Keeping Your Computer POS Systems In Tip Top Shape With A “New Year Computer Checklist”!

Start out the year right for your restaurant POS system. Let’s point out some of the most common and vital mistakes that are made in regard to some very basic configuration aspects of the computer system. Some of these mistakes can cost restaurant owners hundreds or thousands of dollars in wasted time and money. Even worse than that… it can frustrate your guests and staff.

Whether you’re the one who’s going to do the configuration or not somebody else to do it for you] — you better make sure that everything is done properly for your own sake.

Don’t let me give you the wrong message. I do not always recommend configuring your own computer system! I recommend letting a computer professional do the work. But I’m sure some of you will do it yourself no matter what I say. So this is for those that insist on doing your own computer installations and for everyone else to double check and make sure everything was done properly. This could help you avoid some major problems and save hours of precious time.

So here’s your retail POS system configuration checklist for a Windows network:

1) Using a UPS
One of the main causes of your electronic component failure is due to fluctuations in electricity (up and down). Having a good UPS can solve this problem by providing clean power. I would recommedn getting a good UPS for your server. And it’s also a good idea to use them on each of your worstations too.

2) Plugging All Cables Into the UPS
All cables that powers your computer and network must be properly plugged into your UPS. It’s also important to make sure cables that can carry electrical charges are plugged into a surge protector or UPS. For example, the phone line for your modem can heat up and fry your computer if it’s not plugged into a surge protector. So you better make sure that all cables are plugged properly. Your modem line, network cables, and power cords can cause severe damage if not plugged properly.

3) Passwords and Security
At the very least, I suggest locking down your server with a password on all Windows accounts so your employees and hackers have more difficulty messing with your server.

4) Install Anti-virus and Anti-Spyware Software and Configure For Automatic Updates
Make sure that all your secirity tools are configured to automatically update every day, so you don’t forget.

5) Limit Your Employees’ Internet Access
Employees that surf the internet can cause more problems than anything. Anti-virus and anti-spyware software does help but if an employee unwittingly downloads the wrong program or accepts the wrong message, it can bring your system down. You may limit them by disabling internet browsing on their computer stations. Or you could password protect internet access.

For a restaurant, this is very important! In order to protect secured files from evil hands, limiting employee internet access is a must. A retail business owner has to strickly implement rules to protect his business as well as his profit. Otherwise, what good will a restaurant POS system do if it’s run by a misbahaved or ignorant personnel.

6) Configuring Your Back Up To Run Regularly
In many situations, it’s still best to configure your back up to run automatically after work hours. But you still need to remember to change your back up media (like tapes) every day.

7) The Importance of Testing Your Back Up Regularly
I have talked to many people who think they have a good back up for restoring damaged files. But when they try to restore they find it hasn’t been working. That’s why you need to do a “real” test restore once a month to make sure it’s working. By the way, you should also remember o restore to an alternate file location so your existing software won’t be affected.

Avoid having regrest by forgetting to do these simple checklist. It’s not a waste of time and it’s not just for your business, employees and customers but for your own sake as well.

With over 20 years of restaruant experience, the author and Vice President of Customer Relations at POS-for-Restaurants.com, helps you use your technology to be more efficient and more profitable.