Managing Multiple Computers

                Every IT professional knows the headache managing dozens of computers can cause. While stocking a computer at every desk is a great way to maximize employee productivity, oftentimes it translates into hundreds of man-hours spent chasing around and closing random tickets, installing and uninstalling programs, and attending to numerous other requests. In an effort to streamline the process, technology has evolved to allow for entire networks to be controlled with relative ease. If you are looking into ways to manage your entire network of computers, there are several different approaches you might consider taking. It is important to remember that the best approach is one which will maximize on efficiency, saving your IT department time from the busy-work and allowing them to focus on more important matters. Beyond that, an effective method will actually consist of several smaller methods coming together with that common goal in mind. Here are the simple steps you can take to make certain your business’s computers are running with proper management.

Host Your Own Server

Having your own server is the most important when it comes to allowing for the efficient management of dozens of computers across a network. Establishing a server onsite will allow you to maintain accessibility to multiple computers at once. Storing information for your business, be it client data or product information, necessitates you exercise control for access and entry of that data. A server will allow you to control which computers can access what files, and will allow your employees to collaborate at a central virtual location without any problems. Tethering all of your individual computers to one central server is a lot like leading a pack of dogs by leash – it’s certainly easier than trying to get each dog to “heel!”

Set User Restrictions

If you decide to use a server, it is important to have a firewall and restrict access to sites. Virtually all businesses restrict access to inappropriate content, but many also choose to block sites like Facebook or Reddit, allowing for specific business relevant applications. Your employees may not like it, but it’s proven to increase efficiency. You might also choose one hour of the day, perhaps the lunch hour, to allow those social media sites.

Remote Access

Dell was one of the first companies to catch onto the need of IT professionals for remote access, and designed the Dell Optiplex 755 with that end in mind. Remote control is an important tool for IT professionals, allowing onsite or offsite management. Imagine you have a problem with your computer, and your IT professional is on another floor in his office. Instead of filing out and submitting a ticket with IT, wouldn’t it be easier if the IT guy could just remote control your computer and fix it from his desk? That’s exactly what Dell allowed for. The Optiplex GX755 was a perfect computer for large-network applications, and was built with that purpose in mind. Just remember that managing multiple computers can be a time and money consuming process unless it is streamlined. With IT budgets as tight as they are, saving money on time and man-hours should always be a priority.