In an effort to help you keep your servers running effeciently and securely, we’ve created this 12 point server maintenance checklist that you’ll want to use to keep up to date with your server maintenance tasks.

12 Point Server Maintenance Checklist

Do you regularly check up on your server? If you don’t, it’s time to change your ways.

Server maintenance is important to keeping everything up and running. If you fail to keep an eye on things, you may have some serious regrets later.

What, exactly, should you do to maintain your server? Keep reading for a 12-point server maintenance checklist.

1. Check Your Backups

First things first, you’ve got to make sure your backups are working. If they aren’t, get them fixed.

There’s always a chance that disaster will strike. If your backups aren’t working, your data will be gone. Don’t skip this vital step in server maintenance!

2. Give it Air

If you want your servers functioning properly they’ve got to have airflow. That means you’ll need to keep an eye out for anything that prevents this.

When a server is offline, check to make sure its airflow paths are clear. Don’t forget to check externally and internally.

3. Free up Space

It’s important to not clog your hard disks with the old info you no longer need. Get rid of old emails, software, and anything else you don’t actually use.

If you allow disk capacity to get too high you may end up with a non-responsive server. To avoid this problem, free up space or add more storage.

4. Update Your Operating System

To keep your servers running as well as possible, keep your operating system up to date. If there’s an update, make sure you allow it to update.

You may not want to use automatic updates. Create a schedule to regularly check for updates if you choose not to use automatic updates.

5. Check your Monitoring System

A monitoring system is useless if it isn’t working. Regularly check that your monitoring system is working. If there are any issues, get them fixed as soon as possible.

6. Verify Security

Verify that all security features are working properly to minimize the threat of viruses and other hacks. Make sure Firewall rules are reviewed at least once a year.

7. Check Applications

While you’re checking security, make sure all web applications have been updated. If they haven’t been you risk a security breach.

Especially check popular programs, since they’re likely to be targeted more.

8. Read the Event Log

Check the event log for minor issues. While they may be small, lots of them could be a sign that you have a bigger issue.

9. Update Passwords

Enhance server security by updating all passwords. Setup a schedule to make sure this maintenance step isn’t missed.

Changing passwords every few months is a good idea.

10. Test the Restore System

You’ve already made sure your backups are working, but what about the other end? While maintaining your servers you should also verify that restores are working properly.

11. Keep the Control Panel Up to Date

Make sure your server’s control panel is up to date. While you’re at it, ensure all related software is updated too.

12. Track all Changes

Track all changes that are made to the server during maintenance. If any software, system configuration, hardware, or other changes were made, make sure they’re recorded.

Follow this Server Maintenance Checklist

How that you have this server maintenance checklist, don’t forget to use it! These tasks are vital for keeping your server up and running.

Neglecting anything on this list could lead to issues down the road. So don’t delay, start using this checklist today!

Is your server computer in need of repair? Contact us today and we’ll get it taken care of!