. Be as calm, clear, specific and accurate as you can in describing your problem. Your logbook will help. Make notes before you place that call. Get the name and extension of your helper; if disconnected, you can reach them again.
Copyright 2000 Rachel K. Adelson
This article originally appeared in the May/June 2001 issue of MyBusiness Magazine, NFIB's member magazine.
