This story printed from
located at InsiderReports.com
Monday, May 14, 2001
10 Steps For Installing Software & Upgrades Safely
Operating systems... programs... updates and upgrades! New software is being released every day. It's more important now than ever before to install new software safely and properly. Here are a few tips to help limit your chances of business interruptions or data loss disasters.
- Backup your current system completely.
Before installing any software program, operating system or upgrade, perform a complete backup of your current system. This step is extremely important when the software you're installing affects or replaces your operating system. Include everything, especially software you may not wish to install separately should the need arise. Be sure to include all system files and any work files that could become lost or damaged. - Install new software when you are rested and mentally refreshed.
Don't try to install new programs or operating systems when you are tired from a hard day of work or play. You need to be able to concentrate on what you are doing and the effect it will have on your computer system or network. - At work, install software, upgrades and/or operating systems first thing in the morning.
Make certain all critical files have been backed up properly. Attempt installation early and before you start conducting new business. In the event there is a problem, assistance is usually easier to obtain during regular business hours, and there is less chance of needing to reconstruct new business transactions. - Make certain your system meets minimum requirements.
Pay close attention to the minimum equipment-space-memory requirements of the program, upgrade or operating system. Make absolutely certain your computer system meets or exceeds ALL requirements; if you're uncertain, contact a qualified technician who can verify the components and capabilities of your equipment. Many data loss disasters occur when operators or system owners think "Close enough is good enough!" - Practice installation on a spare, standby or test computer.
If you have a standby system or spare computer, practice installing all new software here first... leaving your main system intact and operational. Any mistakes you make or problems you encounter will not affect your working system. Try different settings and installation methods. Once you are comfortable with the procedure and have "ironed out the wrinkles," go ahead with installation on your primary system. - Make sure your backup program is compatible with the new software.
You may need to upgrade or purchase different backup program software when you install a new operating system. Make certain you can access and restore files from older backup tapes, diskettes, CD-ROMs, etc. Planning ahead may save you a lot of time and effort converting media files. - Uncomfortable installing software? Contact a qualified technician to assist you.
Don't try to "go it alone." It's far better to seek assistance than to risk damaging or destroying equipment or files or crashing your system. - Understand how your older programs will function with the new software.
Some of your older programs may not function properly... Especially if you're installing a new operating system. Some programs may perform more slowly or not at all. Once you've installed the new software or operating system, test all aspects and features of any programs critical to your business. If you anticipate a problem with a particular program, contact the software developer or manufacturer in advance. - Train ALL operators on the proper use of new software.
Proper training will eliminate many operator errors that can cause system crashes, scrambled data, lost files and business interruptions. Read manuals, help files and all available literature to become familiar with your new software. Don't assume everything will operate in the same fashion. If other members of your staff will be using the new software, train them, too. Either train them yourself or enroll them in a class for the software or operating system. - Start backing up your new software immediately!
You've spent a considerable amount of time and effort setting up the program or operating system properly. Now save it... make a backup copy... protect it! It makes no sense to have to do it all over again. Make certain your backup software is including these new files and directories as well as adjustments to other system and configuration files.
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Meredith L. Keller is author of "Ten Easy Steps For Preventing Business Disasters" and executive director of the Disaster Prevention & Recovery Alliance. Visit http://www.dpra.net/index.htm or mailto:Admin@DPRA.net.
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